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[b][center][color=#622e1e]ᴍᴏᴏɴʟɪɢʜᴛ[/color][/center][/b][/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=#622e1e]ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀʟʟ[/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=#622e1e]ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀꜱᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛɪɴᴜᴇꜱ[/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr][color=BFAFB2][right][sup]Interactions: [@KZOMBI3] x [@Gothelk] Collab[/sup][/right]

Being bum-rushed by the equivalent of a speeding train resulting in the flute of champagne to spill out of his slacked grip and shatter once it reached the floor below, only served to increase the wolf's exacerbation and disdain for the predicament he found himself in for the night. However, upon coming face to face with the party responsible, the silver wolf was able to clamp down on anything [i]too[/i] embarrassing from flying forth from his lips. Instead of gawking at the Moon himself, like he was typically prone to do in situations where he knew he couldn't be observed doing so, as if on reflex the scowl from earlier, the one that was more fitting for the Allfather than Hati's perpetual prey, was fixated across his face as he responded in kind, [color=#295751]“Do you [i]ever[/i] watch where you’re going? Isn’t it in your nature to just… live in the moment regardless of those around you?”[/color] Even Hati had to flinch at the words spewing forth, though it isn't like he would show that outwardly, so he resigned himself to just standing there, hand dripping in faded gold, remnants of glass glittered on the floor space between them.

Though to be completely honest, Hati was anything less than ecstatic to see his..., well, he wasn't entirely sure [i]what[/i] they were to one another. At one point, friends before graduating to hunter and the hunted. After the fall it descended into something resembling a kinship once more. Nowadays when they spend time with one another Hati always finds himself trailing after the Moon, as was his destiny. His [I]curse[/I]. But, with the view that was presented to him as he trailed behind on the heels of the Moon, dust in his wake, the sight was all worth it. A cross for the wolf to bear honorably. Hati would graciously and all too eagerly jump on that grenade.

A mumbled, incoherent form of an apology fell from the tip of his tongue as Hati stood to his full height, head turned away from the light of the Moon, a hand rubbing at the corners of his mouth. Anything to keep from actually having the words be heard. Mortification would consume him if he needed to be pleasant to someone once considered his [i]’enemy’[/i] [color=#295751]“I’m assuming you’ve only just arrived. We should get drinks. [i]I[/i] need to get a drink, a new one.”[/color] Splendid recovery. Though he wanted to just stalk away through any of the other adequate candidates for prey, Hati held his ground. For now. His presence was the only being in all the realms that could hold his attention and command his following like a well trained mutt one would find in a dog show. It isn't something Hati particularly finds solace in but he isn't blind by ignorance to know that he is who he is around Maní.

The moon stood all but dazed to the wolf before him, watching the idiosyncrasies that befell the little movements of his head or arms. Silver coat and steel eyes always moved in such a way that fixed Mani’s gaze to the once proud son of Fenrir. It came to a point that the moon would dally against the horizon, waiting for the stomp of paws against the nebulous void surrounding him. The beat of his heart could stand testament to that feeling; every inch this close to Hati pumped that much more adrenaline into his veins.

Yet, that rush Mani held only to himself. It was preciously settled into the dust of his skin and kept from the hate that gnawed after him, biting and nipping at his heels. Though, that malice descended into contempt for which Mani could only ever wonder at. Duty bound Hati to him, so perhaps that hatred for duty slipped into hatred for the moon itself, a symbol branded beneath the dusted silver twilight of his fur.

[color=#ADD8E6]”Huh…? Oh, yeah, no doubt, no doubt,”[/color] Mani coughed out, looking down immediately at the spillage he caused. He’d missed most of the words that slipped from Hati’s mouth, only fixated on the scowl that spread anger across his face. Contempt, even directed at him, looked well placed on Hati’s face. Weird, to think that, especially with a once giant wolf all but bared his fangs at him.

Mani turned and immediately began his path around the crowd. [color=#ADD8E6]”You stay here! I’ll go get that drink of yours. Think of it as an apology or something, yeah…. yeah,”[/color] Mani called out, one hand raising to offer a wave. Might as well get out of his own head while he’s at it. Hati looking at him like that both tore a hole in his chest and thrilled him. The thought of his sharp canines hovering over his neck coupled with the thought of Hati actually ripping at his jugular shot blood straight to his cheeks and sent his heart plummeting all at once. Confliction made him dizzy and the heat of people everywhere sent him onto an off-kilter course through the party.

