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A Drive
Aug 19, 2022 17:24:49 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Aug 19, 2022 17:24:49 GMT -5
( Thea ) After meeting Lark in a faraway town tucked in one of the many dark corners of the Deadlands they had made their way home, finishing a job as they went, finding trouble along the way, until after some time Atsila had welcomed him into the Guild's territory, a safe haven for her and their people. They spent the next few months letting Lark, a trapped shifter in his wolf's skin for many moons, get used to the twenty first century life. When Atsila first set off with Lark in tow she hadn't thought he would have stayed with her long, even with the almost possessive way he hanged about her, getting angry whenever she left his sights for too long. She sighed, his overbearing ways was a bit much on some days but overall she found herself enjoying the attention. She knew what he was to her, the tingles a dead giveaway, but she wasn't the type to acknowledge much less accept something just because it was the truth. That being said, she also didn't let it stop her from wanting to do something she wanted to do. As much as she tip toed over the mate issue not even having to this day a solid conversation about what they were to each other, Atsila still found herself slipping into his rooms to spend the night with him, keeping him close unable to deny how much she liked having him around, how much she liked how he wanted her around him at all times too. It wasn't long before they started going out for missions with each other, the practical approach proved to be working wonders for Lark, and then it wasn't long before he began doing some solo work. It was in those weeks that Atsila found herself alone, always being the type not to think too much but not having anything to distract herself made all the thoughts start rushing to the surface wanting to be acknowledge. Those days were the worst, Atsila decided with a frown, and was happy that she and Lark were on their way out for a personal escape. He had just came back two days ago, she hadn't seen him in nearly two weeks, and now he was sitting across from her, his large body filling the front space of the Guild's transportation, a Toyota Tacoma fit for the Off-Road, his eyes on the road but holding more darkness and wildness than she's seen in a long time. When he had told her he wanted to visit his hometown she didn't ask him why, he had said it suddenly right before she was about to fall asleep, his voice low and distant. Atsila said she wanted to go with him. That was it. She fell to sleep and the next day they only focused on preparing for the trip. She had chosen to sleep alone that night and had met him by the car at the early hour they had agreed upon. Three hours into driving with only her fiddling with the music channels, Atsila still wasn't ready to broach the subject. Any subject that had been on her mind lately. Her deep roots, the deep scars, tied her lips shut as she was sure Lark's own past did the same for him.
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A Drive
Aug 20, 2022 9:13:20 GMT -5
Post by Thea on Aug 20, 2022 9:13:20 GMT -5
Lark was slowly but surely getting used to being back in his human skin. And with that came the recollection of his memories. Seventy years worth of memories, bleeding in like ink on parchment. Some were fuzzy, others clear as day. There were times that he had loathed them, crippled with moments of what he could have been had Fate been more benevolent. Those were the days that he did not seek Atsila's warmth, where he found himself to be the perfect Viking warrior his father had trained him to be.
He knew that Atsila was his mate. When he first felt those tingles, the little shockwaves that emanated from the woman's fingers and rippled out to span entire lengths of his body, he didn't remember what they were. Though the more they touched, the more persistent the memories were. Memories of a certain woman, powerful and mysterious with the lights of New Orleans haloing her as if she were the city's spirit. That same woman that betrayed him. He didn't see Ethel in Atsila. In every interaction they had together not once did she hide her true motives. Despite this, he didn't know what to make of her nor the ghost of his first mate that haunted him with every step he took. It was clear that Atsila didn't want to approach the subject either. Surely since she was a shifter just as he she would have felt them. It made him wonder: did she have a past as well?
Every once in a while, he would glance at Atsila, not minding her messing with the radio dial. She didn't speak, and neither did he, both content in the silence. Or at least, he was. He had too much on his mind right now. After thirty years, returning to his pack was something that he knew was the right thing to do. At least tell his surviving sister that he was alive. Visit with his nieces and nephews. Sit in remembrance of his mother and other two siblings. He figured that too much time had passed for everything to be the same. But maybe ... just maybe ... he could get his mind to cease its wailing.
"Wait," he said suddenly, ears catching a familiar tune on the radio. But he didn't catch Atsila in time before the station changed again. Still focused on the road, he demanded, "Go back," then added quickly, "please." His mother's voice sprang up from the chaos of his mind, bringing forth the gentleman he used to be for a brief moment. "I know that song."
Lark was old. Over 100 years old. Being stuck in his wolf form for more than thirty percent of his life, he was not caught up on the latest music trends. Really, he didn't care for any music that hadn't been past his prime, where jazz and big band had been in full swing. In their time together, it would have been evident to Atsila that he wasn't much of a music listener. This outburst was new.
When she did as he asked, he smiled softly. The first smile that he thinks he's smiled for the first time in a long time. "St. Louis Blues" played through the speakers, the mellow notes soothing the beast within him. If he were to be able to close his eyes, he would picture himself sitting in the crowd and watching the band play. "I ... used to play saxophone when I was younger," he couldn't help but explain. "This was the first song I learned."
