TW: Power tripping, Narcissism, Abuse.
There's more scarier than monsters... people; just like how bears are preferred more than men.
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"People aren't capable of change if it's the path they opt to walk, there's no amount of healing that could purify a soiled conscience. "
The atmosphere was rather awkward and rather... terrifying for Anthony and Aegir who are sitting face to face in a cafè table. It's not about them staring glances at each other then shy away; afraid that they would eventually catch sight of each other's staring. The presence that concerns them and sends shivers down to their spines is the person sitting in-between, Mr. So, whose face was scowling with bared teeth almost like he's a rabid dog... early in the morning.
They said that, "Mornings should start with a smile" but Mr. So is a clear non believer of that.
The cafè was spacious that day, there's not many people sitting by the tables but there's also a reasonable queue by the cash register; ordering coffee for takeout. Most of them were looking over their phones, some were yawning as they grabbed their individual cups.
Anthony never expected that Mr. So would call him while he's still making breakfast. They were having a peaceful morning but peace is never an option to his agent, he should've known.
His agent is now in front of his laptop; checking Anthony's manuscript that's almost done. Anthony was getting nervous, his hands started to sweat because he doesn't know if Mr. So is frowning because it's bad or because it's passable and he couldn't think of another insult as 'criticism'.
With a sigh, Anthony lay hold of his cafe latte; taking a few sips. He's quite thankful that he brought Aegir with him, at least he got beautiful scenery rather than suffering over a living nightmare.
Anthony already made peace with himself that indeed he amicably perceives Aegir as attractive. But he's still not sure what he's feeling because he knows he's not gay but Aegir seems like a special case.
Setting his eyes to the silver ring on his ring finger, Anthony's cheeks burned for the nth time but it's not only his cheeks that were not spared by the heat but also his tongue as the hot scalding liquid seared on it.
Anthony recoiled and winced, putting down the cup of coffee on the table on a whim, he cursed, gaping his mouth for cold air to pass through.
"Careless idiot, " he whispered to himself, hand on his forehead in dismay.
If Mr. So is not around nor Aegir he would slap himself or shout in frustration.
Aegir, on the other hand and the reason for Anthony's predicament was busy stuffing his mouth with the bacon pancake they ordered. For an outsider, they could conclude that he's just an average glutton but the truth is Aegir was just trying to distract himself from gawking at his master.
After reading those blasted books, he couldn't stop now but to see everything Anthony does to him with meaning.
Aegir was trying his best not to think about it but he caught his master's gaze leering at him a while ago and he saw him warmly smiling while doing it. And that's exactly how the protagonist of the book he read does to his lover.
His fear of the other person sitting amidst them was even dissipating whenever he thought of his master. Surely, the big and glaring man was ferocious; Aegir could tell his master's agent would occasionally throw glances at him and he was aware his thoughts were nothing but malice but Anthony's presence made him feel at ease. Anthony could just beat this man's smelly ass if he'd want to. His master is strong just like that protagonist in that book.
'Shut it, self! ' he berated himself for having thoughts comparing the book's character to his master, his ears twitching in response.
Though Anthony would surely be better than that man in the books.
Normally, Anthony would see himself as average looking but Aegir would fail to agree. What's so average about someone who sports a man bun so well, a well defined jaw, and those almond orbs the color of gold? For Aegir, there's absolutely nothing.
He knows he's screwed but strangely there's nothing antagonizing about it.
Aegir was here for it again, his traitorous gaze finding his master again. His cheeks were as betraying as his eyes; coating his skin with the tint of pink as light as his head as of this moment.
Aegir didn't notice that he put enough food on his mouth, eventually he choked. He coughed numerous times as panic seared through him.
He could hear Mr.So snickering as if he's happy that it happened. Anthony was quick on his feet to drop his coffee, stood up from his seat and went to rub Aegir's back. His face were pale; eyes full of worry.
"Hey, are you okay? " Anthony anxiously bugged down Aegir for answer, his hands were still gently stroking Aegir's back; the other hand was placed on Aegir's shoulder.
Aegir was still coughing, trying his best to expel the bits of food that caused it. When he felt that he's now okay, Anthony hurriedly took his handkerchief from his jean's pocket and wiped Aegir's lips.
And favorably, Aegir won't protest about it, he just lets his master do whatever he wants. They were oblivious to the other person sitting at their table; nose flaring and forehead creased.
Mr. So's mood started to worsen with each passing second. Anthony usually paid attention to him whenever he checked his manuscript. The kid will act timid and wag his tail at his bidding because he holds the power to approve his work.
