Doubtless There Are Other Roads 2/?

[rivlee]

Agron was sorting through the racks at Newbury Comics, a stack of cds already in his hands and a list from Auctus for vinyl selections clutched between his teeth. He once had to go to every fucking branch of the store in the Greater Boston area to appease their resident ghost, so now he made his trips with a list of acceptable alternatives that didn’t see him train hopping all day.

There were only so many times a sane person could ride the branches of the Green Line without wanting to rip someone’s throat out. Throw a wolf into a mix and it was one bad temper tantrum away from making the five o’clock news.

“And I thought you disappeared.”

Agron jumped and dropped the cds. He turned to stare at Nasir who only smiled, hands held up and using his will to keep everything from crashing to the floor.

“Neat trick,” he mumbled around the list.

“It has its uses.” He plucked the list from Agron’s lips with one hand while nonchalantly motioning for the cds to settle carefully on top of the rack with the other. “They invented baskets for a reason, you know.”

He snatched the paper back and stuffed it in his pocket. “As they did collars with bells.”

Agron wanted to hate the teasing smirk that came over Nasir’s lips, but it was hopeless. Donar was right. He was completely fucked.

“I did not think I could startle a wolf.”

“Why do I think you’re lying to me?”

“Because you know better.” Nasir dropped his gaze to the racks, fiddling with a miniature R2-D2 figure. There was a stiffness in his shoulders that wasn’t there before. “Your absence was noted at Barca’s.”

“Is that a fancy way of saying you missed me?” He tried for smooth as he leaned against the display, but the cracking of plastic ruined the image.

“More that your brother’s appetite was missed,” he said, kind enough not to comment on Agron’s clumsiness. “Where does he put all that food?”

“Duro’s the energetic type. He may appear lazy but if he’s not jogging or swimming, he’s running around the building in his wolf form. Don’t listen to what Donar tells you, Duro doesn’t spend all his time on his back. It’s actually impossible for him to stay still unless it’s hot as balls outside.”

Nasir nodded and finally put the figure down. He started to rearrange a set of Yellow Submarine shot glasses.

“You’re fidgeting,” he said

“And you disappeared on me for a week after sharing my company every single day since I arrived. I’m confused. Did I miss some new standard of protocol between people? Is this a common thing, to vanish without a single hint of notice?” He moved on to tilting a rude garden gnome on its side. “After the second day Pietros gave me the address to your apartment. Imagine my surprise to find you’d taken your brother and left for an unspecified amount of time.”

Agron didn’t like being scolded. Especially not by the person who had caused so many sleepless nights and headaches.

“I didn’t realize I needed your approval.”

Nasir straightened up and dropped his hands to his side. For a second he looked disappointed before he raised his head. The defiance was back in his gaze but lacking the teasing smile that was such a standard of their interactions.

“You don’t,” he said. He took a deep breath. “I’ll leave you to your shopping. So sorry to have bothered you, Agron.”

The way he said his name hurt. Nasir had always followed the respectful protocol, addressing him by his animal title. He quickly reached out, only half stumbling over a dvd display, to catch Nasir before he could scamper off.

“Apologies, Nasir. Naevia always tells me not to take my frustration out on others. I’m not the best student, but I’m learning. You come here in friendship and I bite at your hand.”

Nasir smiled. “I suppose it’s the only thing to be expected of a wolf.”

Agron playfully bared his teeth. “Don’t tempt me; I’ve yet to eat lunch and no matter how rancid that pizza downstairs smells, it’s better than nothing. Come, let us eat.”

“Finish your shopping. I won’t have Saxa even more upset with me if you don’t bring home her,” Nasir picked up one of the albums, “Adele.”

“Oh, that’s Donar’s. Saxa prefers screamo.”

Nasir winced at the name. “I think I’ll stick to my own songs.”

“A wise decision.” He pointed to a small set of shelves near the back. “The world music and classical section is over there if you want to grab something. My treat. I never did get you a welcome present.”

