The One Next Door (Mallory & DJIce)

[Mallory]

 

 

Name: Jackson "Jax" Bolton

Age: 21

Height: 5'11"

Species: Human

Body Type: Lean but muscular; swimmer's body

Personality traits: Quiet, introverted, blunt, over possessive to things he likes, sadistic, sarcastic, aggressive, short tempered, hates sharing anything, over obsessive, secretly perverted (af)

 

 

 

The apartment was neat, not a single thing an inch out of place in the immaculate complex. The walls a bare creamy white, the floor clear of any trash, the entire apartment feeling empty despite some few things that indicated that someone called this very place home.

 

 

Jackson sat on the floor with his back against the dark blue couch, slurping leisurely the sodium filled cup of noodles as he browsed the internet on his laptop. His hair an unplanned mess of strands on his head as he lazily clicked around and blankly looked at the digital world right in front of him. He can't really find anything to entertain him at the moment, well, he has been unsuccessful for about a day now. All thanks to his new neighbor that moved in yesterday.

 

He's only seen him in passing, however, as soon as he spotted those adorable white ears and tail, Jackson knew he was in love. For the first time in a while, he felt his heart jump at the very sight of that hybrid. Honestly, he didn't think hybrids were allowed in this complex considering how much of an unnecessarily hard-ass the landlord is. And Jackson never found himself more grateful for being wrong about anything he was so certain of. Despite this, he lacked the courage to talk to the hybrid, to learn his name.

 

To be honest, any name the hybrid would give him would mean nothing to him. He felt his mind wonder more about his new neighbor, thinking about how small the hybrid is compared to himself. How timid he carried himself. He wondered what his skin would look like covered in neatly placed bruises, how his hands could easily wrap around his minuscule waist. Jackson set his cup of noodles aside, licking his lips clean of the broth.(Of course, he wouldn't admit that it also had to due with the explicit thoughts that plagued his mind.) His hands twitching over the keyboard as a thought comes to mind; why not learn more about him instead of sitting here and letting himself just wonder?

 

Not directly, of course, but indirectly in a sense? In a way that the hybrid won't know who he is. It's not a bad idea, and not exactly something hard to accomplish. Beginning to type away on the key board, Jackson opens a black window with green coding popping up at rapid speed across the screen. All he really needs is the location and to trace the payment towards said place from the hybrid. A few choice words here and there and-.

 

Ah. There he is.

 

He stared at the profile that popped up, the pixelated version of his ethereal neighbor not doing him any justice. Yet, causing something deep within him to pool with warmth all the same. Humming, Jackson shifted his eyes downward to see the name he always wanted to know; Axel. The name sounds so strong compared to such an innocent face. The profile itself was simple; pictures of the hybrid with family members, rarely any of him by himself save for the profile picture, a few friends he could only count on one hand (to close for his liking). God, it should be illegal how innocently he's looking directly right back at Jackson, tempting him to just go next door and take him.

 

Sighing, Jackson opens a new tab to make a new account. It would be safer to not use his actual face and location, or else the hybrid would be the wiser. So, a fake profile. It only took about an hour; he grabbed random selfies from the internet (the man he's using as a pseudo was average looking; black hair, brown eyes, all in all an average man) and began to build his persona. Even going as far as to making multiple other profiles to add to his friend list to make the profile seem more legit to anyone wise enough to check. Even posting a few statuses here and there, making ones go far back as a few years ago.

 

An hour later and his persona was complete; Jay Hansen, age 23. lives in New York City, New York as a English professor who graduated from Temple University with a pet hamster named Hammy. Simple, easy to use. Jackson felt nervous after clinking the message icon on the hybrid's profile; would Axel like this person? Or would he even accept the friend request? Well, he'll just have to find out, won't he? With buzzing nerves, Jackson begins to type out a message to Axel as Jay.

 

Hi! It seems like we both have the same interests! How are you!

 

He finds himself wincing at the sentence; it's hard to pretend to be an extrovert when he's just, well, not. Is this how idiotic happy people talk? All exclamation points while simultaneously being overly friendly and invasive? Probably. Looking over the sentence one last time, Jackson clicks the send button.

 

Moving his hands to his lap as hi left knee jumps up and down in a uncontrollable twitch.

 

Now, he guesses, he has to wait.

[DJIce]

 

 

Name: Axel Kovar

Age: 20

Height: 5'3"

Species: Arctic Fox hybrid

Eye color: Deep violet

Hair/fur color: White

Body type: Lean and slender, little muscle

Personality traits: Sweet, gentle, timid, shy, affectionate to those he's close to, quiet, cautious, observant, gets flustered rather easily, highly empathetic, sensitive

 

 

 

Unlike Jackson's tidy apartment next door, the apartment one door away was far from such. Boxes were piled up all over, still filled with the belongings of the three fox hybrids who had just moved in the day prior. The previous day had been spent getting all the larger furniture inside. Bed frames, mattresses, dressers, the couch, table and chairs... A few boxes had been unpacked as well, the items inside finding their way left up on the tables and counters, but the day was over before they had the chance to get everything unpacked.

 

Axel had moved into the three bedroom apartment with his two older brothers, the eldest of the three being Skylar, a taller male with a mixture of light gray and white in his hair and the fur which covered his fox-like ears and tail, and the middle being Nolan, slightly shorter than his older brother with charcoal black hair and fur tipped with white.

 

The three of them had just moved out of a smaller apartment which only had one room, forcing two of them to share one while the other slept out on the couch. It wasn't ideal, but it was far better than living with their abusive father, which they had been with prior to moving into that first apartment. The moment Skylar turned 18, he'd moved out and taken his two younger brothers with him, both still minors at the time, and had worked two jobs to provide for them. It was the reason they could only afford a one bedroom apartment, but as Axel and Nolan got older and finished school, they were able to start working as well and help out with finances. This, of course, was the reason they were finally able to move into a bigger place.

 

It was Axel's day off, and his two older brothers had already left for work while he stayed at home to continue on with unpacking. It was a bit nerve-wracking being in a new place all by himself, but he had met a few of their new neighbors and they all seemed really friendly, which helped ease his anxious mind. He would get an occasional knock on the door, opening it to find more people stopping by to welcome them. While Axel was more introverted and shy, he gladly took the time to have a chat with anyone who stopped by. His job as the waiter at a local cafe was the reason he had been able to get a little more used to conversing with people, as he made a living with doing something that involved a lot of talking and conversing with regulars.

 

That being said, it didn't change the fact that it was still pretty draining, and at the end of the day he very much valued his personal time. He'd just finished talking with an older woman who lived in the apartment a few doors over. She was kind enough to bake the hybrids some welcome cookies and had brought those over. Closing the door after she left, Axel carried the cookies into the kitchen, leaving them on the counter before taking one to eat and going to sit down on the couch. He'd gotten quite a lot of boxes unpacked already and decided it was time for a small break, enjoying his cookie as he pulled out his phone to check messages and social media.

 

The fox wasn't expecting much of anything, maybe a few posts from his friends, so he was surprised when he noticed a new message in his inbox. Head tilting to the side in curiosity, he clicked into it and had a look. Eyes moving to the profile picture, he didn't recognize the face nor the name which sat above it. Deciding to do a little investigating, he clicked onto the profile and spent a few minutes looking through it. The guy seemed harmless enough and even had pictures of an adorable little hamster he called Hammy.