His hands started to scroll faster on Anthony's file. He was trying to find faults so he could instill the same fear to Anthony again. The truth is, he lied about the kid's first book having low sales, it was average but he never gave his writer half of his shares. Anthony was easy to manipulate with the right threats.
Mr. So's face glowered, the way he handled the laptop's mouse turned aggressive with the hard clicks he's making. Beads of perspiration created a rain shower on his forehead. He couldn't believe that there's no more fault he could say to Anthony's new book. It was well written and how the young man executed the foreshadowing and twists were commendable. The readers could also sympathize with the villain because he had a reason.
But Mr. So's pride wouldn't let him say good things to his writers. Once they enter, it's their fate to be under him...like a slave.
Anthony could even choose to find another agent but with the conditioned behavior he instilled on him, he will always think he's a second rate even though he's a diamond in the rough. They will never feel their best more than the one who accepted them.
With another scowl, Mr. So desperately thought about the words he'll say. He hit the table using both of his hands; creating a bang, startling both Aegir and Anthony who were now casually talking to each other as if Mr. So is nothing but dead air.
Anthony turned mute, the fear Mr. So wanted to see on his face appeared once again. Mr. So secretly smirked thinking that his effects were still there. But the narcissistic agent never found any trace of agitation from Anthony's companion, instead, the female looking man was shooting daggers in his direction. The once rounded pupils resembled that of a tiger ready to pounce on its prey. Mr. So almost jumped from his seat when Aegir took the fork near his plate and harshly stabbed the remaining pancake he didn't finish while looking at him intensely.
Mr. So is already getting on Aegir's nerves.
He froze, averting his gaze. He cleared his throat to speak, "Y-You need to finish everything by next week. You need to send your book details to the layout artist for the cover. But ah, the marketing, " Mr. So was stuttering because he knew he's still being watched. "The marketing should solely be up to you. So you need to update your socials again. Remember, you only sold 200 books before. " Mr. So was smirking, using the 'failed' sales again to put pressure on the young man whose face resembled a blank sheet.
Another way to pull Anthony's nose is to make him believe that he's alone and he wouldn't manage to create something because he's not popular.
Mr. So thought he'd win again because he saw Anthony's hands shaking and his brows crumpled. But he was proven wrong when Anthony's companion began to cheer for Anthony.
With a sweet smile etched on his lips, Aegir reached for Anthony's hands and firmly grasped it. Aegir's tail moved from left to right calmly, but of course with the use of the magical lotion; only Anthony could see it.
"Don't worry! I'll help you! We'll create some super duper cute layouts! I'll draw. Then we'll drag Vin to help! We're in this together! " Aegir trailed, Mr. So could tell how blindingly bright his aura was while saying this; eyes sparkling making his features a lot more feminine.
In an instant, Anthony's expression began to change much to Mr. So's chagrin. Anthony nodded and smiled back. He placed his hand on Aegir's head and messed with his hair.
Aegir giggled when Anthony warmly replied, "Thank you, ofcourse how can I forget about you? " Anthony then pinched Aegir's cherub cheeks softly.
And for another time since he's here, Mr. So felt like an inanimate object.
Mr. So entire body started to flare in anger, his fists in a tight knuckles. He hated how Anthony's mood turned to better when he wanted his writer to focus on him just like before.
He sent some loathful looks to Anthony's companion. It's because of that damned guy that his grasp around Anthony's neck loosened. Mr. So began to think again, to put the guy to his rightful place.
Observing them, he tried to find bullets to shoot them with. His lips shut in a frown. His eyes wandered around their hands and it dawned on him when he saw silver rings each wore around their ring fingers. Their actions started to make sense and if it's indeed what's up... they're doing a huge sin and a taboo. Detestable and disgusting.
How can he not think about it? The trash started to feel better about himself when a puny and blind homosexual boasted his worth.
Mr. So's facial muscles started to relax, a triumphant grin pasted on his oversized and greasy lips. He cleared his throat to get his writer's attention. He leaned over, his hand on his jaw with a false kind smile visible on his lips.
Anthony could feel it in his bones. Whenever Mr. So smiled like that, it's not because he was happy with him but because he's delighted with his scheme. Anthony started to brace himself, he could take any insults this man could hit him with. He's used to this.
Anthony's throat ran dry to the unwanted anticipation. Mr. So nodded his head before speaking, "Great! It seems you now slowly evolved from being trash. Guess we should thank your new boy toy over here? I never thought you'd walk this path. Loneliness can affect anyone, I see! " Mr. So laughed, pointing his index finger to Aegir who went rigid by his words.
A dead silence crept into the place but Mr. So never planned to stop his verbal assault. "You got quite the nice catch! He looks like a woman. I bet you're having a good time with this fine young man. But as your senior, I care for you. You should keep this as a secret, this is scandalous! " Venom laced his words, he threw a maniacal gape towards Aegir who immediately felt a chill down his spine.