The sight of Mani's retreating figure was both appreciated and a rip of flesh through his chest. Sure, Hati was able to allow his gaze to freely roam the expanse of his figure, but he was alone once more. Something within him compelled him forward, to move and stick to him like a silvery shadow. [i]His[/i] silvery shadow. The one that Hati has always been to someone as magnificent as the moon. He can remember the times where his presence wasn't called for and he and his brother dwelled on Earth in those times. Sprawled out in the Ironwood, basking in the glow of the moon as he shone down on all the inhabitants. Running through the brush and undergrowth, chasing prey that didn't have the glory of the moon attached to their name, and wondering if Mani could look down and see him. Foolish thoughts of a foolish boy long since grown. Hati knew better now.

With only a few simple strides the silver wolf was easily able to catch up and eclipse the moon in his silvery shadow. A firm hand was placed on Mani's shoulder to let him know of his presence, a courtesy he never would have offered [i]before[/i]. A smooth yet husky ghost of a chuckle escaped him as he turned Mani around, a sick form of humor splaying in the words he speaks and his face, [color=#295751]"Can't ever seem to [i]not[/i] follow you like some little lost pup."[/color] Hati's words were not meant to be heard, but he also chose not to hide them away from someone so intimate with him as Mani was. How easy would it be to rip into (moon rock) made flesh? He was so warm, compared to Hati who seemed to only run cold to the touch. It must have only been his imagination, though the moonstruck look he was giving him definitely was not. Hunger and competition and defiance, wrapped up nice and neat in a black three piece suit standing just over the head of the moon. Silver gaze bore into light of the moon, cutting through dark lashes, like branches of winter trees against a snowy backdrop. [color=#295751]"Some fearsome doom bringer I've become,"[/color] as much as the last bit hurt, Hati was a master at erecting a wall of stone before him. He had to in order to have been under Odin's thumb for so long. And so he added a smirk to drive home the subtle joke that may or may not have been true. Hati wouldn't put it past Mani to see through his lies and bullshit, but if he could pretend a little longer that he was at least smarter than the moon, he would be content.

Not sooner did the hand gripped his shoulder did Mani turn with two drinks in hand. He handed one to Hati, trying to hide the hitch in his breath at the small touch of their fingers. [color=#ADD8E6]”Habits die hard, I should know in my line of work,”[/color] Mani let a soft grin slide against his lips just as the tip of glass pressed to them. Sweet nectar of alcohol swept away the surface of adrenaline rushing through him.

Staring up at what once fell into clouds of silver fur against the glistening stars shook Mani into shackles. A chariot carted the moon against a lonely well of shadows, taking with it a dust of grey caught up in swirls of paws pattering the sky. He’d slouch forward, head turned to stare back into glowing silver that cut through him like hardened steel. That bite felt worse than the nips, than the inevitable vice around his body engulfing him to endless void.

The thought brought Mani’s gaze down, unable to catch the joke that slid from Hati’s lips. [color=#ADD8E6]”You could always kickstart the prophecy again,”[/color] Mani swirled his wine, eyes now darting up toward Hati. There was a slight seriousness to the edge of his own jest, wondering at the thoughts that barked inside Hati’s mind, [color=#ADD8E6]”I’m sure you miss the chase more than you lament being a lost pup. Miss… the blind hatred, even. That’s always easier, hm?”[/color]

A hum vibrated Mani’s lips, the wine glass pressing against them as his eyes drifted toward the mingle of guests to their side. [color=#ADD8E6]”I’m surrounded by so many people that it’s hard to feel alone anymore. It’s different, though, than hearing your feet behind me,”[/color] Mani muttered, half hoping Hati didn’t hear him and half hoping the wolf’s canid senses never truly vanished.

