No more lies.

Dave sat on the couch, his thoughts swirling uncontrollably like a storm he couldn't escape. He couldn't understand why Kelvin hadn't returned yet. Was he safe? Or was he deliberately avoiding him, afraid of putting him in danger? The unanswered questions gnawed at his mind, each one adding to his growing anxiety. He hadn't reached out to his parents, Kelvin's family, or even his friends. Right now, all he wanted was to see Kelvin again. The ache in his chest intensified—he missed him so much.

Three days had dragged by since he was brought here. They had promised it would only take two days, yet here he was, stranded and uncertain. Sebastian had left as usual, attending to whatever mysterious business occupied him, while Valerian sat beside him watching TV. Despite knowing little about Sebastian's work, it was obvious from his demeanor and surroundings that he was wealthy. Over these past few days, Dave and Valerian had grown unexpectedly close. They had bonded quickly, so much so that Valerian had even confided that something intimate had happened between him and Sebastian the previous night.

Dave's thoughts drifted once more to Kelvin, the ache of longing tightening in his chest. It had been such a long time since they had shared any moments of intimacy. Life had been busy, pulling them in different directions, and now this separation made the distance feel insurmountable. These three days felt like decades, each hour dragging on as though time itself had conspired against him. Once Kelvin returned, Dave vowed to demand answers. He would ensure they never parted ways again, and most importantly, there would be no more lies.

Despite the storm in his heart, Dave couldn't help but appreciate the hospitality of Sebastian and Valerian. They had provided him with clothes, food, and a place to stay. He felt cared for, even though the situation still felt surreal. The amusing part was that Sebastian and Kelvin weren't even friends. The irony of being sheltered by someone with no direct ties to Kelvin wasn't lost on him. He leaned back into the couch, sipping juice from the center table, his mind racing with thoughts of what could have happened.

Minutes passed in silence, save for the faint hum of the TV. Then, the sound of the doorknob turning shattered the stillness, drawing both Dave and Valerian's attention. They exchanged anxious glances, their breaths hitching as tension filled the room.

"W-who could that be?" Valerian asked nervously, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know," Dave replied, his tone just as uncertain. His heart thudded in his chest, each beat echoing like a drum.

Only Sebastian can come into this house and that's not how he usually opens the door, that's means an enemy is here bit how did he manage to get past the barrier?

The doorknob twisted again, followed by the distinct click of the lock. They both instinctively stepped back, fear gripping them like a vice. When the door finally swung open, Dave's breath caught in his throat, and his eyes filled with tears.

"K-Kelvin!" he cried, his voice breaking with emotion. Without hesitation, he sprinted forward, throwing himself into Kelvin's arms. His legs wrapped around Kelvin's waist, and he buried his face in Kelvin's neck, clinging to him as though he might disappear again.

"I missed you so much," Dave sobbed, his tears soaking Kelvin's shoulder. "I thought I'd die if I didn't see you today. My heart couldn't take it anymore."

Kelvin's arms tightened around him, his voice soft with regret. "I missed you too, baby. I'm so sorry for making you worry. It won't happen again."

"Don't ever do this again, Kelvin. If you're going to leave, you must tell me. Promise me," Dave demanded, his voice trembling as fresh tears rolled down his cheeks.

"I promise," Kelvin said firmly, though his heart was heavy with guilt. "I'll tell you everything. Please, don't cry."

Dave pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Kelvin's face. "Then tell me where you've been. Why did you abandon me here?" His tone was laced with pain and frustration.

Before Kelvin could respond, Valerian cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "I'll leave you two alone. I have things to do upstairs," he said, retreating to give them privacy.

Dave turned his full attention back to Kelvin. "I'm waiting," he said, his voice steady but insistent.

Kelvin hesitated, his heart pounding like a drum. "It's nothing serious, Dave. I just had some important work to do," he said, though the words felt hollow even to him.

Dave's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Important work? Is that all, Kelvin? Stop lying to me," he said, his voice rising slightly.

Kelvin swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I… I'm not lying, Dave. I swear—"

"You're hiding something, Kelvin. Something big," Dave interrupted, his voice resolute. "I already know, but I want to hear it from you."

Kelvin's breath caught. Did Dave truly know the truth? If so, how? And what did he mean by wanting to hear it from him? Panic began to creep into his chest, threatening to suffocate him.

"Come sit with me," Kelvin said softly, taking Dave's hand and leading him to the couch. His palms were clammy, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. As they sat down, Dave cupped Kelvin's face with his hands, forcing their eyes to meet.

"Kelvin, calm down. There's no need to stress. I just want the truth. Tell me who you are and what you are," Dave said, his voice gentle yet firm. He leaned in to place a soft kiss on Kelvin's lips, his touch grounding him.

"How much do you know?" Kelvin asked, his voice trembling. "Tell me what you know."

Dave took a deep breath. "I know you're not human," he said, his tone steady.

Kelvin froze, his entire body going rigid. "Y-you… How do you know that?" he stammered, his mind racing.

Dave exhaled slowly. "That night, I saw you turned. You wanted to get to me at all costs," he said softly, his words laced with understanding.

Kelvin's heart sank. Of all the ways for Dave to find out, it had to be during his moment of turning into a beast—when he had lost control. Shame washed over him, and he looked away, biting his lip. The weight of his mistakes felt unbearable.

"Kelvin, look at me," Dave said, gently lifting Kelvin's chin. "I don't see you as a monster. You're my love, and nothing can change that. I was just waiting for you to tell me yourself."

Kelvin shook his head, his voice heavy with anguish. "I am a monster, Dave."

"No, you're not," Dave replied, his voice unwavering.

"I am," Kelvin insisted. "I'm something you should stay far away from. I've taken lives with these hands, Dave. I don't want to hurt you too."

Dave cupped Kelvin's face again, his voice filled with conviction. "You won't hurt me. I believe in you, Kelvin. Don't say anything like that again. It's not your fault."

Kelvin's eyes filled with tears as Dave pulled him into a tight embrace. Despite the fears clawing at him, Dave's love and trust wrapped around him like a shield, giving him hope.