Chapter Text
When Kremy Lecroux found Gideon Coal huddling in an alleyway, he seemed like a simple mark. If anyone asked, he’d say there hadn’t been an ounce of goodwill in the decision. A massive fire genasi that seemed utterly out of his element and broke? Kremy had persuaded suckers into his employ who had more to their name than just manacles on their wrists.
What he wouldn’t say is how much of himself he saw in Gideon. The hard lines of labor etched into Gideon’s skin beside scars that crawled up his arms. His body showed signs of malnutrition, the skin around his muscles tighter than it should be. All the evidence of his hard life was visible across his body, all a harsh reminder of Kremy’s own.
He’d remembered laboring away in his Crawdad Quarters for years, working endlessly in Agwe to try and make a living. He watched others moving on to better lives while he toiled over pots of gumbo and stew. And Kremy dreamed of stepping up amongst the high society he served.
Finally, he found recognition and power under the employ of Remy Guru. The Hungry Catfish casino was the perfect university for swindling and grifting. He’d learned from and signed away his soul to the loa of death Baron Samedi, under the tutelage of Guru. He saw the brutal power gifted to them by their shared Patron, a dark, festering force Guru used without restraint. The memories clawed at his dreams at night until he chose to break away from the grip of the casino boss and start over again.
In the end, Kremy ended up alone until now.
When he stretched out his hand for Gideon to shake, the genasi watched him closely. Intently. After contemplating a moment, he reached out, grasped Kremy's scaled hand, and shook it.
They struck the deal. And Kremy hadn’t regretted it a day and never would.
~~~
Gideon was a far better friend than he could have asked for. He took to his duty intensely, standing right behind whenever Kremy did business. Gid was the wall of muscle Kremy hired him to be, but he was always there to lend an ear. Whatever idea came to Kremy’s mind, Gideon’s enthusiasm matched him tenfold. Whatever con Kremy thought up, Gideon was right there to back him up every step of the way. They were the same and different, one mind separated into two bodies.
In the first year, they spent a few months in Agwe before moving on, kicking around in the seedy sides of town, pinching coppers and food when the pickings were thin. The night before they left, Kremy had chosen the wrong mark. Some aggressive drunk who wasn’t smart enough to notice Kremy sneaking cards in and out of his hand throughout the night.
Gid had originally been standing behind but had settled down part way through the evening. He’d sat in the chair next to Kremy, leaning near, watching over his shoulder. His thick, muscular arm laid along the back of Kremy’s seat, his skin almost resting on Kremy’s shoulders. The burning fire inside Gideon’s core made the man a walking furnace. Kremy could feel the warmth through the fabric at his neck, and he tried to ignore his heart racing.
Packed initially, the other table occupants had dropped one by one until it was just Kremy and a drunk human playing. Kremy, sneaking in an ace like it was second nature, went all in and could sense the frustration opposite him building.
The bastard had called and lost. A good pile of gold had accumulated in the pot, and Kremy gleefully pulled it in. He overlooked the drunk then, the human reeling back to punch him, and Kremy found himself being pulled back from the table by his chair.
So far, no one had been dumb enough to attempt anything with Gideon beside him. It was the first time that Kremy saw the genasi in action. And he was beautiful.
The human’s head smashed against the poker table, forehead bleeding from the first strike. Then, his body was flung across the room, destroying another table and scattering its occupants to the floor. Gideon was a blazing inferno, his beard and hair roaring around his head as he swooped down upon his victim. Flesh connecting with flesh and the clanking of chains filled the air as Gideon beat the man before him mercilessly.
Kremy watched, enthralled at the ferocity of his blows, the primal savagery behind every strike. At that moment, Gideon was the fiery element of nature that flowed through his veins. He was an immovable force that blazed brighter than any fire Kremy had seen. And all for him.
His heart raced inside his chest as he rose, winnings pocketed, and slowly crossed the room. The other patrons of the bar crowded around the edges of the scene. Those thrown from their table had scrambled off, trying to stay out of the way. Kremy swaggered across the room, each step slow and measured as he beared down on his friend. Gideon still didn't notice the world around him, fists slamming down with the same rage and intent to kill.
“That’s enough, Gid.” With his words and a hand on his shoulder, Gideon’s fist froze mid-motion. His head turned, and his ordinarily black eyes burned as bright as his hair. Kremy had never felt more powerful than with this man so eager to defend him. Kremy had had other bodyguards in the past, and not one had protected him so fervently.
