Where: Hearts
What's happening: Zale is here to buy a view things, and stumbles upon Raphael, a teenager from Hearts that remembers Zale from childhood.
He didn't like Hearts much. He didn't like worrying if Malo would stumble upon him, or if he'd have to slide into the shadows and press against something he'd rather not to avoid the ghost. However, he had to, it was both an assignment and a necessity for Sully to receive the item he was sent to recover. So, he'd buck it up, grit his teeth, and attempt to push ahead.
His lips were tight as he slunk through the alleys, still under the rules that he could not walk on open streets. Training, that was all his life was, but fine. He didn't mind. He shouldn't mind, either. He knew that much.
The sound of footsteps alerted him, but he didn't stop. Suddenly, he jerked his body to the side, slipping into a dead end purposefully, and ducked, leg kicking out and landed into something solid, knocking over a solid body. Quickly, he leapt up and landed on broad shoulders, legs pinning the other and hands quickly grabbing hair and rapping the head against the ground. The loud groan that followed pleased Zale slightly, but he stayed put, eyes harshly flicking.
A boy about his age rested, or rather squirmed, under him. He had long white hair that was in a messy disarray. The wings were enough, he knew the other was a Volcarona. The boy was dark skinned, and had startling blue eyes that peered at Zale, wings fluttering and struggling, failing to escape. Finally, the teenager calmed, and the two stared at one another.
"Zale."
Zale had to hide the surprise, though he almost panicked. How? How did he know his name? This was not okay, this was not good, this was wrong. Wrong, wrong wrong wrong. He raised his hand, about to slam that face into the ground again before the others mouth opened, halting. Perhaps he'd learn something new.
"Wait! Don't you remember me, Zally boy?" A sneer crossed his face, the beautiful teen watched Zale quietly before flashing a pierced tongue, pouting. "Of course not. You didn't bother with us. We were just the seconds, you were one of the favorites. You even got one of the best mentors, then again, weren't you just a little orphan he pitied?"
Rage. Zale didn't respond, but the jab at his and Sully's relationship had angered him. He felt heat rise, yet he stayed perfectly still and quiet. The boy cackled, groaning when Zale dug his knees in, allowing slight anger show.
"Owwwww. s**t. God you're ******** heavy, what do you eat?" He grumbled, closing his eyes as Zale twisted. Zale finally relaxed, sadistically pleased, and waited. However, things were not moving fast enough, and Zale either was going to knock this boy out, or drag him back to camp. Or, perhaps he could actually speak for once.
"Who are you?" He hissed lowly, gruff voice rumbling within his throat. The boy licked his lips, leaning as far forward as Zale allowed him.
"Oh ho. You're voice deepened. How sexy." He purred. Zale's eyes flashed, a savage grin crossing his face as he leaned forward, nails digging into the boys neck as he grinned, matching the others purr as his nails dug, mouth nearing the others ear.
"I said...." His nails dug deeper, and then suddenly curved, pulling upwards. He was going to pull out chunks of flesh it seemed, his savage nature blossoming. "Who are you?"
The sharp gasp that escaped was one of pain, and urgently the boy cried out: "Raphael!" With a grunt, Zale released his hold, blood dripping lightly from his nails. He licked it off, releasing the other completely and standing. This Raphael was weak, he didn't need to hold him down.
"I do not know you." Zale bluntly retorted, tongue lapping across a nail before slipping back into his mouth. "You were following me. Explain yourself."
Raphael stood, grimacing and rubbing his arms and shoulder before glaring at Zale. "We used to train together, back when we worked in groups." Zale didn't nod. He didn't remember a white-haired boy in his group, nor did he care to try and remember. His question hadn't been answered. Quickly, he made a move to grab, however stopped when Raphael held his hands up, mouthing opening.
"You were trained to be a hit man, yes? I was trained to be one, too." A small smirk rose across Raphael's lips, and he cocked his head to the side nervously. "But, they never give me any assignments. I'm a hopeless case. Clumsy and loud."
"You're point is?" Zale gave him a once over, nodding. The boy was beautiful and slim, but he lacked any muscle. "Not all jobs require fighting."
"I suck at acting, too." So, he was a waste of space and time, he was saying. Of course. Why the hell would he be sent for missions when he couldn't do the basics? Zale viewed him with narrowed eyes, flicked his tail, and raised his hand, waving it as he moved past the other.
"You clearly are not fit for this job. Be on with your day, find a new job. Perhaps a model, you have the looks." This was far as a compliment anyone had received from the man. As he passed Raphael made a swift movement, and suddenly Zale had his arm bent, hands threatening to press backwards, threatening to snap the arm. Raphael squealed, recoiling, and Zale released him.
"OW OW OW. a*****e! I was just patting you! s**t! ********> He continued to curse, and Zale raised an eyebrow, and suddenly his blank face changed. He let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing his temple. s**t, when was the last time someone annoyed him this much. Wearily, the teenager raised both hands in defense, waving them.
"Okay. Be quiet. Please." Raphael silenced himself quickly, rubbing his arm before getting the nerve to respond.
"Won't you teach me?" Puppy eyes reached out to Zale, attempting to sway his heart. For a long time, perhaps a minute, Zale blankly stared at Raphael, and suddenly, with a quick turn, he grunted.
"No."
"OH PLEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSEEE?!"
"No."
"I'LL DO ANYTHING."
"No."
"I'll give you jewels!"
"No."
"MONEY."
Oh. Zale turned his head, eyes narrowing briefly. Money. Head turning, he nodded quietly, opening his hand. Raphael blinked, eyes widening before frantically grabbing for his purse, throwing it into Zale's hand. The male searched it, nodded, and turned to Raphael.
"We will begin at the playground."
- - - - - - - -
Hours had passed, and Raphael was going no where fast. Zale was perched on the top of the slide, watching Raphael attempt to weave in and out of the monkey bars. He had taken him here to simply test him out, but it seemed even basic arm strength was a failure. He was ashamed that someone like Raphael grouped himself as one of Zale's class, but he pushed back his own thoughts and watched. Groaning when Raphael fell and squealed, he rubbed his forehead, leaping down.
"We are done. Go home." He grunted. Raphael leapt from where he rested, head shaking rapidly.
"Please! No!" Eagerly, he ran towards Zale, who tensed immediately. Arms wrapped around him, and Zale recoiled, however allowed it. Raphael looked up, long lashes flickering as he viewed Zale. The green-haired teen stared back, unsure what to do, and suddenly he was nervous. Suddenly, he tensed completely, cheeks turning a faint red as he shoved the other away, looking away.
"Don't do that." Zale grumbled, eyes flicking to view Raphael from under his hair. The boy smirked wide, leaning closer, fingers raising and tapping Zale's arm.
"Is the badass shy? Reaaallllly? Has no one shown you affection?" He leaned closer again, and Zale stepped backwards, slapping away the fingers. Raphael approached again, hands raising to touch Zale's cheeks. The teenager was startled by this action, too startled to respond, and stared at Raphael, mouth parting in a silent response.
Then the hands left, and Raphael stepped back, laughing slightly. Zale relaxed, groaning under his breath. What was wrong with this boy? Was he bi-polar? Folding his arms, the green-haired teenager regarded the other, shrugging.
"Why were you following me?"
"I told you why."
"Ask your mentor."
"He left."
Well, Zale could see why. Raphael showed no promise, but perhaps he was too harsh. He was always a cynic. Raphael leaned down, viewing Zale, and smiled gently.
"Come here." Raphael waved for Zale to come closer, and Zale stayed still. A whine escaped Raphael's lips, and with a rare eye roll, Zale approached.
And suddenly, he was thrown backwards.
