A Djinn. Of course, it's a fucking Djinn. Valli growls in his mind, slumped on the sofa in the living room. His fingers pet along the faux fur of a little throw blanket he doesn't recognize, absently smoothing his palm over the clean white fur. Kane had tucked him into the corner of the sectional the moment they entered the house, folded him into thin warmed blankets with a fluffed pillow pushed under his head. Valli tried weakly to protest, more so at Kane insisting he makes them some warm honey tea to help the slimmer man sleep. The thought Kane wants to make tea without being asked (or demanded) is still new to Valli, his first instinct is to offer to do it or at least help. However, this Kane was firm and gently encouraged him to lie on the couch.

He can hear the man in the kitchen, all while he pouts on the sofa in a mental mess of how he could fight a Djinn – or more – by himself with none of the needed tools. I could probably use blood from one of the cows, not kill her, but just a little donation to keep me alive. Where could I get steel around here? The fences are still wooden and I can't just take apart the carport without him asking questions. For a moment, he perks up as he remembers the steel knives his parents made together, head lifting off the pillow at the memory. Then he deflates again with a sullen sigh, this family probably doesn't have them. Fuck.

A kettle sings from the kitchen, and he slowly drags himself up to wander across the hall towards the noise. Kane is stirring honey into two small tea cups, and Valli pauses at the sight of such tiny cups. He had gotten accustomed to drinking and hoarding the giant cups he had at home (the ones that could be used as bowls) that he had forgotten tea cups could be a different size. Well, at least he has nice cups, clean and shiny. It's not his fault I like bigger things. The man behind the counter smiles at him once his presence is noticed, soft and loving. Valli still isn't used to the expression on Kane's face, or in his voice. "What's up? You should lie down for me."

Shuffling on his feet, the slender man shrugs. "Sorry. I heard the kettle and got up without thinking," His quick lie is bought, a cup of hot is softly pushed in front of him on the island counter as Kane nods. Carefully, the cup is held tenderly in his palms, and he nips at his bottom lip as nerves eat away at him. He blurts out the inquiry quickly. "Um... are there any steel knives in the house? Like, raw steel?"

"Raw Steel?" Kane repeats, puzzled. Eyebrows furrowed as he slowly shakes his head and stares at Valli with deep confusion. "Why do you want steel?"

"You already think I'm crazy." This is the first thought Valli's mind choked out, concerned if he reveals everything — his intentions to kill — will spook Kane into calling for backup. More people in this illusion would be more suspects than he has now, more danger for them and he doesn't want to see anyone wearing his family's faces to get hurt. He sighs, slipping onto a stool as he sips slowly at the tea.

Mechanic Kane snorts, head shaking with a soft chuckle. He rounds the counter to stand close to Valli, beefy arms wrap the other man in a warm embrace and he has no power to fight the urge to lean against the thick chest. When he speaks, the rumble of his voice echoes into Valli's ear and he sighs. "I don't think you're crazy. I think you hit your head a little too hard and need time to get back to yourself. If you don't clear up soon, Imma take your ass to the ER."

The tea forgotten, Valli hugs the man's soft waist tightly, closing his eyes to daydream this is his Kane. "I'll be fine." He lies, guilt now trickling into his mind. "I promise. Soon I'll be all better, remember everything and you won't need to worry." Soon, I'll either leave this illusion and you'll cease to exist, or I'll die in your arms. Either way, you'll be confused and suffering. For a while, at least. Maybe. I'm not sure. Gulping thickly, he sniffles, creating a horrible lie. I always suck at lying. "That's actually why I need the steel. I– I read something about steel helping somehow with memories. But, uh.. I forgot what exactly it said and how to do it. So I thought — ya know, I could experiment."

"I'm pretty sure steel can only help with taking memories, as your head gets bashed in with it." Kane laughs, nose nuzzling into the soft chestnut hair of his boyfriend.