The look Mr. So gave him feels like he's starting to undress him. He felt utterly uncomfortable. He felt like he couldn't breathe, his chest heavy not just from how perverted Mr. So's stares at him but the gravity of his words. Fear began to eat Aegir whole. The terrifying realization that whatever he's feeling for his master right now can potentially bring Anthony shame. He knew how ridicule especially inflicted by society that should have stood with their people felt like.
It was antagonizing and horrible. Marking you as sinful for being true to yourself. Making it your fault as just existing as it is.
They only see their own truth as absolute because it's what their ego entails. If a beast is horrible for being feral, a man endowed with not but their own self-serving intentions is much vicious. Even bears or even lions will feel ashamed for how agonizingly piercing a man's words could be and far worse when they attack with not but their hands.
Aegir's nails dug on the table; creating a small scratch. He could feel his eyes stung, threatening to water. Mr. So chuckled and turned his head towards Aegir. He was pleased with the reactions he's getting. His hand reached Aegir's chin; raising it. Aegir couldn't help but to shudder in utter repulsion to the touch.
"Hmm? You're aware that you're just his passing fancy, eh? He'll leave you soon after he gets to enjoy it. You'll stain his reputation so offer your body till it lasts. " The words cut through Aegir's heart. The thought of Anthony choosing to leave him behind triggered a wave of panic. His chest became heavy and his breathing became hitched. A drop of tear escaped his eye.
Does he really need to offer his body so that Anthony will not get tired of him?
Mr. So thought he was winning the war, unmindful of Anthony who he's sure he's affecting. But all of his confidence was erased in an instant when his eyes lingered to his writer who was now barely recognizable. The air was heavy as Anthony's face showed a placid expression corrupted by an uncontrolled rage. His eyes were blazing with seeping fury; squinted and directly hitting his agent. Mr. So's smirk faltered in an instant, replaced with a creeping feeling of nervousness.
In his hand was a fork on which he's gripping tightly. There's something about Anthony's stares and aura that makes him look like a predator or an opportunist waiting for the right time to trap their victims. Tension filled the air as Anthony stood up, it felt like there's a dark shadow looming over his back. With a loud thud, the fork found its way a few centimeters away from Mr. So's hand resting on the table. It nearly grazed his flesh. A terrified shriek broke free from his throat; he nearly fell from his seat and wet his pants.
The people inside the cafè started to mumble, but none of them dared to stop the commotion. They even support the guy's anger after all they heard was the disrespectful mouth of the older male.
Anthony's voice sounded so intimidating when he spoke, something Mr. So never expected, "That's foul, Mr. So. I let all your insults slide, did I not? You heard nothing from me. " Anthony's cold stares didn't leave his agent who just gulped in return. Mr. So tried to retaliate but words abandoned his mouth.
"You're crossing the line. The moment your rambling mouth chose to target Aegir, you're courting the end of my patience. I endured all your words but you've become too much. You don't have the right to say such words to Aegir nor you have the power to brand my relationship with him as scandalous. The only dishonorable here is you! May I remind you, outside work; we're not related. I don't need your unsolicited opinions toward my personal life. Know your boundaries or I'll consider dissecting your dirty mouth with this fortunate fork. " Anthony's voice thundered, almost like burning acid melting everything it touches. He raised the fork up high, Mr. So screamed and closed his eyes in fear.
Anthony snickered, pity and amusement danced on his golden orbs. "Goodbye, Mr. So. I'll make sure to do my job, so please kindly do yours. "He gently dragged Aegir's hand away to the scene. They weren't speaking anything and only Aegir's occasional whimpers and hiccups could be heard.
When they're already outside the cafè, Anthony faces Aegir, now his expression soft and comforting. He's wiping away Aegir's tears with his thumb. "Don't worry, he's wrong. You're not a passing fancy, okay? Nor I'll leave you like he said," Anthony tried to assure Aegir with his words.
"But he said that I'll stain your reputation! " Another tear followed. Anthony shook his head in disapproval, his hand holding Aegir's cheek.
"I don't need that if it means losing you. " Anthony knew that his words already crossed the limits of his rationality but protecting Aegir and ensuring that he stays by his side is more important than bearing the weights of the world.
Aegir embraced him without saying anything. Anthony fished his phone from his pockets and sent someone a message. His psychologist before when he was still depressed. He needs his help to further sort his feelings and make peace with it.
To: Dr. Gregory Galloway
From: Sender
Hello Doctor! I hope you're doing great. I would like to schedule an appointment with you if that's fine? Thank you!
He hit send.
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