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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200406 | #silverkeep-river

location: outside of echo house.

KB: ( ; it’s a little strange as he trails the river this soon into the season. it’s still chilly, the moving water only propelling the breeze. with his arms outstretched, he balances himself on the river’s edge. looking behind him, just to make sure casey’s still around, he turns to walk backwards instead and points straight at the theta. ) i saw that! you were totally checking me out!

CY: #; naturally kaleb's pace is always quicker than his own, even if they were doing the same things, --he seemed to excel and thrive at even the simple things he drudged with and casey was just happy to watch. casey doesn't join him at first, balancing on the river line, but the concentrated look on kaleb's face makes builds a determination in him also. he takes much slower, easy steps his body more fluid once he finds his balance, he eyebrows pulled in tight and his lips pursed together almost seriously; h-huh? #; when kaleb back tracks he almost feels himself fall from the surprise of not his pointing but what he said--and it colors his cheeks with apricot when he could only be talking about one thing; ..-i didn't #; and he slips when he turns his head to look away, his whole left leg sliding into the water and forcing him to stumble--wetting his entire pant leg and making him grab kaleb's shirt for support in front of him-- great;

KB: ( ; all his hopping around in the canopies must’ve helped. because it’s too easy, at least to him. his instincts always keep him in check, and they haven’t steered him wrong yet. but even with the clear chance of falling into the water, he takes it in stride. if it happens, it happens. watching casey do his best with the same activity makes him happy, the smile reaching his eyes, but he has to force them open; his own generally closing when he so much as grins. the flustered response is all too cute and exactly what he was going for. ) you sure~? ( ; he teases again as he slowed his pace to let casey get closer to him. but then he laughs, and it comes so automatic that he doesn’t even try to stop it. ) you okay? ( ; he holds casey by the armpit in his sudden dip. ) is it cold? ( ; absentmindedly, he dips his own foot in the water, soaking his own pants, then pulling out. ) maybe another week. lest you- wanna get brave? ( ; raises an eyebrow. )

CY: #; when kaleb asks him if he was sure, the pointed look casey directed his way was filled with annoyance at both the cold water swallowing away all of his warmth in seconds, and the very happy about it look written all across kalebs features that simply draw together so easily with the laugh to accompany it. he's too much, he really is. the hand that holds him up is enough for him to yank himself up just barely, the grip of his boots finding only soft soil and he's stumbling again, this time grabbing the leg even closer to his reach when he falls and water rushes over his entire front, pebbles and rocks cutting into him good; ) ugh- #; he sputters when water splashes over his face and realizes he's a bit further down from where they were standing now, and yanking at kaleb's ankle now and making sure he feels his nails he frowns deeply; you're a damn jinx.

KB: ( ; part of him had seen it coming all along. there must’ve been a damn good reason why he’s been so good at balancing along the edge all this time. and when his entire being hits the water, he has to laugh. laugh for the confidence he had earlier. laugh for the look on casey’s face when he looks up at him. and laugh for the fact that it was casey that finally got him there. ) you’re all wet now. how’s the water? ( ; he wheezes in between his speech. already holding himself up on his hands and knees, he notices casey being further away and let’s himself get taken by the stream, too; effectively pushing the two of them along. ) we’re deadweight now. enjoy it.

CY: #; he tries to overcome it himself-- he's fallen into harder waters that this one, but the sudden abuse of cold makes it hard on him that he considers momentarily shifting just for the extra added strength in his weight rather than deal with the icicles his hands were becoming.; c-c-c- my shirt!! #; he thrashes in the water, meaning to comment on how obviously cold it was until a slimy scaly slippery fish starts flopping around against his chest, caught up first in his neck line and then making unhappy home down the rest. so when kaleb finally crashes up against him he thinks the next place is his in his pants and he wasn't prepared for that fight--not with the fish, but with kalebs intrusive hands. did they pass a waterfall walking along the edge, -- he hoped so, he'd gladly ask it to end him and the perverted fish scrambling to make his life worse;

KB: ( ; it’s fun, at first. feeling weightless as the stream takes them, overcast weather shielding them from the blinding sun, he actually does enjoy the ride. rapid waters have always been a challenge to overcome, though, when one needs to get out. it’s a little more alarming when he notices casey having a hard time with a fish of all things. he even tries to get the damn thing out; shoving his hand under casey’s clothes to grab the fish. by all means, they have intruded on their peaceful day of swimming. but it doesn’t stop casey’s thrashing, and he thoroughly fails at seizing the fish; feeling far more than he intended to instead. so without even thinking of his next moves, he quickly takes hold of the wolf’s hand and the jagged corner of a rock with his other. digging his bare heels into the blend of smaller rocks and dirt, he tries to redirect casey’s body towards land. )

#( unfinished end )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200411 | #lookout-point

location: beyond echo territory.

KB: ( ; forgoing the actual stairs to the top of the station, he climbs the supports instead. with the amount of times he’s been here, just looking for one particular wolf, he knows it’s roughly a twenty-two feet climb up. pushing himself onto the platform and sneaking through the open window, he sits on the edge. gripping onto the frame, he puts on an easygoing grin; not patient enough to just let the wolf notice his presence. ) i love the way you're dressed. bet you'd look even better without your clothes on, though.

CY: #; he's been longer than he'd intended again, but it was just about his favorite method of surveying out toward the west without getting sucked in by all the forests for days at a time. soon he'd have to report on the small campsite of young humans that had just set up a fire outside the edge of the outer forest. he's been watching them for quite some time from up here, but when the fire had gone down and nothing but smoke thickened the air and they'd packed their things, he allowed himself a moment of time to breathe away the subtle distaste left in his mouth. when kaleb appears at the edge of his vision, and then fully in the entire frame of the window, he thinks he's just way too good at climbing through windows. ) oh, too bad. #; he quirked an eyebrow, and scrubbed his tired face with the water he'd brought with him from yellowlake from his collapsible water container and let's it soothe his skin, sigh out the endings of tense nerves before looking back at kaleb, his embarrassment still lingering in the soft redness in his cheeks. )

KB: ( ; casey could just look at him and he’d be just as happy; biting the edge of his lip to stifle his grin. but boy, did he miss hearing his voice. ) missed ya, too, case. ( ; he playfully rolls his eyes. even as he watches the wolf wash his face, up here in mountain ranges and just off the safety of their territory, he thinks it’s so disgustingly domestic. how is it possible to not ever get bored whenever casey was around? it’s not like he’s not gone some days to hunt. but it hits differently when he’s out surveying and doesn’t even smell the theta from a reasonable distance. noticing the dash of pink on the wolf’s cheeks make him look off passed his shoulders. he hops off the window frame inspect the interior decor. it must be far too obvious that he stares at casey whenever he gets the chance anyway. ) so what’s got your attention? haven’t seen you in a while. ( ; flicking an unused glass mug, beige-colored with brown rims, he recalls the stall he swiped it from; hearing the small echo as he moves on. )

CY: #; casey pushes wet hands through his hair to effectively get rid of the moisture while still being resourceful and shakes it free with his palms. his bangs lay on one side of his face, naturally longer on one side and he watches kaleb have his fun toying with things around him. he wonders if he knows the fondness he has for that mug, that being the third, maybe even fourth time he's picked it up to inspect it.--something to do with his hands, a guess that has casey's eyes forming half moons in his face, tongue in cheek. ) mm, #; he grumbles a bit, eyes shifting off as he tried to find all the words to say about the campers, he'd have to write in his report later on, but his face visibly tires and his lips purse around his teeth. if kaleb hadn't sensed anything on his way up here, maybe it was a waste to even keep his eyes open right now after having watched them for so long. Instead of saying anything at all, he chooses to find comfort instead, putting his legs up against the very tiny workspace desk and sink back into his chair. he shifts only once to uncross his ankles and thumb the tight vice his belt was putting against his dick before crossing his arms and allowing himself a relaxed sigh in kaleb's presence. )

KB: ( ; there’s less familiarity in the view than he would like. it’s still daylight, the horizon as clear as ever, but he’s not seeing himself here. not really. the desk, the shelves, the window pane, and the floorboards all look foreign to him. but then he looks at casey, as quiet as ever, tired but more relaxed than when he came in. and it’s as if the color returned to his bleak painting of the unknown. he smiles unconsciously, and he has to stop himself from grinning too brightly when he realizes it. sauntering over to the desk, he then hops onto the edge right beside the wolf’s feet; slightly hitting it, if only to let casey know that he’s there. ) ain’t it a lil… ( ; voice lower than usual, he can’t help but let his fingers ghost over the theta’s leg. he soon reaches his knee and leans forward; putting a bit more pressure as he wraps around casey’s thigh. ) borin’ up here, alone?