 

Deciding there was no harm in striking up a conversation with him, he accepting the request and began to type up his reply.

'Hello! Wow, yeah we do haha! I'm doing pretty well, still adjusting to a new place my brothers and I just moved into. How're you? =)'

 

Sending the message, he pushed the last piece of the cookie into his mouth, wiping his hand on his pants before taking another look at this stranger's profile. He figured the guy was just looking for a few new friends, which he had no problem with.

[Mallory]

His nerves was getting the best of him so he decided to clean the little mess that he had in his apartment. Picking his empty styrofoam cup that once held his lunch and letting it lay to rest in the trashcan, wiping down the already spotless kitchen counters when Jackson noticed that their gleam was a tiniest bit duller than he would prefer. Even taking the time to make sure his dishes were stacked in perfect order. All things he's done to help calm himself that he did not do for himself. His hair was still a mess and his clothes,well, he's somewhat sure he wore them three days in a row. Maybe four? He lost track, to be honest.

 

There's not a lot for him to keep track of besides his job, which he can do from the comfort of his own home. Jackson only ventured out for groceries and maybe alchohol. And as he checks the supplies in the fridge, he's only down to about two bottles of vodka left. Sighing, he closes the fridge back. Hearing a notification go off from his computer. He assumes it could be work, wanting another check up on their systems or perhaps an update. But, when Jackson sat down criss cross apple sauce in front of his laptop once more, he noticed it's from the fake profile he made. The notification is from Axel replying to his direct message.

 

He felt his heart swoop downward before producing an erratic rhythm at the simple "1" next to the message icon. Okay, this should not make him nervous and excited all the same. To begin with, this is just the first couple of messages, and Axel may decide later on not to message him anymore. Though, he's sure the hybrid trusts the profile enough considering the message he's received. Which he really needs to read.

 

Clicking the icon, Jackson reads over the reply. The corner of his mouth twitching slightly into a barely noticeable smile. Well, that's quite cute. However, it also concerns him on how easy it was to get to Axel. Any one could do the same who didn't have the same skills as Jacskon. And that thought, that didn't sit well with him. He felt bitter at the thought as he brushed it aside. Alright he has to somehow embody this persona. Somehow.

 

He begins to type;

 

'Oh wow! Congrats on the new move!! Haha, well, just trying to find an excuse not to grade these papers I have;;; I have been successful for mostly an hour despite having to get these in by tomorrow ;w;'

 

Again, Jackson finds himself wincing at words he just produced. Is this the kind of guy the little hybrid likes? He really hopes that that's not the case. He can't keep the charade up when they meet in person. Yes, he's planning to meet his pretty little neighbor, but only in the near future. And under some "circumstances". He's unsure of what yet. Sending the message, Jackson clicks through Axel's profile, saving a few pictures of him by his lonesome and sending the images to his phone. This is going all according to plan, and, he finds himself pleased about the fact. Stretching his arms in the air, he let's out a satisfied groan from the stretch to his joints and stands. Dusting his clothes off. He's should probably send his mom a quick text to avoid another daily phone call from her. It's not that Jackson dislikes his mother, but, ever since two years ago she always checked up on him. No matter what, even after he moved out and repeatedly tells her he barely socializes.

 

He goes back into the kitchen to get a glass of vodka. He dersvers some sort of treat, really.

[DJIce]

Axel went back to the main page, tail flicking occasionally as he began to scroll through all the postings. Nothing too exciting, just the usual memes and shared posts, plus a couple of posts from his friends. He watched a few funny videos that his brothers and friends had shared, chuckling to himself and leaving likes. By the time he'd watched about three of them, he noticed the 1 pop up next to his messages. Clicking into that, he read over the new message that had been sent in reply.

 

Honestly, the fox was having a hard time believing that this guy was really a teacher with the way he was typing, but that was only because all of his teachers in school had seemed so serious and professional save for a couple of chiller ones, but he couldn't even see those ones texting someone like this. Oh well, everyone was different and he wasn't one to judge, so he shrugged it off and began to type up his reply.

 

'Thanks! And lol, sounds fuuuuunnn XD Probably be a good idea for you to just get it over with now tho, right? Then it's out of the way and you won't have to stress about it later =3'

 

Sending the message, he shifted his gaze to look over at the boxes he had left, which was quite a lot. Giving a soft sigh, he dragged one over and opened it up, starting to go through the contents. Once it was empty, he went about putting all the items where they belonged before starting to put some of the other clutter on the counters away.

 

This took quite a while, and he frowned as he looked at those bunches of boxes still piled up and waiting for him. Grabbing his phone, he snapped a picture of himself with those boxes in the background, uploading it to his status with the message: 'Ehhhh, still so much unpacking to do... >.

 

Pressing the send on the status, he then put his phone back into his pocket and went to move onto the next box.

[Mallory]

Jackson took a satisfying gulp from his glass of vodka, easily accepting the slow burning path it made down his throat. He might have a problem, now that he really looks at it from a different angle. Though, it's not an immediate issue he has to fix. Even if his mom would agree, which she always does. Maybe that's why he tends to hide the bottles from her during those bi-monthly visits. She would come over every day if he didn't live so far, which is a small blessing in itself. Gulping down the rest of his drink, he set the glass into the sink before heading towards his room.

 

His bedroom was also as immaculate as the rest of the place, however, the color scheme more dark in taste. The king sized bed was decorated in dark blues of covers and pillows. The walls an off black matching the furniture of his desk, shelves of books, and three monitor computer set. (The set up is his pride and joy, Jackson's very child made of technical parts he put together himself. The storage of the setup making anyone fall in pure awe and the speed beating even the government official set ups. So yeah, proudest possession.) Jackson walked towards his desk where his phone laid, turning it on and unlocking it with a complicated password filled with numbers and symbols.

 

He scrolled through before hitting the contact app and tapping his mom's name. The profile for her contact was a picture of him graduating kindergarten, she took the photo from a photo album she's had for years. He was looking up at the camera with a blank expression but he remembers being proud at the flimsy paper he held in his hands. His mom squatted next to him with her arms wrapped around his small frame. Grinning from ear to ear. Hitting the message icon, Jackson simply typed; "Hey, still alive." Before sending it off.

 

Just a simple sentence to know that he wasn't in any trouble or whatever. It was simple enough to keep his mom happy, he guesses. Carrying the phone back with him, he strolled back to the living room. Closing the door behind him and passing the bathroom. As well as an already closed door to another room. Getting back to the couch, Jackson checks the laptop screen with high hope's after tossing his phone on the couch, feeling himself smile just a bit seeing that Axel replied. This is going quite smoothly, easily so but he's not one to complain at this gift. He didn't question anything when he saw the beautiful sight that was the petite hybrid.

 

He types this next message;

 

'Ah, you're right but I just want a break~ And stress comes with being a teacher ;^;. Distract me? Tell me your favorite color? Mine's blue! Kinda basic lol, but it reminds me of the lakes I use to live close to.'

Okay so maybe he put a little of himself in there behind the cringey texts. Axel won't know. After sending the text off he went back to the hybrid's page to see that he updated his status. Ah...this isn't fair. Whatever force is out there is really trying his patience right now. Jackson finds his eyes trailing the skin of his new neighbor, noting how soft the flesh looked. Going downward and taking note of his lips, wanting to bite into them and watch them turn red just a bit.

