Back in the present, Simon's apartment...

While Miela waited for Simon to return with Eris, she approached the aquarium on the far end of the room, she marveled at the curated seascapes Simon had created within the forty-gallon tank. The aquarium was divided into thirds, each section's design differing from the rest.

The first section, on the far left was vibrant and colorful. Coral reef adorned rock formations lined against the back of the wall. A few small caves were nestled within it. Just outside, near the from of the tank sat half of a sunken ship nestled with the substrate.

An archway of rocks acted as gateways, dividing the section where the beta fish gracefully swarmed.

In the middle, lie a section consisting of vine-like plants exuding lush greenery. It created a serene and natural underwater forest ambient. The shared wall of rock, now featured algae and bits of driftwood leaning against it. The vines sparsely placed within often sway as a few of the fish pass through. Tiny ceramic fairies were hidden among the foliage, adding a touch of whimsy.

The third area featured a sandy sunken ruin of sorts. While for the most part, it was simply a sandy bottom with pebbles and shells scattered about. While there were Jagged rocks lining the edges of the section, and a broken castle surrounded by small mermaid figurines centered this section. It was big enough to be noticeable whilst remaining small enough to ensure there was an ample enough room for the wish to swim freely.

Nearing the end of her journey through the varying seascapes, Miela thought of Simon.

Soon she heard Simon's footsteps approaching. Miela looked back to see if Eris accompanied him, and sure enough, she did.

As the two entered, Miela climbed onto the sofa and watched them curiously.

Simon guided Eris to a seat beside Miela and sat across from them.

"So, what are we doing Simon?" Inquired Miela.

Slumping into the sofa, Simon glanced up at the ceiling. "I want to swing by my other address after checking the hospitals for Nyala... No one knows about this place, so If anyone's targeting me next, they should check the other address."

Now in the loop, Eris perked up and asked, "If that's the case... You shouldn't risk being seen, Simon. How do you intend to approach?"

"I'm not too sure yet, I don't have a car... Not too many white wolves either so walking clearly isn't an option. Hmm, either the two of you go or we need to acquire a vehicle."

Miela asked, "If we did acquire a car, what information could you gather from just, passing by? And who could we trust enough to do that?"

"A lot, you see, given the nature of this situation. We need to assume outright that I am, next. If we see nothing, we need to assume they're watching. I haven't been to that apartment in quite some time. Meaning they'd have never saw me enter."

As he laid his head on the arm rest of the sofa, he continued, "This means, they'll think I'm already onto them, in turn making them more cautious or... To them, they might assume I should be swinging by soon. Either way, If anyone's stationed there, they'll need to do so whilst trying to get me to think it's clear. As far as trust, no one comes to mind.."

"So we just assume they're there? What's the point of visiting then?"

Eris interrupts, "Assuming one's at a disadvantage, in the right hands, can prove advantageous Miela. I'm sure Simon was going to elaborate."

"Aptly said Eris, as for why we check, we're gauging our enemy. This simple check, dictates every move we take from here. If there's nothing, we know they're calculated. If not, we can assume otherwise..."

"I see." replied Miela.

"About the car-"

Upon recalling a conversation she had yesterday, Jacob mentioned getting a job. As he was adamant in telling everyone. Caring, and curious, Eris inquired about it.

"Jacob, might be able to help with that, Simon."

Simon glanced at Eris, "How so?"

Chuckling, she replies, "He works security for a cab driver."

As it clicked, Miela marveled, "The cabby actually gave him a job!? That's so cool to see."

"Hm, you're aware?" Inquired Eris.

Speaking with her hands, and dawning a smile, Miela went on to reply, "Yeah, when Simon and I took a taxi to..."

As she paused, the brief distraction of joy, fled. Reminded of the grim scene that followed.

"Jason's..."

Simon didn't respond because he didn't mind, he was far too fixed on what lie ahead. Though he was saddened, much of it was converted into anger. An anger that had subsided, for now.

"It's getting late, that and Jacob was tired. We'll ask about it in the morning. Feel free to sleep on the couch." said Simon, all whilst walking over to the hallway closet and withdrew a set of folded, fluffy blankets.

After passing out the blankets, Simon walked to his bedroom door and paused, before heading inside.

His bedroom, like many of his rooms, was a harmonious blend of both black, and white. Adverse to the times, Simon's bed room walls were painted black. With white tiled floors adorning a black carpet.