CY: #; his eyes are closed by the time kaleb makes his way to the desk, the sees darkness and a tint of red behind his eyelids from the sunlight peeking in from the window, but it works, it's enough to sooth the tiredness underneath. his eyebrows are still pinched tight from the words swimming in his head, and the lack of mental clarity that always seemed to flood him. when his leg is hit, he shifts just barely, tongue drawing over chapping lips and tasting river water, he'd hum in slight irritancy, but he peeks his eyes open just barely as kaleb's voice reaches him and fills the tight space. he doesn't mind the touch on his leg, isn't hyperaware of it, but it eases the notch in his brow slightly, but the way they travel from his knee to his thigh makes him breathe out a satisfied end of a laugh. the grasp of his thigh makes his dick leap in appreciation however his laugh melting into a soft unexpected gasp, and he lazily swats at their intrusion. )

KB: ( ; if anything were true on earth, it’d be just how expressive casey was whether he knew it or not. he’s too used to words and a voice that told him someone’s state of mind. but it’s casey, and he cares enough to pay more attention—actually take a good look at the other when looking for answers. it’s a given how easily he looks at the theta, almost hyper focusing, just to assure that he’s catching the right things. he catches the exact moment casey gasps, so he delves deeper. now too close to, what he imagines is a neglected cock, he snickers at how little effort casey makes to actually stop him. ) you don’t really mean that, do you? ( ; it takes effort, it really does, to get his voice to slow down and pronounce every word like it’s meant to. palming the clothed cock, the sight of the wolf propels him to tarnish a face at such ease and calm. the pull of his own pants grows uncomfortable, so he stands now. fingers following his new height slowly drags the theta’s shirt up, only to ghost his fingers on his abdomen. )

CY: #; another well earned sigh slips from between casey's lips, the sound brimming with sleepiness and the soft clear sweetness of a moan. with how long he's been cooped up here, just having kaleb around for was enough to ease the endings of his nerves, eat away some of the silence and noisy thoughts in his head to want to sleep again. but now that kaleb was touching him, and rousing his aching cock, he began to crave it so easily too, just as he did slumber and so he let him. casey lets him until he could feel the entire weight of his cock strain his jeans, and fingers dance along his abdomen, shadowing his rib cage. it's then that he take's kaleb's hand and stands too-- proximity so close, they could share only a kiss in that space between them, not even a sound could escape. but he leaves the space as quickly as they had entered it, and leads him to the bed against the wall to sit. he stares at kaleb with the same sleepy eyes, half mast, warm honey in his gaze and presses his face against his hand, feeling the grooves and callous of fingertips against his skin as he presses gentle, lingering kisses along their length. it's then that his eyes flutter shut and he's taking three into his mouth, wrapping his tongue around knuckle as he sucks gently then harder, letting his canine's drag against flesh and spittle slip down the swell of his lips until the suckle is languid and his drowsy expression stares back up at him in expectation. )

KB: ( ; all of him just wants to take, and take, and take. the look in the theta’s eyes make him hit pause on whatever he even thinks of doing, because how could he get casey’s attention like that? his fingers go slack, as does his entire system, when they’re so close. and perhaps he’s just the greedy type. swallowing his power away, he’s led to the bed thoroughly used—if the intensity of citrus sweetness had anything to say for it—practically awash with the desire for those lips on his. the sight of him, who he thinks never has a bad angle, motions for him to sit and he’s pliant. would this have happened anywhere else, he wonders. with eyes so hyper focused on those very lips on his fingers, warmth and wetness both there and below, his free hand brushes back dirty blond locks and holds; his own tongue wetting dry lips. leaning closer, he prods casey’s head higher; letting his fingers go free and feeling the coldness of air hit it. ) gonna be good for me, angel? you’re so, so pretty. ( ; with how he feels his heart in his ears, it’s curious how he’s calmer than his wants. moving his hand down to the nape of casey’s neck, he’s pulled into a breathless kiss; aggressive in the way his teeth sharpen at the edges against the wolf’s plush lips. letting himself fall backwards, taking the theta with him, he flips them over vigorously; making quick work of the wolf’s jeans—as well as his own—without separating. )

CY: #; excitement and nerves thrum through him at simply doing what his body desired as it rolled into him, just like that, especially at how kaleb complied to his whims and yet as casey watched him, he could still see that hungry look still prominent in his cerise hues. He felt the way those eyes sunk into him in each passing second, even as fingers were pulled from his mouth with a slick wet sound that made him feel accomplished and dirty at the same time. ) ..#; he mouthed out a yes, feeling breathy and empty, letting himself press into the hand that supported him, comforted him and simultaneously made him vulnerable to judgement. but the words that reach his ears are calm, carefully measured, and force shuddery breaths out his nose as his cock began to drool and he wanted nothing more than to hear him growl into his ear. casey whimpers into the kiss that further steals his breath away, skating the tip of his tongue across the roof of kaleb's mouth, along the curve of tongue while his teeth sought purchase against that bottom lip to bruise them and lap at blood that transfers between them and subtly paint their lips cherry red. casey can barely think at all like this, hands yanking to pull his t-shirt out of the way so he can get better access to his belt to help kaleb take it off, relieve some of the building pressure that was slowly driving him insane. his belt clangs against his rings noisily and has to pull away from the eagerness of kaleb's mouth to lift his hips and yank down his jeans and briefs with a sigh, splaying ruby kisses along the others mouth and jawline. his eyes fell shut as he palmed over his heavy cock, giving it a stroke of his own, the dusky head glistening with pre as he gave it a subtle squeeze. )

KB: ( ; there’s no hesitation in his movements as articles of clothing practically cease to exist any longer. casey’s comes off first, then his own shirt, and he’s quick to smirk at the sight; basking in the very beauty of it as he takes his palms against the wolf’s front. still tasting the blood on his lips, he always swoons. but playfully, he rubs at his dark orbs before twisting and pulling at them—the desire for casey’s every reaction ruling his senses. he leans into his ear, licking and nipping at the edges, before speaking lowly. ) how bad do you want it? ( ; after taking deep, rough breaths, he trails small nips down the theta’s jaw. it transforms into the lightest, ghost of a tongue trail down the wolf’s torso; knowing how cold his breathing is against the wetting skin. it seems cruel, but he stops right before he reaches the theta’s cock; already leaking and needing attention he won’t give. his own feels neglected; twitching against the restriction he’s failed to release himself off. so he rises for a moment, only to take his own precious time to strip, and he really makes a show of it. unable to look away from the wolf at this point, he discards the rest of his clothing—leaving himself bare and vulnerable. groaning at the touch, the desperately needed friction, as he grinds down on casey, before he pulls back again; if only to spread and push the other’s legs up. ) you gonna watch me, angel? don’t take your eyes off me. ( ; licking the fingers casey sucked on earlier, he circled the rim with his index finger as he watches the theta’s every movement and change of facial expression. is it greedy of him? he just wants to see it all. pushing each finger into him feels far too easy—and he thinks that’s the biggest compliment he’s ever gotten—while he massages the inside of casey’s thigh; coaxing every soft moan out of him. )

#( unfinished end )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200414 | #theta-casey-bedroom

( image cover. ) — location: secondary house / floor three.

KB: drawn on a piece of brown kraft paper with a red gel pen, the image of a generic music player with abstract artwork soon appeared. it was a little hard to write; something he had always struggled with. but he had gotten this far, so what was this one last thing? the title of the song, “breathe” by lee hi, was just barely comprehensible below the squared cover art. writing a quick “see ya when ya get back! :)” on the other side, he pushed open the window to the theta’s room. kaleb left the note, along with a small packet of mini caramel candies, on casey’s pillow before whisking himself away. it was going to be a long couple of days.

CY: he doesn't notice it at first--the small change in the room, with water dripping from his neck, and soap still stinging his eyes, until he sits down on his bed and mops away the remnants of his shower from his back. the crinkle of plastic rolling down from his pillow to his thigh is what surprises him, he hadn't been back in quite some time for there to be anything to have cleaned up. he fishes the tiny packet of caramels from the gap between his thigh and the bed, and his eyes soften. how many times was he supposed to eat them kindly, when he wasn't a fan of sweets at all? he breathed out a half sigh half laugh, and shifted so that he could lay with his back against the bed, kaleb must think they're his favorites by now. it was a habit to open the package and take a caramel out to unravel the plastic and stick it in his cheek--he could see kaleb get excited over him enjoying his gift each time by eating it quickly and savoring the taste, but this sweetness always erupts against his tongue just like that, like kaleb and the little things that excite him. he laughs for real this time, wondering if he's already gone for the hunt as he stares at the package in his hand before the little brown note peeks at him from his peripheral. he rolls a bit to grasp it and plays with the edge of his shirt as he looks it over, -- he wrote smaller than he did, but the art seemed deliberate and careful. casey wondered, how long it took him to draw but he's quick to find the song on his old walkman he kept in the drawer next to the bed, playing it out loud as he inspected the fine lines and filled in music notes. he immediately recognizes the song, and definitely something he's heard before once or twice in the past but, the lyrics hit him hard as they fill the strange emptiness of the space of his room. the sweet taste in his throat feels bittersweet for the first time and something like someone squeezing his heart in the way it knocks up against his ribcage. what was this? as the middle of the song reached its' crescendo, he sat up again quickly, in a whirlwind of peony and jasmine and looked the note's front over before finally flipping it to its other side to see more tiny writing on the back of it. he stood to look out the window and felt like he was swimming, possibly to catch him, that maybe he was still there watching, with the smile in his eyes but the breeze from the open window leaves nothing but a mix of rain, amber and cinnamon like a perfume cloying sweetness. he felt the sting in his eyes subside into a gentle ache as fresh tears spilled down and they wet his palm as he let gravity have him. he pressed his back against the wall between his bed and the window pane and let himself cry for the first time in a long time, feeling an encompassing loneliness and the overflowing warmth of a hug across his back in the same moment. it was going to be a long couple of days.

