Eternal Facets

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Round Two || Hal & Kash

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Kashmiere growled as the man grabbed his shirt.  “We’re even.”  Kash’s fingers flexed over the stranger’s hands, trying to pry them off as he watched the man stumble.  “You’re not so tough without your posse,” he spat, tongue ring barely visible as he spoke.  He couldn’t do anything except wait to see how the man reacted.  Would this lead to a full-blown fight?  Kashmiere couldn’t tell. 

How he’d ended up in New York was still a mystery to him.  Born and raised in Arizona, Kash didn’t get out much.  It wasn’t until his entire family up and abandoned him that he had a reason to move.  He hated them for it, for leaving him and only leaving a letter behind.  What good was family?  What good was anyone who left? 

Kashmiere glared at a group of people who passed them, pointing and getting out their cell phones.  “Fuck off,” he sneered, lightening his touch on the man.  For some odd reason he felt worried about the guy.  He bit his lip as he resisted the urge to ask if the stranger was okay.  He’d punched him.  Why did he suddenly feel sorry for him?  Sorry wasn’t the right term.  Concerned?  He shook his head.  What the fuck was wrong with him?  “Get off me.”  Kash shoved him off, finally breaking their skin-on-skin contact.  A ripping sound caught his attention as he looked down.  The man had managed to start a tear in his shirt.  Asshole.

[oldfireinourveins]

Hal’s grip tightened the more the blond struggled, squinting to focus. His glasses were on the ground, knocked off thanks to the dick’s punch. “Even? The fuck are you talking about?” the menace was clear in the hiss of his words, fingers curling to bring his assailant closer. It was an animalistic tactic of intimidation, invading your opposer’s space. Temporary blindness also made the closeness a necessity. Another minute of glaring went by as Hal worked to decode his attackers words. Surely he hadn’t pissed anyone at school off this bad. He never talked to anyone.

Posse. That word hit closer to home, Hal backing off just enough to really catch a glimpse of who'd decked him in broad daylight. The who had bright eyes, blue and lashed like a girls with a strong jaw and straight nose. Handsome, Hal thought, especially matched with that mop of blonde hair. It was strange to be fighting such a pretty guy, the hookah atttendant, Hal now realized. Why were they fighting again? If this backlash from the other day it seemed the wrong way to go about it. Surely they could talk it out, maybe have a smoke. Hal could see them laughing about it later.

“Off you?!” Hal parroted back, his hand falling off the man's as the blonde shoved him away. “Why were you on me in the first place? You have a problem, bro, fucking say it?” Fingers touched light on the nose, glaring back at the man. Hal was a hair's breath from punching the shithead till his face was purple but they were already drawing a crowd. That sort of behavior would have been fine anywhere else but in school – no. Hal wasn't about to muck up the rare thing he had by fighting some cock. “You want an apology? Money?” He wasn't exactly willing to give these things, but better to know.

[oldfireinourveins]

A Hard Sell || Jem & Es

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Es coughed and clung to Jem as tightly as she could.  She didn’t have much strength left in her body.  She didn’t have much strength to begin with.  She wanted to die with the way she felt, slip away into a slumber and never wake up.  What did she have to live for anyway?  No one would give a cheap prostitute the time of day.  Jem?  No.  She couldn’t place her entire existence on him. 

Hearing that he had the keychain made her happy and she patted his butt to hear the jingle.  Es closed her eyes as they entered the hospital.  She had such bad associations with the place it was hard for her to stay calm – harder for her cat not to lash out.  She imagined what it’d be like to shift in the waiting room.  Would people scream in terror?  Would they run in fear?  She felt her stomach lurch and she whimpered, giving Jem’s hand a squeeze.  She felt the ocelot again and she wasn’t sure she could keep it away this time. 

Tears stung her eyes as she took breaths.  She swung her legs over one side of the uncomfortable chair and held her stomach, staring at Jem as he checked her in.  She didn’t have insurance.  Jem didn’t know her full name.  They didn’t have the money to pay for this.  Es started silently crying again.  She couldn’t help but think she’d made a complete mess of everything.  She blamed herself for getting sick, probably catching it from one of her clients.  She curled up into the chair, her tiny body fitting easily into the peach leather.  “I’m sorry,” she whispered, wiping away the tears.

There was a familiar man in the waiting room staring at her, but she couldn’t be bothered.  “Hey,” he called, snapping his fingers to get her attention.  “You wanna…?” he asked, pointing to his lap. 

[oldfireinourveins]

Long fingers tapped manically against the counter as Jem watched the nurse scan for his partner, eyes wild with every second that ticked on failing to treat the dying cat.  “Black hair?” the nurse asked, the stoic display fading some as she surely took in the matted hair against Es’s hair and the red stain at the corners of her lips.  

“Yes, please.” Jem was far past his normal charming, begging as he reached a hand out. “I’ll sign whatever forms you need but please - please have someone look at her.”  The  nurse, however, held a finger up at the stressed werecat, speaking in what Jem assumed to be hospital jargon on a phone while simultaneously reaching for a chart.  The chart was his as she nodded to a man behind the glass.  There was an instant flurry of motion around him and Jem took it as his sign to be excused.

