Ladon had entered his house late at night, tired and worn. He had been working hard as Wolframite only to avoid his apartment and his own personal troubles. He only came to the apartment to rest, eat, and shower. Right now, he just wanted to eat and fall asleep.

Shutting the door and only bothering with two of the many locks on his door, he opened his fridge and sighed at the contents. He really was living like a bachelor, though very few bachelors would put things like organic smoothie drinks, juices, and various vegetable packs in their fridge. It was devoid of the typical junk like beer and pizza rolls, but that didn't mean a few things had gone bad. Looked like he'd have to clean out the fridge again.

Reaching around, he gave up and grabbed a juice box from the fridge and walked to the futon couch, guessing he'd just order out and pulling out his phone as he did so. Just as he was debating what he would eat, he noticed it. Sitting perfectly on his crappy coffee table was a small note and atop it a ring, tied with a bow of two colors, pink and green.

Ladon knew he had throw that ring against the wall in frustration and had left it there. He also knew by that pink colored ribbon who had picked it up.

"Billy." He whispered, looking around and rising. "BILLY!!!" He called out, moving around and searching his apartment. The bedroom was dark and empty, the bed cold. After turning on the light to the bathroom and find it vacant and even going as far as pulling the curtain aside, he returned back to the living room to stare at the note.

Billy was gone, and considering how long it had been since Ladon had been at his apartment, could have left a day or so ago.

Sitting down, he stared at the note and the ring atop it. The intertwined ribbons of pink and green. It made him feel guilty inside, twisting his stomach. He placed his phone aside and reached over, looking at the ring. Two wolves, curling around each other. He didn't know if it was a joke or if Billy had been thoughtful. It just seemed cruel now.

Placing it aside, he opened the letter, not sure if he should read it. He did anyways.

Quote:
Ladon,

I made a mistake. I'm willing to concede that now. The mistake I made was doubting you, allowing my insecurity to get under my skin, and causing me to ******** everything up. I know every explanation I could give you could never be enough, and doesn't pardon the things I said, so I am not going to even try. I'm not even asking forgiveness. I've thought long and hard, told myself that if I could watch over you it'd be enough, but then I didn't think you'd want that. 'Watching over' would imply that you are weak and in need of protection, and that is far from the truth. You are strong, and more than capable. You don't need my shadow looming over you.
So that brings me to this; I am leaving the city. I am not sure for how long, but I wanted someone to know. I will be making weekly return trips to turn in my quota. More importantly, no matter how far away I am, if you are ever in trouble, do not hesitate to contact me. I'll come running.

Billy


He read the letter several times, and each time, his throat clamped a little tighter, his lips pressed more and more before pulling at the ends, and he lost the battle against composure with each word. In the end, he crinkled the letter in his hand, nearly tearing it as he shook. Why??? Why was he leaving him?

He curled in, hot tears burning in his eyes. In the privacy of his own apartment, he let go. "I don't need a shadow, you idiot. I need you." Not a guardian, not someone watch over him, but someone alongside him, and to be there for him. An equal exchange of protection and love. Why did Billy keep saying he loved him but said and did things that said he wanted to be away from him? Why was he leaving now and yet would be there if needed.

He wanted to call him now. To tell him to explain this letter in words, face to face, instead of just writing it out and leaving him here. Alone.

He hated him, and he wanted him here more than anyone else. He was miserable on all accounts either way, but at least with Billy, he had company. Even if Billy was miserable and Ladon was miserable, at least they would have been together.

And he lost him. He was gone, and all he had was a ring that had no clear meaning. He loved him but hated him? Was that it? It made him sick to look at it and angry to think he forced Billy out of his apartment, but he didn't know what else to say to what he confessed.

Growing out loud, he kicked the coffee table and the ring with it, before curling in and tearing the letter in half, staring at both parts and knowing he would probably be looking for the tape. For now, he held it to his chest, doubled over, and cried.