Centering the wall to his left, stood a sleek black bed, in contrast its sheets were white and haphazardly tucked in. A simple desk was stationed across from the bed, topped with a few potted plants.

Their colors adding a pop of contrast to the otherwise monochromatic room of blacks and whites. A closet door was to the right of the desk.

Opened, one could see the his clothes and other miscellaneous items lingering within. A few white framed photos sat along various parts of the wall, all of which were empty...

Aside from the nightstand carrying a lamp and the bookshelf sitting to the left of the desk, there was much else in the way of décor.

Closing the door behind him and retreating into the bed, he tugged at the blankets and wrapped himself with ease. Sprawled out across the soft mattress, he laid there for a moment before tossing his robe far behind him. With it edging the rim of the bed, he kicked it off and extended his limbs, stretching.

Like many nights before, in this moment, as he met the mattress, he grew attuned to casting the worries and problems of life, aside.

There's something about drifting into sleep. Feeling your mind ease off, the ceasing tension, and the slight weight felt. For Simon, it was a much needed reprieve.

A While Later In The Living Room...

Eris, laying on the sofa with her blanket, couldn't sleep. Sitting up, she glanced around. Though accompanied only by the dim lights emitting from the fish tank, she could see astutely well in the dark. Wrapping herself in the blanket, she quietly got up and walked toward Simon's door.

There, she extended a hand, hesitating.

Darting up from the edge of the sofa near Simon's door, Miela whispered, "Eris!?! Where are you going!?!"

Her dropped to her side and her posture erected. Visibly embarrassed, she quietly stammered, "I-I, uh"

Leaning to face Miela, she corrected herself and with a slight hint of annoyance, continued, "Miela, why are you still up!?!"

Miela verted her gaze and whispered a response, "I can't sleep, not with what's going on! What I was followed here-"

Getting slightly closer, Eris promptly interrupted, "Can't you recall!?! I stalked you upon arrival, you weren't!!"

"That's-that's..." stammered Miela. She retracted and thought of a reply, she still didn't want to left alone.

Keen on Eris's intent, Miela grinning, leans in with a pointed finger and quietly blurts out, "Still, you can't just leave me here. Oh no, YOU OWE ME!! Bigtime! You can't leave me!"

Curious, Eris leans with an attentive whisper, "Hmm, How so?"

With a sly smile, Miela replied, "Just know you do!!"

I owe, you... Hmm... I see, maybe, I do... Well-

Snatching Miela into a firm grasp, Eris smirked and whispered, "I suppose I do, yes."

Nuzzling Miela into the ventral feathers lining her neck and breast, Eris knew full well what Miela intended. She contrarily whispered, "And If Miela's afraid to be alone, well, she'll just have to come with..."

"Wait no, Eris-no! This isn't what I meant..." Miela response trailed off into silence as Eris opened the door.

The door slowly opened and Eris with Miela in hand walked in.

As she walked in and quietly closed the door behind her, with Miela in hand, she froze.

Noticing, Miela whispered, "What the hell, I don't wanna stand here watching him sleep!"

Eris propped Miela up and whispered into her ear, "That wasn't my intent, I-I'm nervous. This isn't something I should be doing... but I can't pass on this chance!"

Miela didn't reply, with Eris's current actions blinding her from her initial fear, she thought to herself.

What did I do...

She looked around desperately, hoping to find some excuse to have Eris take her out of the room.

"Eris-Eris, I-I need to use the bathroom!" Asserted Miela.

"I doubt that."

Uh dammit, oh!

"Eris, look there's no room. He sprawled out on the bed-"

Eris stifled her chuckle and raised Miela to meet her widened gaze.

"Oh Miela, there's plenty of room."

Miela, it's far too late to backtrack...

In a last ditch attempt, Miela attempted to jump out of Eris's arms, and for a moment she did! Only to be caught by Eris and nestled into a firmer grasp.

Dammit!!

Eris cuffed Miela into one arm while she prepared to climb onto the bed. Simon was sprawled out and had majority of the blanket. Peeling the blanket, Eris saw Simon's firm muscular arms.

It had dawned on her that he wasn't wearing his robe, which insinuated one thing. Smiling, retracted from the bed and walked over to Simon's bedroom door and glanced at Miela.

"O-my god! Thank you Eris!"

Click

Miela met the origin of the click. Eris locked Simon's door and stepped back to the bed. With a devilish smile, she laid her feathered finger on Miela lips before removing her clothes.

Miela, again froze.