With the barest bit of superhuman speed, he was beside Es, sitting so her head balanced on his shoulder. “A second, pretty girl.  Just a second.”  He kissed the sweat slick hair, merely shaking his head at her apology.  There was nothing to be sorry for and it seemed counteractive to even acknowledge the thought.  There was a limited amount of fake information in Jem’s brain that he knew he could enter onto the form before he’d need to call Sion and, in this minute, the numbers he’d memorized seemed far off.  He couldn’t focus with Es burning beside him or the damn patient snapping.  It didn’t fully garner Jem’s attention till the male voice spoke and he rose his head in attention the same moment.

Light eyes narrowed he leaned his lips against Es’s ear, half snarling and cooing in the same motion. “Who is that prick?” Jem was sure he knew but he wanted the confirmation from Es before he made any moves to hunt

[framingjasper]

Bottoms Up || Jasper & Rob

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

“Robert is a sophisticated name,” she said, polishing a glass.  “Too bad you chopped off the ‘ert.’”  It took everything in her power not to wink at the man in that moment.  Her teasing often came with sexual advances, but she wasn’t sure how the cat would take to a wolf hitting on him.  She merely played anyhow.  It’d been a long day and finally someone interesting had walked through the doors.  She planned to take full advantage of teasing the detective. 

She’d never heard her name said like that, except in bed, and it made her entire body shiver.  Say it again, she begged, the wolf inside her whining for attention.  “I believe you, but you did mention you were looking for sickness.”

Her head snapped back to him at his compliment.  Oh how easy it would be to give him a show.  She leaned further against the bar as she tended to the other men, wagging her ass in her air for everyone, particularly Rob, to admire.  Jasper wasn’t cocky about her appearance but she knew she looked damn good in shorts.  The only makeup she had on was a thin streak of eyeliner.  She didn’t doll up her face like other bartenders — she didn’t like covering her eyes to the point where her normal face looked unfamiliar.  Natural was best, at least one her.  And she thanked her mother daily for her flawless skin.

“So,” she said, returning to the man sitting alone.  “Was Ivan a grandfather?”

[oldfireinourveins]

“You're more than welcome to put it back if you want. Fair warning, Robert is much less fun than Rob.” The wolf actually had him consistently grinning, quite honestly enjoying himself despite all the day had thrown at him. Busty and blonde was undoubtedly his type and with legs like those Jasper was perfectly meeting his criteria. Wit wasn't a necessity, but it was refreshing so long as the result was the same.

Judging from her scent, Rob thought the evening was leaning in his favor. Yes, he smiled. She liked him well enough. “I'm looking to forget. Not an easy task with a tolerance like mine.” He grazed her body again before admonishing. “Well, ours.”

The woman knew her body, Rob decided, watching with pleasure as she tipped her languid form. He wasn't the only one admiring the apple bottomed show, sure several others were watching the prominently displayed rump in all it's glory. The detective couldn't be bothered to look away and check. Indeed, this wolf was a predator even in her flesh, flesh Rob was becoming more determined to know better.

“A Tsar, actually. And a nasty one to boot.” The cat grinned, knocking back the rest of his drink.

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Reunited and It Feels So... || Roxi & Roland

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

“Is that how you choose to greet your baby sister after all these years?” she asked, annoyed at how her brother sounded over the phone.  “I’m at the airport. Come pick me up. Now.”  She didn’t need to emphasize what little patience she had, Roland should’ve known.  Yes, it’d been years since they’d seen each other but Roxi hadn’t exactly changed.  If anything, her attitude had grown worse. 

“Or would you like me to take a limo?”  Provided by her parents’ money of course, seeing as she hadn’t worked a day in her life.  The skater boy nudged her shoulder and mouthed the word ‘phone’ but Roxi merely held up her finger.  She wasn’t done and this boy wasn’t going to rush her.  “Roland!” she practically screamed, determined to leave the airport as soon as possible.  If she had to stay in the crowded place any longer she might explode.  “I have a massive hangover and there’s a chorus of babies screaming bloody fucking murder.  And you know how I feel about babies or have you forgotten already?  Do I need to find a neon sign so I can write my name on it or will you at least remember my face?” she asked, her words laced with bitterness. 

[oldfireinourveins]

Roland bolted upright, the phone slipping from his fingers in the spastic display. There was no mistaking the voice on the other end. The tone had softened since fourteen and a baby rasp colored the edge of her words but it was still undeniably Roxanne. He'd know her voice underwater, a thousand miles away. Even now he heard it, muffled by the covers of his bed and the poor cellphone speakers.

“Roxi?” he tested, bringing the phone to his ear again. She'd always hated her full name, though he didn't share the sentiment. She was screaming ath him again and he smiled, momentarily wondering why he'd left. Here. Roxi was in Los Angeles, at an airport? “Stop yelling, specially if you're 'round babies,” he chided, rubbing a hand over his face. The natural response to realizing his sister was suddenly, magically in L.A. Should have been 'Why?'. Instead, Roland was focusing on the details. One step at a time. “Which airport did you fly into?” Clicking on his bedsight light, the man rummaged through his nightstand, graspiing for a pad and pen. “Give me your terminal as well.”

Roxi was here. The impossibility of that fact kept resounding in his mind, cultivating a scary mix of terror and excitement. “I'll know you, X. Even if you've grown a third head and sprouted greys.”