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A Drive
Aug 20, 2022 15:49:28 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Aug 20, 2022 15:49:28 GMT -5
"Did you?" Atsila asked with interest, easing back into the seat and getting comfortable while the saxophone filled the silence. They didn't speak much about their pasts, well Lark did more so than she herself did, not the type to talk about herself at all. But she was always amused and curious whenever Lark did reveal something, she let her eyes drift back to his face, trying to picture him playing this song.
Such a odd song, old and romantic, not her usual cup of tea but just knowing that it had been his first song he learnt to play, she couldn't stop herself from smiling. It wasn't bad, Atsila had a hard time finding music she liked from this day and age people back then had better taste hence the song playing right now.
"You'll have to show me someday." She said teasingly knowing she really did want to see it, and as the song kept on playing that desire only grew. Still she turned away from him, looking out through her passenger window as the world kept passing them by. Why had she wanted to come?
She thought solemnly, she felt like she had mellowed out in the last few months after meeting Lark, gotten so used to his silent presence by her side, the comfort he gave her, that she didn't feel the need to push herself as much. She didn't have to do everything by herself and found herself unconsciously leaning on him more so than even Elaine or anyone else at the Guild. Even now, allowing someone other than herself to drive when she hated other people's driving was something to think about.
There had been something in his voice when he mentioned going home, something that she was drawn to, if she wasn't brave enough to face her own wasteland of a past then at least she could be with Lark when he was brave enough to face his.
"It must be far." She spoke of their destination for they were fully stocked to last at the least a month on the road, it would be a long trip but Atsila didn't mind, she had been getting antsy stuck around the Guild and could stretch her legs out with the lengthy trip. She was sure they would run into trouble they always did and was quite excited for the sorry souls that would be on the other end of her venting out.
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A Drive
Aug 20, 2022 21:45:21 GMT -5
Post by Thea on Aug 20, 2022 21:45:21 GMT -5
"Maybe," had been his only verbal response for a while, though the thought of playing for Atsila was something that he had running in his head long after she made the mention of it. He couldn't tell if she had been serious or not, what with her teasing tone. Even so, he imagined what her reaction would be. Would she hate it? Be in awe? Indifferent? He frowned at that last part, not liking how worry ate at his stomach like a swarm of bugs would consume a garden.
Besides, it's been decades since he last picked up the saxophone. Would he even remember the keys? The notes? He was afraid to find out.
Atsila left the radio on the jazz station, and songs from his prime intermingled with those from the 40s when Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra were popular. He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel, even to the newer music that came out after measured ad breaks and radio host tidbits. It had him forgetting - just for a little bit - why they were in a vehicle in the first place, traveling in the southern direction. He remembered when Atsila broke the silence, and his fingers stopped tapping. "Ten more hours to go," he agreed softly, casting his gaze to the woman who smelled of woodsmoke and cinnamon. Her scent reminded him of a warm stove heater on icy winter nights, where his siblings would sit around it while eating their mother's desserts with sticky fingers. Comfort. That was what she was to him.
The sudden revelation felt like a slap to the face.
He never understood why he felt so possessive over her at times. Especially when they were on missions together or she would seemingly disappear on him. The nights that she came to him, he would hold her tightly and go to sleep long after she did, stroking her hair and rubbing his cheek against her skin in a primal way to mark her with his scent. Lark had just thought that it was the wolf in him, wanting to claim her as his because they were fated mates. But he realized that it was something deeper than that. He didn't want anyone taking his comfort away.
"We have less than half a tank left," he continued, glancing at the rearview mirror and then the side ones to make sure he had enough room to merge into the next lane. "We can take the next exit and fill up now or wait. It's up to you. In a few hours, we can pull off and make camp somewhere. I'm getting tired of being in this vehicle."
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A Drive
Aug 21, 2022 2:25:44 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Aug 21, 2022 2:25:44 GMT -5
"Let's fill up now, no point in waiting. We can fill up the gas cans too so we don't have to keep worrying for gas for a while" Atsila instructed, she didn't like leaving things to chance and would rather the less stops they had to make the better. It wasn't in her nature to trust the world, she knew of the devils that smiled at her innocently in all shapes and forms, reminding her the evil nature would never be cured from the world.
She was frowning as Lark took the exit, sensing something unseen, like a dark shroud that would encompass them all, the scent of her fire rose within her in rebellion, her tangy scent sharpening even to her own senses. Scrunching her nose, Atsila waved her fingers away as if shooing away the bad premonition.
"Let's grab some of their hotdogs too, gas station hotdogs after being stuck in the car for a few hours really hit the spot." Atsila chimed happily, remembering one time in particular that she had cried to herself while eating one of those cheap hotdogs. She scoffed at herself, finally losing the fiery edge to her that she had a few seconds ago.
It wasn't long before they were pulling up to a pump and Atsila was all too happy than to jump up in her seat, unlocking the doors and stepping out no later than two seconds of Lark putting the truck in park. She stretched as she walked towards the trunk, the sun was warm on her face, skies blue and pretty, a few white harmless clouds. A good day to camp out if the weather kept.
Trunk popping loose Atsila pulled it up and eased her head and body in, reaching for the back where the three large red gas cans were stored. She felt Lark appear by her side, his presence big and undeniable, she smiled knowingly to herself and straightened, bringing back the three bottles with her.
"How about you fill everything up and I'll go get the food."