Nasir held out his arms, covered in the oversized zipped-up sweatshirt Agron bought him when they decided to take the ferry back from Salem.

“That doesn’t count; it’s practical.”

Nasir’s eyes dropped to the hemline at his knees. “That could be debatable.”

“You refused to let me pay for one in your size. It’s not my fault I could only convince you to permanently borrow one in my own.”

“A stranger offering to buy me clothes after less than a day caused hesitation.”

“You are a fellow Wayfarer and not an average stranger. Now, go, browse that hopelessly neglected musical section while I find records to appease the pigeon-loving ghost.”

“I would not tease Auctus. I fear he may teach those pigeons to attack.”

Agron nodded and turned back to his list. His breath caught as Nasir walked past, their bodies sliding against one another in the cramped aisle. All his senses were filled with Nasir’s unique scent. From the soft laugh he heard, the tiny bastard knew damn well what he just did.

“There’s a special place in hell for men like you.”

“It’s a good thing we both don’t believe in it.”

It was another twenty minutes before they finished. Their lunch plans were definitively put on hold by Nasir’s overt gagging when they reached the street level of the complex.

“I don’t care what you claim, nothing that smells like that can be edible. I’m still adjusting to the cuisine here and I’d rather not meet my untimely death thanks to a restaurant in a former parking garage.”

“A man of discerning tastes, I can respect that.”

Agron did have to double-back to the North End go pick-up Duro’s order of cannoli from Bova. He’d loved to show Nasir the area, but he knew well there was a performance tonight.

“Do you have the time and energy for a small side trip before your next show?”

“A fair few hours and an always restless soul.”

“Then let us get a decent meal in you.”

It felt like a blessing, to spend this time with Nasir who seemed to open up more each day. There was still a lack of trust there, a suspicion on both of their sides. Agron would see trust built between them. A good meal was a heck of a place to start.

**********************

It was a rainy Wednesday afternoon when Agron next stumbled into Nasir.

Nasir caught him with a laugh. “I thought wolves were supposed to have inherent grace. Does that not extend to your human forms?”

“I’d like to see a wolf dance over cobblestones. Whoever thought this was better than plain old dirt can suck my cock.”

“Be careful who you make that offer to, someone might just take you up on it. In a city such as this, with all their old ghosts, that may not work out in your favor.”

“If any ghost molests me it will be Auctus and he will only do so before castrating me.”

He looked down at the street with a sneer. He understood the need for maintain a façade in a city based off historical tourism but at the very least they could beat down some of the stones.

“How does a ghost wind up with a wolf pack?” Nasir asked, retreating back under his umbrella.

Agron tried not to laugh at him. They were too near the river and the winds too fierce for an umbrella to last long without inverting. Nasir would learn, in time, to leave the umbrella behind and embrace the glory that was a baseball cap and a hoodie.

He was proven correct in less than two minutes. Almost a record, that one. He couldn’t take the twist of displeasure on Nasir’s lips and stripped off his light jacket, quickly putting it over Nasir before he could bitch about it.

“You will soak.”

“I’m used to it,” he assured. “Besides, Barca would kill me if you got a cold, especially in summer. I don’t mind the rain and this isn’t really bad.”

Nasir rolled his eyes. “I won’t argue that point.” He zipped the jacket up before tugging Agron forward. “Let us get back to the tavern and you can tell me how you met Auctus.”

“Demanding are we?”

“Always,” Nasir quickly answered. He pushed and pulled until Agron was mostly under the storefront awnings. “Why are you even out in this mess?”

Agron wrapped an arm around Nasir’s waist and pulled him close, keeping them bother under the shelter.

“I was on my way to bother Gannicus of the Leather Chaps. What’s your excuse?”

Nasir wrapped his hands up in the long sleeves of Agron’s jacket. It was almost adorable, how much he despised being cold.