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Round Two || Hal & Kash

It’d been days since the confrontation and yet a red-purple ring remained around Kash’s eye.  He still didn’t understand why he’d been punched, but it didn’t matter.  If he were any other guy he would’ve made up stories about the fight to make him look more masculine.  Kash was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a liar, and the healing black eye was nothing more than a jackass getting in a good punch.  And that’s exactly what he told anyone who asked. 

As a storm cloud formed overhead Kash looked to the sky.  He’d already passed out half his stack of flyers and as much as he wanted to stick around and advertise the hookah lounge, he didn’t want to leave the campus soaking wet.  Besides, no college student would give him the time of day in the rain.  As he headed to his car he spotted a familiar looking blonde going the opposite direction.  “Hey,” he called out, anger beginning to churn his stomach.  It was the asshole who’d punched him, he was sure of it, though the addition of glasses threw him off.  The man didn’t look tough without his posse.  He needed payback.  One hit and done.

Kashmiere prided himself on never being the one to back down.  The other night had been a moment of weakness, a moment where the challenge wasn’t worth the fight.  He’d already taken a hit and wasn’t stupid enough to jump all six men.  Maybe it was the settings.  The hookah lounge.  Without it as his backdrop perhaps he might’ve gone for it, tackled three of them and wailed.  He loved his job — weirdly enough —and the fight would’ve led to his termination.  This was the perfect opportunity to continue what the asshole had started.

He didn’t say anything else as he approached the man, hand balled into a fist as he swung at his face.  He only planned to hit him once, hopefully with enough force to knock the boy down to show him he had a little more bite in him than bark.

[oldfireinourveins]

College had been exciting in Oxford, but in New York it was simply a relief. There wasn't a regular group of overly juiced men following him around the campus, breathing down his neck as he attempted to complete normal, day to day activities. Academia was a welcome distraction, a four hour vacation from the hellhole that his father had designed, tailored to Hal's discrepancies. Unfortunately, hangovers and lecture halls made for a very bad twosome and the dealer was momentarily tapped on pills and potions.

The sun was hiding behind clouds, a small miracle as he shoved his way from Trigonometry to Bio-Chem, cradling the cup of coffee he'd nearly drained. Hal didn't care if it rained, he just needed to be in his seat before that time. His glasses could hide dark circles and a sweater his tattoos but none of that would hold up soaking wet. He was dodging pedestrians now, picking up the pace in annoyance with a newfound motive to reach Cohen Hall. Some asshole behind him was screeching, likely because he'd brushed their shoulder. New Yorker's were a touchy brood and, frankly, Hal couldn't be fucked to care in the moment. He turned just to catch glimpse, blue eyes glaring with ire.

Hal barely caught a glimpse of blonde before he took a fist straight to the nose, a warning 'crunch' ringing through the air as the bone bridge took the brunt of the blow. “Mother fucker!” Hal swore, dragging out the curse as he bent forward, reaching angrily for the attacker. His blood was boiling, a man on the edge of rage on most good days. Hungover left him sluggish, but a sock to the face did wonders for his adrenaline. “Who the fuck do you think you are, mate?” The new yorker accent was slipping as the teen yanked forward , the attackers shirt caught in his grip. One of his rings caught on the fabric and Hal tugged just to rip the top. The white pain was easing on his nose and he focused just enough to see who had punche him.

“You've got a lot of nerve, asshole.” Blue stared at blue, trying to place the boyish face.

[oldfireinourveins]

A Hard Sell || Jem & Es

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Es was beyond the point of frustration.  A part of her had given up all hope things could ever be right again, but she knew that wasn’t the case.  She needed to see a doctor.  The human part of her failed and her cat merely tried to preserve what was left of her trembling body.  And Jem.  Jem only tried to help.  She inhaled slowly and covered her stomach as another wave of nauseous overcame her.  Pretty girl.  She smiled at that.  She didn’t feel pretty in this moment.  She felt like shit, and she was sure she looked as good as a two dollar whore.

“Not going to force me?”  She couldn’t help but laugh, voice raw from the ache in her throat.  “It feels a little forced.”  She went easy on him, eyes blinking away any remaining tears.  Es stepped forward and looked back, eyebrows furrowing at Jem’s position.  Why wasn’t he facing her?  “Let’s go, Jem,” she said, cold fingers finding his, hands intertwining as she pulled him towards the emergency room.  She didn’t like admitting she needed help, nor did she like leaning on anyone while down.  Es learned a long time ago not to rely on others, including blood relations.  And on those rare occurrences when she took help she repaid her debt with sex, having nothing else to offer.  She owed Jem for this.  Maybe he’d want his ring back.  He probably wouldn’t want someone who smelled like vomit and looked like hell wearing it, but she wouldn’t give it up unless he asked.  She’d grown too attached to the object.  “Where’s your keychain?” she asked quietly, not recalling if she’d seen it on his keys.

[oldfireinourveins]

The werecat cleared his throat, frowning at the window as he was still too scared to look at her. “I know ....” he turned back than sighed. “I'm not going to force you. “ Jem repeated, letting go of her with hesitance as he forced himself away from her, leaning gainst the window. He felt like a torturer with the way she was acting, even knowing that his actions were wrranted. She was right to question him, he'd forced her into the car. There was no right answer, not when it came to this.