#( end )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200527 | #the-boars-hat-casino

( image cover. ) — location: city of bellmare.

CH: his first time in a casino, he can't say he would've imagined it like this. what he'd seen in movies, in shows, nothing compared to this: the occasional plume of smoke that made it his way until they'd cleared the smoking area, the constant dings and spinning sounds that came from the slot machines, and the occasional cheers or groans from blackjack tables and the... oh no, what was that wheel thing called again? roulette? foot tapping against the steel bar underneath the bar stool he's seated on, he leans closer to cam, "have you been to a casino before? is it normally this..." loud, this chaotic feeling, this overwhelming. the right word was evasive and, with brows knit in concentration, he gives up in seconds, a soft sigh stifled by a smile instead. "thanks for coming with me. my old coworker told me that, as my guest, you get free drinks too."

the thought of it filled chase with warmth. it might be a small gig singing in the casino's lounge, a brief return to singing for an audience, but this time was different. this time, he's part of a pack, could actually have someone there in the crowd that wasn't trying to— ah, he shouldn't think like that. as much as he wanted to venture out more on his own, there's more comfort in going along with someone like cam, with the feeling that he could relax and that cam would enjoy himself anywhere. that's the vibe he got from him, one he sought out in anyone, a quality more like sunshine. "i hope i don't get boo'd off," he jokes, though his fingers curl more tightly around his forearm.

CM: the sound of coins going into slot machines, paired with that annoyingly happy music they played regularly, made him feel like he was at an amusement park rather than a casino. the difference was there were no children in a five-mile radius, but who was to say they weren’t just hiding in plain sight? downing a shot of whiskey, he had to remind himself that he wasn’t here to blow his brains out, but to support chase. the wolf was nervous, the unease oozing out of him, and he felt them as if he held his hand to a stereo. offering a reassuring smile, he faced himself more fully toward the omega. “crazy? yeah, it does that.” he said while looking over the floor. “everyone’s here for themselves in one way or another.” the mention of a coworker pulled him back. “chase, where do you normally work?”

cameron had always been supportive of whatever the wolves had going on as long as it didn’t interfere with their pack duties. that being said, it didn’t mean he knew what all of them did. it didn’t seem like something he should be asking anyway. that would require reciprocation, and he wasn’t about to tell others he beat himself near-death for leisure. but since he was here with chase, invited, getting to know him a bit better wouldn’t be too out of his realm of privacy, would it? quickly finding the wolf’s eyes when he’s gripped tighter, he reached out rub chase’s shoulder. “i’ll be cheering you on no matter what, chase.”

CH: the answer has him laughing, shoulders relaxing as he sinks further into his seat, even the tension in his legs lessening. at least he wasn't the only one that considered it crazy. though he doesn't use that word often, more concerned than he should be that it could be taken with a negative connotation— in fact, he's too concerned about that with anything he says— he agrees with it wholeheartedly as the constant bells and coins are hard to ignore. he owes the ease he begins to feel to cam, though his words are too honest for chase to say anything else in response to. isn't that why he wanted to join a pack so badly? to meet someone who wasn't in it for themselves? he dealt with enough of that for years.

"ah," he exhales softly, corner of his mouth lifting into a half-smile. "i don't work there anymore but it was this nightclub in bellmare. i've gone from place to place, work for a lounger singer can be scattered. i've sang for a wedding before! it was really pretty from where the reception room was. i wanted to see the ceremony but that's awkward, isn't it?" he realizes it's quite human too. do wolves do weddings at all? or is it just the mating bite... "do you work, cam? you're out when the rest of us sleep, right?" or so he thinks anyway. "or do you do that so you can watch the house while everyone rests? that's kind of you." he was about to ask if that's normal for a beta but he realizes, catches himself with a shy smile before taking a sip of his water, choosing to maybe drink once he's done singing.

the support sends warmth rushing over him and he's elated, grey eyes twinkling as he stares into similar hues to his own. had cam's eyes always been grey too? "thanks, cam," his happiness laces into his tone, a little higher, words faster before he reaches over to hug cam, hand patting the beta's other shoulder before slipping away when he hears his name. "do i get the same warm welcome?"

shaking his head, chase hops off the stool, hugging hyukjae too and grinning when the other jokes that he seem happier than the last time they met on the university grounds. though chase wasn't sure he'd want to attend university for music or performance of any kind, it was nice to have this job set up for him. hyukjae leaves as soon as he came after explaining everything to chase and he pauses after, feeling bad he has to head off too. leading cam to the table inside the lounge now that he's allowed in, he gives him a tiny salute with an apology that he has to leave him for now. he could've invited someone else... but it was a lot to introduce someone from the pack to. he wanted to feel comfortable and wanted to be sure the person he brought would be comfortable too. in his eyes, cam is practically invincible. who better to ask?

but he starts to panic once he's ready. the lounge has yet to officially open for the night and he's walking quickly from backstage, trying to slyly make his way to the table cam was allowed to sit at and he's kneeling on the ground, next to the table as if he's on the run, looking up at cam with a bashful grin again. "do you mind cheering for me early? it's been a while since i sang in front of people again. i— i can do this, right?"

CM: The casino’s atmosphere put him into a mindset where he should be candid in behavior and speech. He wasn’t tempted to use the slot machines or play cards, but he was determined in using his energy to cheer Chase on. It was the first time he was going to hear him sing as well, and that alone was exciting. Since he wasn’t around the wolf often, he couldn’t tell if the way Chase was talking was any different than usual, or whether it was purely the nerves speaking. Cameron answered in short bursts in favor of letting the other talk more—saying that he worked part-time as a mechanic in Bellmare, and confirmed that he did live nocturnally to watch over the territory. Even in all the unease, he was grateful for the comment, and for being asked about his whereabouts and reasons. Getting hugged was a pleasant surprise, but he hugged fully and with care nonetheless.

Cameron followed along quietly, and went wherever he was directed to. He had no complaints. But he did want another drink, so he ordered it and brought it with him to the table. A tipsy effect wouldn’t come at two servings of whiskey, so he was good to go. He had his doubts that there were that many who would specifically wait for a performance held at a casino. But they were further away from the hustle and bustle of the main floor now, so Chase would be heard with more clarity. He didn’t expect Chase to be coming back so soon, and with such a request. “I don’t mind at all.” There was no reason for him to decline anyway. “You can one hundred percent do this, Chase. You’ve done it before, you can do it again.” Rather than Chase’s anxiousness reflecting onto him, he compensated for it with his more confident demeanor and reciprocating grin. “I have faith in you.”

CH: as much as he wanted to ask more, he decides it best to leave it for the walk back home, for when he can leisurely talk, let his mind wrap around the answers instead of being bogged down by the nerves. he wouldn't have thought that cam is a mechanic but it sounds cool either way, sounds like something he doesn't have a clue about other than the number of tools hanging in the garage of the first house he lived in. then again, he saw cam, especially with his physique, as one of those superhero types so did he think of cam as having a 'normal' job in the first place? probably not.

fingers curl around the edge of the table as he listens, wills himself to take deep breaths, and just listen. he chose his song for this reason, to hold all the confidence he wanted to sing with, for him to connect and channel it through the melody, to cling to it with each lilt and high note until it became his own. he wants to control the song, not let it own him. having cam's faith in him helps more than he thought it would and he likens it to praise, wants it to become praise. there's a need to be told he did a good job and so he grins too, standing up and making himself easily spotted by his friend who's come back to drag him backstage again. "thanks cam!" instead of going with chase, hyukjae takes a seat with cam before introducing himself. "i'm hyukjae, i work here part-time as a blackjack dealer. how do you know chase?" though hyukjae has never asked, he doesn't understand how chase stopped working completely and he wonders if the younger has gotten involved in something unsavory but this guy doesn't seem weird. in fact, maybe he does, with spiky black hair and dark green tips, piercings he normally can't wear while working, and a sleeve of tattoos that poke through his sleeve on his left arm. "you live with him?"

CM: Cameron raised his glass as a final ‘good luck’ at the retreating figure. After seeing Chase get dragged backstage by the same person—the aforementioned co-worker, he presumed—he took a good look around him. Some were clearly dressed far better than his black dress shirt and white slacks. They looked like they were used to charity events and galas, and this is their slightly hammered down weekday. Accompanied by the distant roar of bets and raises, leaning against the table drinking as slow as he could manage, it was so apparent that this was not his scene.

