Small Towns 1x1

[BlueJae]

"This is a bad idea."


"You'll find I'm full of those."


"But you're a Beta, aren't they supposed to be consultents to the Alpha? Someone who helps make wise desicions...Or something like that?


"I am, and the wise desicion here is to get comfortable, seeing as I'm stuck here for another month or two until Navita arrives so- here we are." Asher looked at the bar, small town, thus small bar, but that didn't really stopit from being as good as any other. She felt Quinton frown beside her "Just going in, grabbing some things and coming right back out. You can stay out here if you like." She offered, but by the look on his face he wasn't leaving her alone anywhere, not to drown herself at least "I can't...Go in." He muttered, blinking when she pat his back "I got you, no worries." She said, approaching the door, opening it for him, it led into a hallway which was blocked off by a rather sluggish looking man, ultimately asking for ID. Effective, and probably saved the bartender time. Quinton tensed, Asher muttered something to him and chuckled but he didn't catch it. He watched her converse with the man, using hand motions and such, seeing him freeze up she nudged Quinton inside "What did you say to him?" He asked, she only grinned "A little intimidation goes a long ways friend. Alright, now then, where is that counter..." She mused, looking for the bartender before tugging Quin in that direction- who looked around, feeling a lot like a koi fish stuck in a shark tank.


Nathin bit the corner of his lip so not to make a bitter chuckle, when was this one not getting himself into trouble? It didn't surprise him "Smells like it hurt," Was it not for their species that might not have made sense or sounded right, fortunately he had good reason to say so seeing as the smell of the other's blood- or where it had been, was practically taking over the coffee's scent "didn't have the time to clean up before you ran in here?" Nathin was only curious, and tired, the only time he was actually calm and easy going no matter what was going on. Hell, the world could've started ending outside and he'd be too tired to care. Coffee didn't do much for him unless he drank an abundant amount and he'd only been on his third cup by the time Asher came in. He needed at least four more before he actually started feeling awake, or in this case, alive. It was amazing, as Alex had once informed him, how he could turn from the most irritable thing in the world to a quiet, sleepy-eyed 'teddy bear', as she'd so humorously put it, all because he was tired. Needless to say when he'd woken up enough to understand the statement he was less than pleased.

 

[ROUX]

"It's nothing, I was - uh - cutting something, yes, and I fell...on my scissors..." Leon scrambled frantically for an explanation for his current state, actually sounding like he was trying to reassure himself that the lie was a good one...halfway through the sentence. He realized his mistake and just plain shut his mouth. Cutting something up indeed - only it had nearly been his own head off of someone else's sword. He shivered, the memory still fresh in his mind reminding him of another one - if he could call it that. He must have been seeing bits and pieces of things from his heat but...there was one that still haunted him, poked at him whenever he was within ten feet of the Alpha before him. He wasn't exactly a hundred percent sure that this was accurate but...the memory of Nathin methodically and deliberately cutting the deep lines just under his jaw, then going lower every time until he left, alternating sides so it was pretty much symmetrical...The thing was, it didn't just bother him that it had happened, though it was certainly disturbing enough. The stranger thing was, that he liked it...like he wouldn't have minded if Nathin took the scalpel to his skin and imitated the lines, so long as they were -


Leon blushed when he realized he was literally just staring at Nathin at this point, his blue-green eyes widening in embarrassment as he forced himself to look away again, turning ti the side, clutching the counter behind him. He did, however, have an idea....he couldn't go back, not now at least. But what if he had Nathin with him? He wanted to mentally punch himself sure, he despised asking for help in any way or form...but maybe he could ask for it in a way that wasn't obvious. He didn't really need the other, he was just making sure, yes, that was it. And Noah wouldn't risk facing two werewolves. "Look, um...I was going to go...but what are you doing today?" He asked, hating every word of it. He felt needy. He didn't appreciate it.


-------


"Quin...?" Damon looked up from his drinks and mumbled the name to himself in surprise, the scent reaching his nose before his physical body made itself known...along with foreign scent, and a foreign woman. He tensed, immediately - this may not have been Nightshade nor Luna territory, but this town...you could say it was fairly well hidden from the world if you will. Usually, no one ever came, and no one ever left, no one like them anyway. And the fact that she was with Quinton bothered him more. Did he need help? He didn't look like it, but it didn't seem like the teen exactly knew her either, there was none of that comfortable familiarity that Damon often saw him share with his packmates - and if he was being honest with himself, he envied that a lot of the time. Right now, however, he was simply suspicious, and that was all there was to it. He didn't dare come off his chair, only let his eyes, carrying that same piercing intensity again as his wolf inquired, ghost over to their direction, focusing on the new one. His eyes did flick away to land on the teen afterwards, the obvious question burning in them, though he did not bother to speak, wondering if his companion had noticed him. And if she did...then yes, he would have questions - many of them.

 

[BlueJae]

"You look like something's going to eat you." Asher looked down at Quin, who shot her a look "Everyone in here looks like they wouldn't mind." He hissed, leaning against the bar whilst waiting for assistance, Asher next to him "Well this isn't exactly, how would you say, the happiest place on earth. People come here to drown out their problems and sorrows, something to numb everything out while you can, anything to delay reality's harsh sting...Er, or some shit like that, I mean." she quickly stopped herself when she saw Quinton's eyebrows raise, surprised that she seemed to understand it so well "Uh huh, just get what you need will you?" He said, rubbing the back of his neck, this place made him uncomfortable actually- even if Asher's way of describing it just made it sound like an escape for pained people, these pained people looked like they wanted to inflict their own on someone else, and he did not want to be that guy. Asher flicked her smoke around in her mouth as she spoke with the bartender, once blowing smoke in his face gently, and then he was off to get them what they needed. She certainly had a way with people, desipte the fact that she seemed so cold when they first met, her personality changed quickly depending on who she was with but Quinton could only guess it would settle down once she'd actually become comfortable. He glanced at her, frowning for a moments time"How long are you going to smoke that thing?" he asked, she looked down at him "Until it's gone?"


"Do you do that will all of them?"


