After leaving Chris to get dressed and heading downstairs to retrieve food, Kuza finally returned to the bedroom. It didn't bother Chris too much, considering he was only gone for ten minutes. Besides, the bedroom was in a loft area that overlooked the downstairs. He never lost sight of him. Being somewhat alone in his house, even for ten minutes, did feel a little bizarre.

Kuza sat down beside him, handing him a bowl of cherries, a sliced up apple, and some almonds. It might seem like snacks more than a meal, but it was more than a feast for a crow. Of course, Kuza wasn't exactly that delicate. He had a bowl full of cut up pieces of steak that were on the rare side.

"You remembered cherries are my favorites." Chris softly smiled.

"Of course, Baby. I'm glad you're a vegetarian." He replied.

"Why's that?"

Kuza readjusted, moving closer to him. "I've noticed anytime animal spirits that are naturally scavengers avoid eating meat, it's better for their health. Scavengers are only scavengers because they have to be, but you'll never have to worry about your next meal. I'll be here to take care of you."

"Really?"

"Really." He smiled comfortingly as Chris rested his head on his shoulder. It just felt right. "Have you told anyone about us?"

"No, but Ryan teases me all the time about how I smell like you. I'm sure he just figures it's from being your assistant, though." Chris replied.

Kuza scoffed, "Him and that damn raccoon are so fucking naughty. I don't know what I'm going to do with them. They don't ever drag you off on their little excursions, do they?"

He laughed, "No, I think they know I never would disobey you."

"Don't say things like that, little one. You don't want to tempt me." He teased.

Chris looked up at him, "Tempt you?"

Kuza took his bowl and Chris' and moved them to the nightstand. He guided the beauty to lay back, crawling on top of him. "You're so naive. It's cute."

His cheeks lit up like a school girl's. "Do you really want to go again?"

"Do you?" He challenged.

"Uh-uhm... Yeah..."

Kuza laughed playfully. He pinned down Chris' wrists and leaned in, kissing his neck. Funny how they were dead tired after their first round, but somehow they found a second wind. Chris had no problem giving completely control of his body over to Kuza. Unfortunately, it seemed a second round was not to be.

The younger became disheartened when his dominate suddenly stopped and sat up. He had a focused look on his face, as if he'd heard something Chris didn't. Sure enough, there was a knock at the door a minute later. Kuza sighed to himself and got up. He raised his finger to his lips, signally to Chris to be quiet.

It didn't matter. If it was anyone with a good sense of smell at the door, they'd pick up on him being there immediately. Students weren't allowed to visit his house, though. It'd have to be a teacher, and chances are they would be a little more laid back about the situation. Most of them were pretty close with Kuza. When he opened the door, Ms. Mattel was standing on the other side, looking like she was about ready to pass out.

"Why the fuck do you have to live so fucking high? There's no point." She griped as she leaned on the doorway.

"Why are you here this late?" He asked, completely ignoring her complaints.

She stood up straight, sighing, "One of the shadows got gutsy and broke into the Apollo house. Courtney took care of it, but a few of the students were injured pretty badly. She took a few cuts and bruises herself."

"Shit. I'll be down in a minute. Send Johannes to do a patrol and check for any others nearby. Did you come all the way up here by yourself?"

She shook her head. "No, but Katya gave up about two thirds of the way up. I'm going to go find her, make sure she's not dead."

"Alright. Be safe." Kuza closed the door as she started to walk away. He stood there briefly, taking a deep breath in. Then he lit a fire under his ass and rushed upstairs. He started to get dressed, informing Chris, "I need you to stay here. I shouldn't be gone long, but it's a lot safer for you here. Okay?"

"Yes, Sir." He muttered. There was fear in his eyes, that of a child's.

Kuza walked around the side of the bed and kissed him on the forehead. "It's alright, darling. I would never let those savages hurt any of my students. You're all my family, some in different ways than others." He lightly joked.

"I know. It's just... Scary."

"Don't worry. You're safe. You always will be, as long as you listen to me. Thankfully, you're one of the few who do." He chuckled.

Kuza took off, hurrying out the front door. Chris grabbed one of the blankets on the bed and pulled it over his shoulders. He felt utterly helpless, being truly alone in his boyfriend's house. To ease his mind, he looked up to the skylight. Overhead, he saw a familiar eagle flying by, accompanied by a smaller red bird. Even the teachers refused to go out alone at night. The fact that Kuza did, no matter how strong he was, had Chris worried.

He pulled himself off the bed, wandering over to the window that faced the taller portion of the mountain. While the area where Kuza's house sat was higher than anything on campus, it certainty wasn't the highest point. From a cave towards the mountain's summit, a giant roar of flames erupted. The noise shook the windows and echoed through the entire forest. It did rattle a few bones, but none of the animal spirits were afraid of it. They knew what that was; The Head Master's warning shot. Without a doubt, anything that had tempting thoughts of trying something had been scared back into whatever hole it crawled out of.