He was not expecting the treacherous elbow in his side.

“You’ve made me addicted to those deli sandwiches. I was enjoying the walk back before the rain started and I witnessed your truly inspired performance of A Tall Man on A Wet Street. I should’ve taped it.”

“Pietros introduced you to YouTube, didn’t he?”

“Your brother, actually. He was there last night absent you.”

“Apologies for a missed performance. Naevia, Sura, and I have a creatures' night in on Tuesday. You should join us.”

“From the way Duro spoke of it last night, I’d fear for my survival.”

Agron waved off Nasir’s concern. “We only feel Duro’s in need of a haircut. He cleans up remarkably well. Even Saxa’s admitted to missing his old curls.”

“Curls?”

“Head full of ‘em,” he confirmed as they finally walked through the door of The Temple.

Pietros greeted them with a laugh. “I suggest you both go change before Barca finds you dripping on the floor.” He nudged Agron with his hip. “I’m sure you remember where he keeps his spare sweats.”

Nasir looked between the two of them. “It seems there are many tales to hear tonight.”

“More like ancient history,” Agron said.

“According to Gannicus it was the fling of the decade. Is it true you managed to incite an orgy one time?”

“Pietros,” Barca called, “don’t give Agron a heart attack. I still need him to help set the stages next weekend.” He pointed to Nasir and Agron. “Get in the back and get changed before you permanently damage my floor.”

“It’s not even a Nor’easter out there.”

“After your brother managed to bring half a foot of snow inside this past winter, I worry about any wolf-related water damage. Now, go.”

Nasir’s face was full of curiosity as they walked back, but something held his tongue. Agron knew he’d have to revisit his past again tonight.

“I promise to tell you after we’re both dry and have a drink or two in our systems.”

“That bad?” Nasir asked as he hung Agron’s jacket over the back of a chair.

“It was a pretty dark time for all concerned.”

He nodded in understanding. “Yet you and Barca still remain friendly.”

“It was never love,” he said. He struggled to strip his wet shirt off in the hallway. There would be words if he dripped over Barca’s kitchen floor. “We were both in need of comfort at the time and had no one else who understood.”

He did not crow triumphantly when he won against the shirt, but only just.

“You two both share a distaste for common decency,” Nasir said. He was still soaked and standing on the threshold of his room.

Agron laughed. “Life around a wolf pack is a very clothing optional one. We’ve gotten better at is as Wayfarers, but we’ll always feel most natural with little on our skin. It reminds us of our true form.”

“Ah,” Nasir said with a mocking tilt of his head before disappearing behind the door.

Agron felt the smile on his lips as he continued to struggle out of his jeans. He’d have to borrow a pair of shoes too. He padded over to the cabinet closest to the backdoor where Barca kept all emergency supplies. There was no telling just who or what could stumble through after the Veil Drops and Barca kept clothing that could fit Giant, Dragon, and Sprite.

“You’re playing with fire, Wolf.”

Agron turned to find Gannicus leaning against a counter. The Sidhe was completely silent in movement, as per usual.

“Gannicus, I meant to speak with you today.”

“I would hope with more clothing. I’m flattered but find myself more drawn to your she-wolf. How is the fierce Saxa?”

Agron slipped on a pair of sweats before he answered. He debated between donning the Patriots or the Red Sox shirt, a fan of neither team really and not eager to start a sport’s debate with any mundane who walked into the bar. He grabbed the Celtics one instead.

“Prepare yourself for all the Teenwolf jokes if your wear that one.”

He nodded in agreement. “Still better than trying to stumble through a conversation about sports history I don’t understand.” He hopped up next to Gannicus. “As for Saxa, she could use a visit from you.”

“I still bear the scratches from last time,” he said, though Gannicus’ smile could only be described as filthy.

“I warned you of the risks.”

“They are worth it.” Gannicus pointed to the hallway. “You, Brother Wolf, are playing with something even more dangerous. Do you know what Nasir is?”

