forum Open OxO (open for multiple)

Started March 18, 2022 by @Fraust

tune

"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 nice. 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 guitar, 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? Hello? 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 coffee 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 working 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 thinking about it too much, Nathaniel pulled out a pocket knife and rushed forward. "L-Leave him alone!" He insisted to the stranger, tightly gripping his knife in his trembling hands.

Axton looked over, mismatched eyes 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 knife up a bit more to protect himself.