"Well I don't waste an- Hey what-....Oh, ok." She watched, like a someone had just killed her dog, as Quinton took it from her and put it out in an ash tray "You'll die faster." He stated simply, Asher blinked "Hear that?" She asked, Quinton cocked his head, but heard nothing "That's my heart breaking." She stated, Quinton gave a half-assed chuckle 'You'll live I'm sure...Longer, at least." He stated, but Asher had moved her attention down the line, her eyes narrowed, examining the lighter blue ones that had been aimed at them. She couldn't tell who exactly he was looking at, but she saw his eyes flick to Quinton and back- she didn't like it "Do we know him?" She mused, Quinton didn't look up as he stared at other's playing darts "Know who?"


Nathin, to say the least, hummed in disbelief at Leo's answer, but didn't say a thing, rather, stared back at him until he looked away, then tilted his head at his question "Other than loitering around? No, not really." He said, hoping that was a way to get out of his duties. Anything to get out of his chores, it wasn't work, no he knew what that looked like. Though, whilst on the subject his mind wandered in that direction, wondering how his patients were doing, he'd left them alone for so long surely they were hungry- thirsty, he hoped they'd be fine until later tonight at least. Poor things, he just needed the night off was all and now he was already feeling guilty for it. He'd have to give them extra attention to make up for it...Yes that would do it. What plans tonight might hold, hopefully he wouldn't loose himself in it he couldn't afford to be late. Though, he certainly wouldn't complain if he was. Not at all. Bringing himself back to the present he looked Leon over, he could certianly say the man was more of a mess than he was, but his lack of awareness pushed it off to the side for now. He would need something to wake him up seeing as coffee just wasn't doing it for him and hopefully this would be something. He'd need to tell Alex to seek out heading back home, and he was sure Asher would handle Quinton well, and so, his plans seemed set- or at least they would be once he understood fully what it was Leon wanted.

 

[ROUX]

"Me," Damon said evenly, deciding he'd waited long enough, hearing their words even from across the room at the farthest corner of the counter. He got up form his seat, the bottle in his hand swinging by his side as he walked over to him, his slightly spinning mind still trying to figure out what to make of the two. He stopped, just about a foot and a half away, though he was closer to Quinton than he was the other as he tapped his finger against the bottle, the nail on his index finger making a soft noise there against the glass as he furthered his evaluation. "Well...look what the cat dragged in. Or should I say dog. Who are you and what are you doing here?" he asked, the unspoken 'with him' was absolutely implied within his tone, his body somehow in a position prime to shove the younger wolf behind him and finish off this strange one. His wolf was already bloodthirsty from his lack of cannibalistic activities, and though the humans were doing quite well for now, he knew with each passing day the hunger grew more, and every time it did, his window to kill grew smaller. He wondered how this one would taste to him - not good probably, judging by the habit she'd taken upon herself, but then, it wasn't always about the taste. He enjoyed just the feel of ripping limb from limb, the beautiful sound of raw flash tearing from the bone, blood still pumping until his prey eventually bled out underneath him...he never just flat out killed them. He liked to hear them scream.


It was a tendency of his, to imagine things of this sort inside his head, all while keeping the same expression on the outside. And he wasn't even murderous yet, not to the full extent that he could be...he hadn't been like that in years. No, what he did now was but a shadow of the destruction he could cause - though he usually did just as much damage to himself as he did to the unlucky souls around him when his humanity is completely and utterly absent, with only his wolf's instincts melding with that something darker within him to form the animal that had managed to rip away a pack of it's own six years ago. No, this, right now was only a sliver - he was protective of what he considered to be his, and now that Quinton was on that list...


-------


"Can I...ok look. You obviously need a distraction just as much as I do at the moment," he shot back, delivering the words as soon as the formed in his mind, his idea taking place finally in a way that he he could actually use, and hopefully without looking like a complete nutcase. "We can go somewhere right? Anywhere but here, god - I probably need to change this don't I? Dammit. Whatever, fuck it - so...where to?" Leo asked, his spastic thinking paired with the little movements he was making as he spoke, and when he jumped when he accidentally reached too far behind him, burning his hand on his own cup, which had apparently arrived while he was talking. He winced, before grabbing it around the holder. He blinked a couple times, ruining his hand through his messy hair, awaiting the Alpha's voice, yet again. Jeez, how ever did he get to wanting the other's company? He was more jumpy than usually...must be the lack of suppressants before...they did more than suppress his heat and his scent, that was for sure. reminded him of the ADHD meds he'd taken while human - hadn't appreciated it then either.

 

[BlueJae]

Quinton nearly jumped right out of his skin and Asher looked slightly less than pleased and a little more surprised. She didn't answer his question, rather, she was more concerned about his position. Never the less she tilted her head "Quite characteristic aren't you?" She mused. she wasn't sure who he was, but judging by the, well, non-alarmed look on Quinton's now relaxing face he was aware who this one was. Asher, however, was not and did not plan on following suit so easily. So demanding. This said she leaned back lazily against the counter, her eyes never leaving Damon whether it was out of the little to no knowledge she had of him and the slight curiosity to figure out who he was or if it was simply to prove something to herself or him. Whichever it was the situation seemed to be something she certainly was not taking as seriously as the other and for that, Quinton wasn't sure what to make of the situation, but he didn't like the atmosphere, not at all. Nor did he like the way Asher was taking this, and maybe it was because she didn't know Damon or how he worked, or maybe...Maybe it was something else. She was off, just her in general, but he was probably just imagining it. Though, that glint in her eyes, he couldn't miss it- the eyes that seemed to glow on their own despite that being her natural state. It was, to say the least, worrying him.


Nathin blinked, that sounded like...Like...He blinked, the blank expression with a hint of weariness never leaving his face "Sounds a lot like a date but sure, I can think of a few places." Nathin shrugged, obviously not aware of the reaction his words might and could cause. This one, he assumed since he lived out in the middle of no where when he could have lived in town, liked the outdoors. He couldn't have been too far into their territory, so, he supposed that what he was thinking of would have to do for now, he wasn't too sure how much the other liked the outdoors but hopefully a considerable amount. It was a nice season too, slowly turning into those red, orange, and yellow colors so surely it would look nice at least. He waited for the other to either agree or disagree, knowing Alex would get the message if he left with this one now...Then probably nag him for ditching her later. He could deal, so she would have to as well.

 

[ROUX]

"Eh. Most people would say characteristically bad, but whatever floats your boat, new girl. First my ex, and now this...damn, Nathin most definitely should be scratching that shaggy ol' head of his right about now. Unless, of course you're with him," Damon mused, one hand in his pocket a s he took a swig of his drink thoughtfully. "Quin," he started again, addressing the teen finally, his tone a bit softer, deciding if she wouldn't give straight answers, he might. "Who is she? You know her?"