Oh, fucking finally, someone who got it. “No, do tell me, Brother Sidhe.”

Gannicus shook his head. “I have no clue and there is my concern. I sense Dragon in his bloodline. Bard of course. He has the stink of my people, but they covet pretty singers so that is of little surprise.”

“I’ve too see all those hints with no firm result. Oenomaus would not tell me and Melitta suggested I waited to be told.”

“She is a silly girl.”

“Who could gut you in a second.”

“Of that, there is no doubt. Yet here you are, flirting with danger on blind faith.”

“It feels right. Unsettling, to be fucking certain, but right. I will not risk my pack though for something unknown. I am showing caution, Gannicus.”

“You.” Gannicus' trademark laugh filled the room. “Agron, you do not know caution. Restraint, perhaps, which you do with clenched fist and jaw, but not caution.”

“Brother Sidhe, do not force me to break your fucking nose again.”

Gannicus' reply was stopped by Nasir’s entrance. He was towel drying his long hair. It was the first time Agron had seen it free of its braid. He wasn’t surprised at all when Gannicus closed his jaw for him.

“Gratitude,” he whispered.

Gannicus laughed again. “Come, let us get a drink. It will see you both warmed up and ready for this night.”

**********************

It was early evening by the time Gannicus finally left their table to go chat up Mira. Duro and Donar could be heard from the game room, yelling a unique combination of praise and expletives at each other over a game of pool with Crixus and Spartacus.

Nasir was picking his way through a special plate of food designed not to damage his vocal chords. Agron didn’t know how anyone could willingly drink that much tea either, but hell; it wasn’t like he used his voice to make a living.

“Now that Gannicus is distracted are you going to tell me your story?”

“Which one? How we got Auctus or my past with Barca?”

“I have to choose? You said nothing about choosing.”

Agron ran a hand over his face and let out his breath slowly. “To be honest, they’re both connected. It’s not exactly a fun story.”

“I’ll take a summary,” Nasir said. He looked up and smirked. “For now.”

“A summary, I can do that.” Agron couldn’t help but fiddle with a sugar packet. It wasn’t the best time in his past. It took him awhile to figure out how to best explain it.

“Duro has a thing for strays,” he finally said.

“And you do whatever makes your brother happy.”

“I do whatever’s best for him.”

Nasir tilted his head, the low light catching a flash of emotion in his eyes. “Only your definition of best.”

Agron bit back his initial retort as he straightened up. “Do you have a problem with me, Bard?”

Nasir waved off his anger. “Your brother is grown and should be allowed to stand on his own. Pack leader or not, you cannot always protect him. Besides, is he not supposed to mate and establish his own pack?”

Each of their interactions clearly showed that Nasir spent little time among the wolves. His knowledge was limited to a lot of the conventions passed off by observation from outsiders. Agron was almost eager to show him what the packs were really like, but that wasn’t possible until his own questions were answered.

“We are not completely like grey wolves, you know. We do have many societal conventions similar to those of Bard, Sidhe, and Siren. Do not think us complete animals.”

Nasir reached a hand over and rested his fingertips on Agron’s wrist. His touch was lukewarm this time.

“I do not, even if your temper clearly comes from the wolf. Along with your table manners.”

“Not all of us were blessed to be raised among the royals and nobility.”

“Do not think of it is as a blessing,” Nasir muttered.

Agron tugged on strand of Nasir’s hair, fallen loose from its braid. “I wouldn’t, in all honesty.”

“No, I don’t see you taking to a gilded cage well.”

“Thank the fucking gods.”

“So, Duro likes strays. That’s what you’re going to leave me with? Only one small sentence for your favorite minstrel?”

“And what have you done to earn more than that?”

“Besides tolerate the smell of wet wolf?”

Agron was surprised by his own bark of laughter. And bark it truly was, his pack mates sent him answering yips of joy in response.