 

Abruptly, he stands. This is idiotic, he thinks as he finds himself fixing his hair and rushing towards his bedroom to change clothes. Half heartedly throwing on a long sleeved black cotton shirt and jeans he didn't know he owned before rushing towards the front door. This is really a fucking stupid idea. And he keeps telling himself that, even as he shuffles a pair of shoes on and heads out the door. Making sure not to lock the door behind him as he took long strides towards his little neighbor's door. Standing in front of as his left foot taps repeatedly. He shouldn't be doing this, but it was just a greeting, right?

 

It's not as if the hybrid will know it's him. He just wants one small taste, just the tiniest of looks before trudging back to his apartment and being a ghost for the next month.

 

Jackson keeps telling himself this as he gives the door three even toned knocks. Stuffing his hands back into his pockets as he waits. Just one look.

[DJIce]

The next box the hybrid opened was, of course, a thing of clothes. For whatever reason, during the time they were packing, all their clothes had somehow gotten mixed up in the same pile and were all just thrown into two larger boxes all mixed together. "Oh man..." The fox mumbled, knowing he now had the task of separating all the clothes into different piles depending on who they belonged to. He knew which clothes were his and more or less knew what shirts and some pants belonged to his brothers, but everything else? Yeah... Underwear and socks would be difficult. Maybe he'd just pick out which ones were his and leave the rest for Skylar and Nolan to sort out.

 

For now, he took the box over and dumped all the clothing out on the table, going ahead with throwing them into three different piles according to which ones he knew belonged to who. Anything that he wasn't sure of was thrown back into the box. Once that box was finished, he moved onto the second box of clothing, repeating the process. He stopped in the middle to check his messages, however, noticing he'd received another.

 

After reading it over, he typed out his response;

 

'Oh yeah, no harm in breaks aha ^^ Blue is a really nice color! That might actually be my favorite too now that I think about it, specifically a lighter icy blue? One that's almost white in color, but still blue if that makes sense XD Either that or a cyan color, like a blue green =)'

 

Sending that message, he slipped his phone back into his pocket and continued on with sorting clothes. It took a good 20 minutes or so, but eventually he'd finished sorting what he could. He folded them before he grabbed the piles, taking them to their rooms where he set them on the bed of whoever they belonged to. With that done, he was moving over to open up another box. This one was full of plates, cups, and bowls. Picking it up, he carried it into the kitchen. It was too heavy for him to be able to lift up onto the counter, so he settled with putting it on one of the kitchen chairs.

 

With his tail lightly swishing back and forth, he began pulling the plates out and stacking them on top of each other on the counter. Bowls were also stacked next to the plates, and the cups were just set out individually. Opening up a cabinet above, he began placing the cups inside upside down. He wasn't sure where his brothers wanted everything, but he figured they could just move them if they didn't like where he'd put them. They should at least be glad he'd taken care of most of the unpacking anyway.

 

The fox was in the middle of putting the plates away when he heard those three knocks at the door, ears perking as he turned in that direction. Another neighbor stopping by to greet the new arrivals? Setting the plates back down, he moved to the door, closing one eye as he looked through the peephole. There was just one guy standing out there from what he could see. Opening up the door, he found himself having to crane his neck and look up at the male who was a good 8 inches taller than he.

 

Something about this man seemed... Off. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he was getting a very uneasy feeling as he looked up at him. Despite this, he gave him a friendly smile. "Hello! Is there something I can help you with?" He questioned, giving a glance to each side just to make sure there was no one else around with him. "I'm guessing you're another neighbor, right? I'm Axel." He added, his violet colored eyes returning to meet his gaze as he offered his hand out for the other to shake.

[Mallory]

Jackson was beginning to doubt his abrupt idea now; he's not exactly good at keeping his more insistent impulses at bay, if him being in front of the little hybrid's door despite his careful plan wasn't an obvious indicator, that is. He stopped his left leg from twitching and switched to running his fingers restlesslythrough his hair, messing it up further despite the half effort he put into fixing it a few minutes ago. Honestly, maybe he should walk away? Move away from the door before his neighbor spots him, or even opens the door to reveal him. While yes, Jackson is more than sure that the adorable little hybrid won't immediately assume he was the Jay he was talking to, he still can't help but feel like the evidence was written on his forehead. Broadcasting it loudly for all to see.

 

It wasn't guilt that made him feel this way. Oh no, guilt was no where within him, not even a sliver of it existed. It was the thought of ruining his own thought out plan, of ruining his chances of working his way into the hybrid's life to become a permanent fixation. The very thought that he would have to be forceful if it came to that. Granted, he's not against violence, though, he wants to at least try and see how easy it would be to worm his way in. And it was working to some degree, and yet here he was. Wanting to just have a look at the hybrid without distance being a barrier between them. Yes, he can admit he has terribly timed impulses.

 

Jackson glanced towards the direction of his own private apartment. Contemplating the positives that would come to him just leaving before he was spotted. But then you can't see him, his mind argued with a resounding hiss. A very compelling argument, yes, but what if this was the one and only time he could witness his neighbor up close? He's not exactly one for first impressions for people in passing, and he's extremely sure that it won't go as well for someone he loves so dearly like the hybrid. Ah but, would it be so bad to force him if it came to it? He's sure he has quite a cute crying face, he already was very good at whining. From what he could see from the newly updated status.

 

God, his mind was all over the place. Maybe now was not the time. And just as Jackson moved an inch to walk back to his own home in shame, the door opened. With shock echoing loudly in his bones, he turned his head to the opening of the door.

 

My, Axel is so..tiny.

 

He finds himself having to crane his neck downward just a bit to look his neighbor in the eyes. He is very compact compared to his own body, so much so Jackson is positive that he could wrap his hands so easy around his waist and meet his fingers together. He could cover his whole body with his own with minimal effort and, it made something possessive burn within him. Something coil so deeply pleased within him at the fact that he was biggert han the hybrid, which he sees is a wolf? Not really fitting for his neighbor but, he does resemble that of pup.

 

Ah, Axel's voice made his eyes hood just a bit; it must sound so beautiful straining for breath. Gulping, Jackson shakes himself just a bit. He needs to remain calm right now, he can't show the hybrid how much he effects him. Not yet.

 

"Yeah," he answered. Clearing his throat as he reached his own hand out to grasp the other's (God, his hands are so small in his own. So damn fragile, and his skin), giving it a firm shake before quickly moving his hand back.

 

"I'm Jax. I, uh, live exactly next door actually." Jackson points vaguely towards where his own apartment is, grasping desperately at what to say that wouldn't trigger Axel to his true intentions. No wonder he was never cut out for working in an actual working environment, or being in any social environment, really. Taking a calming deep inhale, exhaling with a soft sigh, Jackson continues with: "I just wanted to welcome you, and um, let you know that I won't be an annoying neighbor. I guess." He winces at his own words. Why is it so hard trying not to tell the fragile wolf hybrid how he actually feels? How much he wants him, and to force himself to not do just that? Lying isn't exactly something he's new to, nor does he have any problem doing. So why is it such a struggle to the point his own body feels like it's straining underneath an unknown force?

 

He just needs to not scare him, to pretend that he's an introverted neighbor giving a small greeting. He needs to do this until the time is right, before everything falls into place. If he lasts that long.