"Oh, hush!" Briefly, a sharp knuckle presses into Kane's gut, the man 'oof'ing with the sudden mild shove, yet he giggles at the action. Tilting his head, he stares at Kane and –impulsively– presses a kiss to his scruffy chin. The man grins, soft, slightly chapped lips brush his forehead in a light kiss that makes his heart stutter. More lies – bullshit– fall off his tongue, but he has no choice – this Djinn needs to die for him to escape. "I was gonna boil it. Maybe the steam will do something. But I thought knives would be easier to handle."

"Hmm. Whatever you wanna do, I'm with you. But it ain't gonna work." Kane humors, a small smile on his face. "I think the barn might have some steel tools, we can check later."

"Thanks. I'll bet better, just you watch." I hope I will.

The pair stay embraced for a few minutes longer, basking in the presence of the other. Valli's heart aches and is pounding in excitement simultaneously at the closeness of Kane, content to be held by the man of his dreams. Not this version of him, but he's as close as I'll get so I'm not passing this up. Merely leans into the sturdy and meaty chest to bury his nose into the shirt the man wears, the scent is off – more motor oil and fresh rain rather than the gunpowder and musky spice he prefers. Kane from his world liked to work on cars too, but only if the vehicle was needed. He didn't enjoy working for (or with) other people, the lone wolf as he is. This Kane is more trusting and emotional, quicker to comfort and empathize. I wonder what would happen if these two Kanes met, Valli ponders and stifles a giggle at the image of his Kane raging and trying to beat this Kane up. I feel like My Kane wouldn't like that his twin is so sweet and un-hunter-like.

Soon, Kane leaves his side with a cute temple kiss to step outside. Excuses himself to check on a car, and offers Valli to tag along to the carport. The out-of-world hunter refused, eager to gather stuff he could use to fight. The moment the front door closes behind the mechanic, Valli jumps from the stool to stumble through the kitchen, tugs drawers open and begins tossing silverware about. Muttering to himself about steel knives, the clinking, and clanging of the metal utensils is loud and obnoxious as he searches for anything made of pure steel.

Nothing. Valli curses under his breath, annoyed that this house has no loose and usable steel. Mumbling thoughtfully, "I guess blunt trauma is gonna have to work. Maybe I could bash its head against a wall or something. Surely that would kill the fucker."

"Now, that's how I pictured most Hunters think. You haven't disappointed me. How interesting."

Startled by the female voice, the man snatched the nearest weapon he could; a measly slicing knife, long and thin. Spun around, Valli is face to face with a tall brunette woman dressed in a silky blouse and a tight knee skirt. Business formal, which he vaguely thinks is even odder than her appearing out of thin air. She smiles smugly, green eyes flicking to the knife in humor. The knife gripped in his fist, he holds it at the ready as he snarls, "The fuck are you?"

The woman chuckles, slipping smoothly onto the stool he had previously sat upon. Chin in her palms, she gazes at the man with unveiled wonder shining in her glinting eyes. "I just wanted a glance at the blind hunter the men up there are watching over. You know, us Goddess much prefer our lovely little daughters to do the heavy lifting." Her head tilts, humming low in her throat as she takes in the slim yet strong muscles on his body. "However, considering your Aunt is one of my best – I'll allow you to fight for us."

"What the hell are you on about, Lady?" Valli demands, preparing for a battle, and increasingly confused, he considers just trying to stab her to get a head start on running. If she's talking about Gods and Goddesses, he doesn't stand a chance alone and without his weapons. Why does all the stupid shit happen to me?

With a wave of her hand, the knife flies from his firm grip to clatter onto the counter. She huffs with a pout, put off. "You won't need that. I just want to talk."

"Then talk! I wanna get outta here before I die!" She rolls her eyes at his demand as if his will to live is an inconvenience. He keeps to the opposite side of the counter, untrusting of her to get too close. Crossing his arms, he breathes in through his nose to calm his nerves. He wants to protect the vulnerable man outside, this version of the man can't defend himself against supernatural creatures. The quicker this woman talks, the soon he gets an idea of what is happening and the faster he can get rid of her. Somehow, anyway.

She smirks at him, arrogant and conceited. "So pushy. I can't tell you why I'm here. I was just curious why you were chosen. Why, you aren't even blind in this dream. I'll need to return later." The pout returns, the entertained smile hidden inside it. "What a waste of a trip."