His eyes never wavered as he awaited his answers, thinking carefully about all how the answers might affect his decisions. If she was working with...or for Nathin, he'd be wary of her sure, but only because she'd have the power of two different packs on her side - which, he wanted to know what pack she'd come from too. And if she'd come only with them, well...they couldn't very well storm in and disturb the peace of the town, could they? No, not without starting war. He supposed she could have been a loner like Leo, and in that case, she'd probably be dead by midnight if she pissed him off, which luckily for her was not the case at the moment. He was irritated. But though there was a difference, anger was not too far away, and if his questions were not answered he'd have to get them himself - the hard way. Without scaring away his little hunter of course. His gaze flicked back to the woman as he waited for a response, still obviously not pleased, though he didn't know if she could tell that it was because of her choice of company or not.


------


Leon almost spit out the tea he was now holding and spilled it all over himself in the process. Thankfully, he did neither, but he did choke for a couple seconds, coughing and wheezing like an Olympian with asthma, eyes watering as he realized how serious Nathan was. "A - a wha- you know, I am just going to pretend you did not say that, not at all," he said once he regained the ability to speak. if that was a joke, it wouldn't have been funny, especially considering how they met - with Leon practically having to physically hold himself back from convincing the Alpha to rip his clothes off. A date. Who said it like that? Did Nathin think he looked gay? Should he be offended? He couldn't protest to that, really, Noah had once told him that it as in the sheer amount of rings he wore on a daily basis - even if he attempted to justify them in the name of nu metal.


The Omega groaned, wanting dearly for hos own thoughts to just shut the hell up - especially about Noah. He looked back up at Nathin and nodded. "My motherfucking head - Sure, ok, lets just go...lead the way?"

 

[BlueJae]

The corner of Asher's lip tugged as if daring to smirk but, she held it back, looking at Quin expectantly which didn't male him feel any better. Rather, like he was doing another damned class presentation. Of course, whether he liked it or not having been called on he chimed right in "This is Asher, she arrived here this morning, uh, from up North." He states, doing his best to recall just where the female had stated she was from, speaking of she added "And for your information I'm under Nathin's cousin." She said, as if assuming she was with Nathin bugged her, though it didn't. It didn't much matter of course, her interest in Damon was little but the interaction and reaction he seemed to cause and create with Quinton made her muse, or think rather, but her curiosity would easily simmer down if the smaller one wished so. She was in no competition, with anyone for that matter, for the other but as Quinton was her first encounter- contact with him was not something she would give up. Even if this werewolf was an alpha. That said, she weighed her options at the moment, wondering how to make either tick, though they'd been standing there for a good amount of time theyd probably be standing there for sometime more. Introductions were over but she expected not a warm welcome from this one. All the more reason to prick at him.


Nathin, head still tilted, didn't notice when the corners of his mouth seemed to tug upward. Oddly enough, he seemed to smile, a little, at Leo's reaction. Not that fake or coy one but rather a rare, genuine one that he would've denied existed if he could. It faded as quickly as it'd come but he took the other's suggestion and started walking. Alex watched him, feigning offense that he was leaving her before reaching over to finish off his coffee. That said Nathin was quite sure which route they'd take, as the area he planned for was on the outer North West end of his territory and it was a bit of a stretch he'd admit but it was nothing neither could endure surely. This aside he wasn't sure if the other wanted to shift or not and while it would be undeniably faster it might've just been better to sit back and enjoy the scenery as they passed it by, the area dead silent except for the lone sound of their own footsteps.

 

[ROUX]

"Mmph. Very interesting - not enough so," Damon replied, he was still quite annoyed with her, though the expression on his face still said otherwise, currently contorted in the smirk he usually wore when he didn't quite know what he was dealing with but wanted to effortlessly piss off whoever he was giving it to anyway. He then decided to stop beating around the bush and say what was really on his mind, though he did notice Quinton discomfort at the situation - and in Damon's opinion, he should have. Though he certainly wasn't trying to control the teen like his own pack seemed to all the time - or at least to Damon it looked that way. No, he simply wanted to know what this foreign wolf wanted with his Quin. Even if she was with Nathin - which on the bad side, meant he couldn't have any...fun, with her, but on the other made sure that she wasn't aimlessly causing trouble. Which meant she actually did have a reason for being there - Nathin's cousin, eh? What did Navita have business here for, he wondered...obviously it wasn't important enough to come down herself, but still...


"You're her Beta then - don't you have better things to do than run around and drag underage hunters into bars with you, smelling like a damn ashtray?" He asked, cocking his head as if he was asking a normal question, but his eyes unmistakably flashed scarlet as he stared at her, hopefully getting the point across that Quin was his, and that he didn't appreciate her presence. At all.


-------


Leon walked with Nathin in silence, speaking up only after they'd left the main part of the town and were coming off the outskirts, heading for the forest. He didn't want to admit it, but he did feel a bit safer around Nathin...just a bit. It wasn't like he couldn't take care of himself for god's sakes. Just because he wasn't his usual self...


"So,' he spoke up, looking over at Nathin, as he'd been walking by the man's side for the entirety of the trip so far. "Where are we going? Your pack...you don't mind taking me deeper into your territory? I thought you would have been - augh. Well you've been surprising me so far, to be honest," he quipped, wrapping his hands around his cup again, the warmth from it thawing his fingers out from the safety of the fleece he wore. The gash in his neck had been healed, and he was starting to feel a little bit better, though he couldn't stop thinking about the initial attack.

 

[BlueJae]

Quinton didn't like the look on Asher's face, it wasn't insulted, rather- bemused. He feared she took that as a challenge, and she might have "Me? No, course not, you however seem like you'd be more busy than to have the time to stand around getting into other people's busines, looking like a mutt who was drowned in alcohol- apparently I was wrong." She shrugged, Quin took a glance behind the bar, the bartender was yet to be seen and he for sure did not like where this was going. He knew Asher had seen the other's eyes flicker, she had to have. Heard the edge of the other's tone, which she so mockingly tossed right back at him, and for what it was worth- Quinton hoped Damon had the decency not to punch a girl. Right now, however, he doubted that. He glanced between the two, waiting for either to make a move, or say something. He knew Damon was irritated, that was obvious enough, but he couldn't figure out what Asher was thinking- or maybe she wasn't considering the hole she was digging for herself. Though, if he focused hard enough, he could see her upper lip was somewhat lifted, just in the slightest, not enough to notice at a glance. He couldn't figure out why but in that small, moment where each waited for a reaction, he tried not to be so tense. Surely if they were to get into a fight this was the place to do it but Quinton hoped it wouldn't come to that.