Wha-wha, oh my. I should've just kept quiet. I-I I'm stuck in here...

Eris grabbed Miela and stared at her for a moment.

Miela was equally quiet. While their gaze met, both had separate intent. Miela's eyes were wide and shaky.

What is she thinking... What the hell! is she thinking...

Whilst Eris's eyes narrowed, assessing Miela for, something...

Yes...

Eris eyed the clothes on Miela body, to which Miela, of course took note of.

Oh no, oh no...

Miela immediately attempted to struggle, out of Eris's grasp. Unfortunately for Miela, Eris anticipated this and used Miela's squirming to assist in removing her clothes. With deftly spider-like hands, she undressed Miela. Popping the jean's pant button and swiped off her underwear.

Miela stopped and instinctively covered her exposed bottom half. Eris paused and smiled at Miela before whispering, "It all needs to go..."

Following this, Eris flipped Miela a few times.

As she was tossed mid air she looked at Eris's smile.

You-you bastard... That damn smile, she's know I can't say anything because that'll wake Simon... I don't want to be seen like this... Oh my god!!!

After juggling Miela, eventually, Miela inevitably grew dizzy from the constant changes in motion and orientation. After the final catch, Eris removed her top and tossed it aside.

Miela placed a hand on her head and quietly muttered, "You're... you're an asshole Eris..."

Eris snickered and firmly nestled Miela like a baby in one arm.

Eris glanced back at the bed and opted to do something else instead.

Walking around the bed, she took her finger and tickled Simon's ear. She twirled the feather gently around the back of his ear, causing it to twitch in response. After a bit more, Simon started moving.

Eris, with Miela in hand ducked. Shifting was heard atop the bed, as the two lay hidden by the side of it.

Miela's body tensed, her eyes darted around the room, struggling to find an escape. In the nude, and with her own breast nestled against Eris's... And with her arm, lining her back and grasping her leg, Eris's firm ruffled feathers crept along and tickled her.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

As the movement ceased, Eris poked her head up and saw Simon laying on his back. Quietly motioning atop the bed she lifted the blanket and slowly crept next to Simon.

Eris had positioned herself to be right beside him and eased the weight of her head onto his arm. When that succeeded, she inched closer and raised her leg in order to rest it on his body.

Miela was burrowed between the between Eris's neck and Simon's armpit. Watching her leg creep down, and prepare to wrap over Simon's leg, she went on to think.

How could she-she be so brazen about this!?!

With Eris's leg now on Simon, Miela could feel the already racing heart of Eris thump. Eris's thigh began started creeping further.

Miela, barely audibly, whispered, "Eris! That's enough!!"

Eris breathing grew heavy. As Eris placed her leg on the other side, Miela felt a whole lot of moisture graze her.

Oh, my, god, Eris!!!!

Eris climbed over Simon, positioning herself above him, nearly mounting him in the process. With heavy breathing and a racing heart, her legs convulsed and she collapsed onto to Simon, clenching him as she let a deep moan followed by a flow of release.

With his lower half soaked and the feeling of a body pressed into his, Simon woke up and glanced around before reaching for the lamp.

With a click, he saw Eris and felt something moving by his arm. Pausing, he slowly looked over.

With a firm slap, Miela screeched, "Don't look at me!!"

With a bewildered look, Simon just laid his head down and stared at the ceiling in silence.

Miela grabbed the sheets, covering herself. Her voice was urgent as she tried to explain, "It-It's not what you think, I-I Eris dragged me into this!! She undressed me and she-!!

Eris, with a shaky voice looked up and said, "Th-that's n-not true..."

Steadying herself, Eris pressed her hips into Simon's and continued, "She wanted to, too..."

As Simon felt Eris attempt to guide it in... he immediately sat up and pushed Eris off.

Blushing, and with her eyes glued to Simon's erection, Eris called, "Miela..."

Miela answered and glimpsed at Simon before averting her gaze. Sharing the blush, she stammered, "D-dammit Eris!!!"

Glancing over to his side, he looked at his hand resting on the blanket. For a moment, he sought to cover himself and then paused.

Is there even a point...

Sighing, he went on to ask, "Miela I'm curious... how'd you get roped into this anyway?"

How can he just sit there... with it out and just ask me a question!?! And Her!!

"Cover yourselfs up!!" Miela exclaimed.

Eager to oblige, Eris threw herself on top of Simon. Pinning him down, she paused with a devilish smile. She felt it, and she knew he did to.