Valli groans, massaging his temples. "If you can't tell me shit, get the fuck out 'cause I'm busy trying to stay alive!" Mumbling, he bemoans to himself. "Why does all the random and annoying shit happen to me? Am I this unlucky?"

"Yes."

The woman grins at the deadpan expression she earns, the man close to leaving the room to continue his business and to get away. He doesn't need some creature to mock him while another depletes his energy. Especially, if she claims to be a Goddess. "Get on with it. What can you tell me? If you're not here to kill me or whatever, you can at least help me."

The Goddess shrugs, eyes glimpsing around the environment mundanely. "I want to see how this plays out. But I can tell you, the Angel didn't lie and the Demon was just plain stupid. We don't claim them and thank you and you're little party for ending them for us."

"Great. So I'm supposed to fight with some Hybrid against what?" At the question, the Goddess goes tense and she avoids looking towards him.

Instead, she distracts herself with the tea kettle and tea cups, sliding them around the counter like a bored cat with a finger. "I can't reveal that, just yet. The men like to be the ones to do that, all dramatic as they are. You know how men are."

Tired, worn, and increasingly uneasy, Valli shakes his head and throws his hands up. "Okay. I'm done." Intending to push himself off the counter he was leaning on, Valli stumbles back as he feels his skin tingle, and a sudden headache pounds against his temples.

In the distance, he can hear his name being screamed, but it sounds echoey and far away. "Valli! Val!"

"Kane?" He hurries to the window, only to see Kane under the hood of a car, working with oiled hands as the screaming continues.

"Valli! Wake the fuck up!"

###

Kane is tossed into the dilapidated wall with a roar of the Djinn, the man grunting as he brushes crumbles of installation and bricks off his body. The monster defending the prey he had strung up on the only standing brick wall, needles attached to the pale figure to drain blood into blood bags sat to the side. The lithe limbs, tangled chestnut hair, and scars reveal who the prey is; Valli is drained to the point his flesh loses color, and the man is breathing shallowly while only occasionally sighing or moving his lips.

Sunny and Kane split up upon the warlock partnering with the Djinn, separating them. Ma chased after the warlock with Addy on her heels, which left Kane to locate the Djinn. He could hear the women fighting but pushed the urge to run after them away. He had his own mission to complete. The truck stop is small, yet dense in junk and rooms to hide in. Along with sneaking through the halls, he had found three other victims; all dead and drained, appearing like unwrapped mummies. The flesh was wrinkled and dry, blood sluggishly dripping into the filled bags so slowly it was evident there wasn't any left.

In the last room in the back of the building, a small storage room, he had found the Djinn kneeling in front of Valli. Chilled blue eyes stared at his fellow Hunter with such hunger Kane was almost physically sick, the glowing hands with lines and symbols carved into them had curled around slim ankles. Robe lay on the ground in a flourish of black fabric surrounding the monster's knees, the hood covering the bald head Kane knows is under it. Before the creature could dip his head and bite into a calf muscle, the hunter had shot a bullet into his shoulder to distract him. Shouting out to Valli, Kane had hoped he was heard inside the dream the monster drowned the man in.

Now, he shoves himself out of the pile of rubble with a grunted growl as he fires the gun. Another bullet is launched into the other shoulder, sending the hooded creature stumbling back a few steps. He grits his sharp teeth, snarling. Kane braces his body, tenses his muscles, and his fist clenches around the knife handle, prepared for when he is charged at full speed. Both heavy bodies collide, and each man and monster are now in a battle of wills. Arms locked, they shove the other back to get the upper hand. Grunts, groans and growls are heard, curses and insults thrown from Kane's side as the Monster doesn't speak.

Lifting his legs, the Hunter pulls the creature closer to jam his knee into the other's gut. Winded, the Djinn weakens his hold on Kane's shoulders to allow the man to toss punch after harsh, deadly punch to the monster. Gruffly snarling over his shoulder, toward an unconscious Valli. "Wake the fuck up, Val! I ain't gonna tell you again, boy!"