Jem felt nauseous himself. Snark and sarcasm wasn't going to fix her. The strength of ten cats couldn't fx her. No, it was the flimsy humans inside that could care for her. He was going mad by the time she took his hand. Mercurial little kitten. He smiled, pained and pleased, stepping up so he was by her side, tucking her into his side hand first. “I've got you, baby girl.” His fingers cradled hers, an iron grip against him. No one would take her from him without permission. There would be no foul play where she was concerned. “My keychain..?” The question hit him delayed, steering her past burn victims and sweating patients as he searched for anyone vaguely attentive. Briefly, he met Es's eyes and he smiled. “It's on my car keys. Back pocket, if you want to check.”

Gently, he eased Es onto a waiting chair, rushing up towards a reception area. The nurse at the window was stocky, sporting a short perm and a disinterested frown. “Please help me. My wife's been coughing up blood.” He gestured back to the dark haired curl, leaving the worry plain on his face. 

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Guns and Claws || Ashley & Margaery

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

“Ailuri what?” he asked, feeling a bit foolish for never having heard the term.  Or maybe his parents had mentioned it once.  Gosh why hadn’t he paid more attention?  “I – no well I…”  He didn’t want to explain his position to her.  He’d saved her; wasn’t that all that mattered?  “I don’t care if you believe me,” he said, eyes narrowing slightly.  He didn’t have time for bullshit.  Yes, he was a hunter, as she’d obviously figured out by now, but that didn’t mean he’d personally set the traps.   

Ashley paused on reflex, ready to plunge his knife into her chest if she threatened his life in any way.  “Doesn’t matter.  Do you want me to help or not?”  He felt bad for the state she was in, knowing full well who was to blame for the whole ordeal.  But Ashley didn’t bow to bullies, and this half-leopard half-human was either going to accept his help or not.  He wouldn’t feel bad if he walked away now, not after hearing the patronizing tone of her voice.  Ashley turned his head away as she shifted, feeling incredibly uncomfortable with the sight of her naked breasts.  Slowly, his eyes found her face again as he waited for her answer.  He didn’t have much time.  She didn’t have much time.

[oldfireinourveins]

Margaery turned from the stuttering boy, intensity of her gaze focusing instead on the bear trap clutching her calf.  Blood was slick on the pale skin, nearly all the teeth of the clasp embedded firmly within her skin.  She’d need to pull it all out in one go, probably stumbling back, or the trap would just reclose.  Annoyed, she turned back. “Wrong again, boy.  It’s trust to let you near me and you’ve done nothing to earn that.”

She hooked a finger beneath a prong, tugging slightly in test of the spring.  It was taught and her skin paid the price, ripping more.  Margaery breathed through the pain.  The cat would never admit to needing this humans help, though she realized now it may have been necessary.  Even if she got the trap off alone, she’d be sure to rip some vital bits in the process and returning to her pride would take an agility she wouldn’t have.  Growling to herself, she looked back to the thin boy.  “Try anything, human, and I’ll bite your ear off.”  She brought her hands to  her chest, crossing them in a poor attempt at modesty and leaned back.  She wasn’t completely open but the vitriol in her stance had ceased.

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Guns and Claws || Ashley & Margaery

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Ashley watched in horror as the beast transformed.  Awkwardly, he rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, standing up straight once he saw what condition the woman was in.  “I didn’t know you were a cat, a human I mean, a hybrid.”  He quickly tried to run through everything he’d said to her.  Had he embarrassed himself yet?  He needed to get out of there before his parents came.  They’d kill her for sure if they found her.  His parents had shut off their emotions a long time ago in order to become killers.  It wasn’t as easy for Ashley.

“I wasn’t,” he responded, leaning down to examine the trap around her leg.  “May I?”  He felt he needed to ask before trying to help.  The last thing he wanted was to free her and for her to turn right around and attack him.  “I can help you.”  His words were soft and his cheeks were faintly pink.  He’d only ever seen one other woman naked, his ex back in Australia, and he couldn’t help but notice the red head’s beauty. 

[oldfireinourveins]

“Ailuran.” Margaery snapped, monotone as she clipped off the humans ramblings.  He looked young, a cub compared to any of her siblings. Maybe Sunny and he were of an age. Regardless of his age, the leopard was in no way intimidated.  Her shoulders were back, glaring at him from the ground, defenses on high alert.  “You weren’t?” She bit back, chagrined and glancing at the knife. “What is it  then?  A little boy like you skipping back from school just happened upon a create caught in a net, full outfitted to kill a beast at disadvantage?” She scoffed.

The damned human kept coming closer and she growled, loud and inhuman at his offer.  It was a jerk response, partially because she felt a little more exposed than she liked.  She watched the human through narrowed eyes, the shining blues assessing him critically.  He was pink in the cheeks, an odd show of modesty for a killer.  “Why do you want to help me, human?” Her words were slow and she shifted slyly so her breasts were more prominent, goading him curiously.