[DJIce]

The fox nodded as he shook the other's hand, his smile never leaving his face. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Jax!" He exclaimed, his white fluffy tail absentmindedly swaying behind him. He leaned out his door a little to get a look over to where the other male was pointing, giving another brief nod before he returned his eyes to Jackson. "Ah, so you're like right next door, I was wondering who was living in that apartment."

 

A soft chuckle left the hybrid. "Thanks for the welcome! I should let you know I live here with my two older brothers. Neither of them are here right now, but they should be back later after like six if you wanted to stop by and meet them. Up to you, though." He shrugged.

 

Axel could tell Jax was nervous, but there was more to it than that. He kept getting this weird feeling, something about him making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Of course, the fox only continued to brush that feeling away. He just figured Jax was socially anxious and awkward. Not that he minded. In fact, he could relate to it. Not nearly on the extreme level Jackson was, but he had some social anxiety himself.

 

"We'll try not to be annoying neighbors either. For the most part we're all pretty chill and we work most days of the week, but there might be some times where music might be a little too loud or my brothers bring over some friends and cause a ruckus. Please, if anything we do bothers you at any point in time, come let us know so we can curb it. The last thing any of us want is to become annoying neighbors for everyone who's already been living here." He told the other male.

 

It seemed like Jackson was struggling with something, and Axel found himself becoming both curious and unsettled by it. None of the other neighbors he'd met had been anything like this. That feeling. It kept coming back up no matter how many times he pushed it away. Maybe telling him he was home alone wasn't the smartest idea... Being as timid as he usually was, he couldn't help but get those kind of thoughts, but he just kept trying to reassure himself that this was just a socially awkward neighbor. Should be completely harmless... Right?

[Mallory]

He didn't expect the greeting to be so polite. (His little neighbor is so kind, so sweet. He really needs to keep him for himself before someone else tries to take the cute pup) However, seeing the hybrid lean forward to get a better look at where Jacksom was pointing, made the urge to launch forward suddenly choke him.

 

There are times where Jackson wonders if certain circumstances are a test of his will. A test of his more fragile qualities that he falls victim to on occasion. And it's this moment right here, that's a prime example of whatever higher being there is, is currently testing his control. It's taking a lot out of him to not reach out, a lot for him not to spill out what he truly feels. Is this what love is? Having no sense of control of his logical senses? Being under the influence of the hybrid's mere presence seems to add some proof to that claim.

 

Jackson found himself watching the smallest unconscious gestures Axel seems to do when talking. It was enduring to watch, especially the tiniest of sway his tail seemed to have. Ah, the appendage looks soft to the touch. He wonders what it would feel like if he simply ran his fingers through the strands of fur. Would it feel like petting an actual animal? No, Jackson couldn't compare the lovely hybrid to those mindless creatures. His little Axel was above those things, too ethereal to even have such a comparison.

 

Hearing the deliciously sweet sounding chuckle come from his tiny neighbor made something within Jackson warm up. Warming to the point of burning yearning to just hear that sound for as long as he could. To hear the noise in different tilts of happiness, of pain. To be able to string any more euphoric inducing echoes of feelings from the hybrid only to bottle them up and keep them forever. He felt his hands twitch just the slightest, his control slipping for that one second before Jackson crossed his arms over his lean chest. Trying to regain some sense of composure.

 

He needs to focus. Axel says he has two older brothers with him,so that means there will be some physical obstacles in his way. He needs to continue to worm his way with the Jay persona then, to get the little pup to trust that person enough before anything other part of his plan can go underway. The physical part of the plan though, shouldn't be too difficult. He just needs to avoid the brothers for a bit to keep the status of a safe neighbor.

 

Simple.

 

Jackson cleared his throat; "Oh, don't worry too much about the noise. The couple a few doors down tend to have loud 'movie nights' on Fridays."

 

They being the reason for his collection of noise cancelling earbuds, or as he likes to call them; a waste of fucking money thanks to his neighbors having an unhealthily high libidos. And for them to taint Axel's ears with their constant consummation only furthers Jackson's distaste for said couple. It should be him to show the little pup such impurities, it should be him tainting his little hybrid. However, there's nothing he can do about it now. He may have lost the battle, but he will win the war.

 

"I don't know if I'll be able to meet your brothers. I work odd hours." An easy half lie, and one avoidance of the truth. Axel doesn't need to know he works from home right now. Again, he needs to come off as the more introverted yet safe neighbor of the hybrid's.

[DJIce]

Had Jackson reached out to touch the fur on the fox's tail, he would've found that it was incredibly soft. The fur on his ears were exactly the same, extraordinarily soft, perhaps even comparable to that of rabbits' fur. It would've been pretty awkward had his neighbor reached out to feel the appendages, however, so it was a good thing he held back from doing so.

 

The hybrid wasn't exactly aware of the type of thoughts that were going through his neighbor's head, but if he had it would've made sense why his was getting a strange vibe from the male. Axel seemed to be hypersensitive to body language, picking up on small gestures and movements that Jax was doing. He noticed the twitch in his hands before the male moved to cross his arms. Just what was going through his head? The fox couldn't help but wonder.

 

He was almost tempted to ask if something was wrong, but he didn't want to possibly make the other feel self conscious about himself or anything like that. For now, it would probably be better just to keep the conversation light and casual, despite Axel being unable to shake the feeling that something deeper was lying underneath the surface here.

 

"Movie nights, huh? That usually doesn't exactly sound like a very loud activity, but I'll take your word for it." He smiled. "I think I know which couple you're talking about actually. They stopped by the other day to greet us and I swear they couldn't keep their hands off each other for two seconds." He playfully rolled his eyes with a soft snicker. "I'm all for couples expressing their affection for each other, but those two... They should probably try to keep some of that stuff in the bedroom and not outside for the entire world to see." It had made him a bit uncomfortable with the way they were practically groping each other and looking as if they were about to rip each other's clothes off and start doing it right there in front of him and his brothers.

 

Axel's ear twitched as he cock his head ever so slightly. "Oh, well that's okay! We know how busy life can get with working, all three of us put in some crazy hours a lot of the time, too." He glanced back inside the apartment, the stacked boxes calling his attention. Turning back to his neighbor, he smiled again. "Well thanks for taking the time to come by and say hi, I appreciate it. it was really a pleasure to meet you."

[Mallory]

It was difficult, continuing to converse with that hybrid when the urge was itching so closely to the surface of his skin. A constant battle of control and impulse tearing into him at each second Jackson stood there in front of the object of his suffering. The angelic neighbor himself. Honestly, even the self control wasn't doing much. The only thing that seem to hold some sort of footing compared to his urge was logic. If he impulsively feeds into his yearning this early on, his plan will turn to nothing. Would fall completely at his mercy and he wouldn't be able to pick up the fragile pieces.

 

He needs to stay diligent in order to get an in with Axel. Jay was a good foot in the door, but what would be the final nail in the coffin once he achieves the pup's full trust? There's a plethora of choices he could choose from, but one in particular interests him the most out of all of them. And it could truly solidify Axel under his command. It all seems so easy when thought out, however, there's one problem; his impulses. Yes, of course he's been cursing them since he got to his little neighbor's door. But don't you see the difficult positon he's in? Being only a few feet away from Axel makes him yearn to be that closer, to touch what he cannot. To sink his teeth into that skin free of impurities. To sum it up, Jackson isn't helping an addiction he's trying to regulate by being in front of the very thing that causes him withdrawal.

