The ride back to the bleak town of Shadowcrest Court was nice. The monster, which had been staring at you the whole time, was cuffed inside a cage on a wagon. Rye had brought horses along with three other bounty hunters. Earl Grey, sent by Jasmine Tea, was steering the cart.
Cactus and Sand cookie rode on either side of the carriage, Sand and Rye being on the right with you and Cactus on the left. Your horse, a beautiful black and white dappled stallion named Sakura, was sniffing at the cart as you steadily rode along. It seemed even she hated the naga within it.
The town you entered was the same as it always was. Taverns and bars open, rainwater collected in the holes of the cobblestone roads, every single Victorian styled building was a dark, jet black with the only light being available from the yellow windows.
The town was eerily silent, as it always had been. It catered to mainly runaway soldiers, escaped convicts, and shady businesses. Like you yourself were involved with. Swallowing, you adjusted the reigns and trotted up to Earl Grey. "Put him in the basement. Tell Twizzly and Chilli I said it was okay." The sophisticated man nodded and yipped at the mares, heading the cart towards your own little mini mansion of a business house.
"Drinks on me, guys. Let's go to Mooncrow's!" The small party cheered and raced down the left road, tying the horses to the fence of the saloon. The bar smelled of alcohol and cigarettes, much to your distaste. Ciggs smelled like absolute dog shit.
You sat down on a bar stool, Juniper cookie heading over. "A round of Fireball whiskey, eh?" He nodded and turned around, shaking the cinnamon bottle and starting the drinks. "Thanks, boss," Sand noted, slapping you on the back. You grunted in response, watching the man shake the glass, the ice turning a light red due to the coloring of the whiskey.
"Are you really gonna sell that thing for breedin'?" Rye asked, taking off her hat. You nodded, blinking. "His scales and face markings are really pretty. He'll make some good, profitable nagas. Hey, Cactus, how did your phoenix thing sell?" The green haired man perked up, smirking. "She sold for ten thousand. I used the money to go capture a blue one. Rarer, y'know?"
You nodded, sniffing as your drink was server. Bringing it to your lips, you allowed the stuffy, burning liquid to slosh down your throat. The name lived up to its taste; fiery and hot. Everyone else coughed at the intensity of the drink, but you just smirked and ordered another. Juniper smiled fondly. It was his signature drink, and you were one of few who could stand it.
Late into the night you arrived home, yawning and tying your horse into the stable. Heading inside, you noted the sight of Twizzly passed out on the sofa and Chilli face planted onto the table, a champagne bottle open near her left hand. "Smart, aren't they?"
You jumped, seeing Earl Grey appear from the kitchen. Running a hand through your hair, you unbuckled your belt and sighed. "Hardest workers I could find." He leaned against the wall, eyebrow perked. "Is that so?"
You didn't answer, throwing your holster on the table and walking to the kitchen. The fridge had multiple foods, but you decided to just grab a health bar from the cupboard. Two hands wrapped around your waist and you sighed as fluffy, shiny hair met your neck. "Earl, not now. Im tired." He grunted before smiling. "You always are," he exhaled, stuffing his nose into your neck. "Do you even love me?"
"Don't start this again. Im serious."
"I know, I know. The answer to that is still no."
"Earl-"
"Its okay, because I still love you."
You bit your lip and closed your eyes. It hurt knowing you couldn't love your former lover. A mission gone wrong had left you paralyzed for a few months and most of your memory had been wiped. Everything was blurry and static-filled most of the time.
Everyone had stated you and Earl Gray were a power couple, yet you found yourself revolted at the thought of even loving anyone. A straight turned aro ace due to a fall off a horse. He kissed your neck and let go, allowing you to eat your bar and turn around. "Shh," you whispered, noticing the tears forming. He hugged you tightly but then let go, wiping his molecule.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
You nodded and watched him go, eyes dull. Oh right! You trotted to the stairwell and went downstairs, seeing the naga rolled up in a coil. He was asleep, huh? You tapped the iron bar of the cage, making him turn on his side.
"Hey, you need something?" His eyes narrowed as he stared, then licked his lips with his forked tongue. "I dont see why you'd care." You raised an eyebrow, shrugging. "You're just an animal to me; but I still take care of my animals."
The naga laughed, then sighed. "Water, maybe." You nodded and tossed him the bottle attached to the side of your leg. He opened it and swallowed in one gulp, making you squint. You turned to leave, but only gripped the handle of the stairs when he called for you.
Stopping, you turned to look at the beast. "Yes?"
"What's your name?"
"..... Y/N."
"I'm Affogato."
"I wish I could say it was a pleasure to meet you," you stated solemnly. Then you returned to your descent up the stairs, leaving the snake-man alone.
