[i][center][color=8882be][h1]  ༒ ༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻ Kaelen Moros ༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻ ༒ [/h1][/color][/center][/i]
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The walk had been pleasant enough, in its own wary way. The cool night air whispered against his bare flesh, sending a shiver through his body that prickled the fine hairs on his arms and neck. His senses sharpened to a razor's edge—eyes darting into the shadows, ears attuned to the faintest rustle, nose flaring with each deep breath. He scanned the darkness relentlessly, ensuring no one trailed him, no unwelcome scents lingering in the breeze that might signal danger. At least, none that were obvious to him. He didn't think a vampire would dare attack here, out in the open, with him strolling down the street like any ordinary man, hands shoved deep into his pockets, keeping to himself. But vampires were reckless, impulsive creatures—or at least that's what he'd convinced himself over time—and he wouldn't put it past them to strike foolishly. Besides, there was only one scent that truly mattered to him tonight: the faint, tantalising trail that would lead him straight to Vitek.

Soon enough, the bar loomed into view, its neon sign flickering like a beacon in the gloom. A grin tugged at the corners of Kaelen's mouth, and he quickened his pace, his boots thudding softly against the pavement. He reached the door first, holding it open with a polite nod for an older lady bundled in a thick coat, her eyes widening slightly at his chivalrous gesture before she murmured a thank-you and shuffled inside. Kaelen followed, his dark eyes immediately snapping to Vitek, seated at the far end of the bar. His grin widened into something feral and knowing, the warmth of the interior air washing over him like a comforting embrace, a stark contrast to the winterish chill he'd left behind.

The bar was dimly lit, filled with the low hum of conversation, the beautiful melody of music, the clink of glasses, and the rich aroma of beer and food. Kaelen laughed at Vitek's mock tone, a deep, rumbling sound that drew a few curious glances from nearby patrons. He didn't need the other man to wave him over; he was already sliding onto the stool beside him, clapping a heavy hand on Vitek's broad back in a gesture of camaraderie. Returning the big lycan's sly grin with one of his own, Kaelen leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a dramatic murmur as he rested a hand over his chest, feigning shock. [color=8493ca]"Vitek,"[/color] he drawled, eyes twinkling with mischief. [color=8493ca]"Imagine seeing you here, of all places. What are the odds?"[/color]

He dropped the act with a shake of his head, his expression turning more serious. "You could always try to follow me. But I'm sure the tables would turn rather quickly," he grinned, glancing down at the glass Vitek had been drinking from. Lemonade. The citrus tang wafted up to test his canine-infused senses. [color=8493ca]"I haven't eaten,"[/color] he admitted, his stomach rumbling faintly at the thought. [color=8493ca]"That's part of the reason I followed you here—figured you'd know a good spot for a bite."[/color] He shrugged his shoulders, glancing around the room at the scattered patrons: a mix of weary locals nursing their drinks and a few couples huddled in booths. His attention snapped back to Vitek, his tone lightening again. [color=8493ca]"I suppose you would know what's good to eat and drink around here."[/color]

As they sat there, two imposing men like them—both radiating that unspoken tension of predators in a human world—Kaelen couldn't help but muse on the irony. Two scared men sitting together would surely raise suspicions, or at the very least, invite a few probing questions from the bartender who was watching them both or nosy onlookers. Then again, two such men sitting apart, eyeing each other warily from across the room, might have been even more concerning, like wolves circling before a fight. Better to stick close, he thought, and let the night unfold as it would. 

[color=8493ca]"Or perhaps you do,"[/color] Kaelen chimed, shooting a charming smile at the bartender behind the counter, white teeth flashing, the smile not quite reaching his eyes, the gesture in itself was a little cold. He didn't like the way this man was watching them. He was probably overreacting, but still, he wasn't one to take chances.