in our bones [finished]

[HYUK "HUGO" YOUN]

in our bones

Hugo would never make the curfew. His watch said it was already 7:13 in the afternoon. The winding streets were nearly empty and his friends, fellow students of the academy, were nowhere in sight. No doubt, they were off negotiating with some bouncer to get into who knows what club. The shifter scowled, digging into his jean pockets for his cell phone and hysterically pressing on the power button. The batteries were dead. At the dorms, a pile of assignments needed completion, or there would be hell to pay. Plus, he’d promised to tutor his underclassmen…

“You should have seen the look on his face.” Boasted a thunderous man that passed by, lips flecked with sprinkles and powdered sugar. The man swung his arm—along with his donut in hand—at the air in front of him. It was wide and unsteady, but prompted a few giggles.

“Wanker.” Hugo rolled his eyes and shuffled along in his yellow sweatshirt and indigo jeans. Dim lights had already started to come alive, illuminating the bits and pieces of cement once known as the ‘sidewalk’. He balled up his right hand and squeezed tightly. “Where are they?” he muttered through clenched teeth. The root of his agitation was worry. It was easy for him to navigate back to the academy on his own—being a bird shifter and all. But he couldn’t help but feel responsible for his friends.

“If I can get my hands on a charger,” he calmed himself and spoke aloud, “I’d be able to contact them. Better yet, I just need a phone.” Hugo’s eyes wandered aimlessly and he mumbled something about feathery pillows and a therapeutic shower. Then, he settled on a candidate to ask for much needed assistance. It never occurred to him that he had been walking against the current of the crowd until it was too late.

“Excuse me, do y—whoa!” The shifter’s eyes shot wide open as he bumped into someone. “S-sorry. I wasn’t looking…” Before he could finish the sentence, his gaze shifted back to the person he had been wanting to ask. Unfortunately for him, that person had disappeared. “Ah, I'm really unlucky today.” Without a second thought, Hugo turned towards the person he had bumped into.

“Excuse me, I would like to borrow your phone.”

tags @open | 381 words | notes: whoop~

MADE BY STOAT

[Deleted]

Remiel has fallen in with a large group roaming the streets of Brookings and he was quite enjoying it. He moved with the flow of the crowd, sight-seeing more than actually trying to get anywhere. He hadn't been in Brookings long and primarily had his head down finishing work on the club. He still had a bit of hiring to do but there was no more work to be done this evening. It was a lovely time of year for an evening stroll-

"Oh, excuse me!" The words flew from his lips automatically when another body impacted his and he stopped short, reaching out with one hand to catch the other person before he realized that they were still standing. His hand paused, then fell back to his side. The draped, rust-orange shirt he wore brought out the brighter shades of blue in his eyes as he looked over the young man, brow pinched slightly in concern until he satisfied himself that he seemed alright.

"It's alright, I should have been watching as well." He smiled, though it was somewhat lost since the stranger was busy looking at something else in the crowd. He started to move on, but the boy turned to him again. The crowd had largely passed, leaving them mostly alone on the sidewalk with only a few people straggling one way or another. He reached into the slim leather bag that hung from a strap across his body and drew out his phone. He checked to make sure it unlocked so the boy could use it, then offered it to him with a shrug.

"Sure, go ahead. You might want to step off to the side though so no one else runs into you." He waved a little bit closer to the buildings, stepping that way himself so that if another group came through they wouldn't be in the way. Perhaps another person would've hesitated to let a stranger borrow their phone, but it simply wasn't important to him. He could always get another phone.

HYUK "HUGO" YOUN

[HYUK "HUGO" YOUN]

in our bones

“Thank you, it really means a lot.” Hugo hastily accepted the phone and followed the man towards the building to avoid oncoming traffic. He’d started to enter numbers into the phone. His fingers danced as he gazed intently at the luminous screen. Once the phone had shown the connect screen, Hugo brought it to his right ear and paced back and forth.