It pressed against her. With the slightest movement from either, it was sure to slip in.

Eris moved her hips slightly. Teasing the tip.

"Eris!"

Pausing, she trailed her finger along his chest until it reached his chin, to which she promptly flicked it off before playfully replying, "Yes, Simon."

"Don't"

Raising her hips, she moved forward and laid on chest, smothering him between her thighs. As she twirled her finger around his nipple, she inquired, "Why? Simon?"

Miela gawked at scene unfolding before her, Eris noticed and smiled playfully.

Grabbing her hand, he answered, "This isn't the time for this..."

Eris broke her hand from his, pulled back and replied, "Simon... our days may be numbered. This isn't how I... I-I just don't want to miss my chance. I won't..."

She paused for moment, before continuing to ask, "What is it Simon, why do you refuse?... Am I, do you find me to be..."

Her words trailed off into muttered nothings.

Miela was puzzled. Seeking to console Eris, she called to her. No words were uttered afterward, she hadn't thought of what to say... What could she say... She pondered.

Simon sighed. He gently pulled Eris closer and looked into her beady, eclipse like-eyes.

It was though he was looking into a mirror. He could see himself in her eyes. Eris's words echoed in his mind, they've had some merit. He wasn't not, attracted to her... It's just...

Eris... I don't know what to say... I have my reasons, and you keep pushing. Fine...

Simon pulled her closer, his lips met hers in a kiss filled with both, desire and a hint of confusion.

"I... I like you Eris, I didn't want a relationship to start like this... It's crazy, you know?"

Afterward, there was a silent pause. Eyes locked, Eris crept closer and pushed Simon back down and kissed him passionately. Pinning his arms down, she climbed on top of him.

Miela sighed.

This is just ridiculous.

"Uh, I'm still here!!" Exclaimed Miela.

Eris sat up with an arched back and looked over with a tilted head. That all to common grin, played on her beak. Miela slowly motioned back before sliding off the bed. She darted toward the door. Upon recalling, she slid under the bed.

Chuckling, Eris slowly lowered the blanket off one side of the bed. With the blanket falling, Miela assumed Eris was preparing to come get her. Eris slowly motioned toward the opposite side and tossed a pillow over the edge near the blanket.

Seeing it's motion, Miela turned around and crawled from the opposite side.

"Simon unlock the-"

She crawled right in Eris's grasp.

Eris propped her up to meet her gaze and pulled her closer.

"Eris!" interrupted, Simon.

"It's fine, she wants this too."

Before Miela could utter a rebuttal, Eris's beak parted her mouth. Tongue tied, Miela's resistance soon shattered. With their tongues melding and twirling, Eris held Miela's head, forcing it to nod in rhythm with her kissing. Miela's muffled words went quiet as she started to blush.

Before long, Eris pulled back. With the blended saliva splitting, she climbed back into the bed with Miela.

Simon recoiled back a bit and met Miela's dizzied gaze. Miela's eyes drifted up and down Simon. He blushed in response. Eris laid Miela on Simon's chest.

She kissed me... Why do I feel this way. Why-why do I want more...

Eris climbed atop Simon, her breath hitching as she felt the warmth and firmness of his body beneath her. The scent of his fur mingled with the lingering traces of their earlier, temptations... Heightening her arousal. She paused as a soft moan escaped her lips. She soon began to move slowly, savoring the sensation.

Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment, lost in the rhythm, before she turned her attention to Miela. With a teasing smile, she reached out, her fingers tracing a line down Miela's side before pulling her closer. Eris's tongue flicked out, she was gentle at first, but soon grew more insistent.

Miela flinched in response and yelped, "Eris!! Eris, Eris... Eris... hmnah..."

With her rear raised a bit in the air, she saw Simon, watching her. As Eris leaned forward and rode with a quickened pace, Miela mouth met Simon's muzzle. They both watched each other and stifled their moans. As the moments past, and their breaths grew heavy. Miela and Simon's eyes met once more. Eris leaned forward and forced their lips to touch. With the heavy breathing and lustful moans, Miela grabbed Simon's muzzle and kissed him.

After breaking away, her eyes filled with desire. Each following kiss explored his muzzle before she slipped her tongue.

Eris set Miela down and grasped the sheets as she grinded harder and faster. Her pelvis rhythmically devoured him. Simon, feeling overwhelmed by the sensations, let out a soft moan.

