Fawn

[petty_dabbler]

John hadn't checked in with any contacts, he hadn't really read the papers, and hadn't been keeping on his fringe websites. He was in love, and he didn't want to waste a moment. He had no idea how long this was last, but he was all in...to the detriment of the rest of his life.

He'd taken Fawn out and they'd got 99's. The weather took a turn, though, and the pair found themselves eating ice cream in the rain under an awning. John smiled at him, but the smile fell as the rai stopped falling. Not ended, simply froze in the air. The curtain of water parted and ahandsome Black man with orange-gold eyes stepped.

"Constantine," he said, then looked at Fawn as if he was rubbish. "Fae."

"Manny," John replied, "What do you want?"

He subtly slipped closer to Fawn and put his arm around him protectively.

Comments

[fawnthefae]

Fawn still looked annoyed, and he angrily ate his 99 as he listened to the pair.

[petty_dabbler]

"You're not looking hard enough, John. And you're not looking near enough," Manny said. "It's coming, and it's right under your feet."

"Could you be a little less cryptic/ Before I get a shovel and dig a hole?" he snapped.

That was when Manny turned his full attention on Fawn.

"The one of these that's here, the half mortal one, he can lead you to it. But I'm going to warn you now, Constantine, you'd do well to burn the faeries and move on."

[fawnthefae]

Fawn had been behaving, but he hissed loudly at that, moving like he might attack. He hadn't bitten anyone yet, but today could be the day that changed.

[petty_dabbler]

John shot between them before Manny could smite Fawn. He knew he would, without hesitation.

"Thanks for the life advice, mate, but let's get back to this rising business," he said, a little panicked. "So I look to Fin. Anything more than that to go on?"

"What is coming isn't from Hell, John. It's from time. Beyond Our Father. Older than a mortal mind can imagine. You're going to have your work cut out for you."

"If it's so serious, you're gonna help a bloke out, right, Manny?" John asked, flashing a charming smile.

The rain began to fall again and the angel was gone.

[fawnthefae]

Fawn was still hissing, and huffed as he pulled away.

"I want to bite him," he snarled

[petty_dabbler]

"Best you didn't, love," John said, gently rubbing his arm.

"If Manny saw fit to pay a visit, this is serious. I'm going to have to get back to work."

[fawnthefae]

"Bit we are having fun," Fawn said softly. "If you work you leave."

[petty_dabbler]

"I know," he nodded. "And I'm having the time of my life. But I also have a responsibility to protect people."

[fawnthefae]

The fae was still frowning, but fell silent for a moment. He wasn't going to tell John he couldn't take care of people.

"Your friend is rude," he said finally.

[petty_dabbler]

"He is absolutely not my friend," he chuckled. "He's a pain in my ass."

He gobbled up his half melted treat and licked his lips.

"Do you want to brave the rain to get to the car?" John grinned.

[fawnthefae]

"Must we go home?" Fawn asked sadly. "You intend to start working right this moment?"

[petty_dabbler]

"I do. But I could use your help. If you'd like to. Help, I mean."

It hadn't occurred to him until that moment that Fawn might want to be out of this completely.

[fawnthefae]

Fawn pouted, but nodded.

"I will help if I am able."

[petty_dabbler]

Before going anyplace, John caught his face in both hands and kissed him soundly.

[fawnthefae]

Fawn purred into the kiss, holding on tighter in return before reluctantly letting go.

[petty_dabbler]

"Let's go home," he smiled softly. "We'll start with the cards."

He led him to the car and once he was in he turned on the defrost to keep the windows clear. It was much too hot and stuffy. That didn't last, though, when he opened the window to smoke.

[fawnthefae]

"You smoke a lot," Fawn noted. "Let me taste one."

[petty_dabbler]

"No. They're bad for you," he replied, the cigarette bobbing between his lips as he spoke.

"And once you start, it's hard to stop. No."

[fawnthefae]

Fawn huffed, but didn't argue.

[petty_dabbler]

He took a drag and blew it out the window.

"You know I'm sick. This is why," he said. "Cigarettes cause a disease called cancer."

[fawnthefae]

"Why would you smoke then? That is stupid," Fawn said bluntly.

[petty_dabbler]

"Tremendously stupid," he agreed. "But it's too late now."

[fawnthefae]

"Is that why you don't stop?" Fawn asked.

[petty_dabbler]

"Partly," he nodded. "It's a habit. An addiction. And I've done it since I was twelve."

No good reasons, really. Not a single one.

[fawnthefae]

"How old are you now?" Fawn asked, realizing he had no idea of John's age.