It was well after noon when Everett decided to report in. He had gone back to Malcolm’s place to ensure that Caleb had returned safely before turning in just as the sun had started to rise. He then had to meticulously clean and bandage his injuries before allowing himself a moment’s rest. His sleep, however, was plagued with unsightly visions of his fears come to life. Coupled with the irritating outcome of his last night’s work and his choice words with his employer, Everett reminded himself to keep his temperament in check as he begrudgingly sat on a pew.
The older man had finished his praying. “You are rather late this day.”
“Am I?” Everett mused. “I had not noticed.”
The father simply walked past the blonde to collect a few of the tomes that had been left on the bench. “Shall you start with how the night went?” Hazel eyes drifted towards the man when it remained quiet. “Mr. Lothorn?” Said person remained silent. “Everett.”
“I wish to discuss a different matter entirely.”
“Your report–”
“Can wait.”
It was quiet for a moment before the other sighed heavily, “As long as it is not pertaining to Caleb’s arrangement.” The blonde scowled. “No matter how much you wish to protest, it is not up for discussion.”
It grew silent once more before Everett looked down at the silver pocket watch he carried. He opened then closed it as his attention drifted towards the older man that had resumed collecting the leftover books.
“I will be taking several days of leave.”
“Pardon?”
“I do know you are not hard of hearing,” came Everett’s reply as he got to his feet. “During my absence, Caleb will not be handling any assignments.”
“He does not require an intermission so soon. He started only the night before,” the other replied, “and that is not your decision to make.”
“Granted, he has made it back with God’s blessing. However, everything he has seen thus far requires time to process and recuperation would help if he is silently reeling from his experience. You know how stressful this line of work can be, especially on such a new hunter.” Evrett then turned his attention to the alter. “That being said, it would also serve the church well to preserve their hunters, would it not?”
“Everett.”
“Though I am now aware of his presence, for all I know, you could have been giving him the same assignment so that he could stay close and learn whether I wanted to be partnered with him or not. So, spare me the excuse of his first night of duty.” The blonde subtly clutched the pocket watch tighter. “Besides, you wanted us to work together so would you honestly risk him working alone this early on if I were to take a leave of absence?”
“I know what you are doing.”
Everett simply hummed to himself before heading towards the door. “So, what if you do? My report is in your chamber.”
“Everett.”
“I will see you in a few days' time, Father.”
Setting his bag down at the door, Everett looked about the modest home before venturing into the seating area.
“Caleb, is that you?”
“Would you care to try again?” Everett teased before peeking around the corner.
A chair nearly clattered to the floor in haste as its previous occupant grabbed a crutch stationed nearby. Grey eyes lit up at the sight of the blonde before their owner beckoned Everett to enter. The older man then hugged his visitor prior to patting his shoulders in welcome.
“I had not expected to see you for some time, Everett!”
“What, and stay away from you and Caleb?” Everett watched as the man laughed before being hugged once more. “Malcolm.”
“Oh, where are my manners,” Malcolm mused before gesturing to another chair not too far away. “Can I offer you something to drink? Tea? Water? Ale perhaps?”
“I should be asking you that,” Everett responded as he watched the other move past him for the kitchen. “Malcolm, come back. I can handle it.”
“Nonsense. It has been nearly two months since you last visited.” The man looked back to see Everett smiling sheepishly. “Everett.” A hum was all he received. “You do not have to be a stranger. Please make yourself at home.”
Everett hummed once more before rounding the man. “Very well,” he replied as he gestured for Malcolm to return to his seat.
“What are you doing?”
The blonde simply smiled at the seated man before walking into the kitchen as he heard his name being called. He returned sometime later with a kettle of hot water and cups. He hesitated, scowling inwardly, as his hands shook from strain. He even spilt some of the tea he had prepared though Malcom said nothing of the small mess as he was handed one of the cups.
They both drank in comfortable silence before Everett lowered his cup. “Are you still receiving reparations in a timely manner?” Malcolm grimaced and said nothing before finally nodding when the question came again. “Is there anything else you would like?”