 

Axel had to bare witness to the couples grotesque example of PDA? Not only will they taint his poor ears of their none too erotic sounds of sex, they already dirtied his little pup's sight? Jackson feels rage build up in the pit of himself, the emotion burning a path towards his throat and scorching itself into his marrow. He clenched his jaw: it's something he'll have to deal with then. Instead of making his fury obvious, a huff fell past his lips.

 

"You too, then. Wish I could've warned you about them earlier." The couple were no different when their paths crossed his first three months of living here. They were taken aback that there was actually someone living in that apartment considering how quietly he loved in, then it became a blur as their hands began to wander with heated intent. Jackson was more concerned with wanting to go back to his room then the conversation at hand. Poor pup, having to go through that ordeal. (Granted, he's more angry than sympathetic. Again, wanting to be the one to spoil whatever sense of untouched Axel held be it by his own voice or by his own hands. And again, that loathsome couple seem to beat him to it.)

 

Jackson took note of the schedule the hybrid provided him; so they all work odd hours, no set time, he's guessing. He'll have to track the more comman times each hybrid in the apartment is home and when they're not, then. A bit more work to do, but worth it in the long run. He agreed with his neighbor's statement with a hum, despite that even though he himself work odd hours, he was never good at keeping track of the time so it was of no loss to him.

 

Ah, he had to go now? Jackson, abruptly felt cold. Why couldn't they stand here for a few more minutes? Maybe a couple of hours? Just, forever, even. Chewing on his lip, Jackson nodded; "Right, it was nice meeting you, too."

 

He paused, the moment of silence from him stretching for a second before he nodded his head in a farewell and walked towards his apartment. Each step he took further away from Axel seeming to tear a deeper wound of longing within him. Each movement heavier and heavier as he reaches his door, wanting to turn around and gather his hybrid in his arms and never let go.

 

Patience, he just needs patience.

 

He'll be his soon.

[DJIce]

Axel seemed to pick up on the anger welling in Jax after having mentioned witnessing their frisky neighbors, his head cocking ever so slightly to the side as he gave him a curious look. It seemed odd, but he figured the male must've just been annoyed with the couple by now. Obviously he had no idea of why it truly bothered Jax, and he just assumed he must've been tired of hearing the result of their abnormally high libidos. Honestly it made the fox feel pretty uncomfortable himself after having seen how handsy they were with each other, and he could only imagine how loud they must've been when they went at it. He just hoped it wouldn't be an all night every night thing that kept him and his brothers awake.

 

Shoving the thought out of his mind, he returned his full attention to his new reclusive neighbor standing before him, offering him a smile once he said his goodbyes. Of course, there was an awkward pause between the two for a moment after that, Axel blinking a few times as he watched Jax just stay standing in front of his door for a while. It got to the point where he opened his mouth and ask if there was something else he needed, but before he could get the words out, his neighbor finally nodded to him and turned around, heading back to his own apartment. The hybrid found this quite weird to say the least, but again he just brushed it off as Jackson being a socially awkward person. Stepping back into his own apartment, he shut the door and went back to finishing up with unpacking the many boxes he had left.