“Hello, we are not available right now…”

Hugo took a deep breath. He pictured his friends relaxing at some park, in a drunken stupor, and Hugo was going to be late. It would be even worse if they had all been asleep. Hugo swore they were going to lead him to his fiery doom and he glanced at his watch.

7:17.

He brought the phone back in front of him before settling to work. Unconsciously, Hugo quickened his pacing and furrowed his brow. More numbers were pressed in between each step. Soon, he was met with the connect screen once again. He took another hard look at his watch. “This better work…” Hugo said, almost to himself.

“H-hello? Who is this?”

The boy heaved a heavy sigh and stopped himself in his tracks when he heard the familiar voice. Luckily for him, the second time had been the charm. He’d noticed a stray soda can next to him and kicked it. Hugo brought the phone closer to his ear, stepping a couple inches further away from the man he had followed.

“Yeah, this is Hugo. We need to talk…”

“About what?”

“Do you not realize what time it is?!” Hugo shouted, forgetting where he had been. He made a face that was more confused than angry. “You mean to tell me that you haven’t realized how late it is right now? It’s almost eight!”

“Oh crap, really?”

“Yeah, really.” He scoffed into the phone for emphasis. “Now tell me. Where are you? I can come pick you guys up before you get into further trouble.”

“Well…don’t get mad, okay?”

Their conversation had gone on for a few more minutes before Hugo hung up and returned to the man by the buildings. “Thank you once again. I’m really grateful for your assistance.” Hugo handed back his phone and gave a courteous smile. He made sure to check his watch. 7:23. He bit the inside of his cheek, glancing at the man. “I know it is rude of me to ask,” Hugo hesitated, then plunged ahead, “but do you happen to know any new clubs around Brookings?” The shifter swallowed hard before laughing nervously. “I need to go get my friends. We have a pretty tight schedule for the rest of the night.”

tags @remi | 443 words | notes: hmm..

MADE BY STOAT

[Deleted]

Remiel gave the young man some space, watching the streets with probably more curiosity than the mostly empty place warranted. Every place had it's own unique beauty though and Remiel had not yet become inured to Brooking's charm. He hadn't spent a lot of time in small towns. He had a feeling this one wouldn't stay small very much longer. From the corner of his eye he kept an eye on the kid- he had been perfectly polite so far, but Remiel worried over the agitation he thought he heard in the tone of voice and the way he held himself.

His smile matched the young man's as he accepted his phone back, tucking it away. "You're quite welcome." He hesitated, wondering if there was some kind of help he could offer. The quandry solved itself however and Remiel's smile turned rueful. Well, there really wasn't anyone better to ask than he, was there?

"There's not much in the way of clubs here- a karaoke bar and a couple of dives. There's a new club opening soon downtown, but there won't be anything going on there tonight." Remiel had researched out his competition (there wasn't much in a little place like this). He also had spent enough time walking the streets that he was pretty familiar with the Downtown area at least. "It's not rude at all, I'd be happy to help if you need it."

A sudden thought struck him as he glanced the young man over, and concern briefly dimmed his otherwise pleasant demeanor. "Not to imply anything untoward, but your friends wouldn't be thinking of trying to get a free preview of the new club?" Inwardly he cringed at the idea of having to clean up from a break in before the place had even been properly opened.

HYUK "HUGO" YOUN

[HYUK "HUGO" YOUN]

in our bones

“That’s great to hear.” Hugo’s spirits were lifted after hearing the good news. There appeared to be a beacon of hope near the end of this disaster and for the first time since forever, Hugo managed to slow his breathing. He’d started to notice the appearance of man before him—it was the mixture of golden and brown hair that particularly captured his attention. After a few seconds of staring, the shifter chuckled at himself in disbelief. Even in the midst of all his mayhem, it was unlike Hugo to become this disoriented. However, he knew one thing for sure: he definitely needed to adjust to the academy’s new rules.