Malcolm slowly watched the other drink his beverage. “I would like you to come home.”
There was a chuckle. “I am home.”
“You know what I meant.” Grey eyes then drifted towards the other's sleeves. "Tell me what happened.”
Everett continued to drink before having his arm seized. “Malcolm?”
The older man held a bit tighter before loosening his grip as he felt a slight tremor. Glancing down at the blonde’s arm, he could see red starting to seep through Everett’s sleeve before focusing on the cup that had shattered when it hit the floor. Releasing the man to see him hold his arm to his chest, Malcolm frowned as he watched Everett stoop down to collect the broken shards.
“Everett.” Said person continued collecting the pieces. “Show me your arm.”
“There’s no need,” he replied as he rose to his feet, “so please excuse me while I dispose of this mess.”
Malcolm grabbed him by the other arm to avoid the potential injury but was met with another shudder before one of the broken pieces of glass hit the floor. Watching as the Everett knelt down to retrieve it, Malcolm knocked it away with his crutch.
“Everett, I am ordering you to show me your arms.” It was silent as the blonde went rigid and slowly looked up at the man. “Now.”
His gaze skittered away before he presented his arms.
He willed himself not to jerk them away as the sleeves were rolled back to present reddened bandages. Fingers continued to prod at the bindings before pausing at the knot that secured them. Malcolm noted the subtle shakes coming from the blonde before he went to undo the knot.
The front door then swung against the wall with a heavy thud.
“Malcolm, I’m back!” Caleb announced as he kicked the thing shut behind him. He then entered the room in time to see Everett collecting the rest of the shattered cup. “Oh, welcome back.”
“Y...yes, thank you.” Caleb then watched his friend hurry out the room. “I was not expecting him back so soon.”
“Neither was I,” Malcolm replied as he listened to the back door swing shut.
The rest of the day was spent in pleasant conversation followed by a nice dinner in the evening. Staying behind as Caleb went upstairs to settle in for the night, Malcolm watched as the blonde carefully scrubbed at the bowls before grabbing a small box from the cupboard. He then took a seat at the table as he watched Everett work silently. It continued as such until the final dish was set aside.
“Everett, sit down.” Said person stared at the table as he sat down. “Give me your arms.”
Everett glanced at the box while rolling up his sleeves. He then stared at the reddened bandages before looking at the man that offered his hand. He soon watched Malcolm undo the wraps to observe his injuries. The older man had said nothing as his fingers carefully traced the jagged tears in flesh. He took care in cleaning then applying salve to the inflamed skin before finally rewrapping Everett’s arms without a word.
“Thank you.”
“Those are very fresh,” Malcolm mused as he put the box away. “I rather you tell me what happened rather than me ordering you.” He watched the mismatched eyes skitter away again. “Everett.” The younger male remained silent. “This is not like you. You are not reckless enough to take this type of damage.” Everett slowly looked up. “What happened?”
“There... was an attack,” he began, “and a woman got involved.”
“Is she alright?” Everett stared at the table. “I see. May God have mercy on her soul. Any other casualties?” Everett shook his head slowly as he observed the bandages. “Everett, tell me what happened.”
“I...”
The young hunter grew quiet as he contemplated on what to say.
He could have said that there were multiple attackers but Malcolm would know that Everett was capable enough to handle several adversaries without a scratch.
Malcolm had taught him that much.
He could say that he had been preoccupied with duties and was ambushed but Malcolm would figure he was lying.
The only other viable reason would be that he was distracted and it wasn’t due to the woman.
“Everett.” He flinched when he saw how close Malcolm had gotten. “You can tell me. I will not be angry with you.”
Everett hesitated before lowering his gaze. “I... I got careless.”
“Careless? You are not one to be careless, Everett,” Malcolm mused quietly as he watched the other. “What distracted you?”
“You think something distracted me?”
He received a pointed look. “Everett.”
The blonde scowled. “I have always worked alone,” he replied, “but now they want to give me a partner.” Everett slammed his hands on the table at the idea of it before flinching at the painful throb. “I have been fine by myself all this time yet they want to force me to take on a partner so suddenly... I do not need a partner.”