In his idle wonder of who else might be performing and what songs, a brilliant strike of company happened to make their way to his table. Hyukjae, huh? “Cameron,” he said simply as he lowered his manhattan. “Tell me, how’d a fine gentleman such as yourself become a blackjack dealer?” He’d noticed their appearance earlier—the hair, the piercings, but now also the tattoos, and he wanted to ask about them. Everyone’s got a story to theirs. It just so happened his own were invisible. Hyukjae just seemed to beat him with two questions in, though. “Yeah, we live together.” It was easier to answer that question first just so he’d have an extra moment to wonder if Chase told Hyukjae about the pack. Even if they worked together for a while, would it really be wise to say it himself? “We ran in the same circles. The living arrangements just worked out from there.”

CH: being called a fine gentleman is so unlikely to hyukjae that, as much as he wants to mind his manners around a stranger, he can't help snorting, eyes widening for a second before he starts to laugh. "better to be on this side of the table, i can tell ya that much." he didn't think he had much of a gambling problem but he wasn't going to push it any further than he had so far over the years. he ought to pull away from all of it, eliminate the temptation but he fits in better here than he did even at the lounge he met chase at. but he's brought back down by cam saying he runs in the same circles as chase and hyukjae just can't imagine it. what does chase even do anymore? "so, uh, just you two? anywhere close to town?" he couldn't manage to get much out of chase, maybe this guy was more open.

backstage, chase is pacing, biting his knuckle, until he swears there might be teeth marks left behind. until now, he had overlooked that being the opening act for the main event tonight meant he would be going first, as if he somehow thought there would be another opening act. how hyukjae managed this is a mystery and he's reconsidering his song all of a sudden, because how is he going to manage that level of confidence no matter how he wishes for it?

the spotlight is brighter than he remembers and it's as if he's new to this all over again, wetting his lips, sweaty palms brushed against his thigh before he takes hold of the mic. it's a matter of seconds before the first line and he's already shrinking away, close enough to the mic and yet turning his body and the stand with him. first things first. first things first, this is what he loves to do. shifting gears, his voice grows louder, hesitant but he searches for the right note, the right moment, to speak his own truth. fired up and tired of the way that things have been, oh-ooh, the way that things have been, if only he knew what he was tired of.

CM: "Seen a few too many stranglers take a beating, did you?" He takes more of his drink, though the precipitation makes him put the drink down sooner than he wants. It feels raw to his throat, yet so familiar all at once. Deciding to drink more, order just one more for tonight and that'll be it, takes a toll on his decision-making skills. He's missed getting so wasted he couldn't remember his name. He's missed not being asked his name. "We walked," he answers simply. It's true, though the implication that walking anywhere typically means it must be nearby, and he'll be sticking to that reasoning. "Traffic gets rather problematic in the late evenings. You drive?" At the very least, he can make his own observations and hope his suspicions towards someone who doesn't know what Chase is up to presently, yet so friendly, are unfounded.

Cameron is cheering for Chase the moment he steps on stage; his scent growing richer as their proximity is regained somewhat so. He doesn't know what to expect. What sort of singing voice does Chase carry with him? And once the first few words come out of him, he feels like he has to stay still and just listen. Chase deserves his full attention, regardless of whether it's his first, last, or whatever stage. He deserves it regardless of the confidence he musters and words he says.

CH: "something like that," hyukjae laughs. not what he meant but certainly true. when he thinks about it, there'd been a number of times chase helped him tend to a black eye or a few cuts on his face because of his old gambling habits, so cameron's guess is more accurate than even hyukjae initially realized. "i've lived in the city for a while now. public transportation's a lot easier on the wallet."

he lets the conversation fade out there, eyes trained on chase once he steps up and when his friend begins to sing, he doesn't understand how chase could give up on this. but he'd seen conflicting versions of the singer, unsure what's more real, the cheerful version or the one he's seen leave with different strangers each night they worked together. the only thing real he's sure of is the pain in chase's voice.

pain, you made me, you made me a believer, believer pain, you break me down and build me up, believer believer pain, oh let the bullets fly, oh, let them rain

when the song ends, he's breathless, weightless, floating when he steps down and one of the lounge employees takes his place to speak. he didn't realize this either when hyukjae got the gig for him: that someone from the past would show up too and he's already tense when an arm wraps around his bicep, pulling him close to them, the familiar scent of peppermint jolting him into a state of fight or flight when he's pushing them away.

CM: The entire song goes by far too quickly. There’s a little hope in Chase singing more than one song, perhaps two or three. He rarely ever pays attention to bar singers, after all, so he doesn’t know what the appropriate amount would be. But wouldn’t a set include about four or five pieces? Regardless, he knows he enjoyed the performance Chase put on solely by how he’s thinking of asking him to sing again later. If he prefers more public spaces like this, then he’ll ask his favorite bar to book him. It doesn’t even seem like Chase was as nervous as he was before he went backstage. He’s a natural.

The song choice, however, does concern him. It was emotional, really tugged on his heartstrings. He sang those lyrics like he meant each one. Perhaps he’ll find it in him to ask about it later, particularly when Hyukjae isn’t around. Sure, he’s nice and all, but he’s always distrustful of those he meets.

In waiting for Chase to come back out, he senses a spike in emotions, in scents. He foregoes his second drink, never having touched it, and excuses himself from Hyukjae. Cameron follows the otherwise delightful mix of milk chocolate and toffee turn worryingly awry. The accompanying scent is fresh, sharp, and strong. His sense of smell is linked strongly to his memory, and this one doesn’t ring a bell. Then he sees it right before his eyes, and a growl escapes him before it fully registers. Rarely does he touch a wolf when he’s upset, not anymore, but he’s placing himself in between Chase and the offender without hesitation. “Correct me if I’m wrong, and I don’t think I am, you had your hand on someone who clearly didn’t appreciate it.” He fails to look back at Chase, gaze remaining forward and hard. “So what’s stopping me from putting my hands on you?”

#( unfinished )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200417 | #camping-grounds

( image cover. ) — location: outskirts of town.

KB: sitting in front one of the pitched up yellow tents cross-legged, he leaned his head against his palm; propped up on his right knee and elbow. there was only one human family staying in this thing when he watched them, and he wasn’t too pleased with how their little one was throwing its chocolate milk carton in the nearby river. there were better things out here than to do that. while they were out, he looked around the grounds; wondering if he could really understand humans. if he could get why they did this and that—or was it all just for leisure? animals were out here to live their own lives in peace. so why mark a territory that’s clearly not their own? using his other hand, he flicked his black lighter carelessly. “wouldn’t it be fun—” he said as he lit the campfire, clearly having been used the night before. “—to burn it all?” it wasn’t particularly windy that day, and he knew it would rain, if those grey clouds had anything to do with it. easily getting to his feet, he smiled a devilish grin and leaned over to light the tent on fire. watching it extend to the rest of it, the blankets and bags inside it, and whatever fabric he saw laying around. the smell of plastic and other synthetic fibers burning quickly overwhelmed his senses—the red, orange, and yellow hues downright delighting him. kaleb wasn’t one to care for the semantics. with airy steps, he lit the wooden picnic table as well; having it burn brighter than even the tent. sighing happily at his own art, he jumped up on the nearest tree branch to watch the spread with relaxed shoulders.

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200526 | #old-factory

( image cover. ) — location: outskirts of town.

KB: this place had always creeped him out. everything was cold, metallic, and was rusting everywhere. there was time and energy put into building this place up, and here it was some odd years later in total abandonment. the absence of loyalty in its maintenance, of how all of a sudden this plot of land, that was once forest and homes to animals, had now been replaced with a hunk of metal. kaleb climbed as high up as he could with total disregard for his safety. it was falling apart. the wolf easily broke off a pipe and lazily hit it against the walls and railings as he went; puncturing the silence with haunting echoes. his own steps reverberated against the platform while making his body feel like he was connected to it. it was akin to how vibrations flowed through him while drumming, except more eerie. stopping at some bridge that overlooked most of the factory, he leaned against the unstable railing and dropped the pipe into the abyss below—or was that a person?

( was a random starter but might as well be a solo )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200623 | #abandoned-hut

( image cover. ) — location: outside of echo house.

KB: looking over the hills and into the river below, the adjoining bay didn't seem to be as exciting. the waters were calm, the wind was calm, and even the radiant energy of the sun was doing more for him than the day's activities. he gave up patrolling hours ago and started finding comfort in the forest's fruits—mixed berries in particular. it was a shame that he knew which ones were poisonous. but then the cat that he'd been particularly kind to the past few weeks followed him there. he couldn't just leave its company like that. — leaning his back against the exterior of the abandoned hut, the cat laid sleepily on his outstretched legs. admiring the mix of dark and light brown, the small ears that barely took up the width of his two fingers, the white underbelly remained untouched. "what did i name ya, hm?" he pet the purring cat as his legs have ceased its movement. he had to move something after all, and what better than a cute furry animal? "imma name ya lulu. that good wit' you?" a yawn escapes it, but it pushes further into his touch despite it. "i'll take that as a yes." he smiled softly, the tone he used equally as so, as he leaned his head back and fluttered his eyes closed.