[i]Hatred?[/i] He scoffed, no, not anymore. Not for the silver shadow that once danced across the night sky. Not for the being with whom he was charged with chasing. There should never have been any hatred for his counterpart. Young blood with a divine path set out for them by someone else, never gaining the chance to be and do whatever it is they wanted. The words tumbled forth from his mouth before he had a chance to stop them, never one to see an ounce of discomfort come to those so close and meaningful to the Hated wolf, [color=#295751]"Hatred is a strong, powerful word. One I wouldn't use with you in the same breath,"[/color] Hati attempted to distract his wandering tongue with the liquor he was given as payment. It could only do so much to hide the anxiousness running its course through his veins. [color=#295751]"But I s'ppose I would need to rectify my boorish behavior towards you. Give in a little. Provide a chase?"[/color] The coyness of the smirk that lay evident on his face was one of pure teasing, but his eyes held a sort of truth to them. Should Mani be absolutely serious.

In a set of quick steps Hati was closer, invading Mani's personal space-he hadn't realized he'd done it-, gazing down at him eyes flicking across the bright shadow's mortal like features. Always memorizing the silhouette of the moon on any given backdrop. Basking in his glow as he had done so long ago. What he wouldn't give for a good chase ending in a setting phase below him, teeth that scrape bare flesh and leave behind bruises along skin as silver as the rock in the night sky. A painting come to life. One that he could mold and shape and use, but ultimately care for as the priceless piece he is.

Warm breath, emitting aromatic scents of the champagne and wine was assaulting Hati's usually keen senses. Eyes glazing over as he continued to relish in this time and space; so close to the moon he could reach out and touch him. [color=#295751]"I will always chase after you, you know?"[/color] with an empty hand he brought to stroke lightly down Mani's jaw, thumb grazing his bottom lip, [color=#295751]"It's not just a knee-jerk reaction. You and your entire being are intermingled with my own. You can't get rid of me that easily,"[/color] Hati dove in as if for a kiss, before tilting his head just askew enough to dodge those lips dusted with stars, playfulness danced in his eyes.

How could words placate the worry that settled beneath the surface of his vast ocean like mind; anxiety did come foreign if only backed by the insecurities that befell him so infrequently. Even a man basked in moonlight with little care thrown to the winds had a few anxieties underfoot that even he sometimes refused to acknowledge. Hati seemed a sore spot in those regards. Conflicting feelings between them and the uncertainty that slid underneath did much to bore into his own mind and keep itself there.

Yet, a brush of silver and the hint of lost fur that flashed against the memories of satellite nights hung in an obsidian sky did all but wash that insecurity away. It fell before him like a mantle gently lifted by careful claws and shed to the precipice of his understanding. A meaning he meant to see all this time, but felt undeserving of it or rather felt unreciprocated. Adrenal surge bit his heels where shame had left her teeth marks, awash with the bright light of realization.

Mani’s hand came up to grasp at the smooth fabric of Hati’s suit, grasping at the tie to edge the wolf closer. Ice breath no longer at his ankles, nipping with a snap, but pressing winter’s breeze to redden his cheeks. An all too human hand held him still, thumb against his lip to catch the hitch in his breath. [color=#ADD8E6]”That’s an oath I’ll bind you to,”[/color] Mani whispered, feeling the stardust of his breath mingle with that frigid cold; a vacuum of space inked in bright dots around them. [color=#ADD8E6]”I’d invoke the Allfather’s name upon that promise; not even he could rend those ties. I see that now,”[/color] Mani breathed, leaning up and into what he thought would seal the words to irrevocable action.

The smirk on Hati's lips only grew with every utterance of speech toppling over stardust to linger in the air, [color=#295751]"Is that so, [i]tungl rykið mitt[/i]? A promise for a promise..."[/color]

Yet Hati tilted and Mani could only collide his body against the meteor of Hati’s own. Frustration came in a grunt as his hands pressed to Hati’s chest with his head tilted down to hide the pout that jutted his lips in the cold heat of Hati’s neck. No words escaped his lips, feeling winter fur surround him in that moment to sate the need that bit and yapped at the hairs of his neck. His other hand fell to Hati’s side, wrapping around him as Mani let in a deep breath. A hum left him at the satisfaction of Hati’s scent filling his lungs, though it melted away at the sudden need to smell of him for days—no, weeks until they felt one and the same. Like home.