 

~~~

 

After about a month or so of living in their new apartment, Axel and his brothers had adjusted quite well. Throughout that time, the fox kept in contact with his knew online friend he knew as Jay, having gotten to the point of being very comfortable and even close with him. It never occurred to him that Jay could've not actually been who he thought he was, the young hybrid having been a little too trusting for his own good.

 

It was later at night, around 10pm when he was just making his way home from work. Not being one to own his own car, he walked to and from work everyday. The diner he worked at was only about a ten minute walk from where he lived anyway, so he didn't mind. As he walked up to his door, he was already on his phone, having been texting Jay since he got off his shift. There was a smile on his face as he stopped by his door to read over a text, a light chuckle even coming from him before he reached into his coat pocket for his keys and unlocked the door, stepping inside before shutting it again.

 

Neither of his brothers were home it seemed, so he was alone as he took a moment to get his coat off and himself changed into something more comfortable before flopping down onto his bed and getting on his phone again. 'Alright, I'm home nooowww o3o Yayyy, what're you up to?' He texted Jay, leaving the messaging page open as he waited for his response.

[Mallory]

After trudging the distance back to his own apartment, Jackson walked in. Not once looking back despite wanting to.Yearning to savor one last glance in the beautiful hyrbid's direction. But that would only further any suspicion the ethereal wolf might have of him. Even with that thought in mind, he still found the task unnecessarily difficult. He closed the door behind him with a soft click, leaning against the wood with slumped posture as a uneven sigh releasing from his lungs. He was so close to his hybrid, to his little pup. He could've reached out and touched him, could've tainted that tantalizing skin with his own hands. With his teeth. Jackson rubbed at his face harshly, sliding until he fell on the floor into a seated position. He needs to calm himself, there's nothing but time on his side. His plan is fool proof, flawless. All he needs now is to be scarce, to be nothing but a rare stranger in Axel's life all while making Jay a temporary fixture.

 

Then, he can have him.

 

Pulling himself together, Jackson stood up, walking towards his opened laptop. He picked the device up from the table to look at the pseudo profile he concocted. Typing up a few more things to really solidify the legitimacy of this pretense of a person before feeling satisfied with his work. All he needs now is patience, to wait until the opportunity is there to sink his teeth into the hybrid. To keep him forevermore.

 

- - - -

 

The following month for Jackson has both been torture and a blessing wrapped into one gift. That Jay profile has been successful, which he's not sure if such an achievement is something to celebrate or not. Mostly due to the fact that his Axel is very naive. It does play into his favor nicely, however, gives him some concern if someone else was to do the same to the little pup. So far such a problem hasn't arise, but the problem is still a possible one. And that's enough for Jackson to look into anyone that's even had a polite glance at his ethereal neighbor. Which is not a hard task; it's easily done by just simply hacking into the hybrid's phone, activating the camera and seeing all that's around Axel. Which is always on now, ever since one particular stranger looked on at his hybrid with obvious lust. (Who disappeared mysteriously, he remembers the news saying perhaps one time.) Now he knows Axel's whereabouts without having to leave the comfort of his own apartment.

 

Because of it, he was able to know where the diner was were he worked, which is oddly close. Only knowing it was a diner thanks to the Jay profile. As well as the times the hybrid was home or at work, who was around him at certain times, and other places the pup frequents. An impulsive yet overall rewarding thing.

 

Jackson stretched with a yawn, sitting in a reclining stair in front of his home base within the darkness of his room; his super computer. At the moment, he has been texting his pup while doing a few system checkups. It was a welcomed distraction, even if said distraction made his work longer than it should. Though, that does not matter now. Does it? No, today is a special day. The day he's been waiting for for a month now; the day he traps his naive neighbor. He's figured out the plan of action weeks ago, to be honest. After his assumption of the little hybrid's personality ringed true. He just need to make Jay seem nothing but genuine and trustworthy.

 

Axel is sympathetic, nice to those that seemed to have nothing but good intentions. Even smiling at strangers who's demeanor was evident in how warped it was. Because of this, Jackson will play on his feelings, of his sense of empathy. And before the pup will know something is clearly wrong, it'll be too late. Opening another window, he made sure the program he set for this exact day was still in running condition. Once that was satisfying to him, he checked the location of the hybrid's brothers. About a week ago, he took the liberty to have a tracker on them as well. Considering they lived with his hybrid, and it made knowing when the little wolf was alone that much easier.

 

Ding!

 

Jackson blinked at the notification sound, knowing it was from Axel. He pulled up a window that held their conversation, reading the digital words the kind little hybrid sent him. It was cute, how Axel still did not hold any suspicion of him. He smirked a little at the screen, a distorted thrill humming deep within him as he typed a reply.

 

'Welcome home!! (/○□○)/ Just go finished grading some tests! It kind of makes me want to cry with all the grammatical errors I just endured ;w; how was work?'

 

Even after a month, Jackson is still very much so disgusted with this feign, cheerful personality he's created. It always made his stomach churn.

[DJIce]

Axel flipped over onto his back to stretch his limbs out as he waited for his online friend to respond to him. It honestly felt really good to just be able to lie down after spending most of the day going back and forth between tables and the front counter. The hybrid's ear twitched at the sound of his phone buzzing, reaching over to grab it and get a look at the new message. With a smile crossing his face, he went about typing up a response.

 

'Thanks! Oh boy, that sounds like a load of fun haha, and it was alright! There was this one really sour customer I had to deal with, but other than that it was good!'

 

After sending the message the fox went about looking over Jay's profile. He did this quite often as of late, finding that he was taking more of an interest in him than he was letting on. He lightly chewed on his bottom lip as he scrolled down the page, looking over each and every status that had been posted.

 

Both of Axel's brothers were going to be out for awhile, the oldest still being at work and the middle having gone out to a bar. The youngest would probably be home alone for another good couple of hours if not more. It used to bother Axel being alone in the apartment when they first moved in, as they were new to the area and he was a rather nervous person in general already, but he'd more or less gotten used to it by now. The three of them always worked different hours, so it wasn't often they were all home at the same time.

 

Switching back over to the messaging box, Axel went ahead and typed in another message to Jay.

 

'Both my brothers are out and I'm kinda bored lol, anything you wanna do?'

 

The fox was quite glad he had made such good friends with Jay, as he rarely even had time to feel alone anymore. Anytime he did feel alone he was always able to message Jay, which really helped him when he was home alone as well.

[Mallory]

While Jackson waited for a response from the wolf, he decided to quickly finish some of his work up. Just so that it won't be a bother later on. It's not that it was difficult work, but it would become tedious now that he was able to fully execute his plan. He doesn't want it to be a worry until next month for another checkup. Also, he didn't want the companies, whose cybersecurity he is in charge of, to call him about not receiving a virus protection update or something alike.

 

So, he begins to finish the work up with speed. All while plotting out the many ways to execute his trap for the hybrid. However, they all have to be a gentle approach to fit the Jay persona. Even if he was more than willing to take the pup by force, even played with the idea more than once when the facade felt as if it was taking too long for his liking. However, he knows that plan is not organized, will have more holes and will ultimately end tragically. The travesty being that they take Axel away from him. The thought sickens him, weaving into frigid anger at the very thought that someone would take his ethereal neighbor from his grasp. But, it was a reminder to traverse this plan with a level head. To ignore the impulse. He waited this long, he can wait a bit longer before he can touch his prize.

 

A small tune came from his computer not much later, just as he was nearly finished. Immediately, Jackson checked the message. So much for wanting to actually do his job for once. Though, he cannot help but to immediately refocus his attention onto Axel. Another thing that became a habit after a month of this charade; whenever the alert of a message from the idiotic website sounded-either from his computer, laptop , or phone - he was quick to reply. Only having to remind himself that his pseudo is a school teacher, so he would wait awhile to feign being a busy educator before replying. Each second having to wait causing more and more frustration on his part.

 

Reading the message, he scowled; he didn't see that happen to the hybrid, the phone being put down somewhere where the camera was limited. It made him grind his teeth together, the bones scraping against each other painfully as he thought of the customer that got away with mistreating his pup. Taking a deep breath, Jackson replied: 'Haha, yeah. Aww, that's uncool of the guy. At least they didn't ruin your whole day!!'

He wished he could find this brave person and skin them alive.

 