Eris responded by moving her hips in a slow, deliberate motion, her locked onto Simon's. Before long, Simon clenched Eris down. A sudden release followed a few heavy gasps as hit knot swelled, locking them in an intimate embrace.

The sensation of being filled caused Eris to gasp sharply, her body tensing and shivering as waves of pleasure washed over her. She threw her head back, feathers ruffling, and let out a cry of ecstasy, her hips bucking involuntarily.

With heavy breathing, Eris looked over at Miela, her eyes filled with a mix of desire and affection. She reached out, beckoning Miela to come closer.

Miela, feeling both excited and nervous hesitated for a moment before welcoming her embrace.

Eris whispered Softly, "You're part of this too." her voiced filled with warmth. As she pushed and jerked against Simon to dislodge his member, a sudden pop followed and flow of creamy liquid leaked out onto the bed.

Eris, cradling Miela with a firm hug, kissed her deeply. She then eased Miela against Simon, positioning her over him, teasing both her and him of the imminent penetration.

Miela's eyes widened, a dark mix of anticipation and nervousness as she felt Simon's hardness press against her entrance. Eris guided Miela's hips in a calculated manner, lowering her slowly and gently onto Simon.

Miela gasped as she felt the stretch brought on by Simon's slow, yet gradual entrance. His size creeping and filling her, inch by inch.

Simon groaned at the slick tightness, the sensation overwhelming. Miela's body trembled, her moan shaky in tandem as she adjusted to the girth pressing against her walls, the pleasure intensifying with each passing moment.

Eris watched with a satisfied Smile, her hands guiding Miela's movements, ensuring a slow, steady descent until Miela took all of Simon inside her.

Miela's breath grew ragged, her eyes half-closed in bliss. She began to move, finding a rhythm, her hips rocking against Simon with the help of Eris. The room filled sounds of their joined pleasure, the intensity of the moment enveloping them.

Simon gripped the sheets tightly, bracing for Miela's ride. Eris leaned in and began to lick Miela's cheeks, her tongue flicking over her fur. Miela, blinded by a newfound sensations, grabbed Eris's head nad made out with her. Eris embraced her, their tongues tied and dancing together as Simon's hands found their way to Miela's hips, guiding her movements and matching her rhythm.

With the occasional break away, Eris whispered encouragements. Her voice was sultry and breathy, urging Miela to move faster, to take Simon deeper. Obliging, Miela's pace quickened. With the added stimulation from Eris's embrace and Simon's touch, Miela was pushed over the edge. Her body tensed as she climaxed around Simon, her inner walls contracting and pulsing.

Simon felt the tight grip of Miela's orgasm, sending him over the moon once more. He bucked his hips, driving deep into Miela as she released, filling her with a mixture of their now, combined essences.

Eris smiled, watching both reach their peaks. Her own arousal heightened by their pleasure. She kissed Miela once more and laid next to Simon. Miela sat on Simon, her hands resting on his lower abdomen. Simon raised her up gently and laid her between him and Eris. They all laid intertwined as the aftermath of their passion left them breathless and sated.

After a while and with the lust had subsiding, Simon, was first to break the silence that followed.

As he laid there staring at the ceiling, he prepared to speak. With a mixture of clarity and confusion lacing his tone, he said, "That was... intense,"

"I... I don't even know what to say."

Miela, laying against Simon, reflected a similar set of emotions. "Yeah... it was..." she said, her voice barely above that of a whisper. She felt a strange blend of satisfaction and awkwardness, she too, unsure on how to proceed or process what just happened.

In a clear contrast, Eris, was entirely at ease. Her face glowed with content. She too, nestled herself against Simon and Miela, wrapping the both of them in her arms.

She said softly, "This experience, it's new to all of us... It was so beautiful... I feel so connected." As she concluded, she squeezed them against her.

The post-peak clarity hit him hard, and he found himself grappling with the implications of their actions. He asked the first question to come to mind, "Where does this leave us?" His voice was carried the weight of uncertainty. Their actions lingered in the air in more ways then one... and he wondered, how this sudden act of indulgence affect their relationship moving forward.

This'll get... odd, if we're not on the same page...

Eris shifted her gaze to Miela, "How do you feel, Miela?"

Miela hesitated, failing to search for the right words, "I-I don't know, I've never done something like this before..." she admitted.

She continued, "and I also feel, a bit overwhelmed, It was amazi-I mean, it-it all happened so fast."

"I think we're all in that boat..." Replied Simon.