[color=#ADD8E6]”I’m the one that’s s’posed to tease, Garmr,”[/color] Mani said, still muffled by Hati’s neck as he refused to move an inch, [color=#ADD8E6]”You’re not allowed to play with your food.”[/color] At that, Mani tilted his head up in a sly grin as he gripped at Hati’s tie to pull his head down in a suddenness, mingling their breaths once again and hovering moonkissed lips just close enough to feel the space nearly eclipse Hati’s bite.

The teasing from both, the pout that nestled itself into the gap between Mani's dimples was too easy to coax from the moon that Hati couldn't help himself. Though at the same time he was denying himself the pleasure while he was at it. Odin's words flitted through his mind accompanied by frustration, how stubbornness brings about humiliation or honor, as if he would know [i]honor.[/i] However, something within those words sings to the wolf twin. He doesn't want to let go of this moment. Never let go of his prize. If he has to chase the moon of eternity more, than so be it.

Feeling the warmth of their breaths mingling tickled his top lip and was cause for him to lick his chops in anticipation. To capture, to [i]taste[/i] his prey, finally. The cat and mouse was fun, the chase thrilling, but it was the after that made his blood boil in ecstasy. [color=#295751]"Then I shall feast,"[/color] and in a swift motion, as swift as the wind that once drifted through the silver fur upon his body, illuminated by the light of the moon as Hati gave chase through the night sky, now too was he illuminated by the dazzling gaze that seemed hyper focused on the muzzle of the would-be wolf. All stardust and ichor. Fur and phases alike coming together after a long time coming. Fangs nipping at the plump bottom lip of the moon below him, a sight no Norse thought they would see - the moon bowing beneath the intense presence of the wolf destined to keep him on track.

A single large hand made to cup the base of Mani's neck, his fingers idly dancing along the hairline, giving a tug, forcing the moon's attention up and on him. Control, power, [i]dominance[/i] fueled him as he inhaled stardust as if it were going to be denied to him at any moment and never return. Hati relished in the feeling of finally winning this game he was thrown into. It wasn't exactly how he imagined catching his prey of so long, but he wasn't complaining. Deep down, he knew it would end someplace similar at least in his mind. But being here, with their lips intertwined, breathe leaving him at every little noise and twitch emanating from the man beneath him. It was almost [i]too[/i] much. And as much as he would have liked to continue ravishing his meal, a noise on the other side of the event caught his attention. Ears perking up at the familiarity of the voice, even this far away. Even with the blood rushing past. There was no mistaking Sköll.

Surprise twisted Mani into a full mooned daze that had his hands quickly reaching, desperate for something to hold against the sudden tide of pine and fur that threatened to sweep him away. It came in a silver flash of teeth, fangs bared to the bite of his lip that Mani breathed into — a sudden and deep inhale of air as his eyes caught the wolf staring hungry, starving down at him. What else but to let Hati grasp and take what could rightfully call his; he could devour him this instant and Mani would utter only bliss upon his tongue. It mattered not the way the wolf ate, just that it be him at the end of those perfect incisors and bared to the piercing gaze of the wolf, now man, who held him tight in his very claws.

A low whine slipped from Mani’s lips, deafened by the din of a party in full swing around him. Yet he heard and Hati’s keen ears could very well have picked upon the vibrations that thrummed against Mani’s throat. It waned to the fingers that slid into Hati’s dark locks of hair, tugging soft and needy. His lips pressed firm to all the centuries of wanting that seared his tongue against the lapping breath of Hati’s own — hard pressed like he wanted Hati to understand the longing he’d held longer than the stars had known the loneliness he sang upon the moon.

And then it vanished and Mani pulled back of his own accord with confusion playing along the lines of his face. His tongue darted out to lick the taste from his own lips while his eyes searched Hati’s. A nervous pang drummed against his ribs, though it faded slightly and the vigilance seemed to strike Hati. Unsure, Mani pressed, [color=#ADD8E6]”What is it? Did I… I didn’t do anything wrong?”[/color] The certainty of his words faltered from the haughty charm that held his tone, weakened to the sudden nerves that broke him and twisted Hati’s look into one of potential annoyance in his mind. Mani knew better, but he needed assurance to keep from biting a wound into his bottom lip.