The drunk was unconscious, maybe dead, crumbled up beneath wooden debris from the table. Kremy’s eyes fell on him, only for a moment, barely a glance, before turning away and placing his other hand on Gideon’s shoulder. “We gotta go, Gid. The guards’ll be here soon.” Gideon's flames seemed to die down a bit, and his gaze focused more, darting about the room. As close to Gideon’s face as he was, Kremy could feel the flames from his beard lick against his fingers, but it did not burn. It felt just as warm as the skin beneath his palms.
Gideon stood, grabbed his hand, and quickly led them into the dark of Agwe’s streets. No one chased after them; the swamp town was hardly the birthplace of warriors. None would intervene in their escape besides alerting a guard, certainly not after Gideon’s display.
Looking down at the hand wrapped around his fingers, Kremy noticed that Gideon was trying to avoid his wrist sleeve. Blood spattered across his arms and face, hands drenched and dripping to the dirt beneath them; the thick liquid almost camouflaged against Gideon's ruby red skin. Not a speck seemed to touch Kremy’s violet suit sleeve. Kremy’s grip tightened around Gid’s, and a small smile touched his mouth. Kremy had chosen a good one.
~~~
Gideon was a man who didn’t care much for how others perceived him. Years chained to a Magitech engine and a childhood spent blowing fields didn’t lend itself to prioritizing personal hygiene. Gideon kept only a couple shirts he cleaned in rivers occasionally and only one pair of pants. He always had soot stains dotting his clothes from head to toe, his hair and beard an unruly mess. Kremy, a man who spent what some would consider too much time on his appearance, had a reputation to keep. So, he started with the hair.
Kremy found what he was looking for in a small village market they’d been passing through—a silver comb nestled in a metal case. Gideon had taken a moment to glance about the stalls by himself, leaving Kremy alone for a few minutes to take advantage. The comb was used, with some scratches and chips along the handle, but it was still in good condition. However, it didn’t stop him from using those scratches for a better price. Once satisfied with the bartering, Kremy snuck the case into his inner pocket and looked around for his companion.
He didn’t need to look long as Gideon found him first. That flaming brown hair and those small horns peeking above the crowd. “There you are, Kremy,” Gideon slung his arm across Kremy’s shoulders and grinned widely, eyes sparkling like embers. “Thought I lost ya for a second there. Find somethin’ you like?”
Kremy was coldblooded; it came with the scales, the tail, and the need to seek out heat. He just kept telling himself that as he leaned into Gideon's warmth and chuckled, walking linked together down the dirt road. “Maybe, maybe not,” Kremy’s sing-songy reply was atwitter with mirth and secrets while he spun his cane at his side. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Gideon pulled him closer, fingers still so gentle, almost cradling Kremy’s arm like something precious. Kremy looked into Gid’s eyes and didn’t look away. He needn’t look around anyhow, Gid would be watching for him.
Later that night, they settled around their campfire, snacking on sandwiches of stolen bread and delicious fish they’d gotten from the river. Gideon devoured it quickly like the bottomless pit he was and glanced in Kremy’s direction for a moment, hands poised over the leftovers. Just enough for a second helping if someone was interested, which Gideon always was. “You gonna want more, Kremy?”
The lizardfolk felt the corners of his mouth rise; even after half a year of traveling together, the man still asked. “Nah, Gid, you can have it.” The genasi grinned widely and dove in without hesitation, words of thanks spilling out with the crumbs as he chewed. “By the way.” Gideon glanced back at him, mouth frozen mid-bite, eyebrows raised in question. His eyes followed Kremy’s hand as the other man reached into his inner pocket and pulled the case into view. “Catch.”
Hand reaching up to meet it instinctively, Gideon glanced down at the metal case in his hand and turned it this way and that. His eyes flickered up at Kremy for a moment before he placed his food down on his dented metal plate. Gideon pulled the lid off, and Kremy saw the emotions flowing across his face. Surprise, shock, awe, and reverence as he slowly lifted the comb to his eyes to look closer. “Your hair’s a mess, Gid. I thought it was ‘bout time ya finally gotta comb.”
Gideon looked back at him, thick brows low, and Kremy had to glance away. He looked so touched; Kremy felt his chest fill with contentment and a surge of fire in his veins. Kremy wanted to see that expression on Gid’s face again.
