Hero had no idea why he let himself come to the rebellion reunion in the Aether. Sure, he wanted to meet his old comrades, those who he had lost when fighting for independence, but every military reunion would have drinking. Drinking would lead to games, and games would lead to exposing yourself and getting embarrassed the next day.

Hero had drunk way too many times in the past, and he did not want to relive that again.

But of course, with ye olde Scandinavian viking blood coursing through his veins, he had to go. He also decided to go with Noah, might as well show off his newest catch. He didn't know the hybrid had ulterior motives as well. Noah's possessive spider nature had urged him to go and earn his place amongst Hero's friends. So, after preparing (and kissing) for an hour, they set out to go a bar where the reunion would take place.

Yeah, Hero was shocked to find bars in the Aether too.

-

Hero had started regretting every life decision he has ever made once he finished his third bottle. Markus attended too, but reached there earlier than Hero and Noah did. When they arrived, he was already tipsy and ready to embarrass himself somehow. Hero was getting ready to either join him or take care of him.

Noah was still getting used to alcohol, but he did like it. He still limited himself though, and was still sipping on his first glass, wanting to stay sober for Hero. That made the Swede preen a little bit, not like he would admit it. Yet.

Noah had left to go to the bathroom, leaving Hero alone surrounded by his assassination group team mates. Kaleb, a thickset Russian woman called Vivian and a blond Minecraftian man by the name of Shawn. Everyone else was dead drunk, though Hero was still tipsy. He was getting there.

Kaleb decided it was a good idea to ask Hero numerous, often personal questions to catch up ever since they died. Hero answered without meeting their eyes, awaiting the question that would get everybody to probably cackle or tease him.

"So... Have you lost the big V yet?"

There it was.

Hero sighed, while Vivian laughed and told Shawn, "Come on, of course he has. We just need to know how it went. Well, sir?"

She mock saluted, and Hero glared at her. He then gave in and returned the salute, earning a cheeky grin from the Russian. Hero just hummed, and started quietly, "Please tell me you know that I'm definitely not straight. I'm pretty sure you caught me with guys in tents I'm not supposed to be in at least twice."

This time Shawn laughed, "We're pretty sure Kaleb triggered that. He said you were staring ever since you got to the underground."

Hero glared at Kaleb and snapped, "I was a growing teenager, it's totally understandable, okay? I was... Exploring."

Kaleb snorted, "Very thoroughly."

Hero had heard footsteps behind him, and he caught a familiar scent. It wasn't Noah's musky scent, but something more intense. Hero decided he didn't like it. When he turned to see who has sat next to him, in Noah's seat, he very much knew he didn't like it.

"Aaron," greeted Hero distastefully.

"Chaton," cooed Aaron, ignoring the look of disgust on the other's face.

Kaleb, Vivian and Shawn have grown silent. They were sipping their drinks, but glaring daggers at the Frenchman over their glasses. The mood at the table was gone.

Vivian was the one who started talking, "What are you doing here, Aaron?"

The blond gasped, and dramatically put his hand over his heart, offended. He purred, "This is a rebellion reunion, ma'am. Last time I checked, I participated as well."

Hero looked away, and muttered, "Right. Thank you for your service."

Hero regretted it once Aaron leaned in closer. The Frenchman spoke, his voice low, "Come on, chaton. Don't shut me out like that. After all we've been through."

The flush on Hero's cheeks weren't from the drink. Kaleb, Vivian and Shawn took note of that. They connected the dots and slowly started widening their eyes. Hero still did not meet anyone's eyes. He couldn't trust himself to.

Still, he spoke clearly, " 'All we've been through' was a one night stand, Aaron. It'll stay that way."

His comrades were a little shocked at how straightforward he was, but sometimes you need to be when people didn't get the fucking message.

Aaron spoke again, and Hero bit down the urge to punch something, preferably a man by the name of Aaron.

"I was your first, chaton. People always hold their first times close to their heart. Besides, don't you want to relive that?"

Hero snorted, and snapped, "Why would I want to relive something that was so disappointing?"

Vivian couldn't hold it in and laughed. Kaleb and Shawn were still stoic, but Hero could tell they were holding it in.

Aaron had frowned at Vivian's reaction, so he retorted, "You definitely didn't sound disappointed that night."

Hero flinched, and cursed at himself for doing so. Aaron spotted it, and smirked to himself. Vivian had long stopped laughing, and was clenching her fists underneath the table. All she needed was a sign from Hero and she could kick this ignorant asshole out within seconds.

"I took you apart so well, didn't I?"

Vivian saw red. Oh, that was it, she thought. That fucker will meet the end of my fis-

"I did a better job, though."

Everyone looked up to see a dark-skinned man towering over Aaron. Red eyes glinted maliciously at him, and everyone else smirked. Vivian relaxed, and left everything to Noah. Shawn saw Hero smirking behind his hand.

Aaron and Noah were staring each other down. Still, Aaron was in an awkward position. He was sitting down, letting the other man tower over him. If he stood up, Noah would take him in a fight he was sure to lose. Even if they didn't fight, he would seem small compared to this fucking tower of a man.

Noah spoke again, voice clear and full of authority, "You're sitting in my seat, boy. Don't test me."

He spat every word, and Aaron hurriedly scampered off, not looking back. Noah reclaimed his seat, but not before moving it closer to Hero's. The general allowed it with a genuine smile, letting Noah's arm slide around his back and rest on his hip. He leaned into it, breathing in Noah's slightly distressed scent.

Flaring out his own calming scent that sent waves of I'm okay. got Noah to calm down. The group easily got back to the conversation beforehand. Noah caught up, and winced at the question when it was asked again. Still, he just wanted for Hero to answer. It wouldn't change anything between them.

"Well..," Hero started. "Is it bad that I don't remember the first time I fooled around with a girl?"

"Oh my god, Hero."

"You're so fucking old."

"Hey! You're all older than me. I definitely look the youngest here."

Hero said that with a smug smirk on his face.

Shawn rolled his eyes and said, "Go suck a dick, Hero, you're too far up your ass."

Noah had spoken under his breath, but everyone heard it.

"He already did, quite perfectly I might add."

Everyone shrieked.