He focused back on work after sending the message, typing as fast as he could so that he can be done with it. He has to finish this, then, he can fully focus on his plan. It took him a minute, maybe two, before the work was complete. Huffing in silent victory before closing those programs all out but leaving them running in the background(it'll alert him if there was an attempted breach to the system, even if he programmed a worm to retaliate to the stranger's efforts by factory resetting everything the stranger had, as well as collecting their information and sending it back to home base). Stretching his arms before slouching back down. Opening the window where his and Axel's conversation was fully across the monitor. Rereading some of their old messages as he waited.

 

Ding!

 

Jackson scrolled down to the new message, and paused. Eyes widening ever so at the pixelated words in front of him. Reading and rereading them. That sounded so, dirty. As if the pure pup was eluding to something sexual for them to do. He licked his lips, throat feeling dry at the unintentional double meaning as a shudder racked his spine. This, this was his opening.

 

Biting his lip, Jacksom began to type out a response. This will lay out the trap.

 

'Hahaha that kinda sounds, well. . .,'

 

He sends that message off before immediately typing another:

 

'Actually, I've been meaning to tell you this. But, um, ahaha I don't want to like, ruin our friendship.'

 

Jackson has every intention on ruining this friendship, on making this more. But with himself and Axel, not the hybrid and this made up human. He sends that message off as well. And waits.

[DJIce]

Another buzz had the fox perking up, rolling back over onto his stomach to get more comfortable before he looked over the new message that was sent to him. His tail absentmindedly flicked back and forth as he began to type up a reply, a soft hum of contentment coming from him.

 

'Yeah, well you get people like that every so often. It used to bother me quite a lot, but you eventually learn not to let them get to you. It's not worth it ^^'

 

Being a rather sensitive person, it used to be quite difficult for Axel to deal with hostile and rude people at work, having even teared up over it in the past, but it was yet another thing he'd since learned to cope with. It was still quite inconvenient, but it was just a part of life that pretty much everyone had to deal with at one point or another. With that he was waiting for another reply again, distracting himself with looking through the main page of his social media site. Despite his attempt to distract himself, he was still heavily thinking about Jay, and he was becoming quite impatient as he awaited his response.

 

Finally his phone vibrated again, the fox quickly tapping on the notification that popped up as he eagerly read over the response. Instantly his face flushed bright red as he realized his question did in fact sound quite suggestive. He hadn't initially meant for it to, and he was instantly worried that he'd just gone and made things awkward for the two of them, but he was taken aback by the next message that was sent to him. That band of red across his face only became more prominent as he tried to think of what Jay could be referring to. Could there be a chance that he had feelings for him?

 

Instantly the fox was feeling all fluttery in his chest, his heart rate picking up at the thought. He'd honestly been crushing on Jay for awhile now, and the idea that he possibly shared the same feelings for him was making him feel all fuzzy. Still, he didn't want to go jumping ahead of himself now. There was still a good chance that Jay was referring to something completely different, but he still wanted to hold onto the hope that he was talking about what he thought he was talking about. After a moment of thought, he finally began typing up his reply.

 

'Ohhh? I'm curious now, you have to tell me... I feel like I might have an idea of what you're wanting to say, but I'm too scared to say it in case I'm wrong... XD Whatever it is, I promise I won't let it ruin anything we have, you mean way too much to me... >3>'

 

Hitting the send button, Axel was immediately feeling quite anxious, chewing on his bottom lip as he even went to sit up. Was this too fast? They'd only been talking for about a month, and he was worried he'd end up scaring Jay away if he took it a step too far. He still didn't even know if the man had any feelings for him, finding it hard to sit still as he eagerly awaited his response.

[Mallory]

Axel was too kind to be working in such a stressful establishment. The hybrid deserves better, to be treated with the utmost respect. And Jackson could give him that, support him anyway he can. Just to have the cute little neighbor with him forever in this apartment. To know without a doubt, that nothing will harm him, not while he was close in presence.

 

Staring at the screen in front of him, knowing how close he was to having the little hybrid in his grasp, Jackson was more than impatient to receiving a reply. His plan is solid, something he went over constantly throughout the month of gaining Axel's trust. Running through scenarios of what could happen, what can happen, and the scenarios that had the smallest of possibility of happening. Yet, here he was, impatiently gnawing on the bottom of his lip as he waited. Wondering if there was a possibility he had miss during all that thorough planning.

 

No. No, he did everything correctly. Took into everything in account down to the tiniest details. There's no room for any mistake to occur, Jackson won't allow it. Refuse for any to happen when he is this close. Huffing, he ran his fingers through his hair, messing the strands around as he waited. Closing his eyes as he took a few calming breaths in and out.

 

Ding!

 

Eyes snapping open, Jackson refocused his attention to the monitor in front of him. Leaning forward to read the message on the screen. He licked his lips, mouth feeling dry as he took a moment for the message to settle in. Despite knowing this was a possibility, that the Jay persona was flawless, seeing it right in front of him -the obvious evidence of the plan working - made Jackson warm up. Made him preen that he was able to make such an ethereal being fall for him. That the fox said he was too important for him to lose.

 

With a smirk, knowing he was right there, Jackson typed.

 

'Haha that's a lot of pressure now! And awe, I mean that much to you? >w>'

 

There's one thing he cannot wait to rid of, this idiotic persona he created. Granted, it got him what he wanted, but that's all the credit it deserves. Sending that message, he continued;

 

'Well I . . Kinda like you. Well not kinda, but really like you. It's been a month but it feels like I know you so well and that made me form a crush on you. Ahah, I feel like that's fast. Is that too fast?;;'

 

Despite putting some of his true feelings into the message, it was toned down greatly. He doesn't just like the small hybrid, no, he loves him. Something he's been doing ever since he saw his tiny neighbor nervously move in next door to him. Axel just needs to see that he loves Jackson too. Even if it means going through extreme means like this.

[DJIce]

It felt like the fox had been waiting forever, his nerves only continuing to build the longer he waited for the other male's response. What if he was totally misinterpreting Jay's words and was getting his hopes up for nothing? What if he was actually straight and it was impossible to ever end up in a relationship with him? The thought had Axel's ears pressing back flat, a nervous whimper coming from him.

 

Finally, he heard his phone buzz, instantly grabbing it to get a look at the first message sent. A lot of pressure? Was it too much pressure? Instantly Axel was wincing and hissing softly through his teeth, now overthinking the last text he'd sent Jay. He was more than just worried. The last thing he wanted to do was mess things up between them. He didn't want to lose Jay. The fox was quick to type up another response.

 

'Aw, well I don't wanna force you or anything, you don't have to say if you're uncomfortable ^^; And yes! Talking to you has been like the biggest joy in my life for the past month or so, I feel like we have quite a bit in common and you're so dang nice, I would hate to lose you...'

 

Pressing send, the hybrid could see that Jay was typing up something else. He stared at the 'Jay is typing' at the bottom of their conversation, finding himself squirming around anxiously. He was terrified he was making things awkward, though he found himself glad he wasn't having to deal with this in person. If he was this much of a mess worrying over text, then how would he be if he was actually with Jay and talking to him right now?

 

Another buzz and his eyes were instant going over the new message sent. He felt a shiver course through his body before that fluttery feeling in his chest started making itself present again. Jay actually liked him back? His heart was pounding as his breathing quickened some, taking a moment to let that sink in before he started typing up his next reply.

 

'Ahhh, no way..! I was so scared that you didn't have the same feelings, but you do and omg! I've been crushing on you for weeks now and I was terrified that I was going to make things awkward XD I mean... Maybe it is fast, but honestly I don't care that much... You're like all I've been able to think about lately... >\\\\

 

Sending the message, Axel could feel that his face was hot, moving a hand up to feel over the heated skin of his cheek. This was really the first time he'd gone though feeling confessions and even having a strong crush like this, and he really couldn't help but be a blushing mess over it.

[Mallory]

Jackson stretched in his chair, tapping his foot restlessly as his nerves got to him. The plan is going smoothly, working his way into Axel's life. Firmly planting himself into the little hybrid's life, being his sole need for comfort for his ethereal neighbor. The other seemed to care for him enough to make this easy, well, cares enough for his persona. Clicking the fake profile, Jackson stared at the account he forged. Studying the stolen photos that now make up the Jay profile. Nothing really stood out physically about this stranger; average looks, average quality. Just average. Lack luster, even.

 

Yet Axel liked him. Cared for this persona so deeply. It made him feel jealous. Envious that it wasn't entirely him that held his innocent neighbor's attention. Yes, some of his intentions (though dialed down) were underlining every word Jay spoke to Axel. However, it wasn't him. It wasn't Jackson. He felt that green eyed monster sneer at the profile he created, at his very creation that took his neighbor's attention. Despite that being its job. It shouldn't matter, because soon Axel won't have a choice. He will love him, just as much as he loves the other.

 

Ding!

 

