Lurking Around

"He came by again." Gaia casually informed Fleet as he walked into the room.

"Yeah?" Fleet did not at all sound surprised. "How'd you find out this time?"

"Tracks." Gaia shrugged. "Your friend who comes by is way stealthier than that when he wants to be, and there's no other xero who would be snooping around the house." He chuckled. "That guy really is like feral animal. Hanging around and seeking companionship in his own odd way, but also not wanting to get too close." It was frustrating but it was... kinda entertaining too. 

"Makes sense." Fleet hummed. "Maybe we should start leaving out food if he's going to act like this."

"Pfft." Gaia couldn't help but laugh. "Somehow I don't think he'd appreciate that. As funny as it might be."

Fleet shrugged. "Free food is free food."

Gaia wisely decided not to comment on that, but he did file that tidbit of information away for later. "We can give him a proper meal once we can coax him into the house."

"Might be waiting a while on that then." Fleet shook his head. "He's worse than me."

"Yeah..." Gaia sighed. "But we just need to wait him out. He'll crack eventually."

"He just doesn't know how to actually form a connection with someone." Fleet frowned. 

"Like you?" Gaia smirked as Fleet threw him a glare. "You know I'm kidding sunshine. You made a friend all by yourself, you've really grown."

"Don't know whether to be insulted or complimented by that." Fleet huffed.

"Take it as a compliment. That's how I meant it." Gaia winked. "Basically though, slow and steady is the name of the game here. No matter how impatient you or me might be feeling."

 "Right..." Fleet walked across the room towards the window. "I might leave him a note or something at least."

"Don't think he'd want us to know we've noticed him snooping around." Gaia walked over to join his partner. "I don't know... I think something bad happened to him to make him act like this. I just don't know what. What I do know is that we need to go at his pace."

Fleet huffed. "When did you get so good at this?"

"Were you not the one who said I was qualified to break down his walls?" Gaia slung an arm over Fleet's shoulders. "You're surprised I know what I'm doing? I've had practice you know." He poked Fleet's muzzle gently, the other xero bat his hand away.

"Guess I just have never seen this side of you aimed at someone other than me." Fleet looked down.

Gaia blinked slowly. "Are you... jealous?" They had both wanted to reach out. Fleet had even said that Gaia would probably be good at getting through to Beryl. Never once so far had he suspected that Fleet might be feeling a little off put by the whole thing.

"No!" Fleet practically hissed, his body tensing. "Maybe?" He sound unsure but some of the tension left him. "It feels complicated."

"Sunshine. Fleet. Love of my life. Look at me." Gaia slipped his arm off of Fleet's shoulders and gently guided Fleet's head so the other xero was looking at him. "I love you and nothing will change that. We're in this together. We both decided we wanted to help right? There's no other motive here." With his free paw he grabbed Fleet's and squeezed. "I told you before and I'll tell you how ever many times I need to for you to believe it, but I'm not going anywhere. Doesn't matter what happens you're stuck with me."

Fleet searched his face for something. Something he must have found since he relaxed fully. "Fine." He pressed his head against Gaia's chest. Gaia responded by wrapping his arms around Fleet. As the two enjoyed the quiet moment Gaia made a mental note to show Fleet a bit more affection and reassurance than normal during this whole thing.

Beryl watched the house with thinly veiled interest. No one had approached him yet and that served him just fine. Having to explain what he was doing would be a pain. Mostly because he wasn't even sure himself. Why was he here? Why was he practically stalking the couple he'd encountered at the Skyfire Festival? It didn't make any sense. His only solace was that it seemed the duo hadn't noticed him yet. He honestly had no idea what he'd even say to them if they did.

He growled lowly to himself. This was stupid. He should just leave. Go back to being the loner he knew he was. He didn't need anyone else, especially not some annoying xero who put his nose where it didn't belong and his partner. He crossed his arms and looked away from the home. It was a fight to keep his claws from digging into his arms as his frustration built. He didn't need anyone. People only disappointed him. With one last look at the home he turned on his heel and walked away. He didn't need them. At least... he'd keep telling himself that. Maybe eventually he'd believe it.