[oldfireinourveins]

Howling at the Moon || Ren & Trixie

[oldfireinourveins]

arentyoufascinating:

Hazel eyes turned black as Trixie focused so hard on the tree in front of her she thought she’d pass out.  She wanted it to ignite, but not to catch fire.  She’d toyed around with fire spells for some time, wanting to perfect each element.  The hex she’d cast was meant to form flames that would cover the tree without burning it, creating a massive source of light.  Only a witch could create fire that didn’t burn.  A small spark started at the root and Trixie smiled, throwing her arms in the air as she attempted to raise the flame. 

“Yes!”  She was so happy about the making the spell work she hardly notice the smell of burning wood.  “Oh shit,” she grumbled, reaching for the bucket of water beside her and dousing the small fire.  “So much for that idea, hmm, tree?” she asked, running her hand over the bark as an apology.  As she prepared to attempt the spell again a howl resonated through the forest, making every hair on Trixie’s body stand straight.  A wolf?  She wasn’t ready to try her ‘talk to animals’ spell again.  Last time she tried it she turned herself into a hamster.  Shit.  “Full moon.”  How could she have been so stupid? 

Trixie grabbed her jacket, left the bucket, and began walking home.  The woods were particularly hard to navigate at night, but she was confident she knew the way.  However, she had no idea where the howl came from, and worried she’d run into a wolf pack if she weren’t careful.  She racked her brain trying to remember why wolves howled.  For a death, right?  If a pack member died?  Injury?  She wasn’t sure. 

“Oh fuck.”  And there it was.  The wolf.  “Nice doggy.”  Her voice shook, hands beginning to tremble the second she laid eyes on the beast.  “You’re hurt,” she said, crouching down until she was level with it.  Hesitantly, she stepped forward, nearly losing all balance but catching herself.  Concentrating on the trap was the most difficult task.  She had to clear her mind if she wanted to magically free the creature, but in doing so she had to push aside all thoughts it would kill her upon being released.  For a brief second her mind eased and she swiped her finger in the air to command the trap open.

Had it been any other day Ren could have weathered this mistake.  Changing into a human, gimp his way over to the pack of clothing, fish out his cell and call for help.  He had enough wolf companions  here to bail him out of something this idiotic.  But of course a situation like this wouldn’t befall Ren when it was convenient.  He would get caught in a magic, invisible trap on the one night where he was trapped in his fur till morning.  Fuck.  Even a mere shift in his leg burned.  The bone was shattered, fractured into pieces he could only imagine.  The healing would be a bitch, he knew it, but it would heal.  Of course, only if he could get the contraption off himself and knab some disinfectants.  Cole could set it, even.  But he’d need to leave this forest.  

Ren was still debating whether or not to crawl away from this disaster when he smelled her.  A  human, a girl from the smell of it.  She had a calming smell, earthy and sweet  and it was distracting enough that Ren realized belatedly he should have been running.  A wolf twice it’s normal size  was alarming enough, let alone in this area.  They weren’t exactly an indigenous species .  The doctor was left staring at the girl as she stumbled on him, a young and unsurprisingly attractive dark haired girl.  Why a pretty thing like her had walked towards a howling animal, he’d have no idea.  Clearly she was scared and he did his best in his injured state to look non-threatening.  Just turn and leave, pretty lady.  Forget you saw me.  He hoped, turning to lick at the mauled leg.

Fuck it all, she was coming closer.  Clearly the girl had a death wish, running around helping injured beasts in the middle of the night.  He barked a warning, or possibly an agreement.   What this girl possible thought she would be able to do about a magic trap, Ren had no idea.  She’d hurt herself trying to remove it.  He was going to back away, keep the slender fingers from digging between the metal when he realized - she wasn’t just a girl.  The ease was already beginning simply from this girls hands waving.  A witch.

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Guns and Claws || Ashley & Margaery

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

The growls were to be expected.  If Ashley were a large cat caught in a trap he was sure he’d react the same way.  Taking a deep breath, Ashley held the knife to the rope, taking one last look at the animal before finally slicing into it, letting the trap fall to the ground as if the creature had managed to escape.  Slowly, Ashley took a step back and hunched over, knife in front of him as he readied for an attack.  He didn’t want to hurt the beast, so he hoped it would run off, but he prepared for the worst. 

[oldfireinourveins]

Spotted lip curled as the knife touched the rope, snarling with fang as the sharpness came too close to her for comfort.  But then, just as quickly, the rope was sliced and Margaery was on the ground.  The metal in her leg was  still biting, artificial teeth tearing into the large cat and she needed fingers to remove it before she could think of fleeing.  With a sort of smug anger, Margaery let go of the beast, feeling the hot flash of burn as furn turned to flesh and fang to tooth.

"Shit!" she exclaimed, the trap clamping harder around the slimmer, naked calf.  She turned to the human, sitting upright naked an angry. "Why're you setting up traps, human?"  She growled, voice  rasped.

[oldfireinourveins]

Blowing Smoke || Hal & Kash

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

“I’m not a fag and you can have your fucking money back if it gets you out of here,” Kash snapped, angry at what the night had turned into.  As the girls in the back started leaving Kash reassessed the situation.  Yeah, he’d definitely be calling the cops.  These guys were dangerous and Kash’s patience was at an all time low.  Fuck customer service.  “You and your boyfriends are being loud and obnoxious and I won’t ask you to leave a second time.”