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A Drive
Aug 21, 2022 17:04:12 GMT -5
Post by Thea on Aug 21, 2022 17:04:12 GMT -5
What got Lark's attention was her scent, at first pleasing to his senses but then sharpening like a blade. As he took the exit and stopped at the light he turned at looked at Atsila, catching her waving her fingers in front of her face. Was she trying to wave away her scent? Or did she smell something he didn't? For all their time together, he wasn't anywhere close to knowing who she was as a person. He spoke more of his own self than she, and for someone that was mainly quiet, that was saying something. He at least knew that she was able to perform some sort of magic. Though, not any magic that he was familiar with. She could very well be experiencing something that he couldn't.
The beast within him didn't like that.
What he really wanted to ask was "What's wrong?", but what came out instead was, "Food sounds good," very gruffly. His shoulders did relax when she spoke, though, her happy tone sounding like wind chimes to him. When they parked in front of the gas pump closest to the door, he was slower in getting out, surveying the environment as he had been taught how to do long ago. With only a few cars in the parking lot, there seemed to be a lull in business. All the better, he thought. He didn't really like being in crowded places. Less wait time in line was a plus too. Satisfied with his findings, he stepped out and made his way to Atsila, taking his place as her dark shadow.
Before he could respond, loud obnoxious music played in the background. He turned his head to see a lifted, electric yellow truck, vibrating with bass, squeal into the parking lot and park haphazardly in two spots. Since coming back into the real world, he's experienced some tomfoolery much like the three young males that jumped out of the still blasting truck. A short disgruntled growl emanated from his throat, thinking that the young humans nowadays held little to no respect for those around them.
Upon taking a closer look, however, he made the decision to go in with Atsila. All three of them needed a wardrobe update, what with their wannabe thug attire. Baggy jeans, half-cocked hats, exaggerated swagger. If he were any other person, he wouldn't pay them any mind. But he wasn't. He knew how scrappy humans could be. They could be just as dangerous as any other being on this planet.
"Let me go in with you," he said, a scowl on his face and his jaw set. "The gas can wait until we get the food."
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A Drive
Aug 23, 2022 18:02:49 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Aug 23, 2022 18:02:49 GMT -5
Had the idiotic group of teenagers not squealed into the place like death was on their heels, Atsila would have thought she'd get away with her request to go in alone. Be that as it may, she thought with a flick of annoyance towards the unwanted humans, she didn't quite mind Lark's protective ways. She could handle herself and the stupid kids but it wasn't like she wanted to waste her breath on them anyway. Lark could do all the scaring with less of the talking.
"Okay big guy." Atsila couldn't help but touch him, she pressed her palms to his chest feeling his warmth flooding through her bare skin, a light hum of tingles wanting to touch her. Was she reassuring him? Or herself? Atsila didn't know these days. She let her hands drop and pulled down the trunk once more, Lark locked the truck and followed her as she crossed the parking lot, his hand grabbing the handle first and opening it for her.
"Thank you," she said softly as her eyes took in the gas station at large, two clerks behind the glass and another stocking up a shelf to her left. Less than five customers not including Lark and her who just walked in, the rowdy boys by the coolers looking for some drinks. She turned to her left, because that was where the row of hot food and smoothies waited, she could do with a coke icee now that Atsila thought about it.
She grabbed a plastic bag then a couple of the hotdog containers and went to work in preparing them. By the time she was satisfied, there were more than a dozen of them stacked nicely in the plastic bag. She grabbed the condiments by a handful, throwing whatever they had in the bag along with some napkins and extra utensils for the road. Leaving the bulky bag on the counter with Lark, she took the few steps away from him where the icee's were.
"Do you want a specific flavor?" She called to Lark, getting two of the biggest cups they had, while she waited for his reply moving away from the different colors so he could read the flavors, she started to fill hers with the coke one, her eyes drifting to her right, where she could see the loud and obnoxious boys were acting as though they owned the place. Their laughter and jokes made her eyes roll, reminding her how much she disliked the regular folk.
She must have caught the employee's attention for he gave her a sympathetic smile while wincing at one particular loud shriek of laughter. Atsila sighed, the urge to say something to the group filled her, if she was alone she might have used them as a excuse to vent some of her anger out but she was with Lark, stealing a peek at him Atsila could see the annoyance almost reaching the breaking point in his stormy eyes, well Atsila stayed put, fearing for their lives if Lark had his way with them. At least she would have still left them with enough breath to whimper instead of laugh. She had a feeling she'd like their painful moans instead of their annoying barks of laughter.
Once the cup was filled, she popped the lid on it and started to work on Lark's.
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A Drive
Aug 24, 2022 11:08:47 GMT -5
Post by Thea on Aug 24, 2022 11:08:47 GMT -5
Lark was still reeling over her touch, how it had felt like a warm bath that soothed aching muscles after a hard day's work. Even through his shirt, he had felt the tingles, a testament to how strong the bond was - or at least, would be if they acted on it - between them. It had taken him by surprise when she touched him because unless she came to him at night, they really didn't show any affection toward one another.
He ... enjoyed it. Immensely so, and he wanted her to touch him again.