“Do we need to cut your whole pack off,” Pietros said when he dropped off another tea for Nasir.

“Those were sounds of joy not drunken revelry,” he argued.

“I didn’t think there was a difference,” Pietros said.

Agron shook a finger at him. “I’m going to have a talk with Barca about your sass. It’s gotten out of hand lately.”

“Barca worships my sass. It’s what gets him out of bed in the morning.”

“Gets him up or gets him out or both.”

Nasir put his head in his hand and started chuckling. It made the whole bar stop, even Duro and Donar peeking out of the game room to find the source of such a sound.

“To command a room with just laughter, that is a gift,” Gannicus said, drawing all eyes to himself as he plopped his ass on the bar. “Though not as great as my cock. More wine, Pietros, if your stocks can spare it.”

“Don’t insult our inventory,” Pietros said as he marched towards Gannicus with purpose. He pulled him off by his belt loops and shoved him into the stool. “How many times do I have to tell you we are not Coyote Ugly.”

“Think of all the coin you would garner if you were.”

“I will call Melitta if you did not pull head from ass.”

“And there is another sort of magic,” Agron said watching Gannicus thoroughly silenced. “The threat of Melitta. A powerful wrath to be sure.”

“You are still diverting your task. No more distractions.” Nasir pushed his plate aside. “I would have the whole tale now. Or a more detailed summary at the very least.”

Agron turned sideways in the booth, finding it easier to look at the lights than Nasir’s curious gaze. It wasn’t a time he spoke of often but Nasir made him want to tell the story. He supposed that was part of Nasir’s own powers, to make confession easier. How else was a stranger and outsider to collect the histories of people he never knew.

“I hope you know I will expect proper story in exchange.”

“Which you will get on a night I am not set to perform. Now, cease delay and start. Your eager audience awaits.” Nasir’s voice held promise and even a hint of heat.

“Stop trying to enchant me with your voice.”

“I do no such thing,” he protested. “I’m soothing.”

“You're causing blood to rush not calm. I will tell you, little bard, if you stay silent. No interruptions until the end.”

Nasir nodded and gestured for him to continue.

“You were right, you know, when you said I need to let Duro be his own wolf. It’s not an easy thing for me, to let him go. During the last batch of Sidhe Wars, three hundred years ago or so, my mother was mortally wounded. My father, as her true mate, followed her into death. Unlike so many Other Worlders, death is a final thing for wolves until our souls are reborn. We do not have the chance to become ghosts or Reapers.

I am the eldest of my litter. Duro is the youngest and the only other male. She-wolves, in case Saxa hasn’t shown you, are fierce creatures. I never worried much for my sisters. Vera formed her own pack. Lucia settled in Midwood with a Sidhe friend. Renata joined a group of Healers. Duro was mine to teach and guide throughout the world. We moved to Capua where there was employment and coin yet Duro tried to run off to Chauci at least once a month. His soul always cries for the Wild. I worried for him taking up with one of the outlying packs and so, when the chance came to run for the Other Side, I took it.

Things were good for a century or two but forty years ago it went to shit.”

“The skirmish on the banks of Jordanes,” Nasir whispered.

Agron nodded. “Auctus had left us after World War II. It did a number on all of us and he needed to cleanse his soul. Barca refused to return and so they parted with a bittersweet understanding. When the skirmish broke out Eideard, Prince of the Sirens in Merrymec called on Spartacus and Sura for aid. He couldn’t fight it himself, the royals wouldn’t let him and sending a Siren to fight would’ve been an open declaration of war. Sura and Naevia decided to answer the call for aid. I couldn’t go, Saxa was still a pup barely able to maintain human form and Donar was recovering from grave wound. Duro wanted to leave but I forbid him.