And suddenly, more music to his ears. It was difficult to hide the genuine surprise in his eyes. Surely, there had been a guardian angel looking out for him, or the man was an actual saint. Either way, the generosity to help him out was baffling—rarely did people give a damn about others. Knowing that he didn’t have the leisure to deny the man’s offer, Hugo jumped at the chance. “Would you? It’s really embarrassing to admit,” his bowed his head, face burning with a grin he couldn’t quite contain. He straightened himself out, meeting the man’s gaze with his own. “But I’ve been needing a lot of your help tonight. I’m in your care once more.”

The man’s question brought about intrigue, but Hugo didn’t bother to prod into it. The man had his own reasons for worrying about this ‘new club’ and it would be ill-mannered of the shifter to interrogate an individual helping him. “I wouldn’t put it past them. They’re a bunch of rascals, who sometimes get in over their heads.” The boy’s tone had become serious. “That’s why I need to reel them back in.” He took a hard stare at his watch.

7:27.

Hugo quickly turned to the general direction of Brookings downtown area and pointed wildly at it. He looked over his shoulder, to the man, wide-eyed. “You said the club was in downtown, right? We have to get back to Masquerade Academy before eight and we don’t have much time left. Could you lead the way?”

tags @remi | 363 words | notes: meep

MADE BY STOAT

[Deleted]

It was almost disheartening to see the true surprise in the young man's eyes. Was it really so strange for people to help each other? Remiel didn't like to think so, though in his time on base earth he had learned that many people did not see the world in as positive a light as he did. It didn't dampen his enthusiasm for humanity much though. It couldn't. There was too much good in people for those who chose to seek it out.

"Honestly, I don't mind." The fallen turned towards Downtown. Though he still would've helped the boy, there was more to it now than just a young man trying to find his friends. There was something of a personal stake in it for him. The concern had mostly left his face though, leaving him relatively serene. Nothing would be improved by worrying- he couldn't do anything about the trouble that may have already been caused. Better to get right to it and find out what had happened and then deal with it then. It was pointless to worry about things he could not control.

"Yes, just on the edge so it isn't too far away. I can't say I'm not familiar with the type. I left a few hot-headed friends behind when I came here and they're likely getting up to all sorts of mischief without me there." He started off at a quick walk, watching the young man from the corner of his eye. Still, since they were about the same height at least he wouldn't have to shorten his long strides. He didn't pause to offer his hand as they walked, sensing that it wouldn't be appreciated with the current urgency.

"I'm Remiel, by the way, since it appears we'll be spending at least a short while in each others' company." It wasn't more than 7 or 8 minutes before they rounded a corner to the view of the black painted building. With the coming night the building seemed to fade into the darkness and the red sign, though not currently lit, looked elegant. During the day it bordered on garish, but night was really when things came to life. Remiel pulled a set of keys from his pocket and headed for the door.

"There's two other doors around back and a fire escape from the loft." It didn't look like they'd tried the front door, but then who would? Any reasonably smart person would have tried one of the other entrances that let into the alleys around the building.

HYUK "HUGO" YOUN

[HYUK "HUGO" YOUN]

in our bones

Hugo broke into a light jog to catch up to the man and slowed down once he was beside him. “It’s a lot of work, that is for sure.” Hugo stated. He ran icy fingers—a product of the chilly afternoon—through his hair. His chest felt constricted and his breaths were shallow. What if he was too late? He was surely too late…

The reality started to settle and droplets of doubt trickled in. It was hard to ignore the hammering of his heart. He muttered various profanities to himself as they walked. Fortunately, Hugo’s companion had started to converse once more. The shifter focused on his voice to divert his attention from the uneasiness.

“It does appear that way.” There was a slight shakiness in his voice, but Hugo continued. “I’m Hyuk Youn, but everyone calls me Hugo.” Remiel was an odd name, but Hugo didn’t have the leisure of asking. The gravity of his situation still dangled over his head. Their trip to the downtown area hadn’t taken long, but the boy already took an unreasonable amount of—about twelve—subtle glances at his watch.

7:35.