"My pleasure," he had murmured in response, having reached the door to open it without thought. It was ingrained in him that he opened doors for women, something that his mother taught him in her efforts to teach him to be a gentleman. In these modern times, he's seen it happen less often; it irked Lark, to say the least, and often led him to wonder if he was better off dead with the times he had grown up in. But there were days, when he observed more so than interacted with this new-yet-not world, that he held out hope that he belonged here. With Atsila around, the hope was getting stronger.
And so, it seemed, was the urge to protect. Her, specifically, even though logically he knew the woman could hold her own.
He was never too far away from her if he could help it. Elaine, the snow leopard shifter that shared his mate's bed quite often before he came along, warned him of Atsila's fire-y nature and desire for space at times. If he were truly honest with himself, he would say he really didn't give it to her. He couldn't help himself. He wasn't sure why. But when she went to grab the hotdogs, he promised himself that he would try for her sake not to be in her bubble. He had gone to grab other snacks. Potato chips, Cheez-Its, gummy worms, and a few chocolate bars. All the while he watched the three hooligans that came in before them, not bothering to hide the look of distaste on his features. And out of the corner of his eye he still watched them, growing all the more impatient and grumpy with them as he made his way back to Atsila.
Her voice distracted him for a few brief moments as he set the things he obtained on the counter beside the large bag, the smell of cooked meat making his mouth water unbidden. Gods, he was hungry. He was tempted to eat one now but figured that would be frowned upon until purchase. Instead, he narrowed his eyes in contemplation and made a decision, "Cherry." Then he went back to watching the three young males as they made their way closer toward them, one carrying a 30-pack of beer and the others with sodas of their choice.
He wasn't sure what made him stalk toward Atsila at that moment. Maybe a premonition of sorts or the beast within him not liking three males being so close to the one he considered his. He was glad he did, because no sooner had he put himself between Atsila and them that one boy violently pushed the other, causing him to careen toward the slushie machine and, by proxy, Atsila. If Lark didn't know any better, he would have thought it to be on purpose, whether to try to get the pretty woman's attention or just to be an ass. Instead, the saggy-panted human's back made contact with Lark's outstretched hand and was redirected back to his friends, which caused all of them to stumble and the one that did the initial pushing fell into a rack of specially-made jerky. Down the rack went, with the instigator sprawled on top, groaning in pain.
"Dude, what the fuck?" the one with the beer demanded, turning on Lark with murderous intent in his gaze.
"Oops," Lark said in a non-apologetic tone. "You boys really need to watch where you're going."
"You pushed him!" the other protested, not as murderous but still pretty heated.
"I don't recall it happening like that." Lark folded his arms across his chest, effectively barricading the three boys from Atsila. "Now pick your friend up and get out of here."
"Or what, ginger freak? Stare at us like you have been?" Thing 1 sneered, setting the case of beer down with no regard before pulling out a switchblade and stalking toward him. "I'll give you something to stare at."
Lark didn't give him time to strike with the paltry weapon. He unfolded his arms to have one snake out and grab the fist that held it and jerked him closer. Try as the boy might, and he tried hard, he couldn't wrench his appendage free. Instead of become scared of the predicament he was in, as was the smart thing to do, his free hand made contact with Lark's jaw. He managed to get two more hits in before Lark grabbed the boy by the back of his neck, unfazed, and twisted the switchblade toward its wielder's neck.
If it hadn't been for the second boy launching himself at Lark's middle, he would have made Thing 1 jab his jugular with his own knife. Lark stumbled, but corrected his footing just in time to not fall from the football tackle. With his quick reactions, he made the decision to have the blade slam home into his new attacker's shoulder blade. A blood-curdling scream filled the air, then another as he made his comrade twist the blade in deeper.
Seeing what was happening and deciding not to join in on the fun, the third boy took the coward's way out and ran out the front door. So much for loyalty, Lark thought distantly, releasing his hold as the two boys fell at his feet.
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A Drive
Aug 27, 2022 20:38:27 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Aug 27, 2022 20:38:27 GMT -5
Like a moth to a flame, Atsila thought amusingly knowing the group would resort to some level of violence before exiting the store, she just hadn't expected it would have been directed at her. Feeling their intent, their energy turning devious in swarms of black and dirty reds, she was about to turn around and address them when all Atsila could see was Lark's tall and wide back, she hadn't even felt him coming he was sneaking up on her more and more each day, Atsila bit her lip his body effectively blocking her from the entire world.
Her scent began to leak out again, the smell of scented smoke and fire danced in the air behind him, she heard the voices, all the voices low and distant, her gaze seeing something else. A great fire was consuming her from all sides, the sound of screams filled the night, her lungs filled with the smoke, she could barely breathe... she was burning, her body covered in flames, the sound of wood cracking and falling, the houses of her village falling to her feet, more voices more screams as the fire consumed all in its path, until finally there was only silence.
She was there frozen for a spell until her body moved on its own, reaching out when it noticed something it didn't like, her fingers found their way home to the side of his lower back steading him as he stumbled, her wolf still watching his rooted back in front of her and it hadn't liked how he had tipped for a bit. The touch gave her a chance, Atsila watched as Lark's back image came to her within her fiery prison, she had never had someone come to her like this, whenever one of these episodes would occur her body belonged to her wolf spirit until the spell was satisfied with its torment of her and gave Atsila back her peace of mind.