It hadn't been long until they'd hit the treeline, invaded territory- well it wasn't invading as it was his own, though, he was making a diagonal line from their original path that one would usually take. An alternate route if you will, which also lead off trail- for now, but it was well worth it in the end. He only let his eyes look up from the path when he heard the other speaking, then cutting himself off, though it would be a lie to say Nathin wasn't curious to what the other 'thought he would have been'. He left it alone, no less, humming softly "Have I now?" Sure, they'd gotten off to an odd, rough start, if you could even call it that but never the less, now was probably as normal as it was ever going to get. For them at least. Nathin turned his head again, seeing the orange leaves and green grass decorate another trail. Autumn had only reached so far, it was still Summer in the last remaining portion of the forest, and that was the point. The trail stretched on, inevitably leading to a bit of a cliff- and that, right there, was where their destination lied. Through the treees and decorated under the blue, cloud filled sky was the rest of their forest. Unclaimed, untamed, forged between mountains with snowy peaks. The view was nice, to say the very least, something Nathin made rare visits to once in a blue moon.

 

[ROUX]

"Oh! She's got balls, this one," Damon chuckled, raising his hands almost in a gesture of surrender - almost, as it was meant more to mock her than anything else. The chuckle he gave was devoid of all warmth, the sound chilling in itself and paired with an equally malicious smile. You could even call it...wolfish. He clenched his fist, hiding the claws that were sliding out and now into his skin, painfully so, and it was just enough to allow him to retain both his expression and his hold on his animal - this time, for Quinton. Only for Quinton. And for the fact tat the bartender had finally returned from her stock, now watching him just as warily as the teen, no doubt about to tell him to take whatever the hell this was out of her bar. He'd been here enough times for the woman to catch on to how impulsive he could be, which was very, and it never ended well for the other person he fought with nor her furniture. In fact, he'd nearly been kicked out after shoving a piece of the window pane down someone's throat. "Now...I don't want to cause trouble, darlin, but it just might happen - I'm rather....starved, for a good fight right now you see," he mused, hos voice lower now, his accent making itself known again as it did so, still smiling the entire time. "Though, I do have things to do - I just need to speak to Quinton first, it's rather important, as is he. So you can either leave for a moment and let us be, or I can see just how slowly you can drain the blood from the jugular."


---------


Leon thought for a moment before answering, smacking his head on a branch he hadn't seen while he was doing so, muttering something under his breath before catching back up to the other. "Well, you're more chill than most. Alphas I mean, than most Alphas - even me, when I was one. And when I was on my heat, you...you didn't give in to it. You didn't have a reason not to, and well, you left me alone. For the most part. Scared the living shit out of me, you damn bastard, I thought you were going to lift my car and pummel me over the head with it," the Omega added, making a face as he remembered, rubbing the spot on his head where the tree had taken it's vengeance. He let his eyes gaze over this particular area of forest as they went - it seemed to be getting lighter somehow, color wise. Like something out of a pastel painting becoming an oil one, the bright color of the leaves scattered, retaining it's own beauty despite being blown about under the ones that were still on the trees. Leon wished he could say the same about the mess on his floor.

 

[BlueJae]

Asher snorted, really, finding Damon's statment hilarious "I see being secluded to this town make you really dense, doesn't it? Or maybe ignorant is the word I'm looking for." She turned halfway, grabbing her belongings and flashing the bartender a smile, muttering something that moved her away before turning back to Damon "Sad, really. But, I'll leave it to you to figure it out, I suppose being stuck out here like this, isolated, you wouldn't know a different supernatural's scent from another wolf's. Or maybe you just have no idea what I am at all, you just know I smell different. If you can't determine what you're up against..Hm...That'll get you killed, assuming you ever leave. Have at it then, call me when you're done Quinton." She said, popping open one of the bottles as she headed down to converse with the bartender that she'd neatly instructed to wait for her. Quinton frowned, he wasn't sure what that meant, at all. It sounded...A lot like she wasn't one of them. Sure, she smelled different, but he assumed that that was because she wasn't from around here. He felt like he'd been missing something. She expected him to miss it but not Damon? What exactly were they missing? Quinton got the sudden uneasy feeling, and not because of Asher herself rather the fact that she- might've - just pointed out their inability to scent out different types of supernaturals, only because they never encountered any other than their own kind and that...That...Would get them killed, so she said.


Nathin leaned against a tree, processing Leon's words before running a hand through his hair "Yes...My 'chill' meter is high so I'm told, and...Hit you with the car, really now? I dont know who you've met before that might attempt such, but that's quite unrealistic." He said, shoving most of his hair to the side, out of his face at least. He didn't have an explination for the heat thing, he just...Wasnt one for that, and maybe he had more control over his wolf than most, or maybe he could just distract himself easier, whichever it was, hed done it well. Heat. Such an annoying things. How other's dealt with it, having to chain yourself up so he saw, must've been a real bitch. His life would be hell if he had to deal with that, he hadn't, that he knew of or could remember then again the years behind him were mostly a blur. Only lately had things been getting...Lively, so to speak, and maybe this one- Leo that was, was to blame. Then again, he really wouldn't blame him, it wasn't a bad thing. It was better than the normal routine, day in and day out, that was.

 

[ROUX]

"Have you met your kind? They're all egotistical bastards who couldn't give a damn about anything that isn't their pack - except for omegas. Noooo, they care about us, for one thing and one thing only that is," he muttered, before feeling guilty about it a moment later, looking back up from the ground and at Nathin, watching the other run a hand through his curls. He was so...different to the Omega, really, as he'd mentioned a moment before. But he couldn't help but think it, because something else was going on entirely. He kept thinking himself stupid for thinking this at all, even to himself, but...it was like a magnetic pull, sort of. He was being pulled toward Nathin, his wolf that is, and he couldn't find it within himself to mind. He sighed out loud, shaking his head. No, Nathin was different than the others, he was...kinder, than the others, in his opinion. He was normal for that matter, and hadn't even lied to him - he just felt it. Everything the other had said so far had been genuine and that was much appreciated by Leon, who despite himself, was beginning to enjoy the other's company. "I know you're not like them, I can tell. So - thank you," he muttered, choosing to hide his blush by plopping right down on the leaf covered floor, crossing his legs and leaning his head forward.