Watching Everett cradle his arms, Malcolm slowly set them on the table. “Modesty is a virtue. It does one good, Everett. Be mindful of that.”
“As well as all their other teachings that they love to remind me of.” It grew quiet for a moment. “Malcolm, I do not need a partner.”
“Your injuries and behavior say otherwise.”
Everett clicked his tongue. “I do not need a partner.”
“Ev-”
“You did not have a partner when you doing this so I do not need one either!”
“Ah, so that is your reasoning,” he concluded as he watched Everett sulk. “Everett, I have said this time and time again, you are not me. The least you could do is try not to be like me. If I had it my way, you would not be doing this. ”
“But I want to–”
“I understand you want to help but this –” His attention dropped back down to the bandaged arms. “– does not mean you conduct yourself in a way that can cause such harm. What if you were not as lucky next time?”
“This will not happen a second time.”
“Only God knows that to be true or not, Everett, and you know that.”
Everett sighed to himself as he examined the fresh bandages Malcolm had tied for him earlier that day. He flexed his fingers slowly, observing the small tremors, before he returned to reading. It had been almost two weeks since he had returned home and the slower pace was a pleasant change for the blonde.
He had taken advantage of being able to sleep in without the mental preparation of what task he would partake in the following night. He enjoyed not having to sit through objective briefings. He loathed having to prepare a casualty report. He hated the idea of having yet another lesson of morality shoved down his throat.
As much as he wanted to help, he loathed the intricate details of his duty.
How Malcolm had tolerated them for as long as he had was a mystery.
Everett could only imagine Caleb droning out the lectures so they would have fallen on deaf ears.
But that was nothing new.
It seemed like Caleb hardly listened to anything anymore despite him being much too old for a rebellious phase.
The door to his room being swung open announced the raven’s presence but it wasn’t accompanied with the familiar greeting Everett had become accustomed to. The door being kicked shut behind him was a pretty obvious indicator that the young man was a little more than annoyed with the blonde.
“Good Evening, Caleb.”
“How much longer are you going to be here?”
Everett looked towards his friend. “Are you tired of my presence already?”
“How could you tell the church not to give me tasks?”
‘Ah, so that is the reason...’ he mused to himself. “I cannot tell the church not to do something.” Caleb merely scowled before throwing a sealed envelope his way. “What is this?”
“Why not open it? Father wanted me to give it to you personally before sending me away.” He then watched as Everett carefully opened the envelope. “What does it say?”
I do hope that your time with your family has been a rejuvenating experience for you, dear Everett.
The Church and I look forward to safe return very soon.
May you have the Lord’s blessing.
Sincerely, Father Lawrence
Placing the letter back into its envelope, Everett looked back at the messenger before offering a smile. “Father is hoping I am enjoying my time off with my family. How thoughtful.”
Snatching the letter away to read it himself, Caleb glowered before glaring at the blonde. “I am not going to get an assignment as long as you are here, am I?”
A smile tilted the corners of Everett’s mouth. “Are you tired of my presence already?”
Smiling while the raven fumed, Everett waited for Caleb to storm out, swearing under his breath as he left, before retrieving the letter from the floor. Eyeing the contents once more, Everett’s smile flattened before he shoved the letter beneath his pillow as his door opened once more.
Malcolm entered with a concerned expression. “Everett, I just saw Caleb storming down the hall. Is all well between the two of you?”
“All is well.” The usual smile took its place. “It is growing late, however, so I will be retiring for the night.”
“I see...” Grey eyes observed the smile a moment more before Malcolm turned to towards the door. “Everett.” Said person perked before Malcolm just shook his head. “Never mind. Have a goodnight.”
Bidding his guardian the same, Everett checked the hall after a few minutes before locking his door. Retrieving the letter, he glared at the thing before shoving it in his pack when he decided against ripping it to shreds. Walking over to his wardrobe, he packed some of his clothes and several books before turning in for the night.