Finally, the pair reached the building. It was a new sight for Hugo and the sign perked his interest. Skin, a fitting name for a night club. He surveyed the crowds that spilled into the streets, following the people as they walked by bright streetlights. While most had layered themselves for the cold, a few had dressed for the occasion. Well-tailored suits and glittery dresses—an indication that their day was only just beginning. The nightlife of Brookings had been another world, though not one that Hugo was unfamiliar with.

His head snapped back to the club and he noticed the keys. “I recalled them saying they were around, but I really hope they aren’t inside.” Turning around, Hugo scanned the streets. While Remiel had been working on the doors, the shifter decided he’d better do his part as well. He broke into a run and followed the outline of the building to the back. It was a quick process—a perk of being a shifter. Within the darkness, he noticed the ladder from the fire escape had been brought down. To his dismay, it appeared as if they had entered the building.

“HEY, IF YOU GUYS ARE OUT THERE, COME OUT! WE REALLY NEED TO GO!”

No response. Perfect.

Hugo returned the front of the building to meet with his companion. “It appears like they are inside. The fire escape was used.” Afterwards, he stole another glance at his watch, huffed and threw his hands up in frustration. It seriously wasn’t his night.

7:38.

tags @remi | 444 words | notes: ah

MADE BY STOAT

[Deleted]

"Nice to meet you, Hugo." Remiel wasn't sure exactly what the rush was- he'd kept himself away from the school, seeing no real interest in it for him. Besides he was going to be here for a while so he didn't feel like he was in a hurry to explore everything in this little town at once. When they reached the building, Remiel nodded.

"I hope they aren't either," he murmured under his breath, watching the young man head out around the building. He turned back to the door, unlocking the double locks quietly. He hadn't intended to wait but the shout caught his attention. He stood, head cocked, trying to hear if there was any response. Hopefully they weren't actually getting up to mischief inside his brand new establishment. A slight, pained look crossed his face when Hugo came trotting back.

"Damn." He pushed open the double doors with a sharp shove that sent them both swinging open most of the way and immediately made for the light panel on one of the side doors. Onyl a heartbeat later, the bright flood lights that would never be used when the place was actually open came on. Under the harsh glare, the place looked less lovely than it did in dim mood lighting. A full stage to one side, opposite the bar, dressing rooms behind it. The tables clustered close to the stage were bare and ugly, the linens not yet laid out. The dance floor just looked barren. He wrinkled his nose a little, then turned his attention to finding the hooligans.

"Whoever is in here, come out, NOW." His voice, typically light and soft, echoed in the warehouse with a crack like a whip and the look of disapproval across his face would've made the strictest librarian proud. He automatically began to move towards the main floor bar, praying they hadn't gotten into the liquor either down here or up in the lounge.

HYUK "HUGO" YOUN

[HYUK "HUGO" YOUN]

in our bones

Without any moment to spare, Hugo followed Remiel into the club. The insides of the building were different than what the shifter had been expecting, but it appeared as if the renovations were far from complete. His gaze traveled amongst the stage and tables, taking in the expanse as a whole. He’d pictured himself viewing the club during a different time—later when the sign would flicker and youthful souls found themselves on the dance floor…

Hugo’s eyes flickered once he heard Remiel’s voice, breaking him out of his short daze and reminding him what he was here for. He started to move on his own, covering the club like rainfall.

“COME OUT! IT’S ME, HUGO.”

A tinge of urgency clung to his words as Hugo continued to leave nothing unexamined—first the tables, then the stairs before the tables again. His movements matched his breathing, erratic. And during the panic, he caught another glance at his watch.

7:41.

“GUYS! LET’S GO!”

Another shout escaped his lips as Hugo gritted his teeth. He hadn’t noticed the sweat until it stung his eyes. The shifter turned around and bolted to the stage with only one thought in mind: he was dead if they were late.

“H-Hugo. Is that really you?”

His eyes darted to the direction of the noise—he had recognized the voice. It came from the stairs and a familiar pair of shoes shown themselves on the steps. He had found them. Thank goodness. A wave of relief washed over him and the shifter let out a sigh. “I believe I found them, Remiel.” Hugo smiled uneasily at his companion before craning his neck to the group of students flowing from the lounge. He glared and raised his hand, motioning them to come over quickly.