#( solo )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200505 | #forsaken-carnival-grounds

( image cover. ) — location: outskirts of town.

KB: rain drops were still ever-present as he continued walking around the grounds. the ash grey ambience that now blanketed the carnival rides, and the gloom of overcast made his hair slightly damp. the small gusts of wind did nothing to calm the beating of his heart. crackles of dead leaves beneath him—a solemn reminder that nothing ever lasts—only encouraged his noise-making; practically turning it into a game of musical crunch. the gamma smiled, and smiled, and smiled, because what else was there for him to do? these were such barren grounds that all beings alike have chosen to forget. "same." chestnut-brown bangs fell over the cerise of his eyes, sticking loosely to his forehead, but it didn't bother him. it didn't seem to make anything less fun. not when he had a lit cigarette between his fingers that he allowed to burn—burn to his knuckles instead of sucking in the nicotine. kaleb stood before the detached head of a slanted clown—the architecture designed for its mouth as the entrance—with vivid reminders of its once lively colors. "i'm not like you," he kicked dust and leaves toward it, then coughed out the regret. "yet, that is."

#( solo )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200421 | #club-vortex

( image cover. ) — location: city of bellmare.

( CONTINUED FROM: THE PRAIRIE )

CT: {' if there's any hesitation from kaleb, carter tries his best not to notice it, not right now when he's nursing a scotch and scoping out the area for the best targets. explaining everything wouldn't have taken long, not when the details come to him so easily, a pattern already set in place and only making variances when it came to the best part. when he finally sets his eyes on a pair that look promising, only indulging with two because of the gamma's presence, he gestures for kaleb to follow him, slinking through the crowd til they reach two unfamiliar faces. picking regulars was just asking to be caught and the freshness is so apparent in the way they sit at one of the smaller tables to the side of the bar, how one practically squirms on the stool when carter slips next to her, flirtatious words offered without batting an eye, his gaze only shifting to kaleb with a tilt of his head, eyes flickering to the other female before he turns back to the one he'd chosen. underneath the table, he's tapping his foot slightly, dying to see how good kaleb is at going along with it }

KB: ( ; the club doesn’t particularly surprise him, though it does ease him if only slightly. music blares just as loudly as he would make it and the song choices were, surprisingly, just this taste. while kaleb’s dancing along without his total awareness, carter stays in his peripheral vision. as soon as he’s gestured at, he’s following closely behind the beta like the true puppy he is. although the smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes at first, the way carter seems so comfortable with this encourages his active participation. for the moment, he lets himself forget. the two women here are completely, utterly boring to him, so he pretends that they’re not going to last the night anyway. might as well leave with a bang, right? the wolf’s body language and facial expression changes drastically—at the very least for what carter just had to deal with—as it instead defaults to his happy-go-lucky and flirtatious demeanor. placing an elbow on the table, cheek against palm, he flashes a gentle smile and leans a bit closer; already talking up the woman’s appearance and indulging her in another drink. )

CT: {' it doesn't take long for a hand to slide onto his chest, for his own to slip onto a bare thigh, only inching higher, and, even when he's murmuring into her ear, lips grazing her lobe, his eyes don't leave kaleb's, the smile on his lips only growing more smug as he watches the gamma. he hopes the gamma is at his limits, repulsed by being this close to a human, deigning to touch them, as much as he feels. the means to an end, it still doesn't please him to pull away to see such an expectant expression. coy, he taps a finger against her nose, toying with her in a way that's gratifying only to him, with the knowledge that a toy is all she is to him, enchantment bestowed again when he lifts her chin, thumb brushing over her lips in apology for the teasing touch. humans are so fucking easy, aren't they? an invitation made and accepted isn't a difficult task. he finds himself bored only at this junction, with the cloying words and playful touches, flirtation he likens to a task than a choice } seems 'bout time to take this party elsewhere, don't you think? {' at this point, he's more curious if kaleb is ready to run, if he believes a single second of it, if the thought of having to fuck a human is worth this secret }

KB: ( ; having progressed to having his arm around the girl's shoulder and letting the close proximity excuse his lowered voice, the energy really gets sucked out of him. his amused smiles get reciprocated with bashful ones, and the reactions come so easy that it really leads him to believe that they're out here to fuck humans. what the fuck is carter's game? he can't even fathom how the beta comes out here for this when there are perfectly wonderful wolves to fuck at home. or is carter just messing with him? brought him here cause he was annoyed kaleb wanted to tag along? it's not like he's going to punch their beta for this, but he is about ready to throw up on the sequin dress and pour the blue-colored martini over this girl as the cherry on top. since when did wanting to do something interesting become so infuriating? his eyes snap towards carter when he speaks up, the rest of him gradually following, as he stares at the wolf in complete disbelief. ) you're serious- ( ; he looks towards the other girl he's been entertaining and how she seems to melt like putty in carter's attention, only to get distracted by how the girl he's with is also encouraging the idea; gliding her hand over his chest—now he really wants to lose it. carter said to play along, though. so he lets a small laugh escape him, fingers pushing his hair back, then coaxes himself and the girl to stand up with him. reluctantly allowing her to touch him, he doesn't reciprocate with more than a toothy grin—his canines only growing sharper at his annoyance. ) lead the way.

( MOVED TO: FORSAKEN CARNIVAL GROUNDS )

#( end )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200420 | #the-prairie

location: outskirts of town.

KB: ( ; after so long, he’d made another fruit smoothie of blueberries and bananas; thinking it’s actually safe this time. noticing that carter’s leaving again despite kaleb already surveying for them earlier in the day, he wonders while idly stirring where the beta’s heading. it’s not the first time to happen, but it is the first time he really questions it. drinking the rest of his smoothie, the curiosity now eats away at him. dropping the mason jar in the sink for someone else to care for, he catches up with the beta already quite far along, but still within his scenting range. jumping the bit of distance left and landing with an arm around carter’s shoulders, he flashes the other a grin; something as genuine as they came for someone who defaults on it. ) where ya headin’ there, hermes?

CT: {' it's routine by now, a itch he has to satisfy every once in a while or he'll lose what semblance of sanity he has. a hunger that is only satisfied in specific acts he indulges in alone, greedy in chasing that particular high. details are kept to himself and he's whistling at the thought of it alone, that it belongs to him, that he's managed to keep it mum for years. cracking his knuckles, arms swinging at his sides, electricity traveling from the soles of his feet all the way to his fingertips, surfacing in an amused twitch of his lips, he doesn't think of stopping even he smells traces of a familiar scent. the jump doesn't surprise him with how close it drew near him and he feels impatience surging through his veins, debating the time it would take to shake kaleb off and if it was worth it to even try. maybe the gamma would enjoy it as much as he does } if i say away from you, it wouldn't work right? {' chuckling, he wraps an arm around kaleb's waist, deliberately squeezing him tightly as he pulls him flush to his own side } you that bored to follow me around?

KB: ( ; looking out towards the distance, he quickly determines that they’re headed towards the city—if they just keep going, that is. what would carter possibly have to do there? glancing towards the other speaking, he feigns consideration by humming. ) nope! ‘sides, we haven’t hung out in a while. ( ; while his smile turns into an amused grin, he presses his tongue against his canines and accidentally bites it while they walk; grimacing. his stomach jumps at being pulled closer while his eyes widen in surprise—more than happy about it anyway. ) tsk- if i say yes, would you let me come with?

CT: {' rolling his eyes is a different type of routine for carter, one he associates very often with kaleb but he means it with love, of course. a love to potentially throttle the gamma — another joke but it wouldn't be the first time he's choked kaleb if he made the attempt right here and now. damn punk would probably enjoy it too much though } figures. {' with a snort, he curls his fingers into kaleb's side this time, maintaining a balance in how they annoy the other. at least, he can pretend to try. truth is, kaleb keeps him entertained and he's never minded it all the years they grew up together } i'll let you come along if you can keep up and keep your mouth shut. go along with what i say and do. that good with you? i know it's hard for you to keep quiet, you're fucking five years old {' his grin widens, hazel eyes bright for the first time today, enjoying the prospect of kaleb joining in with enthusiasm. if anyone would like this, it's probably kaleb }

KB: ( ; the familiar feeling of clinginess washes over him that simply plants itself in carter. it’s not anything he can control, of course, not when he could be training or bothering noah for the rest of the day. leaning his head against the beta momentarily, he continued to soothe his tongue. kaleb keeps his head forward, seeing the steps he makes before he does, as he finds the distance between them too close to really look at each other comfortably. although he laughs out immediately at the remark, he still rolls his eyes back with playful contempt. ) can’t ya just tell me what it is? if it involves humans, ya know i won’t be “good.” ( ; he kicks a small plant as they pass by, but it does nothing to it. ) how the fck am i five?!