The following morning was met with relative normalcy as the trio ate breakfast. Light conversation was to be had though it was still awkward.
Caleb gave curt answers to anything Everett had asked while Everett was somewhat out of sorts with how long it took to answer inquiries from Malcolm.
The older man watched the pair but had yet to address the inconsistencies with the young wards before hearing a knocking at the front door.
Both Caleb and Everett rose to their feet. “I will get it.”
The raven glared while the blonde offered a simple smile, much to his companion’s chagrin. Pinching the bridge of his nose as he rose to his feet, Malcolm signaled both to sit and eat before going to answer the door himself. Opening the door to be greeted by a man in dark robes, Malcolm stepped outside and pulled the door shut behind him.
“Father Lawrence, to what do I owe the honor of a house call?”
The other chuckled as he placed a hand on his shoulder. “You know you need not the formalities with me, Malcolm.”
Grey eyes drifted towards the hand at his shoulder until it was promptly removed. “It is quite early, Father. Is there something I can assist you with? I was in the middle of breakfast with my boys.”
“Ah, yes; well, please excuse my intrusion then,” Lawrence requested as he withdrew a small, but hefty satchel. He then offered it with a smile. “Hopefully this makes up for it.”
Malcolm took the bag to inspect what was inside before closing it quickly. He then grimaced at the prospect before holding the satchel out for the man to take back, much to the other’s surprise.
“No.” The father tilted his head in question. “That is far too much money.”
It was silent for a moment.
“The amount is not your true concern.”
Malcolm stared at the bag of money before glancing back at the closed door. “He is still injured.”
“You should know more than anyone that that does not stop one in this line of work, Malcolm.” Grey eyes hardened as he clenched his hand at his side. “He volunteered knowing that as well but –” Lawrence weighed the bag of money in his hand. “ – you may return in his place if you are concerned for his wellbeing.”
“Lawr– ”
The gentlemen turned towards the door as it to reveal the blonde munching on a piece of bread as he adjusted his bag. Mismatched eyes flitted between the two older men before landing on the bag of money. Everett then placed it in Malcolm’s hand, giving a slight smile, as he walked by.
“Thank you for breakfast, Malcolm. It was delicious, per usual.”
His guardian made a grab for the strap to his bag. “Ev–”
Glancing at the hand, Everett danced out of reach before smiling at the man. “I had a nice time here but I should get back. This line of work waits for no one.”
“Ev–”
“I will see you soo–” Startled by the hug, Everett slowly looked back at the man. “Mal–?”
“Just...stay safe, alright?”
Everett looked down momentarily before smiling at the man. “You know I will.”
"Everett.”
Said person looked back at the newcomer before patting the arms hugging him. “I will be back soon.”
After a bit more preening, Everett walked down the path with Father Lawrence at his side. He wasted no time swiping away the hand that had been placed on his shoulder before glaring at the older man that interrupted his vacation time.
“What right do you have doing what you did? Everett growled under his breath. “I was going to come back!”
“It would be best if you kept your temper in check.”
“It would be best if you–!”
“It was not a suggestion.”
Everett glowered as he walked alongside the man. “The money.”
“What about it?”
“That bag was much heavier than usual.”
“Well, that was both your and Caleb’s pay.”
“That doesn’t explain the weight.”
Sharp eyes slid towards the younger hunter. “In the time you have been away, fifteen hunters have died.” Everett stopped as the man continued to walk. “But to answer your previous inquiry, the bag was heavier because you will not be returning home any time soon.”
“You cannot –!”
“I cannot force you to take on an assignment,” he mused thoughtfully. “Perhaps I should task Caleb with this next assignment? However, he is still fairly new and you forced my hand on not giving him any easier tasks to gain the required experience.”
Everett clenched his hands into fists. “You...”
“Considering the circumstances, I could ask Mal–”
“No!” Lawrence looked back to see Everett shaking his head. “No,” he said coolly before offering a smile, “that will not be necessary, Father.” He then walked past the man before looking over his shoulder. “I eagerly await the details of this new assignment.”
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