------


"Inconvenient, yes, annoying, yes, forgivable? No," Damon muttered, staring across the room for a moment before his eyes returned to their normal color and settled on Quinton, before darting around once more as he reached out and pulled the teen after him and into the hallway. Once there, and shrouded from view, he began to rant, obviously upset, and for completely justifiable reasons in his own mind. "Who the fuck does she think she is? And what the hell is she? Huh, maybe i'll tear her to pieces and study the bloody carcass to find out - no. No, I'll let the damn hunter go after her, see if that bastard figures it out. Did you know? Why are you even with her Quin? I don't trust her at all," Damon growled, looking back at Quinton, before pushing him up against the wall. "Did she touch you - she must have...why?" he asked with a growl in his voice, poking and prodding at the younger wolf as he spoke, if he'd been an animal he would have probably knocked Quinton on his back right now and thoroughly checked him, and still gotten angry over the scents that were left. That weren't his own...

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin blinked, eyebrows raised, he wasn't sure what to make of the statement- either of the statements. He eased back down in a few seconds, glancing out towards the open land, turning his head "I don't understand what you're thanking me for, but, you're welcome." he muttered. So that's the reputation he'd given to himself. An egotistical bastard who didn't give a shit about anything but his pack and sex. Uh huh. Interesting, to say the least, it had been bugging him for a while now, but now that he knew, humorous. He was a lot of things, a lot of things, but he was pretty sure the only thing that applied was him being a bastard. His patient's favorite nickname for him. Ahh, but now was not the time to think about work, if anything quite the opposite. Relaxing time it was, and as of now he seemed to have accomplished this well. His eyes traced the horizon line. The view was something to die for, really, it reminded him of something...Yes, Quinton's drawings. He wondered how the other was fareing right about now.


More or less well, to indirectly answer that question. He tried not to twitch, he tried not to, but he might have. His hands shot up, "Damon," his voice took a flat turn, he reached up, grabbing the other at the wrists, not having the 'poking and proding' at all "I am not an experiment for you to examine. She didn't touch me." He said, slowly releasing the other's wrists, leaning further back against the wall- if possible at all, avoiding the scenting he was receving. He wanted to answer the second question, though, he really did. He wasn't sure, but he would find out for his own preference. He also wanted to ask about the 'hunter', as he hadn't heard the term in a long, long while. They'd never dealt with such, and the way the other had spoken, he was talking like there was one in the area currently. As for the rest of the questions, he might'e answered them, might've, and maybe he was being a bit dickish as he thought of it- but he wasn't approving of this...Mmm, what was the word, he didn't know, but the last thing he needed was another controlling persona in his life.

 

[ROUX]

Leo say silently, breathing in and out for a good five minutes - though somehow it felt like an hour to him. Maybe it was the way that his surroundings were, the cool breeze blowing through his hair, the feel of the earth underneath him - even Nathin's scent. He couldn't help but notice when they'd been so close to each other that one time, that the other smelled like earth indeed. Not like just dirt, either, no. It was more of the...that fleeting freshness that was carried through the air every time the wind blew, the woodland-ish smell enveloping him. But then, he had noticed something else, something strange really - the sharp tinge of metal, chilling yet a pristine scent in itself. The combination of the two were unique, Leonardo doubted he would ever mix it up with anyone else's, or forget it for that matter. "It is beautiful..." he mused, then realized he had just said that out loud. "Uhh I mean this spot. This spot is beautiful," he said, blushing again, wishing his face would stop attempting to be a tomato. He wasn't lying about the scenery - it was nearly majestic, and he could see they were on some sort of hill - no, no a cliff, overlooking the valley and a shining body of water below, with mountains outlining the back. He liked it, he liked it a lot, and if it wasn't in Nathin's territory he probably would have been out here all the damn time. There wasn't much he could do but appreciate the beauty of nature, especially when he didn't feel comfortable around people, not really most of the time.


"Do you come here often then?"


-------


The human part of Damon understood that Asher wasn't doing anything wrong to Quinton, and was just uneasy because he didn't know her, had never seen her, and now apparently had discovered she was something else entirely than what he thought she was in the first place. His wolf, however, was an entirely different story, and that was exactly what was making him act like this. He growled again, his eyes glowing faintly as his hands found their way to the teen's hips, clutching them as he leaned over, his mouth close to Quinton's ear as he spoke quietly into it, but though the words were softer, they hadn't lost any of their intensity or meaning, or the obvious possessive turn Damon's mind had turned to. His irises, just around the pupils, twisted a thin like of red as he did so. "I should have marked you the moment I saw you...just once. You want me to do it too, don't you? You want me to dig my fangs into that perfect skin of yours and let everyone else know that you belong to me...just as much as I belong to you? Just one time, Quin..." he murmured, before leaning down closer and letting said fangs trail up his collarbone and to that spot on his neck, biting down as far as he could without braking the skin, digging his nails into the other's hips as he did so. It was happening again, and he swore he'd stop it before he started, but...he couldn't. He wanted this, he desperately wanted Quinton to want this - even his wolf refused to mark him without permission, yes, but the need was oh so obviously there. "We can tell them can't we? They'll get over it eventually right...? Hmm?"

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin was leaned against the tree, head leaned back, still tired but more awake than he was last- awake enough to almost snort at the other's question "On a roll today with the pickup lines." He muttered the comment under his breath before picking back up "I come out here when I've the time, which is rarely." He answered, louder, clearer this time than his last little side comment. He'd slept out here more than once but, damn, just not as comfortable as Leon's front yard for whatever reason that was. An odd one indeed but none the less, he enjoyed sleeping there despite the slight, domestic canine feeling it brought with it. He didn't mind that too much, there was no way he could feel like too much of a mutt- that was until his mother started petting his fur. Her and her womanly ways got to him one way or another and it was damn deflation to the small, small ego he had. He took pride in himself, how he's done, his pack's healthy condition- only to be brought to it's knees by his mother's grooming like he was a pup again. That was such a painful thought, really. He did love her though, she was all he had left since his father died, such a pick-me-up half the time that Nathin wouldn't know what he'd do if she suddenly died on him one day. But werewolves lived longer than usual, so, surely she would be around for much longer.


