https://sptfy.in/n9ar
This sidestory takes place after Project R | Session #004 | Out of Control

The two wander the Scaffold District. Somewhere above them, iron rings against iron, and the smell of the ocean comes in thick. One moves like he has somewhere to be, yet no intention of going there. The other paces, and hasn't stopped moving since dawn.

Vaerik (stops pacing, voice cracking)
What in Muspelheim were the two of you THINKING?!
We came here for a posting! Dock work, clean record, a fresh start!
That was the plan, Bjorick. That was Fen's plan!

Bjorick (flat, arms folded)
He... He needed... the coin. The posting doesn't start for another ten-day.
He said it was one fight.

Vaerik
Always just... one fight... I....
We should report this, his family in Timberheart. They deserve to know.

Bjorick
Report it to who? The city guards? The Grey Pack?
Tell them our friend walked into an illegal fighting pit under a bar?
And got killed in front of thirty people who saw nothing?

Vaerik
So we just — what, do nothing?!

Bjorick
The family that runs The Cage has too much control, Vaerik.
You knock on the wrong door and we're the next problem they need to make quiet.

Vaerik (sitting down heavily)
I... I can't... Fen... He was getting better. Four months clean.
He kept saying this posting was the one that was going to stick...
He's our blood-brother, Bjorick!

A long pause. Bjorick's jaw shifts. He looks down the street at nothing...
His claws close at his sides — not into fists, just closed.

Bjorick
I... I know.

Vaerik (turning on him, voice rising)
Then ACT like it! You're standing there like a stone wall and I don't...
I don't know what to DO with...

Bjorick (quietly, ears low)
Neither do I...

Vaerik
...I hate this fucking place.

Bjorick is quiet for a moment. Then he draws a breath...

Bjorick
We finish what we came here to do.
We go home. That's what Fen would have—

Vaerik (ears suddenly snapping up, eyes locking down the street)
...Bjorick.

Bjorick
What.

Vaerik
...Bjorick.

Bjorick (turning)
Why are you saying my name like—

Vaerik (not blinking, not moving, tracking something in the crowd)
There! Down the street. Bjorick... that's—

Bjorick (turning, going still)
...That can't be.

Vaerik
FEN!—

Vaerik is already sprinting, claws scraping stone.

Bjorick (under his breath, fur standing on end)
Vaerik, wait for me!

Vaerik (arms locked around his friend, almost lifting him, voice completely falling apart)
Fen! You're ALIVE — you absolute — We thought you were — Bjorick said you were!

"Fen'ryk" (cheerfully, clapping Vaerik on the back)
Hey — hey! Easy there, easy! I'm here, yeah?

Vaerik (pulling back, laughing and wiping his face with the back of his hand)
Where the fuck have you BEEN?! We thought you were dead!

"Fen'ryk"
Still standing, aren't I?

Bjorick's claw comes down on his blood-brother's shoulder, grip firm.
He pulls him into a brief, tight embrace, then steps back.
His nose twitches. Just once...
He stands there for a moment...
Just a moment too long studying the face in front of him.

Bjorick
You complete and total idiot.

"Fen'ryk" (cheerfully)
Good to see you too.

A beat of silence...

Bjorick (quiet, almost careful)
...Did the family give you a shower...?

Vaerik (oblivious, still grinning, arm around his friend)
Who cares! — he's alive!
Don't you EVER do that to us again, you hear me?

"Fen'ryk" (one beat before the smile arrives)
Wouldn't dream of it.

Bjorick (quietly, watching)
Yeah. Don't do that again.