| As the Hours Pass | (mxmxm)

chapter eight

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|✷𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣✷|
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The way back to the apartment seemed like the longest of the guardian's existence, the shivering form in his arms still clung to him. Deep down Wynter knew that this male didn't want to, his body was just so exhausted of fighting that he just gave in.

Wynter lightly thanked the universe to himself that he was the one that got to him before somebody else did. He could not read anything about this frail, blonde male... he didn't even know his name which was the weirdest thing. All he had was a vision, a vision of the male falling and the leaky red going all over the pavement. He didn't know who that male was, but he knew it could not happen like that... end like that.

Only to find out, he was right where he needed to be.

As he stepped onto the stairwell that led to Avry's apartment, he could feel the other male's saddened energy.

It had been early the next morning and he had completely forgotten that he had abruptly left Avry for the male in his hands. How would he apologize for that, let alone explain it.

Inside the apartment, Finn's ears perked up and he started panting. He trotted over to the door, softly pawing at it. That had caught Avry's attention, the male was in a pair of dark grey sweats and an oversized band t-shirt.

The darker haired male moved closer as the front door opened, naturally he would have been alarmed - however he had a deep feeling that it had to be Wynter.

Avry pulled open the door only to go a bit wide eyed at the sight. Wynter was in fact back, but there was a male in his arms. A blonde, clinging to him like a life vest.

The blonde male with the bruises kept his attention away from Avry, obviously ashamed to even remotely meet his eyes.

Wynter stepped in with the male, Finn trotting up and sniffing the air due to the newcomer. The dark haired guardian setting the blonde down on the couch and moved away. The cream colored border collie moved up to the male resting on the couch, softly flinching. Though when Finn rested his chin on top of the male's leg and started wagging his tail, he knew it was okay.

Avry blinked soon walking after Wynter.

Managing to get in front of him, the guardian paused.

"My - my apologies, I am just gathering an ice pack and some..." Wynter trailed off trying to think of the item.

"Wynter."

The guardian blinked, looking at Avry.

"I am assigned to both of you. That is Karsin..."

Avry's attention washed over the male before him, though soon nodding. He didn't quite know the whole story, nor did it really make any sense. Though he just nodded and moved away.

Wynter thinking Avry had grown upset for bringing a random person into his home, he started after the shorter male. Soon being greeted by a large green stimmed item.

He looked at it, surprised Avry seemed to know exactly what he wanted. Of course not expected a chilled aloe vera leaf, but it epukd definitely do the trick.

Avry gathered the items and headed back into the living room, taking a seat next to the male by the name of Karsin.

"Here," he handed off the ice pack wrapped in a cloth. When the male didn't react he slowly moved it the the male's blackened eye.

Karsin winced to the feeling as Avry spoke again, "Just hold that up to it, that will ease the ache and help the swelling go down."

Finn had moved away, circling around Wynter as he moved in front of the two. Kneeling down more so in front of Karsin, concern laced in his crystal colored eyes.

Avry started peeling back the green leaf, exposing the clear insides of the plant. Pulling off a chunk and softly moving toward Karsin again.

"This is an aloe vera plant, it's one of the oldest organic pain remedy. With it's cooling sensation and healing benefits. It helps even more being chilled."

The small darker haired male softly started rubbing Karsin's bruised skin. The blonde had winced, causing the pointy eared guardian to frown.

"I understand you're quite confused and feel out of place, but I'll do my best to help you understand and be comfortable," Avry softly spoke.

Karsin in a slow manner, lightly looked over at Avry. Not having been used to such a calm environment. It was definitely a change and very fucking confusing. He blinked and looked down at his nails that were clipped so close to the nail beds. A precaution for him not to harm himself.

Wynter immediately moved closer and took Karsin's hands in his. Meeting his eyes, the blonde stiffened.

"Never again," Wynter whispered.

Avry paused looking at the make kneeling before Karsin, a bit confused. Though only until the guardian started talking again.

"I'd never let anything like that happen ever again, I'll even shut down those thoughts as quick as they appear," Wynter spoke so lightly that it sent a chill down Karsin's spine.

Ultimately taking a soft, yet firm hard and gliding it slightly under Karsin's eye. A tear softly beginning to pool, though Wynter softly wiped it away.

He knew Karsin's whole life down to a tee, his mannerisms and what he was thinking even though he couldn't read minds like the other guardians. Such a broken person, though Wynter wasn't going to let him stay shattered alone.

Karsin lightly frowned and pulled away, it would take some time for the blonde to feel comfortable around the stranger.

In effort to shift the emotion in the room, Avry softly stood.

"I made dinner earlier, it's still warm on the stove."

He looked at Karsin, "Vegetable soup sound good to you?"

Of course, the uneasy male didn't respond, but Avry moved away and headed into the kitchen.

A few seconds later Karsin stood and walked after him. Grabbing the male, sort of shocking Avry a bit. They met eyes for a few seconds, sharing the deafening silence.

"I don't know what happened to you, but you don't have to be afraid. I promise," Avry spoke.

"You can tell me on your own time."

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[a/n: two years later 🙄]