Quinton could feel the chills up his spine, the goosebumps create themselves across his skin when Damon leaned in. He pressed his hands against his own chest, unsure where else to put them, or rather too distracted to figure it out. That tone would be the death of him he was sure, already twisting at the air in his throat, which was getting caught so easily, and fucking up his thought process completely. What had once easily been clear was now a jumble of melted thoughts and he wasn't sure what to make of any of it- what was clear was the low, unplanned whine he let out when he felt the other's nails digging into his hips. Yes, he was pretty damn sure this would be the end of him, and he wouldn't mind. There was the question, of course, that he couldn't melt, though, the wonder of what Nathin might and could do. He didn't like to think about it, not at all, but Damon was doing a damn well good job of making him forget it. He tried to find the words, something logical to say, tried to reason with himself though it wasn't working out too well. He did, however, manage the small phrase of "Just one time..." It was on his neck of course, he could easily hide it, what with the colder weather the scarfs would be reasonable, and Winter was approaching. He wondered, curiosity killed the cat mind anyone, what it was like to be marked- His wonders were cut short when a loud noise, as he couldn't be too sure what it was since he was halfway out of it, and the bar shaking suddenly caught his attention. This was accompanied by "Quiiiiiin, we need to leave, now!" Smoke flooded out from the back room, disgruntled drinkers seemed unphased, as they were probably too drunk to understand their predicament, or maybe something else. Even the bartender was fine, curtsy of Asher, who was tearing Damon off Quin, picking the other up, and darting out of the bar at an uncomfortable speed "Maybe next time ey, wolf?" She chimmed, still carrying the unaware Quinton as they disappeared into the light of day, and then they were gone. Not run down the street, not hidden behind an alley way, just gone. As if they'd disappeared completely, leaving the smoking building behind them.

 

[ROUX]

"Stop that, I'm not trying to, you don't even know if I swing that way, I don't even know if you do, and even if you did you wouldn't be allowed to," Leon replied, folding his arms and nor refusing to look at the other in attempt to retain some of his dignity as he looked over the valley, though still feeling very much like a flustered child. He did however listen to what the other had replied to his question with, and he snorted at the words, somehow skeptical. "You? Busy? You seem to have time to lounge about in front of my house though, trampling headphones and things of the such," he said, attempting to sound annoyed, but his lips twitched in amusement at the memory, though he also recalled that he had not been laughing at the time that it had happened, no not at all. He couldn't ignore that fact that the thought of Nathin still sleeping on the grass had crossed his mind several times on the job, found himself on that last day actually looking forward to it. He sighed, pulling his knees to his chest and resting his chin on them, wrapping his arms around as he stared out in front of him, now silent.

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin, rather than get defensive, couldn't help but smirk a little at the comment. Though he had a feeling 'stopping that' would be harder than it sounded. His smirk did, however, falter at the second comment "One time, and mind you that was your own damn fault, had you not freaked out." He said, yawning, finally waking up fully- and it was showing. Not that he was becoming any more of a dick, no, he was all too comfortable to make any snide comments. Instead, he was simply aware enough to argue, or had enough energy to at least. An activity that he seemed very good at. This was certainly off for him, though, too normal to be anything close to his usual routine. This must have been what Quinton meant when he said it felt like to be human, to be able to lounge around and simply chat. Nothing more, nothing less, as if there wasn't a job waiting back at home. Odd, it was relaxing almost.

 

[ROUX]

"I do not 'freak out', I just...I don't run into Alphas much anymore," Leon countered, his eyes flicking to the side and back as the other yawned - waking up a bit, he supposed. He reached up, rubbing at his neck out of a bit of a habit, before whipping his hand away from the spot like it was on fire as he realized what he was doing and the action brought no comfort to him. The movement brought him back to something that had been said earlier again - it continued to nag at him, so he asked. "Hey...what you said earlier, about Damon - where did that even come from? I'm sorry, honestly I didn't even want to bring it up but...I just..." He stopped, turning to look at Nathin and hoping he'd understand what he was trying to ask. He did still remember the time where the spot that he had touched held meaning, a promise, or so he'd thought - then it was broken, without so much as a why...and the mark itself had faded away soon after. it was haunting - and still painful, like a void had been left within him, and he didn't know how he'd ever feel whole again.


-------


Damon snickered, or as much as he could anyway in his wolf form, as he crossed over into Quinton's territory - or rather, Nathin's territory, slipping through the dark, keeping to the shadows just as well as any other would have despite his stark coat. That part had been easy really for him, he'd done that dozens of times to get onto the territory...it would be making it through the house that would be hard. He ran there, slowing as he neared, and slinking around the back. He knew which window was Quinton's, he'd asked - though he'd been told multiple times this was a very very terrible idea. Still, he needed to see the other, it had been too long. Much too long.


He knew mostly everyone would be asleep yes, but he also knew that if he didn't move quickly, those who were still awake would not. Though, who would be awake at two o'clock in the morning he didn't know. Making a decision, he sidled up to one wall of the house, shifting as he did so, much less visible in his black clothing, and bare feet. He kept to the wall, walking along it and dodging shadows until he was directly in line with Quinton's window, and if he backed up he could see it - lights off of course...the other had no idea he was coming. He looked at the wall again before moving back to it, and scaling up the side, using the lower window - quietly and swiftly of course - lifting himself onto the ledge before finding a few niches by themselves in the brick, pulling himself and nearly slipping once, the strain on his right arm nearly making him let go before he managed to reach the ledge of Quinton's window, pulling himself up again but not all the way, gritting his teeth and fumbling with the opening of said window, finally succeeding before groaning quietly, straining and pushing one more time before falling in, crashing onto the floor into a pile of books face first.

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin tilited his head, "I'm not sure what you mean by 'where did it come from?'. Unless you think I'm joking..." There was the faintest hint of question at the last part of his statement, it was feign of course, he knew the other didn't believe him. He knew, but he wasn't sure why. He wasn't a liar, well, ok he was, but this was not one of the things that was within the 'lying region'. He locked eyes with the other, his usual seemingly blank face on, and for what it was worth he thought that if one could mak eye contact while talking to someone it proved they weren't a liar. This wasn't always the case, as it depended on who was talking, but he hoped- at least, that Leo would trust him enough to take his word for things and if not...Well then the Nightshade's former mate could figure his own Ex out. As said prior, it wasn't his job to inform Leo of how the other was, only warn him, and that was exactly what he was doing. Now, if only the other knew his reason.