"Indeed, well, we ought not to waste time, we should discuss where this leaves us in the morning, yes?"

In agreement Simon answered, "Agreed."

Eris smiled softly and caressed Simon. "We'll all figure it out together. No rush... Let's just rest and savor the moment, for now."

As they lay there, the weight of the situation settled in. While Simon and Miela both, felt a strange mix of feelings. Eris remained the anchor, her confidence and warmth working to ease their racing, minds.

"Goodnight Simon, Goodnight Miela..."

And with that, the three, at their own pace, went to sleep.

A few hours passed. The soft rhythmic breathing of Eris and Miela filled the room. Simon laid there, awake. Staring at the ceiling, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts... emotions.

Faced with a growing restlessness, he slowly navigated through the tangled limbs and slipped out of bed with care, so he wouldn't wake the two. Once in the living room, Simon went over to his aquarium. Faced with the serenity lurking within, their simple existence was a far-cry from the world in which he resided.

Simon ran his hand through his fur and let out a deep sigh.

That moment of indulgence, engaging in that moment of lust offered some reprieve, an apt distraction. But when all was said and done, now in the quiet solitude of his living room, all emotions set aside no longer subside. They surfaced, dragging his being into the depths of those once underlying emotions.

Enveloped in the depths of demented rage, he continued standing there, staring.

He knew that it couldn't quell the lingering rage that burned within him. He was out for blood and as soon as he could get his hands on Jason's killer, he'd kill him.

...Earlier That Morning.

It was just another day for these three. And like any other, after watching and meticulously studying their target, they found themselves across the street dawdling along the path. The park buzzed with many, families were picnicking, children played nearby on a simple playground, and couples along with all manner of folk walked along the same path.

As they sat on a bench, they talked.

"I think nowsa good-a time as any." Jessy remarked, glancing at the building before returning to Mason's gaze. " Owner's probably outta town and if we pick the door quick enough, no one'll suspect anything. Especially in broad daylight."

Mason nodded thoughtfully, with his expression softening with a smile. "I couldn't agree more. Easy in, easy out."

Rusko, pulling out a lock picking kit from his satchel, chimed in, "Let's get this show on the road then."

Each sporting an everyday outfit, the three were quite the trio. Moving with practiced ease, they weaved through the crowds on the way to the building. Mason, a red panda, and Jessy, a lemur, walked shoulder to shoulder. Soon crossing the street, the three walked up the steps. Rusko, a badger, prepped his tools as he walked up to the door. His two picks was tied to a key chain loaded with keys. To most onlookers, it would seem as though he was simply trying to figure out what key belonged to the lock.

Unfortunately...

Someone stood near a phone booth not too far away, puffing a cigar.

"Look at what we got here..." Grabbing the crowbar, he cuffed it behind him and moseyed on toward them. Many of the crowd hardly noticed. Of the few that did, they simply ignored him.

Bandages laced the visible lacerations on his forearms. Of which, a few still bled. That, and with his dapper outfit, his calm demeanor... In their eyes, he was pure trouble.

Click

"Got it." Whispered Rusko.

The three walked in and closed the door behind them. Entering they stood in a hallway that branched off into a kitchen on the right and a stairwell leading upstairs on the left. The hallway was spacious, its walls were adorned with a red floral-patterned wallpaper and an intricately designed runner carpet stretched down the hallway. An end table crowned by a vase with fake flowers leaned against the wall.

Rusko headed upstairs, presuming that the bedroom was on the second floor.

"Alright, strip this place and we're outta here." He said, whilst racing up the steps.

The kitchen was made accessible via an arched entrance. It featured cream colored linoleum floors and simple wooden cabinets. Upon entering, to one's left lie counter tops, a sink, a stove, and a fridge. Everything was neat and empty. To the right of the counter, sat a small table with chairs and an arch way leading into the living room.

Mason and Jessy walked into the kitchen.

"I'll check the living room." Said Jessy, glancing back at Mason with a reassuring smile.

"Okay, I'll let you know if anything turns up, yeah?" Replied Mason, with a gentle nod.

"Yeah." Jessy affirmed. Her gaze lingered on Mason for a moment longer than necessary.

Catching that, Mason smirked and started searching.

With the three split, they all searched for anything worth taking.

Approaching the apartment's entrance, the Buck let out an audible sigh whilst shaking his head. Tightening his grip around the crowbar, he muttered to himself, "Can't exactly have you rodents strollin-on in right now! This shit's horrible timing." he concluded, chuckling.