“Ahh…” Hugo gave an audible tsk and placed his hands on his hips before continuing, “Come over and apologize to this man, punks. We don’t have any moment to spare, so do it correctly the first time.” One by one the students apologized—although, most of them stared at the ground—to Remiel. Turning to the man himself, Hugo formally bowed. “Thank you so much for your help!” It wasn’t much, but Hugo didn’t want to avoid showing his appreciation. The man had saved him from a lot of internal strife, after all. Straightening himself out, the shifter smiled.

“I don't know what I can do to repay you. I definitely owe you one in the future.”

7:46.

tags @remi | 409 words | notes: wrapping up

MADE BY STOAT

[Deleted]

Remiel felt a tinge of relief and a mild flare of irritation when Hugo declared that he'd found his wayward charges. He was a little amused by the abrupt change that came over the student as the trouble makers came into view. Suddenly he wasn't nearly so flustered and seemed to have pulled himself together quite well enough to give them a scolding.

Well, at least while in the hands of their keeper they were polite. His irritation quickly faded to something more akin to exasperated humor as one by one they made their very correct apologies. By the last one he was fighting laughter, the beginnings of a smile ruining any attempt at a stern expression. He might lose his sense of humor later if they'd done anything upstairs, but for now he simply resigned himself to a long night of making sure everything was in order.

"So long as no harm has been done, you are all forgiven. If anything has been damaged, destroyed, or taken not one of you will be welcome back here, regardardless of the hour." He turned to Hugo, not even bothering to hide a rather bemused smile. He returned the formal bow with one of his own, though not of the same culture as the younger man's.

"You have repaid me enough- I'm glad we got here before any real mischief was caused." He paused and pulled out a slim business card holder. From within it, he pulled out a plain ivory card with black lettering. "Here. If you want to stop by once the place is open this will get you through the door without the cover."

He ushered the group towards the door. Though Hugo had said they needed to get going, Remiel was not inclined to have them linger for his own reasons. He had work to do.

HYUK "HUGO" YOUN

[HYUK "HUGO" YOUN]

in our bones

A faint, bittersweet smile crept on the corners of Hugo’s mouth. Remiel was a gracious man and far more merciful than anyone he’d met before. Any other individual would have been furious for a multitude of reasons: at his underclassman for breaking into the club, at the wasted time it would take to fix their wrongdoings and at Hugo’s incompetence for losing them. The shifter could only blame himself for failing to look after his friends properly. It was his own folly. It had been his mistake and now he could only accept the card that Remiel handed to him.

“I will make sure to come by again, then.” Hugo blurted, pocketing the card without a second thought. “To properly repay you.” He grinned. A glint of determination had shown in his eyes—an indication that he would surely come back to Skin. Although the water had already been spilt, the boy wasn’t one to ignore the benevolence of those that helped him—his parents had raised him better than that. The Ha-neul Clan’s traditions and honor would have been soiled if he failed to return Remiel’s kindness. He hadn’t properly thought through how he would repay his debt, but he knew he’d feel uneasy if he didn’t. The guilt would have been simply unbearable.

After the group made their way out of the building, Hugo properly bowed in front to the building before standing properly. I will definitely return. Glancing at his watch, Hugo gasped and feverishly broke into a run. Restless arenaline slowly injected itself into him. “Let’s go guys, fifteen-minute sprint to Masquerade Academy! NOW!”

7:45.

As they ran through street corners beyond the moon’s touch, Hugo pulled out the ivory card. Exhilaration coursed through his veins. He shuddered as he read the black lettering, recounting the adventure he had just underwent. Although it was far from over—the curfew debacle was still present—he couldn’t help but feel victorious. He couldn’t help but feel fortunate, excited and grateful. Hugo laughed. The night was one to remember. He felt it in his bones.

tags @remi | 342 words | notes: finished!

MADE BY STOAT