CT: {' he expects kaleb to whine, could almost predict what exactly he'll complain about. his words are occasionally chosen just for kaleb, just to let that bratty side of the gamma shine. at least carter's certain he knows how to deal with it, doesn't mind dealing with it either } you gotta be good, even if it involves humans {' which, of course, it does } it won't be fun later if you're not. you don't wanna ruin it for us, do ya? you'll be rewarded like a good boy, promise. {' rolling his eyes, he loosens his grip a bit, arm pulled away so he can run his fingers through his hair } what? you wanna argue for five and a half or somethin'?

KB: ( ; the eye roll he does doesn’t even begin to express his distaste for this. the image of his eyes going completely white as he practically delves into the depths of his head comes to mind. ) i can’t believe you. ( ; there’s hesitation even as he walks, but he doesn’t exactly want to part with carter just yet. the curiosity still lingering as he’s kept from this information; even thinking that he should know it considering how long they’ve known each other. getting a step in between them, looking over the beta with sharp eyes has never felt so wrong. no way their beta is fonduing with those people. right? his eyes become downturned and he looks at anywhere but carter; already feeling some form of betrayal in him. ) i’ll be good. ( ; immediately raising his head, he cracks his neck and reaches upwards to stretch his arms; probably for the nth time that day. ) i’m about six, thanks. ( ; he lets out a snort. ) i expect that reward in due time, too.

CT: {’ amusement exhaled through his nose, lips pressed together to not give himself away, this too was easily expected. kaleb’s hatred for humans was more clearcut than his own, more showcased if you ask him. compared to him, he thinks kaleb wears more of his emotions on his sleeve, whining when he wants, seeking out others when he wants, and it’s a type of freedom carter’s almost envious of. more than half of the time, carter isn’t sure what he wants let alone how to seek it out, how to look for it. his own contentment in life revolves around the needs of others and he’s glad to do it, pride and accomplishment wrapping him in enough happiness to not notice none of it derives internally. how he’d managed to keep things under wraps with kaleb as nosy as he is, as clingy as he is at times, carter is admittedly proud of that too but it’s about time someone other than their alpha knows } doubt it {’ he snorts, both at the claim and the correction given to him } i said you’ll get it if you’re good, didn’t it? when have i broken a promise to you, damn punk? {’ reaching out to trap kaleb in an headlock, he ruffles the gamma’s hair, deciding it’ll look better messy anyway, especially for where they’re heading }

KB: ( ; the question really makes him wonder. of all the things they’ve done together, could he really consider carter someone who backed out on their word? well, there may be a few instances. but he thinks they might just be him being particularly whiny, so he shrugs and lets the memories of them die down in his throat. ) couldn’t tell ya. ( ; flinching at the headlock at first, he falls into it and tries to get himself out despite the atrocious way his hair has been undone. ) ye-yeah, yeah, i’ll be good. dun’ needa do that. ( ; once he gets back in his own space, a few feet away now, while looking suspiciously at carter, he reaches up to re-ruffle his hair. except nothing really changes to his unruly dark locks—something a tad lighter than cinnamon. ) lead the way. ( ; he gestures forward as he gets himself sorted, hands dangling at his sides as he keeps up the pace. )

( MOVED TO: CLUB VORTEX )

#( ended )

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keptforlater · 5 years ago

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200523 | #forsaken-carnival-grounds

location: outskirts of town.

( CONTINUED FROM: CLUB VORTEX )

CT:

𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀𝘿 ˟ PRIOR TO MATING &&. NESTING SEASON ; TW! GORE, BLOOD, TORTURE, MURDER, ETC. just to be safe

a near crack in the plan, a slip of the tongue, a ‘you’re serious’ could’ve meant the end of his plans, the close to a night, and carter would’ve called it quits just like that. his need for control is as overbearing as his blood lust and so he couldn’t run the risk of kaleb changing things too much. the smaller details were his to bear, transportation, tools, even down to lighting because carter’s not one to waste any chance for a show. he’d joked about it not too long ago when bambi was with them too, an innocent connotation twisted and contorted now to match the ‘show’ developing in front of him. without him to distract her, the woman he’d been flirting with is the first to grow weary. a human’s sense of survival is severely lacking if this is the basis on which he has to go off — really, how does one only begin to feel unsure when they’ve already drove minutes deep into unknown territory?

but she’s easy to lure back into a state of lust and it’s goddamn laughable. she’s practically begging for it, but they have different happy endings in mind and it shows in the way carter reaches for a ball gag and blindfold, tossing the same items into kaleb’s lap with a grin. the look in his eyes asking the gamma to trust him but when they’re this far along, carter’s at least sure he could catch kaleb’s partner no problem should one arise.

it must be good timing on the gamma’s part to have caught him on his way out tonight instead of days before when he’d gone through the measures of getting every small detail out of the way so he could have fun. leading the group through the strip of woods less traveled, less tracks to trace back to them, everything is just where he’d left it and the wood boards are what he looks forward to the most, nodding his head for kaleb to follow his lead once more. rusted metal locked around their wrists and ankles, he grabs the leather bag between the large displays, taking out a roll of knives in matching material, too new to be considered his, just like the clothes they stopped to ‘borrow’ for kaleb to wear. “i’ll let you decide, do you want them to watch?”

KB: calming someone down had never been his strong suit. there was always too much energy in him at even the worst times, and perhaps there was merit in always having an innately cheerful demeanor. it came so easily, the way he spoke to the woman, and how for the moment, he found himself distracted by her presence. the wistful sigh that escaped him right before he joined the others in the woods found itself buried in the night ambience; the crickets and other nocturnal animals. if only he knew what carter had planned, because this was clearly not his first rodeo. at the very least, that part was intriguing. he even got a new set of clothes. just how long and how often had their beta been doing this for?

kaleb simply happened to be a goddamn variable in it. but he couldn’t help his jump of excitement when the women were bound and gagged. “not that i didn’t have faith in ya, but ya really had me goin’ there.” sending a two-finger salute of acknowledgement, he followed carter more freely with the woman in tow. “why not?” looking at their surroundings, how far away they were to human and wolf habitation, along with how much detail carter put into this, screaming wouldn’t be an issue. after all, he was the type to bask in the cries. “do i get a pick o’ knives, too?” the thought of carving into human flesh in much the same way he did a slab of beef, cooked so intricately with just the right seasoning, couldn’t leave his mind quite so easily. “say, ya don’t think we could cook ‘em, do ya? i know my way around a blade and flame.”

CT: unfurling the knife set, he hands it to kaleb with a grin, bowing slightly at the waist just for the theatrics. “that’s the whole point of it, ya’no. the faces you made are too priceless. i can’t believe they were stupid enough to not notice. isn’t it sad? women this easy. men too. such a waste.” of what, he doesn’t say, doesn’t care to narrow it down, because, truth be told, he could think of a few times some wolves have been just as eager, just as desperate. it really is fascinating how people act with liquid courage freeing their pathetic inhibitions. luckily, there’s a fold up table not too far away. one half is unstable, doesn’t want to stay locked in place and so carter lodges it into the ground, fist hammering the side down and he shrugs looking at the slanted surface. it’ll have to do. of all the things he forgot, he didn’t think much of a place to set the knives down. by luck, he happened to grab those too and it’s practically kismet. kaleb oughta feel lucky. knives seemed more his style than carter’s, even as he spins his own pocket knife in one hand.

gesturing for kaleb to set the knives down on the table, he walks over to the woman he’d accompanied earlier, grasping her face as he slid the pocket knife along the side of her face, hushing her as she begins to whimper and plea to be let go, for this joke to be over. edge of the blade cutting the blindfold off, he watches as it falls slowly, as it gives way to bleary eyes, her sniffling matching the fall of tears onto his hand, and he squeezes her cheeks more, forces her to look at him. “do i look like i’m joking?” his gaze softens after, directed mostly towards kaleb as he lets go, haphazardly cutting her cheek with the pocket knife before he walks back over towards the gamma. “i do feel hungry... i’ll leave that to you. in fact, should we start the fire already, sparky? you seem rarin’ to go. ‘sides, it’s been a while since i saw you kill a female human. the screams are so shrill, so funny.”