Kashmiere groaned and fell back as the man punched him, rubbing his jaw as he looked up.  Another patron raced to Kash’s side, ready to jump in if anything happened.  “I already called the police.  They’re on their way,” the stranger announced, eyes darting between Kash and the group.  Kashmiere didn’t need or want anyone’s help, but was silently thankful the man took it upon himself to break up the potential fight.  Kash growled under his breath as the boy continued, wishing he could return the punch but knowing it would only lead to him getting jumped.  He sneered as the man grabbed his shirt.

“Get. Out.”  He didn’t want the money the man offered or for any of them to continue their stay.

“Hey, break it up,” the stranger said, putting his body between the head hot and Kashmiere. 

It wasn’t long before red and blue lights shined inside the lounge. 

[oldfireinourveins]

“Fuckin cops. Brilliiant.” His accent slipped a split second and he spat to avoid attention. “I really don't want to talk boyfriends, goldilocks.” Hal's smile was taught, ready to burst as he watched some glasses wearing cunt step between them. Heroes never saw it coming. A previous abrasion on his knuckle had split from the punch and Hal brought it to his lips now, sucking at the sore before tucking the hand back in his pocket. It helped him to keep from pounding the queer further, though he rubbed his clean hand over his jaw, flexing in barely controlled rage as he watched the blonde scramble off the floor. There were lights in his peripheral and he turned a second to see them.

Much as Hal wanted to stay in the lounge just to drive the cocksucker crazy, he wasn't going to over-complicate things with the police. He rolled his eyes back into his head, still fixed on the ballsy stranger as the men around him chattered about game plans. “Well fuck-off,” he directed to Joe and the skinny one. “Don, looks like we're riding home together.” He rose his hands palms spread so they faced outward, tongue poking against his cheek as he nodded Don out with him. “Enjoy sucking that hipsters dick, bro.” He winked at the blonde, then left. He wasn't even fully outside before he heard the cop cursing.

“Not the Elias kid again!” Someone visible groaned to his partner, visibly relaxing a tenes arm. Hal laughed, nodding with his chin to the schmuck he recognized. This would be an issue with Atticus in the morning but little else.

“You know where to take me, Officer Daisy.” He was strolling over, knowing the bought man would bring him right home where he belonged.

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Guns and Claws || Ashley & Margaery

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Ashley groaned as the beast caught his hand.  Worst.  Decision.  Ever.  He wouldn’t be able to hide it either.  Now he’d need to make up two stories instead of one.  “Stop it,” he insisted, as if reasoning with the animal would work.  “Fuck.”  Ashley backed away for a moment to check his hand.  Luckily that bite hadn’t been deep.  He took it as a warning.  “Listen to me,” he said, finally spotting a soft point in the rope, “I’m going to cut you down.  But if you attack me, I’ll kill you.” 

[oldfireinourveins]

She should have really bit the kid, ripped the skin to crush the idea that this human had any business threatening her.  There was only one person she took orders from and it wasn't this little bitch. It was her own fault she was stuck in a dumb humans trap and she'd let him cut her out if only to rip his head off later.  The growl didn't quit but Margaery stilled, waiting.

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Guns and Claws || Ashley & Margaery

Spotted limbs fought against the netting covering her. She was snarling, teeth gnawing at the rope as her claws were made useless. She was out on a run, a simple run, and she’d landed in a fucking net. A trap made for a stupid beast, not something as superior as herself. The ridiculous of it all had Margaery in a red rage.

“Check the traps, Ashley. Wash the cages, Ashley,” he muttered to himself, pushing a tree branch out of his way as he walked through the dense forest. In one hand he carried a bow, planning on practicing his aim once he cleared all the nets. A knife was safely tucked inside his boot, and he carried other various weapons with him as a mere precaution — his parents’ idea. He heard rustling from where a net was placed, and grabbed an arrow off his back as he prepared to shoot. He expected a werewolf, though it was too early for the wolves to be in form. He never expected to see a leopard caught inside the trap.

Margaery smelled the human far before she saw him. The weakling was moving slow and she was fighting her way out with haste. The net was too small to transform out of, large enough that it would accommodate her…but not comfortably. She was snarling the second the black haired boy came into view, ears flat against her head as she ripped through the forests silence.

Ashley’s eyes widened at the beast. “Shh shh shh it’s okay,” he cooed, sliding the arrow back into its place. He held his hands up, to show he wouldn’t pose a threat as long as she didn’t attack. “Do you want to get out?” He stepped closer, looking around for any signs of another beast. “Are you hurt?” He shined his flashlight against the cat’s skin, checking for blood. “I can help you. But you’re not allowed to bite me, okay?” he said, hands shaking as he attempted his serious voice.

God she hated when they talked. Worse than being attacked was being treated like a child. Then he had to shined that damn light in her face. She closed her eyes and growled at the brightness. The scratches were mainly on her underside, a few on her back from branches, but she knew the biggest damage was in the metal catcher on her foot, the whole reason she’d stopped long enough to get caught in the net in the first place. The bone was ruined, she just wasn’t sure how badly.