She'd find herself in all kinds of places doing all kinds of things, she hesitated as she stared at Lark touching him now would only confirm her unspoken feelings, could she do that? But if she didnt, she would scare him with the way she chose to act. Worse she would miss out on spending time with him fully conscious. Atsila swore silently, cursing this prison world, and lifted her hand to touch his back, her palm pressed flat against the middle of his back, his warmth sucked her in, more warmer than her hatred fire, she sighed wondering why she was so stubborn.
Atsila opened her eyes, she wasn't simply pressing her palm to his back no more, but instead had hugged him from behind, her arms wrapped snug around his lower waist, her face pressing into the spot where she had touched him in the dream. She was back, faster than ever, a matter of only seconds and she was back. It usually took her days even weeks, but with Lark it had taken only a second.
What was she going to do now. Atsila thought on a chuckle and took comfort to the feel of him, alive and well in her arms, "You held back, I enjoyed the music too." She untangled herself away from him, cursing her wolf for being so touchy but since she had liked it as well, it lacked the impact.
Peeking from his back-finally-Atsila got her first good look at the two at Lark's feet, the scent of blood in the air, she smiled sweetly at them her eyes taking a eerie amber red glow. "You'd best behave now or we'll find you again and make sure no one has to worry about remembering your faces anymore. The world will be a little bit more safe. Do you understand what I'm getting at? Or are you just too stupid to not hear a death threat?"
Satisfied with their scared heartbeats Atsila turned around and grabbed her two icee's and walked over to registered, the gas station had been quiet the entire time since the incident but at their approach with Lark hot on her heels, they finally snapped into action.
"Gosh are you guys okay?" The younger of the two asked, his eyes giving them a one over before going back to look at the two men. "Should we call the cops Jimmy?"
Lark put down the big bag and handful of snacks and Atsila said in that moment, "Just this and what? Like a hundred in gas?" She asked Lark her eyes calm now, "I think between the truck and the cans they can hold at least that much or is that a bit too much?"
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A Drive
Sept 1, 2022 10:30:27 GMT -5
Post by Thea on Sept 1, 2022 10:30:27 GMT -5
Her scent was stronger again. Smoke and cinnamon, sword-sharp. His beast stirred within his mind, its attention going to the woman as he taught the humans a much-needed lesson. And then her hands were on him, causing his eyes to go distant, body working on autopilot. She had helped him stay on his feet, and now held him as if he were her pillar. Every inch of his backside was hyper-aware of where she was touching him, the tingles humming beneath his skin despite a layer of clothing that prevented her bare touch. Was she hurt? He smelled no more blood than the human boy's. Was there something wrong?
"It would have been a different story had they touched you," he replied, the truth ringing through his voice like church bells. He almost killed the one he felt was the leader of the three, true, but the reason why he had attacked was that he saw them coming for Atsila. That he did not like; had he not been tackled, the first would have paid for the would-be transgression, a lesson taught to the other two.
The humans looked up at Atsila, a myriad of emotions showing brightly in their eyes. Fear, pain, rage. Lark watched as their faces with pale, as if they had seen a ghost, mouths gaping open almost comically before they scrambled out of the way of Lark's shitkickers. Thing 2 still had the switchblade in his back, with Thing 1 moving to get his weapon free from its prison, both blubbering and cursing.
Lark didn't bother with telling the two that it wasn't a good idea to take the blade out on their own. Lark had pushed the blade down to the base and twisted, likely fragmenting bone and tearing the muscle beneath. There was a lot of blood to begin with - if they pulled it out, the boy would make a grotesque fountain. If they were smart, they would rush to the ER. But they decided to fuck around with his own. And that, he could not forgive.
"Probably," the one named Jimmy mused as he started to ring everything up. He had a personal hatred against the three fucktards. But he made no rush to call the police. Didn't even reach the phone. It was clear that the man and woman were okay, and justice was served hot and fresh. Besides, he had a history of his own, and didn't want the cops to come sticking their snouts where they didn't belong.
"Should be enough," Lark watched Jimmy briefly as the older man rang them up, then his eyes traveled to the cigarettes and other smoking products that were behind the clerk's shoulder. "By chance," he said to be heard over the running feet toward the jingling door, "do you have bags of loose tobacco? Doesn't matter the brand."
"Sure thing man. Icees are on the house by the way."
"Are you sure?" Lark asked, pulling his billfold out to count the wad of cash he had stashed. He wasn't much of a bank person, so he was paid in cash for every assignment he went on. "It's no trouble to pay."
"Least I can do for taking care of my problem."
Lark hummed, sticking a hand out for a gentlemanly shake. After a moment's hesitation, with Jimmy thinking that the red-headed man had to be older than he looked, he took it, and finished ringing the pair up.
The rest of their time at the gas station went uneventful, the human boys and their loud yellow truck nowhere to be seen as they filled the tank and gas jugs. Lark took the wheel again, and off they went. "We'll have to stop once we hit the state border in a few hours," he murmured softly, breaking the comfortable silence they had fallen into once more. "We can find a camping ground then too and stay for the night."