Quinton had long since passed out, the day had been long, too long, and he'd ended it the way he usually did. Nose stuck in a book, literally. It wasn't uncommon for him to be found asleep with a book covering his face. Hazel eyes hid themselves under closed eyelids, sleeping soundlessly, chest softly rising and falling in an even pattern...Or it was, before he heard the sudden crash. He wasn't a light sleeper, but the sound wasn't quiet either. He shot straight up, in a panicing sensation, he was pretty sure would've had a heart attack if it wasnt for the familiar scent that hit him. He paused, blanket clutched to his chest, his breathing slowly returning back to that normal rhythm as his eyes roamed through the darkness. He could make out the silhouette, face down in the books, the slight chill of the night air that had come in with it. He frowned, squinting, debating whether what he was thinking of was logical or not. He wasn't sure, but that scent was undeniable, and he could think of a few reason's the other would have to go this far but- even if everyone was asleep...Well, he really couldn't help it now, at all actually. He was still frozen in the postion he'd had a start in, staring in the other's general direction.

 

[ROUX]

Leon swallowed when Nathin gave him that look, those straightforward words. He'd written him off last time, yes, spoken of it as if it was some silly little Alpha feud - having a pissing contest as usual and blowing stories way out of proportion to make themselves sound better, or make the other Aloha at least sound much worse. This was a problem, now was a problem. Leon wanted to tell himself that same excuse, that it was nothing, and not something he should take seriously at all, but Nathin's current tone and the way he flat out gave the dreaded answer to Leonardo's question, it was making it believable. And maybe the Omega would have been able to write it off again if the words were coming from anyone else, but he didn't think that the other would be the type to participate in meaningless activities like trashing the enemy with lies or anything of the sort, not even if outright provoked unless it affected his pack. So what was Leon supposed to do? Sit here and let the realization that he'd once been bonded to a...a-


"You said. You said he...ate someone once? Your uncle, was it?" he asked nervously, eyes wide as he grew very pale, dreading the answer, knowing it already but begging for it not to be true in his own mind.


--------


Well, this was a little embarrassing...Demon picked himself up slowly, rubbing his eye and picking up the book that had been stabbed into it from his fall ruefully, scowling at the cover before snickering at both it and itself, tossing it over and onto Quinton's bed. "Death by Shakespeare...not my finest moment. Pretty sure Romeo didn't fall out of a window and face plant into a not so soft pile of literature. That shit hurt," he mumbled, still rubbing at his eye, wondering how Quinton would enjoy reading the tragic story after the corner of it had been appropriately dipped in his eye blood. Wonderful. He was nearly as messy as Leon was. Is. Damon didn't even know anymore. He stood up then, striding over to the younger wolf, staring at him for a second, before falling backwards onto the bed, sprawling over Quinton's legs and looking up at him tiredly, reaching out and clutching one of his hands before mumbling an actual greeting with a smile over his face. "Hey..."

 

[BlueJae]

"Half of his insides and few select other parts. Yes, why do you ask?" It wasn't like it was a sore topic with Nathin, he hadn't known his uncle, and rather he didn't much have any attatchment for him at all- he was a dead man, wolf, literally. Though, just the fact that Damon had done it was aggrivating enough, on the brighter side his own father hadn't fallen to unclean hands as such, and his mother had yet to- and he would do what it took to make sure neither she nor anyone else would- so he would be damned if he met the same fate. Nathin examined the other, he desprately wanted to give him a reality check, he terribly wanted to sit in front of the other and bring him to the realization that what he'd known was most likely an act, a mask, something that was never really there- he found Damon incapable of soul bonding, if that's what Leo had been talking about before- apparently he wasn't but he was incapable of keeping that bond. How long did it last, he wondered, no longer than a teen mundane relationship, most likely- and it displeased Nathin sorely to think about it.


Quinton eased, letting out a slow breath "Christ you gave me a heart attack." He huffed, slowly feeling his bet return to normal as he looked the other over. He wondered how much energy it'd taken to get here. He was still somewhat tired but it was easily brushed off, feeling Damon's hand wrap around his own clutched fist- which he only realized were clutched right then. He let go slowly, his hand returning to it's natural state of relaxation. He would've prefered the other hadn't bled all over one of his better books, but guess he couldn't have helped it- you know, falling through the window and all. He supposed it wasn't easy sneaking into a pack house of the enemy, rival, whatever you would like to call it he was't too sure what the other considered him. It wasn't too late, so he hadn't been sleeping for too long but despite the fact he was still pretty drowsy. His eyelids dared to close, but, he kept his focus on Damon.

 

[ROUX]

Leonardo could have asked the question that was now weighing upon his mind, he could have asked just to hear it out loud - and maybe it would break his heart even more than it already had from hearing the answer said that way. But even if it would spare him the pain not to, it would not compare to the agony of the fact that he knew the answer. He knew exactly how Nathin's uncle had been killed, how brutally, and exactly how much had probably been left of him when his pack found him. His eyes dropped from Nathin's face and to the ground, before he closed them, bringing his hands up as if to rube at his face, but dropped halfway to rest in his lap as he leaned over. His shoulders quivered, as the realization consumed him, wracked his body as his heart pounded hard in his chest, while his stomach threatened to release it's contents and onto the ground in front of him as he gagged, his mind supplicating him with a surplus of disturbing possibilities, and other disturbing thoughts that made him want to retch, paired with the searing hurt from knowing Damon had done nothing but lie to him the entire time they were together. He'd given up everything, his family, friends, his entire human life and wondered for years what he had done to screw it all up and now this? The rude awakening that he had literally dated a serial killer - a cannibal at that, let the other kiss him, hold him...


He'd slept with the man who had devoured his sister, and liked it. He wanted to die - but would it make a difference, knowing that he'd already once given his soul to the devil? He didn't think so, h couldn't see a way out of it either.