Ashley knew better than to step back, he’d learned to stand his ground in the face of danger, but this creature wasn’t a danger to him, not yet, not while in the net. He briefly wondered if this leopard was in fact a leopard and not a werecat like he’d originally assumed, but shrugged the thought off because of geography. A leopard wouldn’t survive this type of weather. “Shhh,” he tried again, this time pulling a knife out of his pocket. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, coming face-to-face with the creature.

The growl resonated low in her chest, hair standing up on her back as the human moved closer. The sound in her throat hisses as the human got unnecessarily near her face, snarling the second he spoke. Her ears were flat against his head. “Just cut me loose!” she snarled, knowing the growls of her feline form would do nothing. Her foot throbbed, unable to fix herself in this god forsaken net. She’d bite his head off later, for now she wanted out.

The growl from the creature made Ashley wary of its intentions.  The leopard wouldn’t know not to attack him and Ashley could potentially put put himself in more danger than wanted.  He walked around the net, checking for any loose points.  He had to make cutting the leopard down look like an accident, in case his parents asked any questions. Stupidly, Ashley put his hand on the beast’s back, feeling over its fur and the rope concurrently.  He needed the creature calm before he set it down.

[oldfireinourveins]

Margaery snapped at the touch on her spine, whipping her nick around to fight the audacious human with tooth and claw. The skin snapped beneath her fangs, tearing the flesh as a warning. The growl was still in back of her throat, low and waving. A human and a knife was never a seen that would leave her feeling comfortable. Unless he was going to cut her out of this fucking trap, Marg wanted him miles away.

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Reunited and It Feels So... || Roxi & Roland

Roxi was wet just thinking about Roland.  She knew it was morally wrong to think about her brother that way, but ever since she’d hit puberty she’d wanted to fuck his brains out.  He was hot in a way no other boy could ever compare.  And until he’d left without saying goodbye, he’d been her best friend, her mate, and Roxi hated him for leaving.  He’d abandoned her when she’d needed him most and she’d grown wild beyond control in his absence.  She cared about no one, nothing.  She stole items she could afford, sucked on pills like they were candy, and slept her way around Europe. 

The spontaneous trip to California wasn’t her idea, her parents thought she needed a break from her party lifestyle and the only person they thought might help her was Roland, the brother she hadn’t seen in years.  The plane smelled like feet and old people, but the turbulence was nonexistent and Roxi’s first class seat provided her with enough room to sleep comfortably for a majority of the ride to Los Angeles.

The airport was noisy and Roxi was hung-over.  Waiting for her luggage was a painful process as the reunited couple next to her start groping each other and the single mom to her left couldn’t shut up her baby.  Roland didn’t know he needed to pick her up either.  Bloody hell.  After a grueling hour at the insufferable airport, she batting her eyelashes at a skater boy and asked to borrow his phone.

“Pick up,” she demanded, listening to the phone ring after punching in Roland’s phone number. 

[oldfireinourveins]

The phone was ringing. Why was the bloody phone ringing? Anyone that mattered even a scrap to him would be dead asleep by now – like he would be if the damned phone would shut off. Roland didn't need to look at the clock to know how little sleep he'd received. Working till four in the morning meant he'd sleep till two on a good day. Most of his friends were coworkers, running that same crazy schedule to fish twenty's out of their g-strings. The people he knew who weren't on that ride, well, they knew better than to call him at eleven o'clock.

Damn, was it really eleven? He growled sitting up, fumbling openhanded for the phone by his night stand. His apartment was dark, all the blinds drawn and blocked so not an inch of light could seep in. He needed it that way to sleep with any efficiency at all. The backlight burned his eyes as he browsed the numbers, cringing at the unknown number. He snapped as he answered. “What.” He rolled onto his back, phone cradled between ear and shoulder.

[oldfireinourveins]

Blowing Smoke || Hal & Kash

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Kashmiere balled his hands into fists as he watched the man kick his friend deliberately into the table.  His eyes widened as he caught the hookah, firm grip keeping it from shattering on the floor.  His face turned red with anger, ready to yell and scream at all of them to leave.  “He’s not being kicked out,” he corrected, leering at the speaker.  “You all are.”  Kash could tolerate a loud group of drunken men, but sober ones who decided to test their acrobatics skills around expensive equipment were ones he refused to serve.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he sneered, reaching to grab the man’s shirt.  “Get out.”  Kash was rarely serious.  He didn’t recognize himself when he got angry.  He pointed to the door and searched all their eyes, wanting to look them in the face as he told them to take a hike.  If they didn’t make a huge scene, Kash might give them their money back, or some of it.  Anything to get them out.  He didn’t care for this gullible Frank guy or the one they called Ark.  None of them were on his good side and all of them needed to leave before Kash dialed the police.  He hated cop involvement, but if he felt it was the best course of action he’d take it in a heartbeat.  He didn’t do drugs or anything illegal so he never worried much about being busted, give or take the times he enjoyed joy riding.  If the group promised to behave Kash’s decision could be swayed, though he doubted they’d want to stay after he’d demanded them out.  They had two options: Sit down and shut up or get out.