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A Drive
Sept 4, 2022 2:18:19 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Sept 4, 2022 2:18:19 GMT -5
"It should be a good night." Atsila agreed, staring out her window to watch the sky for a few blissful moments...whenever she got sucked into her past she always found herself missing the blue sky. Compared to the red hellhole she lived in, the blue felt refreshing and welcoming in its bright embrace. She hadn't expected to see the blue sky so soon and once again the knowledge of what Lark had done for her began to sink deep into her bones, she turned then facing him, as if she had called him he turned briefly to look at her, the blue in his eyes so bright and vast, so deep she could happily drown herself within.
He had only made eye contact for a second and already her pulse was kicking up, her wolf still so near to the surface Atsila was afraid she might do something stupid. The man was driving, she couldn't let her wolf distract him now. Still watching him Atsila picked up her icee again and began sipping on the icy drink, she would eat a hotdog in a minute her earlier hunger washed away with the trip down memory lane.
"Are you hungry? Do you want me to make you a hotdog? Or some snacks?" Switching hands with the cold drink she moved her left hand to Lark's lap, her slightly cold and wet hand already warming from above Lark's upper clothed thigh. She liked his warmth, was drawn to the feel of his body and security he gave her whenever she was touching him, as if she were a child holding on to someone's hand as they walked her out of the scary forest. That particular scene filtered into her brain, running across as she thought of the simile and quickly dying away as she squashed it back down to the depths where it belonged.
Bitterness clawed at her heart and tongue, and she gave the icee a narrowed stare before taking another sip, this time regaining the sweet flavor. She was always like this, her past creeping up at her at all odd hours of the day whether she liked it or not. Sighing Atsila chose to focus on Lark's steady warmth from under her palm, she felt her fingers tightening over the curve of his thigh getting a good handful before relaxing and trailing up and down the length of his thigh.
Had this been a different kind of truck with nothing in between the seats she would have scooted over or even laid her head on his lap while staring up at him, of course that wasn't safe but Atsila wouldn't care. She made a mental note to start looking for a car of their own when they came back from this trip.
"Is it because we're mates that you've never minded my touch? That you allow me to go into your bed at night?" Atsila didn't hold her breath as she finally let those questions slip from her lips, she hadn't seen herself broaching the subject on her own and surely not like this but the words had a mind of their own and she wanted to know the answers.
"Did you decide to stay because you felt indebted to me? If that's what this is, I don't want it nor do I need it. I know you feel protective of me and that you care, but if it's because of some misguided duty then I..." Atsila paused, blinking into the quietness, her mind felt loud and she wasn't sure what she was saying anymore, all she could feel was this urgent unease within her heart, the ugly thoughts that always crept when Lark was away suddenly barging in to both her and her wolf's minds.
Ah. Atsila felt the clenching, the tightness in her chest, so this was what fear felt like again, the possibility of losing something that wasn't hers to begin with, if Lark decided to leave and betray her like all the rest. Just thinking of it caused her heart to throb in pain, she had already fallen, he had gotten under her skin and Atsila grew attached, when she had sworn on that red day that she would never give anyone else the power to hurt her again.
"I-sorry, dont answer that, I'm talking nonsense." Atsila turned away, her body going cold, and started to pull her hand away from his welcoming warmth.
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A Drive
Sept 6, 2022 0:02:28 GMT -5
Post by Thea on Sept 6, 2022 0:02:28 GMT -5
Lark had almost forgotten about the hotdogs. With the memory of the rowdy humans in that gas station and the way they almost touched Atsila still running laps in his mind, he didn't feel the need for food. The beast within him was still pacing in his mind, his soul, demanding that they turn around to finish the job of them. The world would be better off for it.
But her voice brought him back, like a siren's call. And her touch - it anchored him to the seat. As she moved her hand up and down his thigh, however, his mind became distracted. He couldn't care less about the hotdogs then. The punks faded from his mind, replaced by a fantasy. His cock, for sure, was standing at attention, straining against its confines. The only indication of his discomfort was him shifting a bit in the seat, setting the vehicle to cruise control before lifting his leg in hopes to cover himself.
It was not the first time he was turned on around Atsila. But with neither of them broaching the subject of the tingles, he figured that sex was off the table as well. He was perfectly content with the notion. Just her presence was enough for him. "I can wait on the food," he said, his voice thick with need. "You eat first."
That was how he always had been. Women and children ate first. And with Atsila? He wanted to make sure she had her fill before he partook. He'd even feed her himself if it came down to it. It was just the way he was - a provider. And the more he spent time with the woman, the more he desired to care for her. Protect her. Hold her.
Fuck.
He had to admit, she caught him by surprise. Lark figured that, with the tingles being persistent in letting them know they were destined for each other, they would have to talk about it eventually. And he planned on being the one to broach the subject first, as it was he who came into her life and decided to stay. Was he a coward for not saying something before? Probably. But he couldn't do anything about it now. Instead, he looked for a way to answer her question with tact and truthfulness. He didn't want to say the wrong thing.
Before he could answer, she spoke again. His eyebrows furrowed momentarily in confusion, wondering where her thought process was going or where it came from. He was never one to stay with someone because he felt indebted. Yes, he was grateful that she had saved him from his captor's spell, but if he felt like he owed her something he would have returned the favor long ago.