KB: impatiently being a temporary table, he raised a brow at the beta. it only made him more curious over his experience with this, what made him start, and what his favorite thing about this was. if it wasn’t already obvious, prolonged torture was his own, but it wasn’t as if he could do it regularly. everything was always a life or death situation; either they die or he does. there was a sense of freedom in this, and he couldn’t be thanking carter just yet—not when all they did thus far was kidnap them. “if yer in for a monologue, might as well give me yer life story, beta. dun’ half-ass it.” it was amusing how carter had every single thing ready, meticulously at that, yet it was a fold up table that nearly bested the beta.

as soon as he placed the knives set down—unsure why they even needed the table now—he picked out a carver knife; perfect for cutting meat cleanly. kaleb’s brunette was starting to squirm. well, more than usual, that is, to which he kicked and grinded his covered soles on her moving feet. “shut up, will ya? i’m tryna watch.” unfortunately, he missed the cut, but bore witness to the blood flowing out of the woman's cheek. “lame. thought for sure you’d cut her lips off.” his brunette was crying, drool going down her chin from the ball-gag, causing him to roll his eyes in annoyance. if they were in for both bloody murder and a home cooked meal, then it was going to take a while. “okay so,” he crouched down to the woman’s eye-level—expression more contemplative than stereotypically ’psychomaniac’—but directed his next question to the wolf. “how do you like your human?”

CT: "you? making fun of how much i'm talkin? that's rich comin' from you. what do ya need my life story for?" he would've continued, would've pointed out they were both born to the pack without much of an age difference but it still meant carter had this particular secret and that kaleb is the first to know that isn't out of necessity.

chuckling, carter shrugs, takes a few steps back from his 'partner' for the evening and looks over to kaleb as he crosses his arms. " 'm not as neat as you're planning to be with whatever skinning and filleting you've got over there. i'm more into bitin'. i thought you'd be one that knew that by now."

he barely remembers her name by now, something beginning with an 'a' and he tries his best to remember, thinks she seems the type to cower more when her name is said but nothing comes to mind and he throws his knife right next to her ear, another scratch just to taunt her. "chef's choice, how 'bout that? hell, raw is good with me too. that first bite, mm," he wets his lips, purposely lifting a brow at— ah, there we go, it was— ahreum. "how long has it been for you? got a favorite part?"

KB: “Well, ain’t this a bondin’ experience?” He listlessly waved his knife around as he spoke. “Plus, the more you talk, the greater the anticipation these two have.” Both women visibly flinched at his gesturing, causing him to put a firm hand on his brunette’s shoulder. “As well as my own.” Her eyes were blown wide as the last of her tears slid down her cheeks. Shock, fear, and a whole lot of adrenaline tended to overpower the feeling of helplessness. The alcohol probably wore off now as well, and they were dehydrated. “I want to see how you kill.”

Kaleb forewent his contemplation and properly looked over the woman. His eyes took in every inch of exposed skin before pulling out a second knife, a chef’s knife. “Got ahead of myself,” he said with almost a trance-like lull in his tone. “Can’t do a thing if they’re clothed.” The gamma cut the silver sequin fabric from the collarbones all the way to the thigh, except the woman kept moving and he cut her stomach in the process. “Yeah, yeah, I know you’re a lawful evil.” As if by some stroke of routine, he started making markers with shallow cuts. They were primarily the joints, such as the knees and elbows, but then he moved onto the torso. Miss Brunette, whose name he had forever forgotten now, continued to wail and wiggle around in a futile attempt at avoiding this. “Relax, it ain’t even that bad yet.”

“Chef’s choice, how posh,” he snorted. Whatever trance he was in had cut its chord, and he was back to the juxtaposition that was their friendly banter to the horrifying beautiful degree of murder. “Yaknow, if ya want it raw, ya coulda jus’ ate ‘em as a wolf. These knives are beggin’ to be used otherwise.” He leaned over to lick the accidental cut on brunette’s stomach before it dried. “Guess ya got a thing for knife play.” Raising himself, he smirked at Carter. “Few months. Pretty sure I ate someone’s dick once. Ain’t that great, really. So prob...” he gripped the woman’s left leg, “this. ‘Cause they’ll still be alive, but can’t run away and they can have some, too.”

CT: "yeah? you actually wanna hear me talkin' instead of their screamin'? damn, i'm honored. you must like my voice that much," he chuckles. "mm, you wanna talk about anticipation?" tongue brushing over the tip of his front teeth, he lets his canines develop more, wicked grin on his lips as he walks back over to ahreum. knowing their names made it more sentimental, he admits, but isn't it cruel that he knew a name, learned what little he did earlier in the night, and didn't doesn't care for their humanity, let alone whatever he had as a wolf. funny that they call it humanity when he's seen them turn on each other just as much, whether it was in person or on the news. what's so damn great about humanity?

he could sense the begging coming, watched the way her chest rose and fell with her crying, and he cooed at her, hushing her as he pulled the knife out, the blade pressing into her side as he rested said hand on her hip. "how i kill? you gonna watch while strippin' yours down? you seem pretty busy," carter jokes, glancing over at how loud kaleb's is getting with a raised brow. "you've got her pretty excited over there."

hearing how loud kaleb's brunette is makes him bored of his own rather quickly, hand swift to move and the blade tucked underneath her shirt, dull side against fabric as skin is cut with each back and forth motion. with an accentuated 'oops' he turns the knife around, cutting through the shirt before he stabs the knife above her shoulder, angled low so that it digs into part of her shoulder, the cut superficial but enough to streak blood down over her collarbone so he can tear at the skirt. "aw, you gave it away, kay. damn, wanted to see their faces when we shifted. think they believe ya?" snorting at the joke, he turns away, arms crossed as he watches kaleb. "i think you're the one into knife play. 'course you've eaten dick. but yeah, leg meat is pretty good... they seem pretty lean though. what do ya think?"

KB: “Can’t stand someone wantin’ ta give ya center stage or what?” He initially piped in thinking Carter wanted to say more on his sadistic side, so he didn’t expect to explain it. Nevertheless, he was sort of preoccupied by the familiar smell of blood in the air now. It was rich with iron, but not enough had spilled for much of a visible reaction. He shrugged. “Not my fault yer takin’ an eternity over there.” He cut the rest of the clothing off the woman’s body and threw them in a pile off to the side. There didn’t seem to be any flammable items around them otherwise, so this would have to do. “Ya think? They taste better when they’re excited. Keeps the blood flowin’.”

Even with most of his attention on his own person, he made sure to glance over at Carter every now and then. Kaleb couldn’t help but smile at the more deliberate cut now. It certainly wouldn’t be his first choice, but neither was the cheek cut. Just before he stood up, he cut two lines from each shoulder to intersect at her breastbone. It was deep enough to trickle out blood, but shallow enough not to pour out haphazardly. He was rather meticulous with his meats. “Don’t think they do,” he reckoned as he pulled his lighter out. “Prob’ly thinkin’ we woulda done it by now if we were.” He flickered it listlessly at first, then finally lit the pile of clothing from the cotton underwear. “Yer right,” he raised the knife only to catch the drip, “knife play’s pretty sweet.” Humming along as he strolled past Carter and to the table, he made the exchange for the initial carver knife. “Yer the one who picked ‘em. I assume ya only take one at a time anyways. Ya usually full after just one?”

CT: "come on, you know i don't dislike attention but i like givin' it to ya more. you've always made such nice sounds when i give ya more attention," carter teases, a hint of a grin playing on his lips as he gives ahreum a look-over. "an eternity huh? sorry, guess i'm more into you right now than her. take it as a compliment. but alright, i can take a hint." the cleaver in the set of knives isn't as substantial as he'd like but it'll do. kaleb said something about making it so they can't run away but he'd be damned if that isn't his favorite part, sighing under his breath as he ran his fingers over the back edge.

he hadn't lied though— he is, quite easily at that, more interested in kaleb than the female human in front of him and he realizes it must be because she's too quiet or because his anger is tempered by the gamma's presence. huh, imagine that. a calculation he hadn't even thought to consider plagues him now. a slight flaw in the plan but nothing he minded, nothing he couldn't resolve by reminding himself of how she thought she could touch him so freely, how mindless it felt to deceive both females. his hatred for humans should be groundless and yet the rage consumed him— a mislabel really, when it's pure bloodlust in the end.

turning the handle of the cleaver over a few times in hand, the growl he lets out is louder, more feral than intended, when metal cleanly lodges just above her left wrist. in the end, he did want her to be able to run. for now, he'd let her bleed, let her think maybe she could get away in the end as long as she had her legs. he wanted to see that naivete fade away, bit by bit, until her eyes reflected the true nature of humans. the darkness, the vacancy, the fake claims of a soul with pity and mercy. everyone's in it for themselves in the end. hell, maybe he could get her to turn on her friend.

"another time," he suggests, wanting to gauge kaleb's interest in this again. it's a new experience for him, sure, but it brings a freshness to it that he'd been lacking lately, excitement that his last few kills couldn't bring and thus he kept going out more and more. "nah, picked these two 'cause i wasn't sure you'd go along with it at first. 'sides, i told you, your reactions were ace. imagine, wanting to fuck these humans when they'd probably cry the moment either of us got rough. so fragile aren't they?" all the more fun to shatter and break.

