I Hate Misunderstandings
"I can do the same for you. I've never tried it, but—"
"No."
"O-oh," stunned by the reaction. "Can I ask why?"
What he really wanted to ask was, 'Am I not good enough?'
"It's...complicated," Fenrir said blankly.
Normally, the annoying main character in a novel would continue to pry for information; not Hyeon.
*Alright. 'Effing confusing where this relationship development is going. I don't know why I even bother trying to get close to someone who is hot and cold.*
He got off the desk and redressed. "Before I go, can I borrow a book from your little library, Master?" he said laced the name with sarcasm, not caring of the repercussions.
Fenrir, now in front of the window and gazing at the darker clouds, most likely wasn't expecting such a question. "I think most are in another language, but you can if you'd like."
He grabbed the same book from earlier. It was labeled, Legendary Bestiary: An Illustrated Guide to Fabled Creatures. He tucked it under his arm and started to leave.
"I also would've preferred to have kept going, but it's dangerous at the moment," Fenrir informed.
*At least look at me when you say this. Is he trying to justify why we stopped?*
Hyeon decided to listen to the excuse before exiting the office.
"In the vehicle, you explained how you felt trapped in your head. You were unable to control yourself as you watch your animal do unimaginable things. It takes an extraordinary amount of inner strength to break free. For me, it's always the same. The only difference is, if I lose myself to my animal, everything you know would end."
The heavy information weighed in on Hyeon. All of these simple misunderstandings could've been solved sooner with proper communication. "Then why did you stop? It makes me feel like I'm being thrown out. That kind of thing can be insulting in the human world, Master."
Fenrir sighed. "Do you mind taking a seat on the couch?"
Wanting answers, Hyeon plopped himself on the squishy loveseat. He placed the old book on his lap.
Fenrir sat down beside him, making eye contact. "I'm sorry that you felt that way; it wasn't my intention to offend you. Do you recall when we had sex? I believe it was your first time with another male."
At this point, the bluntness shouldn't surprise him anymore. "Y-yes."
"I lost control halfway. I, too, was trapped inside, but I was able to come back," he explained.
That would explain the sudden change in personalities. "Sooo, getting turned on is your trigger?"
"Turned on? Does that mean aroused?" Fenrir asked.
"Mhm, it's the same thing."
*I really need to make him a list of modern slang.*
"Not specifically...turned on. When I'm in stimulating situations, my ability to keep him at bay becomes weakened. As of late, it's been more troublesome. That's why I require soul energy. It helps replenish the continuous energy I use to chain him, protect this castle, and not destroy everything."
A few puzzle pieces snapped together.
"Ragnarok," Hyeon stated matter-of-factly. He remembered the Thor movie. It'd be a good idea to do actual research.
"It will come one day. I just don't want it to be anytime soon. I'd rather help as many redeemable demons as I can before..." Fenrir got lost in whatever he was going to say. Small rain pitter-pattered on the window. For a while, they watched the water drops race each other on the glass.
"May I inquire as to the book you chose?"
Hyeon held up the volume.
"Legendary Bestiary. Hmm. I was reading it, but I suppose it's good for you to learn about new creatures."
"Sorry, should I put it back?"
"No, you can return it when you're ready. Turn to page 132."
Interested, he flipped to the specific page. There was an Old English, hand-painted illustration of a giant, black cat with yellow eyes. The beast was grotesquely consuming a mini human in the bloodied snow. Additionally, it included an origin description, a list of characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. The name of the creature at the top was Jólakötturinn.
"Is this Nammi?"
"Yes. You knew who your fylgja was?" Fenrir asked inquisitively.
"I saw her transform when I was in the forest. Before seeing you today, Sani told me some stuff about her real form." He couldn't look away from the gruesome drawing.
Haruma's conversation from earlier popped up. *"I haven't seen or heard from her in many centuries. She has been wanted dead or alive by multiple gods."*
Fenrir was a god.
"Are you going to kill her? Turn her in?" he asked, getting straight to the point.
"No. She was problematic, but she's been hiding for centuries. Even I couldn't recognize her when you arrived. Some creatures and deities decide to retire. I don't know if that's the case for her, but she bonded with you. Jólakötturinn must've been attracted to your soul quality to make such a decision."
*Thank God. I was about to throw some hands.*
Hyeon's stomach growled loudly, interrupting the talkative mood. It's past lunch hour, which made it almost a whole day of skipping meals.
Fenrir left the couch and went to the dining table. Grabbing a plate and silverware, he gave it to Hyeon. It had baked chicken from the kitchen. His empty belly rumbled again.
*Don't give in to temptation yet.*
"Master, this is yours."
"I think we are both aware I don't eat the food."
Before, Fenrir had an outburst when asked why he didn't eat. Hyeon didn't push it. He'll find out sooner or later.
After returning to the desk, Fenrir pulled out another tattered novel from the shelf. He read with a focused expression.
*I suppose I DO have permission. Won't it just go to waste?*
Hyeon sliced into the tender meat and devoured it, barely chewing. The meat's temperature was a little cold, but it didn't matter. It was much better than the limited things he could cook in his own apartment room.
As he ate, the weather stopped raining. Thin clouds softly rolled by. If they were any thinner, the open sky would be visible for once.
"When you're done, I suggest going to the main hall. I sensed your soul bond entering through the border wall some time ago," Fenrir recommended.
*Nammi!*
"May I excuse myself, Master?"
He waved his hand to signal 'yes' without glancing away from his reading.
Clanking the foodless plate back on the dining table, Hyeon bowed and rushed out the door.
______________
[Fenrir POV]
The half-human left to greet the criminal feline.
*I failed to mention the 'friend' she brought. It's time to initiate a new demon to begin working here.*
He had to prepare for the upcoming event. Eventually, doing such things won't be possible for him anymore.
It was regretful he had to end their time together. His wolf tried to loosen itself while performing the oral act, but it was manageable. Well, until the little human began wiping his face with actual concern. The momentary shock almost freed the monster.
*When we're alone next time, I'll take you.*