His hand shot out before he could think, grasping her tanned fingers tightly with his pale ones before she could move away from him completely. A soft growl rumbled in his chest, not so much in warning as it was his dislike at the thought of her not touching him. The tingles seemed to rejoice in the skin-to-skin contact, buzzing persistently and reaching down to his wrist with urgency. "Before I begin, Atsila," he murmured, eyes darting between the road and her dark eyes constantly. He really should pull over onto the side of the road, as he wanted to let her know that she had his undivided attention. But if he stopped, that was just added time in this vehicle. "If I made you feel that way about me then it is my fault for making my intentions unclear. I was not raised to be secretive. I apologize.
"I ... don't know if being mates has anything to do with what I feel toward you. But - as strange as you might think it is to say, since we've come from different backgrounds - you remind me of my home. You give me comfort. Your touch is warm, and your scent reminds me of my siblings and me sitting by the wood stove during long winter nights and my mother's desserts. I decided to stay because I'm selfish to want to have that comfort after being forced away from it for more than thirty years." His grip on the steering wheel tightened so much that he heard the material of it groan in protest. His other hand still gripped Atsila's fingers possessively, though had eased up enough that if she were to pull away from him again he wouldn't protest.
"I didn't want to say anything about being mates because ..." of Ethel. The last time that he had a relationship - was mated - it didn't turn out as he thought it would. He truly was a coward. He wasn't ready to tell her about his old mate either, who likely died ages ago. "I don't want it to change what we have between us now for the worst. I don't want you taken from me. Either I've had some shitty ass luck, or some god is making it their personal mission to fuck with my life. But I should have said something as soon as I remembered what these tingles mean." He sighed then, feeling suddenly tired. "Forgive me."
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A Drive
Sept 19, 2022 17:37:57 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Sept 19, 2022 17:37:57 GMT -5
As Lark spoke, Atsila felt the bitter unease fading away like a bad dream, returning to her depths after poking its head and making Atsila voice her doubts. His voice, his words, his touch, soothed the ache within her and she found herself letting go of the tension between her shoulder blades and relaxing once more into the seat, her fingers finally softening to lay down on Lark's skin, holding on to him as possessively as he was holding on to her. The tingles luring her bad mood even farther away, like a old spell all of its own.
"No. I don't have to forgive you. You did nothing wrong Lark, instead thank you for telling me how you feel. I didn't actually think that, that you were only with me because of a sense of duty, well maybe in the beginning I did, but once I saw you didn't need me in your life, that you were fine without me, maybe even better than fine, I knew I was only fooling myself to continue to think that way. I tried to, it was easier to think like that, but then.." She paused, looking out in front of the road, her fingers still gripping his as her thoughts began to get muddy.
"Then I started to want more. It started to hurt to be beside you and still holding on to the thought you were only with me for that reason, but then it was as hurtful to think you liked me as well. That it went past that duty. That you could have feelings for me. I don't let people in, Lark. I don't want to lose anything that is precious. So I don't hold anything close to heart. The Guild. Thea or Elaine. You. The closest things and people to me I tell myself I don't care, but that's a lie."
She turned to face him, the man who had ruined everything for her, "You fucked everything up. You came and showed me I'm not as cold as I wanted to believe I was. That I can still care. That I was caring of those around me. When you would go away, I'd get so depressed and find myself missing you, wondering what you were doing, trying to fill the nights with Elaine only to feel something was missing, why did I let you in so quickly? I spent years being alone, years not caring, and here you are, making me have these feelings, these insecurities again."
Atsila chuckled lightly, feeling breathy, she eased up from her seat, leaning more into him her free hand coming to slide around his shoulders and brush through his hair from his nape up. She got close, her breath touching his ear, "Eyes on the road, don't stop." She warned him, not wanting to prolong the car ride any longer than he did.
"You need to take responsibility." She said next, her breath hot as she bent down to nip at his earlobe, "I feel like I'll be going insane if I keep this up, if I don't accept the facts for what they are, I'm starting to care, I'm starting to want everything for myself, I want and want, and I don't want to stop." She rubbed her nose against his cheek, getting his scent on her and hers on his. She felt like she was everywhere and still not enough, the sudden urge to claim Lark as hers was making her heart pound dangerously quick and heavy, her scent spiking.
"I wont let you go, you had your chances, I gave you time and space, now it's too late. I'll burn everything anyone who tries to take you away from me." She said softly as she bent down, kissing his neck and opening her mouth, sucking gently on his skin leaving a tiny red mark before pulling back to look at her handiwork.
"It'll have to do for now, I really want to mark you but I'll wait until we get to the camp grounds."
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A Drive
Sept 20, 2022 3:18:53 GMT -5
Post by Thea on Sept 20, 2022 3:18:53 GMT -5
It was dangerous for him not to pay attention to the road, Lark knew this. But he found himself latching onto Atsila's words, eyes more on her than in front of him. All at once, he was intrigued, concerned, and craving for Atsila. He wanted to know what happened for her to be so afraid to let those in. Why fate decided to pair them together. How despite him listening to her speak uninterrupted he wondered how she would sound when she was beneath him
When she told him he fucked everything up, he had to laugh. It was a good-natured chuckle under his breath, showing that he didn't take offense to that. If getting her to care about things again meant he had to take the blame, so be it. He was no stranger to being the scapegoat; when he had been previously he had been angry, ready to defend himself and his actions. But with Atsila? He'd willingly fuck everything up again just for her to tell him she wanted him just as much as he wanted her all over again.