[oldfireinourveins]

Hal paused at the condescending tone, feeling his blood boil easy at the sound. People talked to him like that rarely. Said people found their faces bashed in. “You're gonna steal my fuckin cash then, fag?” His voice was ice cold, the humor having evaporated immediately. Chin raised at the question, daring the blonde to make a move, to challenge him like that. “Nothing broke. I paid. We stay. “ With the law laid out, Hal turned to leave again, scrounging in his pockets for cigarettes.

He was whipping his fist into the blondes cheek before he even registered he'd been touched, pupils dilated as he turned. “You don't. Fucking. Touch me,” he spat, jerking his shoulder to fully shrug the man off of him. Every muscle in his body was awake, humming with the threat of a fight. Ark and Joe were standing now, one wary the other ready. Hal knew the welcome they'd never truly received had run its course and he hadn't been interested in smoking in the first place. Sadly, leaving now meant defeat. He wasn't about to deal with that. “What are you gonna do, bud? Call the cops?” he laughed. “You can try but it won't go anywhere. That fucker has half the squad under his warped, giant thumb.” Hal was gritting his teeth, chest shaking with an anger only Atticus brought out of him. He continued his vitriol speech slow, grabbing the blondes shirt. “We stay till we're ready to fucking leave! Got it?” He dropped him just as fast, reaching for his wallet instead. “I'll pay you triple.”

[oldfireinourveins]

Wants vs Needs || Gray & Ivy

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

Ivy scowled as he stepped closer, tempted to force him into the hall and shut the door.  She couldn’t do this.  They couldn’t do this.  How many times did she have to say it?  “Gray, no,” she said firmly, blushing from his blatant stare.  She wanted to remind him where her eyes were but somehow doubted he was interested in looking at her eyes.  “You need to leave.”  Her tone couldn’t have been any lower. 

Her expression softened when he said he couldn’t sleep.  She knew that feeling a little too well.  She sighed at the mention of his girlfriend, wishing he wouldn’t have knocked on her door.  “Gray,” she whined, pulling him inside as his voice reached a height she didn’t want anyone else to hear.  “Keep your voice down,” she whispered, angry at the situation but too groggy to properly deal with it.  “You can’t touch me.  And I can’t touch you.  That’s the law.”  Hesitantly, she shut the door and turned on a small lamp to prevent him from stumbling around her room.  “Sleep here.”  She pointed to the chair and moved to grab a blanket for him.  “Gray, I’m serious.”  She felt her feet move towards him, but her gaze fixed on the floor.  “What does she talk about?” she asked quietly, hoping if she kept the subject on his girlfriend he’d forget all about wanting to touch her.

[oldfireinourveins]

Gray sighed, shaking his head sloppily from side to side. “I know it's not- I know 'no',” he groaned, clutching his forehead then raking his fingers angrily through his hair. “I know you don't like when I come around,” he said with a surprising sense. “But I can't help it.” The teen stepped closer to her, using one hand to support himself against the door frame as he stooped towards the pretty teacher. His eyes had found their way to hers now, black and displeased with everything about him, he was sure. And still, “I can't help wanting to be around you.” I can't stop wanting to touch you.

“Please, Ms. Anderson,” Gray slurred, gaze inexplicably on the floor. He was tired. His head was throbbing and all he wanted was to curl against Ivy's skin and fall asleep like a child. The thought of his room made him sick. He could see Kaya there, knocked out on sedatives and lying in his bed, volcano arms open and bare. Ivy was tugging him in before he realized, a buoy dragging him to shore. His arms found her waist without trying, clutching her tight even as she warned against it. “I'm sorry,” he whispered, pleaded as his hug crushed her chest to his. “Please.. please, I'm sorry. I just- I can't.” His heart was hammering in his chest, the thumping deafening in his ears, panicked. He was speaking quickly, one sentence breathing into the next. “She won't shut up with the wanting. She wants it all the time and I can't-I can't fucking do it. I can't deal with her, I can't talk to her.” The arms around Ivy shook. “I can't even look at her, this fuckhead.

[framingjasper]

Bottoms Up || Jasper & Rob

[arentyoufascinating-blog]

“Rob it is,” she said, eyes traveling between him and the alcohol.  Rob.  What a common name.  “Grow out of Bobby and Robby then?” she asked teasingly.  She didn’t know how to make small talk with the man, afraid he’d turn into the asshole he was when he’d first sat down.  The way he said her name made her shiver and she rolled her shoulders back before setting the shots down in front of them.  “Before you drink those—” she leaned to whisper in his ear, “The bathroom is right behind you.”  Smiling, she pulled away.  She wasn’t looking to clean up after him, having already cleaned enough puke from the stalls for the night. 

Someone hollered for her from the other side of the bar and she left Rob to tend to her patrons, getting them a new pitcher and frosted mugs.  

[oldfireinourveins]

The detective laughed, albeit sarcastically. “Can't say I was either. Far as I remember, I was always Robert.” He shook his head. “Seemed to stuffy for high school though, so I chopped off the 'ert' and called it a day.” He tossed a shot back without a grimace, grinning at the bartender instead. “Are you suggesting something, Jasper?” Her name sounded best from the back of his throat, rolled off his tongue like a purr. “I can hold my liquor, believe me.” To prove the point, he downed his second shot but the girl was already running off.

For his own amusement, he watched her ass as she left. “Nice legs.” He murmured, knowing the wolf would hear him just fine.