When he looked back, Gideon was rustling through his bag, looking for something; anything he didn’t need found its way onto the side in a small pile. Then, in his right hand, something silver. Instead of tossing it like Kremy, Gideon stood up and walked over, sitting beside the other man. His red hand opened, and a scuffed but shining silver cigarette case the size of his palm rested there. Kremy could see the etchings engraved into the metal, the faded impressions of a dying tree, and he shakingly took the case.
It had a small hook latch, more accessible for his claws to catch onto, and it opened easily. There was a thin, light brown leather backing with small spring levers to keep cigarettes in place. For a moment, Kremy imagined the emotions he’d seen on Gideon's face were washing across his own, his yellow eyes getting misty as he held the first gift he’d received in a long time. He quietly sniffed, pulling out the small leather wrap he’d been using to keep his cigarettes. “They must have sold you this for a pretty penny; any of my hagglin’ lessons settle in yet?”
The genasi chuckled slightly and leaned his shoulder against Kremy’s, “I talked ‘em into a five-finger discount.” Gideon looked so pleased with himself that Kremy couldn’t help but laugh. He smiled gently, watching Gid begin combing out his beard, recounting his little tale of petty thievery with food balanced in his lap. And his shoulder continued to press close into Kremy’s own.
~~~
It was a year into their partnership when the Hobgoblins found Gideon. A Fire Genasi was a rare enough sight that Kremy knew anyone looking for Gideon would eventually show their face. He just wished they’d waited a little longer.
They were traveling between towns, camping in the forest one night. They’d long since fallen into a routine of setting up camp efficiently. Getting the fire started, setting up the tents, and preparing dinner. They were indeed a well-oiled machine at this point. Kremy was more relaxed than usual, with his suit jacket folded to the side, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, and his violet bow tie hanging around his neck. With his suspenders hanging around his waist, Gideon was stretching and sitting down to help with dinner. He began trying to chop with a knife that seemed miniature in broad hands.
“It’s been a year.”
“Hmm?” Kremy hummed curiously, distracted by stirring his roux, watching the flour and oil darken. When he spared a glance toward Gid, the other man was doing his best to cut vegetables with limited success. Kremy slowly reached over, gently adjusting the grip of Gideon’s hand on the knife. Both held their breath, but the moment passed quickly. Kremy continued stirring.
“It’s been a year since you hired me.”
Only his years in the kitchen didn’t make him freeze. Gideon had remembered; a year spent traveling around Avantris together, and Gid had remembered. If Kremy was completely honest with himself, which he rarely was, he knew it had been the best year of his life. Even when they were flat broke, Gideon always had a way of making everything brighter. And Kremy hadn’t been the only one paying attention to the date.
“Well,” Kremy peeked over at Gideon from the corner of his eye, and the other man was staring in his direction, hand paused mid-chop. “I’m makin’ some gumbo, and I’m sure I got a bottle of somethin’ special we can drink with it.” Kremy gestured to where his pack was sitting on the other side of the fire. “Check my pack.” He watched Gideon look at him momentarily before walking over to the bag. After a few moments of searching, Gideon pulled out a bottle of Red Spider Whiskey, shiny, new, and unopened. Kremy had remembered the genasi having a preference for it because of the spice, and Kremy was rather fond of it himself.
“Aw, I didn’t think you’d remember, Kremy.” Gideon’s face was mirthful and happy in a way that Kremy had started seeing more in their private moments together. The contentment and happiness in Kremy’s chest spread warmth throughout his body as he pulled his roux from the fire. Kremy waved the other man over, and Gideon settled down next to him, kneeling, his body grazing Kremy's own. Kremy reached over to gently clasp his hand around Gideon’s free one, passing him the wooden spoon. Then he slowly guided the genasi’s hand into stirring the roux as it finished off the flame.
Kremy's hand swayed with Gid’s for a moment too long before pulling back. The pace remained as Kremy had shown. He reached over, gathering the rest of the ingredients. Until the crunch of leaves came from behind them, and they froze. Their heads turned towards the treeline and waited. There was silence.
Kremy’s heart pounded heavily in his ears. He looked at the trees, his eyes darting back and forth for signs of movement. He watched Gideon slowly pull his suspenders back into place. Kremy moved close, his mouth next to Gideon’s ear.
“You see anythin’, Gid?” The genasi’s eyes were attuned to the darkness, and the other man silently watched the trees. Gid shook his head and they waited in silence.