Glancing away from the profile, Jackson opened his conversation with Axel. It's best not to worry about someone he essentially made up, especially considering the profile won't last long regardless. Reading what his little pup wrote, he felt that green monster settle. Turning to warm mush at the adorable mannerisms showing through the text sent to him. How can his little neighbor be so pure? To just say something like this so easily?

 

Jackson wanted to go over there, to stop pretending and show the pup how he feels the same. To show him the extent his feelings went for the tiny hybrid. Taking a deep breath, he started to type up a reply. He needs to calm down, he's right there. Near closing his grasp around the small hybrid and keeping him forever. He made it this far handling his urges, so he can handle a few more minutes.

 

Before he could finish his reply, Axel sent another message his way. Halting the final sentence he was constructing, he read what the ethereal wolf sent him. He read it over. Then re-read it once, twice.

 

Abruptly, he stood up. The chair he was sitting on falling to the floor with a thud at his sudden movement. Axel was harbouring a crush on him this whole month? He plagued his thoughts constantly? Jackson started to pace back and forth, running his hands through his hair. Heart thumping a rapid pace behind the confines of his ribs. Axel can't just say this and expect him to behave. He can't confess something like this and expect him not to come banging down his door. Which he really, really wants to do. Wants to physical sink himself into the small wolf, to keep him close and imprint himself onto the hybrid's very flesh and soul.

 

He needs a minute; Jackson began to take deep breaths, counting to ten between each inhale and exhale. After a minute or so, he picked his chair back up. Sitting down on the plush seat. The need scorching it's way through his limbs, heating up his skin. Axel is really testing his patients, his self restrain. Taking another moment, he wheeled himself back in front of the monitor. Immediately typing up an answer.

 

'Oh wow aahah I wasn't expecting that! Ahaha I'm at a lost for words ^//^. It's not too fast for me!! Not at all! Does... um ahah... does that change anything? I mean, are we..more now?'

[DJIce]

Axel had seen the 'Jay is typing' at the bottom of the screen while he was typing up his second message, but he had to finish what he wanted to get out himself. Of course, Jay had stopped typing to read his second reply, but the fox was quick to notice that there was a long pause and Jay wasn't responding. Instantly he was worrying again. Did he say something he shouldn't have? Was he sounding too clingy or needy? Did his words change Jay's mind? He brought a hand up to bite the back of his index finger, torturing himself by rereading his last message over and over again while overthinking what he'd typed. Why was Jay taking so long to reply? It was eating at him a lot more than it should have been.

 

Just before he could really start freaking out over it, he finally saw that 'Jay is typing' message pop up, feeling a small flood of relief despite still being nervous about how the man would respond. His ears perked as the finished messaged finally popped up, the male's question causing his face to feel hot. Were they a couple now? How did online dating even work? Axel had never really dated in person either, so this was a whole new experience for him in general. Lightly chewing on his bottom lip, he read Jay's message at least five more times, trying to think of how to respond before he eventually began typing up a response.

 

'Lol I was like worrying I scared you away when you took awhile to reply, ahhhh I'm a mess... But, uhhh... Did you want us to move to the next step..? Is that how this works, we just say we're together now or something..? Lmao I'm so sorry idk how to relationship... X,D I think it'd be a bit hard for us to just settle as friends after this, don't you think..? x//3//x'

 

Sending that message, Axel was left still chewing on his lip. God, his face felt really hot to the touch. Exiting out of the social media site, he switched over to his camera, noticing how red his cheeks were. It suddenly occurred to him that Jay had never really sent him a whole lot of pictures of himself, and he was finding himself wanting to see more of him. With his face still flushed pink, he held his phone up above him, trying to pose cutely for the camera and snapped a picture before he went back to the messaging app. Adding the picture to his message, he typed something to go along with it.

 

'lol I'm like blushing so hard rn...'

 

He looked over the picture of himself as well as his message before he finally hit send. He hoped that him being more open about sending pictures would get Jay to start sending some in return.

[Mallory]

The facisanting excitement was eating away at Jackson, warming up his core as he waited for the next message. It was a difficult task, trying with all his might not to go next door to take his little hybrid. But, how else should he react? His one true ethereal neighbor reciprocates his feelings, of course he wants nothing more than to act on those mutual emotions as soon as possible. However, not yet. And that not yet is what's eating away at him, fighting the rational part of his brain as he sat in his chair. Fingers tapping away on the desk as he waited for a reply. His grasp is right around Axel, but he still must wait. He can near taste victory on the tip of his tongue, that eluding sweet flavor of finality.

 

Messing with his hair, scattering the strands with his fingers, he stared at the messages between himself and Axel. Well, Jay and Axel. It dimmed his joy, remembering that Jay was a placeholder for the time being. It makes no sense that he would be jealous of his own persona. Yet he was, all the same. Maybe he should distract himself? But if he does, what if he misses the pup's response of what they were? God, he hoped it was more. Something so much more.

 

Ding!

 

The chime of the notification had Jackson lean forward, focusing fully on the new message before him. He bit his bottom lip; so, the little hybrid has never had a intimate relationship before? A shudder racked his body, eyes fluttering at the feeling. That would make him the small neighbor's first. Licking the abused bottom lip, Jackson typed up a reply for the hybrid.

 

'Ah! I'm sorry I worried you there! >^

 

Jackson stared at the message for a moment before clicking send, leaning back in his chair which groaned lowly in protest. Would it really be so bad? Going over there, claiming that teasing little wolf? They do feel the same for each other, which is enough of a incentive for Jakcson. But the plan, he reminds himself. He can't just willing act on impulses, the hybrid's brothers will find out. Leading to them taking the pup away from him. Far away. And he can't have that.

 

This was causing him a headache, fighting with both emotion and reason. Sighing, he checked the next message. What greeted him was a photo of his flustered little wolf, looking shyly up at the camera and directly into his soul. He traced the blush with his eyes; it's quite pink, so contrasting to his pale skin. The flush standing out like a neon light, adversiting his flustered state. Can he bruise just as easily? God, he probably could. Growling, Jackson banged his head on the desk. Making sure the impact was not directly on the keyboard. This is unfair. Tortuous, really. How can that innocent pup do this to him? The needs was clawing it's way up, and is was becoming more tedious trying to calm it.

 

Taking in a shaky, deep breath, Jackson righted himself again before searching up some pictures. A small red mark forming on his forehead from the precious impact. He was sure that the person he used for the Jay persona had some leaks here and there. It only took a minute of digging around to find the tasteful picture of said man resting on his bed. He assumes it's a bed, it looks like white covers. It was obvious the man was shirtless, however you only saw down to half his pecks. He was grinning into the camera with a small blush, pillows framing his cranium. This will do.

 

Jackson sends the picture off with a message attached;

 

'Ahhh you're so cute!!! You're killing meee xxx'

[DJIce]

Axel was lightly chewing on one of his nails as he watched the little 'Jay is typing' message pop up at the bottom again. His tail began to flick on the bed absentmindedly as he simply stared at the screen, finding it pretty hard to sit completely still with the type of conversation they were having. The fox's ears perked forward as his phone buzzed in his hand, a new message popping up at the bottom of the screen. His eyes frantically scanned over it, that flush in his cheeks gradually becoming more as his heart fluttered in his chest.

 

'No, you're fine! I'm just overthinking everything lol XD I mean, I would really like going to the next step with you, though I might have to keep it a secret from my brothers for a while if we do. They're like really protective and they'd freak out if they knew I was dating some guy on the internet that I only met a month ago X3 That won't be a problem though aha. What do you say? Are we official now?'

 

God, why was this so nerve-wracking? His heart was thumping in his chest as he sent off that message, finding himself feeling quite restless. He supposed it must've just been the fact that he'd never done this before. This was a new feeling to him and he wasn't completely sure how to react. It almost felt like a dream, as he'd never had a crush return his same feelings in this way before. Maybe starting off with an online relationship would be good for him, as he wasn't sure how overwhelming it would be in person.

 

It was then that a second message had his phone buzzing again, immediately drawing his attention back to the screen. His face instantly lit up red as his eyes rested on the picture that had been sent to him, the fur on his tail ruffling up as he stared at it. His idea had worked, and he was definitely liking what he saw. It never occurred to him that the man he was looking at didn't actually know him at all. Axel genuinely believed that this man was Jay; the teacher he'd been talking to for weeks now. He could see that the man was shirtless, and although he couldn't see much, it still got a shudder to run up his back.

 

'Oh my god, so are you!! Looks like someone's shirtless, hehe... Ahhhh, would you want more or is it too much for you? XD Cuz I kinda want more... lol...'

 

Sending that message, he was instantly wondering if he was sounding too bold or anything like that. He wanted to see all of Jay, and he would be willing to let the other see more of him too if he requested it. Glancing up at the digital time at the top of his phone, he knew there was still plenty of time before his brothers returned home, so they could go a bit farther if they wanted to.