Now inside, he headed to the second floor, making a mental note of the two on the right. Setting the crowbar aside near the stairwell, he pulled a switch blade and walked slowly. Prowling for Rusko.

With a slow and steady walk, he entered the bed room and saw Rusko peering under the bed.

Rusko spoke his grievances' aloud, "There aint shit here, so much for an easy score. We'll be walking outta here with jack shit!"

"Huh?!"

The Buck crouched down and pulled Rusko's leg, dragging him from under the bed. Just as soon as his neck was visible, the buck covered his mouth and swiftly stuck the blade into his neck repeatedly. Each puncture tore Rusko's throat as the blade was withdrawn.

With his muffled cries and resistance fading, he slipped away in mere moments. After he died, the buck glared at Rusko with a clenched jaw.

No, no... this ain't so bad...

"Hell this is perfect!"

The buck had indeed been hunting Simon. Given his administrative leave, and him not showing up at his address... The buck wasn't at all aware of who Simon was, and he was growing tired of waiting. In this moment, he was going to use this "golden opportunity", to get a read on Simon and expedite this game they played.

With Rusko dead, the Buck sat down beside him and searched his satchel. Digging through, he found a bag of gumdrops and jelly candies, to which he promptly took.

The buck muttered, "Now, that's my kind a guy." Before scarfing down a handful of sweets. While chewing for a moment, he glanced at the dead badger.

Then he took his blade and opened Rusko's jaw. After pocketing the switch blade next to a tucked gun, he grabbed some candy and playfully tossed a few into the badgers mouth.

"I walked on in here hoping things would get a bit spicy..."

After tossing the last candy in his hand, his gaze returned to the bag and he popped a few more pieces of candy in his mouth. Following this he continued, "Y'all are just too sweet."

A few moments later...

"Hey Jessy, you find anything in the livin-room? Unless we're stealing silverware, kitchen's clean." asked Mason.

Jessy search was equally devoid anything of note. She responded, "Same here... Maybe Rusko found something?"

"He might've, either that or he still-"

Mason was interrupted a sudden, crackling crunch. The hit slung him into the counter, before he fell and hit the floor.

A second crunch led to a squishy sound reverberating throughout the apartment. All was silent except for the ceiling fan.

"Mason!?! Are you okay?" asked Jessy, her voice stammering. She heard those sounds. The silence afterward, left her legs trembling.

Lacking a response, Jessy slowly made her way into the kitchen.

"Mason?" She called.

As she edged around the corner of the archway, she was greeted by a pool of blood.

She froze, her voice strained as she started to cry. Proceeding, she called out once more in hopes of getting a reply, "Mason!?!"

Rounding that dreadful corner, she broke down into an uncontrollable sob. Calling Mason's name, she ran toward him and cradled his mushed head. Jessy struggled to comprehend the scene before her. She only just spoke to Mason mere moments ago, and now, he's just gone.

Caught by surprise, she was lifted up and fed the barrel of a gun.

After the Buck sat in a dining chair next to Mason. He slowly inched the barrel further into Jessy's throat.

"You know, I like your eyes... The blue's a beautiful contrast to wet, black surrounding them..."

Jessy, amidst the sobbing, asked why repeatedly.

Jessy struggled to make sense of the chaos, this senseless brutality... Unbeknownst to her, it was anything but.

Placing the gun aside, the Buck caressed the Jessy's head, it had invited an involuntary flinch from Jessy.

"Shh-shh-shhh... I'll tell you why..."

With his hand slowly grasped her neck. Leaning forward, the Buck made sure Jessy could see Mason.

The Buck went on to say, "Wrong place, wrong time is all..."

As his grasp tightened, Jessy began to squirm, grasping for whatever air she could.

"What's your name?" calmly inquired the Buck. He loosened his grip, whilst his eyes remain staring at the cabinet. Fixed on other things... he pondered.

As she gasped for the air around her, through steady sobs, she whimpered her name.

Playing with her ears, his fingers eventually navigated their way into her mouth. He bitten soon after. As he recoiled from the sudden onset of pain, his grasp around her neck tightened once again.

Laughing, he said aloud, "Good girl Jessy, I love to see it. We're gonna have one hell-of-a time."

While did she get some satisfaction from resisting, it was fleeting. It'd quickly turned to dread as those uttered words left his crooked mouth with his grasp tightening further.