Behind them, a snap. Their heads whipped around; Kremy gripped the other man’s shoulder, seeking reassurance. A warm palm covered his hand, the clanking of chains filling the empty air. He looked around for his cane and found it a few feet away against a log. When Kremy lunged forward to grab it, all hell broke loose.
From both sides, beings spilled from the trees: Hobgoblins—six of them, three behind them and the rest in front—with snarling teeth and swords held high. They wore heavy metal armor, hideous faces on display without helms to cover them.
They howled words Kremy couldn't understand, shouting back and forth at each other, but their intent was clear. They sprinted toward the genasi, and Kremy witnessed sheer panic overwhelm Gideon’s features. Blood boiled in his veins as he clutched his cane tightly; they would not have Gideon.
“Get the ones behind us, Gid! I got the front.” Kremy didn’t have the luxury of waiting for a reply, but he trusted that Gideon could handle himself.
A bright lilac light glowed from the skull atop his cane, and dark shadows raced toward his form, enveloping his body in darkness. Ominous jazz began to buzz and thrum throughout the night air. Dancing green sigils glowed across his scales and suit as the Baron's power surged through him. Brilliant purple, and green pulsating energy billowed from him in a thick cloud of smoke. Kremy’s bones glowed vivid lavender beneath his clothes and scales, revealing the surface hidden beneath his flesh and cloth. With a flick of his wrist, the cane spun almost lazily in his grip before he pointed the skull directly at the closest hobgoblin.
A swirling orb of shadow and green energy exploded toward it, hitting the target directly in the face. The hobgoblin's head snapped back at an unnatural angle, and it fell to the ground, not getting back up. Kremy didn’t bother checking if it was dead; instead, he turned to his next target and whispered incantations to himself.
His next victim wasn't as fortunate. With another wave of Kremy’s cane, a jagged crown of black bone and iron materialized above its head. The crown fell hard on its forehead, blood dripping along the rim where the sharp edges tore into flesh. With a swift wave of his cane, Kremy directed it toward another of its allies, and in its madness, the hobgoblin could do nothing but obey.
"Kill that fuck!"
The entranced hobgoblin turned to another and tackled its comrade to the ground. Taken by surprise, the other stood no chance as the blade was swift, stabbing through its neck and pinning it to the ground. The ensorcelled hobgoblin remained frozen after, kneeling atop its deceased ally, blank-faced with empty glowing green eyes that stared forward at nothing.
Sparing a glance towards Gideon, magic still holding firmly onto his victim, panic flooded Kremy’s veins. One of Gideon’s attackers lay crumpled to the ground, limbs at an unnatural angle and body still smoking from the genasi’s fire. The other two, parts of their hair ablaze and armor tarnished by ash, had wrestled Gideon to the ground. Through the bodies of the beasts, Gideon’s hand reached out towards him. The world slowed around him; Kremy had never seen the other man so afraid. Even from where he stood, Kremy could see tears beginning to well up in Gideon's eyes, his voice crying out.
“KREMY!”
And the warlock did not hesitate to answer.
Kremy rushed forward, his victim stumbling behind in its befuddled state. In a passing thought, the maddened beast tackled one of its companions to the ground, beating it with its fists. With a swing of Kremy’s cane, the crystal connected with the other's head in a sickening thunk. Its body crumbled to the dirt like a ragdoll, unmoving, but Kremy was not satisfied. He brought down his cane over and over, blood splattering the ground. The hobgoblin’s head caved in under the assault, blind rage fueling Kremy as what once was a skull became nothing but bone and flesh. It was only when blood-soaked dirt and viscera remained that Kremy stayed his hand.
Breathing heavy, suit drenched in blood, Kremy turned to glare at the remaining hobgoblin. The thorny crown still sat on his head as he straddled the corpse of his companion. Taking a few decisive steps forward, Kremy gripped its skull and wrenched it to the side. With a resounding snap, its body crumbled to the ground, dead. He watched the crown dissolve into smoke and shadows as blood slowly dripped into the grass beneath its head. He gave it one last kick to the skull with gory shoes before turning to Gideon.
The other man stared at him in awe, silent tears streaming down his dark eyes. Without a word, Kremy slowly settled onto the ground next to Gideon and cautiously wrapped one arm around the genasi. Gideon seemed to freeze but melted into Kremy’s side as he pulled him close. Kremy laid the man’s head against his chest and softly ran his fingers through his hair.
Heavy, shaky breaths became heart-wrenching sobs, and Kremy could only stroke those brown strands.