The Djinn refocuses and growls lowly. A second later, Kane is kicked in the chest with inhuman strength to the ground, a dent appearing under the man's body from the force. The knife skips out of his hand as the Djinn jumps on top of his chest, smirking evilly. The hunter grasps at the creature's thin, robe-covered wrist to avoid being touched on the forehead. Unwilling to end up in a dream state like the Safehouse owner, he makes certain not to allow skin-to-skin contact. Struggling under the creature, he wraps his legs around the waist of the figure to use his hips and shove them over. "Fuck!"

His arm stretches for the knife, the gun too far to consider. Under him the Djinn snarls and snaps his teeth, the luminescent lines and swirls covering his head and body pulsate in anger, eyes dulling into a darker blue. Snarling right back, Kane lifts them briefly by the creature's wrist, only to slam them back down ruthlessly and smash the monster's head into the hard, cold floor. He repeats this multiple times until the body under him weakens and there's a blue pool of fluid under the hooded figure. Only then, does he scrabble for the knife and stab into the figure's face with the blade, continuing until there is nothing but gore and blue fluids on his hands. The once glowing eyes are now mushy and leaking, bones are caved in and brain matter is revealed to the air. The stench is almost overwhelming, but Kane smelt worse and merely breathed through it.

The knife is dropped, forgotten, for the man rushes towards Valli to remove the needles and chains holding him. Cautiously, Kane lowers the scarred man to the floor and tugs his military jacket off to cover Valli with it. Panicked azure blue eyes flick over the ghostly pale flesh, there are no serious flesh wounds; only needle spots and some bruises, a little nip of teeth along his wrists. Gently, Kane slaps a gaunt cheek and leans over the prone body. Grunting softly, "Valli? C'mon, the witch wants to see you, boy."

"Kane!? Son?!" Sunny shouts from the front, worried and panicked. She and Addy hurried towards where they heard crashes and fighting, both covered with green warlock blood. Addy's eyes shine a vibrant purple, her hands spark with heatless violet flames.

Valli's eyes flutter under the eyelids, breathing slipping out in deep pants as his lungs struggle. Kane kept slapping at his cheeks, gently and firmly commanding the man to wake up. "Back here! I got him, Ma! He's out of it, but alive!"

Addy is the first to appear, her spell guiding her feet. She gasps wetly upon the sight, her knees scrapped as she drops to the unforgiving floor beside the men. Fresh tears leak from her powerful eyes, hands soft as they cup her nephew's face attentively. Croaking, "Oh, my poor baby!"

Sunny skids to a stop behind Kane, sparing a glance at the overkill Kane made out of the Djinn before forcing herself to look over Valli. To calm her emotions, the woman doesn't allow herself to feel fear or sadness, merely pushing orders out. "Kane, pick him up. Addy you can care for him in the truck. We gotta burn this place down and get him home."

"We'll get him back first, Ma. I can come back after he's safe to burn this shit."

###

The Goddess left with a laugh, but Valli was too focused on how Kane's voice was in his ear when the man was outside working. Watching through the window, Sounds filter through the kitchen, grunts, and growls, and hazel eyes glance around the clean, empty room. Kane shouts again, yet the version outside doesn't react and doesn't look up. The man jumps when a light slap is felt on his cheek and a hand raises to feel the tingling flesh.

Sunny's voice echoes only a moment later, her presence also missing. Then with another glance outside, a horrified gasp escapes his lips. Kane is disappearing – slowly fading as he works on the car, not even reacting as he dissolves into thin air. Strained eyes tear up, unable to voice his concern and desperation as everything surrounding the spot where Kane once stood, also begins to vanish.

"Kane?! What's happening!?" Finally, his voice finds itself, yelping when the sensation of being carried floods through his veins.

Valli can only watch as the illusion, his dream, fades along with every color and shade. His vision tunnels once again, a black void coming to eat away at the beautiful colors and shapes. Reverts everything into shapeless, colorless, shades. Then, he can only yell into the darkness. "No! No! Please my sight! Not again! Please!! I want to see!! Kane!"