KB: "Aww, well aren't you sweet?" He pursed his lips, teasing the beta in the small way he could at the moment. "Am I that good to eat?" His eyes shone cerise at that; brighter, perhaps. The implication that Carter would actually eat him slipped from his mind's directory as he said it. But wouldn't it be one helluva way to go? Kaleb was getting more impatient as the seconds grew to minutes, but at least the beta was getting to it already. The fire that raged near his brunette kept his breathing a little short, and attention divided, however. His fingers clawed over his clothed thighs.

Before he knew it, he was slicing the brunette's right middle finger off. Holding it by the end of the carver, he licked off the blood that started to spill more freely. It was like a snack, a little flavor to the meat itself. Raw meat always tasted better as a wolf--human form far too used to the cooked and seasoned now. He was closer to the fire now, at least, and sweat--whether due to the external heat or the internal one--started sticking the shirt's fabric onto his skin. Tilting his head at Carter in question, however, he dragged the finger over his lips in brief thought. "They really are," partially lidded eyes gazed over both humans now, then over to Carter. "After havin' fucked you, why'd anyone ever want them anyways? They're missin' out." Kaleb ignored the screams that only got louder, but he knew humans wouldn't pass out in shock from that. At least, he hoped this one wouldn't. That wouldn't be any fun.

CT: immediately narrowing his eyes at kaleb, he stifles a snort, debating following through on that question and reminding kaleb that he shouldn't bite off more than he can chew. so many possibilities, not enough time. literally. if they waste too much, sunrise will come in no time and it's a hell of a lot more difficult to deal with disposing of the bodies then. speaking of eating, it's an easier route to go but he doubts he and kaleb would wanna go through that much at once.

he's not one to bother much with a human hand. so much bone and cartilage but watching kaleb indulge in the blood from a single finger— he just might reconsider. recovering from the shock, the human he'd focused on screams with kay's and carter keeps his focus on the gamma, unable to look away from how he drags the cut finger across plush tiers. "what a messy eater," carter grins, taking strides closer to kaleb and pulling the gamma close by the nape of his neck, staring into cerise that could compete with the flames of the fire, the blood that carter licks clean from supple lips. "get on with it. if you're really planning on cooking, you make me starve any longer, i might actually go eat you up instead." grin widening, he tightens his grip around the back of kaleb's neck. "though you might like that, wouldn't ya?"

KB: Sometimes things just get better and better. There's a part of him that wonders whether it's temporary and exceptionally fleeting, while the rest of him longs for it to continue. That it can be prolonged. Such as this, when Carter grins down at him and holds him by the neck, he wants to have him instead. Granted, he'd never have sex with a human anyway, so there really isn't a choice to be made. "Mhmm, yes, master." He says it in such a loving manner that he thinks he's just too into it now.

Kaleb's pulling the brunette back from her pathetic attempt at crawling away when Carter speaks again. "Oh, Carter, don't threaten me with a good time!" He exclaims with a grin that hurts his cheekbones. But yes, he'll admit that he's been prolonging this as well and heightens his resolve. "Damn right I would," he says finally before assuring his cuts on the brunette's every joints stay clean—her wrists, elbows, ankles, knees, and shoulders. They cut deeper than before, following the shallow ones he left earlier as the fire continues to seep into his skin; rousing him so uncomfortably in his pants. Why is this his attire anyway?

CT: the term paired with the compliance warms carter more than the fire and he's chuckling lowly, breath becoming ragged when he forces himself to take a step back, allow kaleb the space to continue his own ravaging. as much as he'd enjoy teasing kaleb more, drawn in more by each reaction he gets, whether it's the shock from earlier when they first approached the women or the cheeky exclamations.

returning to ahreum, he practically coos as he pulls her off the board, free of restraints yet blood drips from her wrist, body shuddering in repulsion and likely the loss of blood by now. cupping her cheek, he whispers, "run." she falls to her knees as soon as he lets go and carter looks to kaleb with a devilish grin as she scrambles to her feet, the cries and whimpering making him blissfully sighs, pupils beginning to blow out from the latent satisfaction of an impending chase. "be right back. doubt it'll take long." laughing to himself, the sound melts into a growl as he begins to shift, and it truly isn't long til the shrill screams are heard from the surrounding forest.

KB: When Carter takes off, there's not an ounce of doubt within him that the 'escape' is safety theater. Giving then promptly destroying the hope of a human seems to be an ongoing theme he's quite fond of. He's been the one chased before, by their alpha even, and that was pretty fun. At least, for the minutes it lasted due to his impatience. He just wanted to get on with it, after all. Why wait when it was a mutual desire, right? Kaleb licks up some of the blood that pours over the body, rather certain that the woman's dead now. He kept her alive long enough to only know suffering. Shock can only do so much when all that's intact is her torso. He's done this enough to have a rough estimate of when that happens, so he kills them just before. It's always a pleasure to watch the life die in their eyes, particularly when he's in control of when that occurs.

Though skinning is the more mundane task out of all genuine acts of cooking, he finishes setting aside properly cut meat on the table. If he tries, he can probably set up a few skewers, though wouldn't that take too much time? He's already wasted enough and the growl in his stomach forces his mind elsewhere. Looking over the body—or what's left of it—it's certainly cleaner than he normally allows; perhaps because he's not in his animal. So he shifts then, making the most of his sharper teeth and claws to rip the skin off her lifeless face. 'Tsk, should've removed her hair first. Whatever.'

CT: there's a part of him that wishes he had the patience to let her bleed out while watching kay do the same to her friend, the pace much more accelerated, gorier even, but the smell of fear? fuck, does he love it. the scent of perspiration, the quake in her legs, the scream that's buried in her throat, how she trips over something in her frenzied attempt to escape and is paralyzed as he leans over her. her screams finally fill the night air and they're only cut short by the merciless bite to her neck, to how he tears it from her shoulders, blood covering his muzzle, dripping from his face when he shifts back. the metallic taste lingers after he licks his lips clean and he sighs at the carnage before him. if he didn't want to leave any chance of authorities finding the head, he should bring it back instead of leaving it for other wildlife.

with a sigh, he heaves the lifeless torso over his shoulder, carrying the head by long locks, mindlessly twirling it about. the blood is something he can't help now, likely to be muddied soon anyway. ah, if only it were storming soon, the freedom he could have knowing that. upon his return, he tosses the head into the fire, body thrown down beside it as he looks to kaleb. "and here i thought we were gonna have a proper roast," he chuckles, wiping at his chin only to find more blood.

KB: His eyes narrow at the returning figure. With senses much more prominent in his natural form, there's no doubt about the state of Carter's human, his kill. If ever possible, he'd laugh out loud for seeing them both ripping their head and torsos apart, but he settles for an internal one. Kaleb's quite content with how easy it all is, albeit acknowledging Carter's prepared it all anyway. Perhaps he'd return the favor— that is, if he can get his head on straight and care about not getting caught by authorities as much as the beta seems to. He guesses it's the frequently he does it in, though. Has done it countless times before that he's grown accustomed to the routine.

Nonetheless, the gamma shifts back to his mundane form and spits out an eyeball now too glassy for his mouth. "Are ya really that hungry? Figured you'd eat that one raw otherwise." He points at the headless torso with his chin, dipping in red in a similar fashion, as he ambles closer, throwing his own severed head into the fire. It burns bright and hot, and he can't help the erection now so terribly in display now. It's not like he could jack off in wolf, now could he? But now— "Imma stick 'em on roast then, fine cuts." Through partially lidded eyes, he grabs few slabs of meat off the table and makes his way back to the arousing flame, using leftover knives as makeshift skewers.

CT: “now now, didn’t i say chef’s choice. bad manners to eat before the chef’s finished, right?” then again, he thinks more of the precautions he’s used to taking, how it’s different to cater that to two instead of one. though he doesn’t expect kaleb to resist or protest— too much anyway— if there’s more work to be done than any standard kill, then any kill for some pathetic hunter he comes across. to him, hunters are the most vile and it’s for that exact reason that he does the same. call it petty vengeance, a type of karma he willingly inflicts, or his need to kill hidden with good intentions for the sake of wolf hybrids in general. on a good day, carter calls it fun. on a bad day, he considers it penance for his own shortcomings. even now, he sees fire and thinks of regret instead of power. what some of the others find appealing about it, he doesn’t see but he has his own addictions.

“ooh, an eye.” he clucks his tongue, taking a few steps closer. “not your favorite type of human— forgive the lack of a better word— delicacy?” one aspect of the word’s accurate. they are fragile but the positive connotation tied to the word, definitely not one he’d associate with human. watching as kaleb actually goes through with cooking the meat, he chuckles, realizes they could try taking it back home and goosebumps line his forearm in curiosity, at the excitement, but he has an answer for why he’s never done it, one he ignores now while he waits. only when kaleb has some of the meat roasting does he take the chance to shove the gamma to the ground, unapologetic as he pins him down with a grin, his own cock grazing kaleb’s. “now how will we pass the time...” voice low and tinged with lust— blood lust, carnal lust, similar cravings if he tries hard enough to pass one off with another, he presses his body to theirs, a teasing kiss to let the blood slip from his lips to theirs. “any suggestions?”

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