He chose to ignore the comment about the female snow leopard this time, despite the beast within him rising in defense. Lark knew logically that Elaine had never wanted Atsila in a romantic way. That her strange action of sleeping with various Guild members including the director never led to anything other than resting. She even came to him one night, offering her body in that platonic way of hers. Of course, he had declined. He wanted no other woman to hold than Atsila, and never liked the thought of anyone holding Atsila other than him. It hadn't been his place to say anything to her, however, despite it. She hadn't made any mention of their being mates.
Until now.
The change in her attitude was similar in the way the temperature did just before a storm. It was almost palpable. Like he could reach out and grab it. Obediently, his eyes moved to the road ahead of them, a bland sight of two gray ribbons snaking through the countryside, his heart caught in his throat both at the way he followed the command without protest and how she was coming closer to him. The tingles lit up the sensitive part of his neck like firecrackers where she touched him causing his chest to vibrate with a low, appreciative growl. By the time she had nipped his earlobes both of his hands were on the steering wheel, white-knuckled with the control he forced himself to have. It was taking all that he had in him not to pull over and take her right then. His wolf did nothing to help, instead opting to rake and snarl at him to take what was theirs and lay claim on her right then and there.
That growl grew in cadence and urgency the bigger his desire for her became. Her mouth felt hot and wet against his skin, and his cock strained against its confines at the image of that same mouth around it. He was losing the control he had just moments before, as if it was water flowing through his fingers.
Next thing he knew, he was pulling onto the side of the road, the rumble strips groaning beneath as he moved past them. With a ferocity that startled even him, he threw the vehicle into park before grabbing Atsila by her hips and hauling her toward him. Food and drink be damned, he thought when he heard the bags' violent rustling in the floorboard. "Why wait?" he rasped, moving one hand down to her leg to move it in such a way to have her straddling his lap. They were now chest to chest, with him looking up at her. "Is this your way of punishing me for 'fucking everything up'? Tease me and then pull away as if you don't realize how much of an effect you have on me?"
To punctuate his statement, his hips bucked up against her as his hands held her in place to make sure she felt that very effect. "Because you do, kaerasta." The Icelandic endearment slipped from his lips, but he paid it no need as he continued to look into his mate's dark eyes. "I will take responsibility of my actions. I will stand beside you and watch the world burn if someone was stupid enough to even try, too. But I need you to understand that if you don't finish what you started I cannot be held responsible for what's to come next."
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A Drive
Sept 22, 2022 1:21:25 GMT -5
Post by Ventia on Sept 22, 2022 1:21:25 GMT -5
Her heart was racing, faster than it's ever done before, she didn't expect that Lark would pull off to the shoulder but Atsila definitely wasn't complaining. Instead a thrill ran down her spine, watching him hearing his laugh, tasting his ear and his neck, feeling his heat, it was all already doing something to her. His growls, him clenching the steering wheel so hard she was afraid it would break with all its whining it was doing, the way the front of his pants were noticeably straining against him. A satisfied purr vibrated through her loins and up her body, her eyes brightening with that fiery glow.
She let out a soft laugh as the car jerked a little and Lark threw her on his lap, her thighs willingly widening to accommodate for how large he was, her skinny jeans doing nothing to hide his hardness and heat when he began to buckle up at her. Atsila closed her eyes for a second, her lips parting in a pant, to enjoy the feel of him and his words. She never felt pretty before, but knew she still was attractive, still it didn't seem to matter to her until now.
Now she wanted Lark to find her pretty, attractive, to desire her, she opened her gaze, leaning forward, pressing her soft chest to his larger and harder body. "Do I? Have that much effect on you?" Only to smile sweetly when he answered her, that foreign endearment making her heart begin to waltz around to her own happy tune. She couldn't stop smiling, her hands sliding up his arms, feeling the taunt muscles bunching under her touch, she nibbled on her lip liking the feel, liking it a lot.
For all their time together, Atsila barely touched him when she was conscious. In her sleep she was all over him, only to wake up with a slight blush at how her arms were snagged around his chest, her leg over his, half her body on the side of his, with her face planted in the crook of his shoulder. She would move from him, flee from his room in the still early or late hours, only to do it all again the next night.
"I'll hold you to that, udanvdo."
She returned his endearment with one of her own and while watching the blue of his eyes, Atsila bent down and took what was hers. His lips. She pressed them lightly, feeling the tickle of the tingles, before pressing firmly into him, her fingers gripping his biceps as she sighed into his lips, her body relaxing and feeling heavy as she pressed into his chest and lap, her thighs slipping wider apart as their lips parted her tongue meeting his in a slow stroke before she drank his taste, her fingers sliding up to make a mess of his hair again, gripping the soft fire as she snuggled closer to him moaning under her breath as she finally got to to taste her mate.
"Lark..." She purred saying his name as his kisses began to increase in fevered desire.
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