forum Open OxO (open for multiple)

Started March 18, 2022 by @Fraust

tune

"You too!" He said, waving as he walked back out. Haven't had a date in a while… how horribly can this end?

(I'll go ahead and skip to then)

Nathaniel arrived at the bean soup shop early and sat at a table next to a see-through wall to wait for Axton to arrive. He fidgeted nervously with his hands. I haven't had a date in ages… does this count as a date? I'm not really sure…

Axton walked in, scanning the human containment unit for Nathaniel, smiling when he saw him. Why can't I shake the feeling of being watched?

"Hi! I haven't ordered yet since I don't know what you like…" Nathaniel got to his groundhands, smiling nervously. "How are you? Are you alright?" He asked. "Slept well? S-Sorry, I'm nervous… haven't done this sorta thing in a while."

"Hey, it's fine." He said gently, smiling softly at him. Why can't I shake the feeling- "How about we go order, angel?"

"Sounds good." Nathaniel flushed lightly in embarrassment and laughed softly as he followed Axton up to the counter. He ordered a Mocha with all sorts of sugary things added; evidently he wasn't a huge fan of bean soup without an insane amount of sugar added.

Axton smiled, ordering a simple black bean soup, quickly glancing at the wobbly flip-shutter when it opened.

Nathaniel didn't pay any mention to the wobbly flip-shutter and was rambling about something unimportant as he sipped at what could scarcely even be considered bean soup. "So, um… what do you like to do? Do you have a job?" He asked curiously.

"Yeah. In… Sales." He lied, turning to see who had just come in, and feeling his human syrup run cold when he did.

(Idk who it is sdfgjkl)

"Sales?" Nathaniel glanced over Axton's shoulder to see who had come in, his peepers wide with curiosity.

"Yeah." He said, nodding as he kept a close peeper on the higher-up demon. That's never a good sign-

Nathaniel shrugged and looked back to Axton. "That's… that's interesting. Do you have any family? Friends?" He asked, fidgeting with his hands. Wonder if he knows that guy. I guess it doesn't really matter. Maybe they work in sales together.

"Not in the area, no." He said, before taking a sip of his bean soup.

"Alright…" Not giving me a whole lot… "M-Me either. I'm not sure how my parents are doing, and my brother's… ah… been gone a while. B-But you probably don't care about that. Um… is there anything you want to talk about?" He asked awkwardly, still pretty nervous.

Axton hummed softly. "Um… what kinda music ya like?"

"Music? Um… I'll listen to just about any genre other than country and rap." Nathaniel laughed softly. "Rock kinda hurts my ears too… um… I like stuff that sounds noice. What about you?"

He smiled a tiny bit. "Hippie shit, basically. Fleetwood Mac is probably my favorite, though…"

Nathaniel nodded with a soft smile. "That's interesting… um… do you have any hobbies? Art, music…?"

"I play a little strumma-plucka, I haven't had much time to practice lately, though." He said, feeling a chill run up his spine again. I swear if he's behind me-

"That's cool! I do a bit of blacksmithing, actually… I make decorative blades as a side hustle." He smiled brightly. "I like to sing, too, but I don't really do that for anything in particular… Mm? howdy, partner? Can we help you?" He asked curiously, looking up at something behind Axton.

The higher-up placed a hand on Axton's shoulder, digging its nails into his skin. "Axton. I need to speak with you."

Axton nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat as he got up. "I'll be right back."

Nathaniel paled a bit, tightening his hold on his bean soup cup. "A-Ah… um… alright." Hopefully he'll be okay… that guy is super scary.

Axton followed them into the back alley, feeling his hands start to shake.

"You're falling behind."

"I'm grinding gears on it, sir. People aren't as easily enticed now. I've been chipping away at them."

"It's no excuse-!"

Nathaniel stared down at the table, waiting for Axton to return, but he was starting to get pretty worried after a while. He considered for a bit and hesitated before he got up and quietly headed outside to make sure Axton was okay.

Axton gasped as he felt his back hit the wall. "I'll get there, I promise, I'm sorry-"

"I have half a mind to-"

"Please, I'll get it, please don't throw me into the Pit-"

Nathaniel's heart started racing when he saw Axton being threatened by this stranger and he wasn't sure what to do. I can't just stand here! He might get hurt! So, while admittedly not brain brewing about it too much, Nathaniel pulled out a pocket stabby stick and rushed forward. "L-Leave him alone!" He insisted to the stranger, tightly gripping his stabby stick in his trembling hands.

Axton looked over, mismatched peepers wide. "Nathaniel, no!"

The demon turned to face him, growling. "You dare interrupt me?"

"Don't… d-don't hurt Axton…" Nathaniel repeated weakly, quickly starting to lose his confidence. His wings were puffed up with fear, but he still kept them arched high in a defensive position in an attempt to look more intimidating.

"Nathaniel, just go, please-"

"This does not concern you." They said, dropping Axton to approach them.

Nathaniel took a step back, his heart pounding hard in his chest. "S… stop it. Go away… go away!" He held the stabby stick up a bit more to protect himself.