Immediately after the whine left his throat, Hati's eyes snapped back to gaze into those iridescent moonbeams. His response came without a single thought given, [color=#295751]"Never."[/color] As if to punctuate his statement, seeing the self-doubt reflect in pools of silver, the wolf bent down once more to capture Mani's elusive lips in a searing kiss.

The pressure that had built and stacked upon itself in the heat of the moment, ruptured all because he was so fine tuned to his twin's presence that he couldn't allow himself to enjoy in something that brought him peace. That freedom he had been searching for. For all it was worth, those nights chasing after the Moon, were some of the most freeing experiences of his existence. Aside from it being duty bound. Hati searched for the feeling, needed to build it up once more, to feel his prey tremble beneath his lingering touch out of pure submission and want. It made him feel wanted. If only for a moment. But even the prideful canine knew that that wasn't the case. Could feel the way the blood coursed through the veins under his fingers, his pulse spiking with every subtle drag of his claws along bare flesh. Mani was excited, that much was evident enough, but it still brought that surge of pride to swell in his chest. With the looks and sighs produced from the creature at his mercy, the silver wolf knew that he wasn't the only one pining.

Through and through did the moon deign to cast a look over his shoulders. Visions of silver dancing along the rays of sun in the background, light cast in reflection against the pale tone of his chariot. Hunter’s eyes dove into his skin, burrowed a long lasting surge of want and adrenaline until wolf teeth and bitter claws raked against his skin. It seared him, just as those thoughts burned brands deep to the twining fabric that kept him solid, safe.

Torn like sword through cloth and then sewn right back with a silver piece of him embedded against the beating arteries of his heart. To feel that burn from lips to tongue to searing throat filled Mani with something inexplicable. Inexplicable and woefully ethereal.

Deep breaths. In and out. Humid heat between the hunger slipping out to wet his tongue. Mani stared up at the wolf towering before him, all hatred and agony a cooked up facade to the bearing need that echoed the lingering touch. [color=#ADD8E6]”You’ll find me, yeah?”[/color] Mani asked. The line of his brows pinched, etching worry in spite of the jovial tone that dipped into his voice, [color=#ADD8E6]”You always do. I won’t doubt that now.”[/color] Though truth left his lips, Mani knew his doubts bed elsewhere; in failing love, unrequited, unsought. Yet he brushed those along. Eternity taught him many things: as fickle as gods were, if something struck strong enough and long enough, it would outlast even the cosmos. In that in lay within Hati, a hand against the other’s chest and a smile gracing the curve of his lips.

[color=#ADD8E6]”Go do what you need to. I won’t keep you,”[/color] Mani said, hand falling to grasp at Hati’s, [color=#ADD8E6]”Though, I’m sure you would find it hard to resist.”[/color] He winked as laughter spilled from his throat, low and quiet against the murmur around them.

Hati could only offer up a small smile in reply. How was it that the one person who should despise him the most is the one most understanding, if not supportive? As quick as he once was, with all the grace he still possessed, the silver wolf swept down to place a chaste, yet gentle, kiss to the curvature of the Moon’s face before taking off in the direction of his whimpering brother.

Waxing, waning, to the tides he could tug the earth beneath his feat day after day. Between dusk he slipped to the horizon, a million horizons, and each one he’d watch the pedal of wolf paws against stardust. To think he’d ache to see them again, watching as that selfsame wolf pattered a pair of leather bound paws against marble floor.

Mani’s chest filled with a sigh, expelled into music that lifted feet and legs to celebratory rhythm. Were it any other night, he’d find himself amongst them all, dancing, laughing. This night, however, drink called to him and so did the moon hanging lonely in the sky. His fingers snatched a bottle mid-pour, the bartender opening his mouth to yell at him, but failing at the quickly retreating form.

October chill greeted his bones, carrying with it the smell of magnolias from the well sculpted trees along the garden path. He settled beneath one, staring at the blooms strong in this October cold. His head leaned against the bark, eyes peering between the petals at the stars barely visible against the bright Seattle backdrop. The moon peered back, between a dusting of clouds; a vision of silver and the smell of evergreen filled his lungs. Mani sighed, smiling at the bitter chill against his cheeks and the sudden giddiness at the bottle of wine in his hands. Laughter spilled as he tilted his head back, took a big swig, and let himself relax against the bloom of night.




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