Once news came that Sura and Naevia were captured all levels of hell broke loose. Spartacus and Crixus left immediately along with a half a legion of Wayfarers. I swear every single one in New England marched through the Veil, minus Mira who stayed to heal Donar. Barca stayed to protect us all in case the worst happened and the Divide was overtaken. Still, I would not let Duro go. I couldn’t leave my pack and I couldn’t let my brother risk his neck without me there to protect him.

The little shit somehow convinced Mira to douse me with a sleeping potion. Said the stress was getting to me and I hadn’t rested in days. He was across the divide with a Realm Jumper friend of his before I found out. I could do nothing but send Varro, another Realm Jumper and trusted brother, after him. It took ten years, by the account of time here, to bring them back. Sura and Auctus were ghosts; Naevia was half-dead; and everyone was worse for wear. The histories call it a skirmish but I have no doubt it was a full-on war.

Auctus followed Duro to our home and he’s been there ever since. You will never hear either one of them tell why. I doubt Duro even knows the truth, but Varro was there to see it. Auctus threw himself in front of the silver spear that was meant for Duro.”

He was met with silence when he finished his story. He looked down from the lights surprised to find Nasir sitting right next to him, their hands clasped together. Small waves of warm energy were passing from Nasir’s hands into his own.

“As for me and Barca? I needed someone strong enough to make me heel. I was violent with worry at the time and angry at everything. I couldn’t bring that home to Donar and Saxa. Barca was the only one around strong enough to keep me down. You’d have to ask him about his own intentions but Barca has a thing for charity cases.”

“Gratitude,” Nasir whispered. He gently pulled back. “I am honored you shared such with me.”

“Should I expect to hear it in song tonight?”

“Never,” Nasir rasped out. “I would not abuse your trust so.” He slid out of the booth and walked over to the stage.

Agron, curious as ever, followed him. He sat down next to Nasir as he silently tuned his instruments.

“I would have one thing from you tonight,” he said, resting his chin on Nasir’s shoulder.

“I will gladly take your song request,” Nasir said.

“Not that. Tell me what you are, Nasir.”

Nasir shook his head. “It is not that simple. You must guess.”

“I promise you, yourself alone is enough to keep me interested. We don’t have to keep up the pretense of a game.”

“I am not,” Nasir promised. “I cannot tell you, Wolf. Please leave it at that.”

Agron knew he was pouting by Nasir’s soft laugh. He patted Agron on the face and went back to his case of instruments. Agron had heard of the guessing games in the past but he’d never thought they existed outside of children’s takes.

“I’m afraid I can’t offer my firstborn since I will produce no offspring. Perhaps my brother’s then?”

“You already know my name,” Nasir said, settling down again with a lap harp. “I am not Rumpelstiltskin. And I would not put so much faith in your brother’s ability to produce offspring. He holds an attachment to that ghost of yours.”

“That sounds like more than just observation. Has my brother been drunkenly confessing things again?”

“Hardly. It is my job to read the hearts and minds of all for a show.”

“Is that so?” Agron asked, leaning over him. “Then what does mine tell you?”

Nasir placed a hand on Agron’s face and stared into his eyes. Agron fought the urge to drop his gaze.

“What I get from you has very little to do with your mind or heart,” Nasir said. He very pointedly dropped his gaze to Agron’s groin. “I’m flattered, Wolf, truly, but you would do better to turn your attentions elsewhere.”

“Is that a warning?”

“This is your pack’s home, is it not? Your den? You have not left here since you crossed over.”

“Yes.”

“I rarely stay in the same place for a season, much less a year.”

“I could learn to travel.”

Nasir shook his head. “You could not. You do not know peace if you cannot see that all your pups are well. That is not a fault. It warms the heart.”

“Not the flesh?”

That earned another of those magical laughs. “You are resilient and that I admire.” He playfully shoved Agron back. “Now get off my stage. Worship me from the audience like all the rest.”

“I will not give up so easily,” he warned as he effortlessly jumped to the ground.

“I would expect nothing else,” Nasir called after him.