--------


"Mmm, I'd apologize - but I'm not really sorry for coming to see you," He chuckled, rolling to the right of Quinton so he was off the other's legs and now stretched out the other way, propping his head up on his arm as he felt the other's hand relax under his own. He smiled at the action, solely because he never thought he'd see another day where someone else would relax when they realized it was him - usually, it was the opposite reaction, and for good reason too. If he bothered to come after you under the cover of night, you could almost always be sure that you would die within the very same hour. Not with this one though, never with Quinton - he'd rather die himself than harm the other. Maybe he could have before, but what had started as a simple way to get back at Nathin hat turned into him wanting to be around the other for as long as possible, the undeniable feelings, and the realization that if the wrong people found out all hell would break loose. Which, actually, he'd almost caused the last time he'd been together - he didn't know what exactly Asher would do with what she'd seen, and he needed to find out, now that he'd thought about it. But that, that wasn't all held come for.


The Alpha shifted up a bit, level with where Quinton must have been resting his head before reaching out and pulling the other back down, wrapping an arm around his waist and pressing his own chest to the other's back as he breathed out slowly against the hunter's neck, his cheek brushing the others shoulder as he murmured.


"I can only drink my way through so many nights...and I needed you. Thought about what happened at the bar, hmm? Or the things I asked you before that?"

 

[BlueJae]

Nathin watched the realization hit the other slowly, and most likely painfully from the looks of it as he examined Leon gag. Well, it was better than living in a lie for the rest of his life, right? Or maybe it wasn't, maybe it wasn't worth the sickening feeling that was the trade off it was. Either way, there was no taking back what he'd said, and even if he tried, the other would know he as lying. There was no pulling a 'just kidding' on this one. He pushed himself off the tree, moving right until he stopped at the edge of the cliff, eyes dragging along the horizon line. Seemed Leo's idea of a distraction had taken an unexpected twist. This was probably the last thing he'd wanted to hear- and he wasn't entirely sure just how far down it would shake him, he didn't work with minds like such but he could only guess the burn had and was running deep through his viens. He wondered what mindset Leo had gone into that relationship with, that was assuming of course he'd even known about Damon at all, what he was and was capable of. Maybe he hadn't, and that was what had stung most, but Nathin didn't know a damn thing about this one, wasn't his right to either. He let his eyes settle dead center, farthest back in the scene that he was presented with. He wondered, for a small unconcious moment, if Alex really was right- if it'd be better to start anew somewhere else...What if, hm? What if...


Quinton rolled his eyes lightly at Damon's first comment, of course. Sleepy eyes watched the other move, his guess had been halfway correct, he supposed, but he couldn't help but wonder just how long this would work, or how long they could keep this up. Asher hadn't said a thing about what she'd witnessed, and Quinton hadn't dared say a thing on the off chance, no the hope, that she wouldn't assume that something might have been up despite the undeniable factor. She was new, hadn't been there for longer than a few days, there was the slimmest unlikely chance that she would let it go, and it seemed Quinton liked to hold onto that small percentage of a probablility that she wouldn't say anything to Nathin, or anyone else for that matter. He let himself be pulled under, curled up to, staring off into the dark absent mindedly as the other seemed to make himself comfortable. He closed his eyes, when he felt Damon's breath against his neck, despite the fact that he knew he wouldn't get any sleep. He listened soundlessly to the words being mumured right into his ear "All that's been on my mind." Sadly enough this was true, as Quinton's focus had been nothing but shit since- he remembered his own answer clearest, thinking about what could've, might've happened if Asher hadn't done what she had. He'd been without a clear head, thinking as if the solutions would be so easy, unlikely. Must've been what it felt like to be drunk off something, shrugging every little thing off until you woke up the next morning and realized just how bad the situation really was.

 

[ROUX]

Leon couldn't tell what he wanted to do honestly, he was a complete and utter mess. Somehow he was feeling all of his emotions and none at the same time, his eyes open but the horrified tears blinding him from seeing his shaking hands over his lap and the ground below. He felt as if he wanted to scream but nothing came out, and if anything did it'd be the aftermath of complete and utter disgust for what he'd done. Because it was what HE had done, or at leas what he had let be done to himself. He couldn't tell if the hate inside of him was roaring for Damon's head, or for his own. He felt everything and nothing and it was rendering his former resolve useless.


Leon stood shakily, putting his hand on the tree behind him for support as he pushed himself up from the ground, his eyes almost lifeless as he stared for a moment, the green orbs unfocused while his shoulders sagged, robbed of any energy he had retained formerly before he walked over to Nathin, to the cliff's edge, looking over that, before looking at something more endearing to him-the ground below. It was a long and deadly drop, and he didn't care. He lifted his head slowly, looking at Nathin with tear stained cheeks as his voice came out, quiet and unsteady as he spoke, barely even hearing his own words, much less comprehending them. "We...we can die, right?


----------


"What you said to me...does that still stand? I won't do anything you don't want me to do Quin, I would never," he said, the words ringing true as he asked his questions and tried to reassure the other of his sincerity at the same time, pressing a light kiss onto the sensitive skin in front of him after saying so.


"I don't know what you...you think of this, of us. Of me. But what I think of you well..." He smiled, though the other couldn't see him. "You're special to me, I don't want to loose you, not to anyone or anything for that matter, but I won't rip you from your family. Quinton you...you gave me a chance even though I'm sure you have some idea of what I could do to anyone, even to you. That meant something didn't it? If you allow me to be with you, if you let me claim you, I'll tell you anything you want to know - I won't lie to you. Not this time, not ever."

 

[BlueJae]

"That question and this cliff do not mix." Nathin said, eyeing the other, he wondered just how much of the mess that he was looking at was his fault. Maybe if he'd played it off like the egotistical jackass Leon had been expecting he could've prevented this. It wouldn't do him any good just standing around with the sense of regret, however, so he'd drop it for the moment "Yes, we can." He noted, to answer the other's question. Immortals. Even they had an expiration date, nothing in this world could live forever except for one's beliefs. They were no exception. Either way, he heaved a breath out, uncrossing his arms as he ran his fingers through his hair. Well now, wasn't this all so eventful, certainly a distraction- one that lead to worse matters than he'd originally been dealing with. He knew what he had to go back to, whom he had to go to, he wondered if Leon could say the same. He doubted it for someone who lived so isolated away from the world, alone from what Nathin could tell. But. That was the own man's choice, he could only guess, yet he wouldn't know. He had hate for not knowing everything, he didn't have the urge to learn like Quinton, but it'd be a lie to say he wasn't the least bit curious about the broken soul next to him.


Quintin's eyes opened slightly before closing, listening to all the other had to say. He himself knew the offer still stood, despite the new, most likely annoying, challenges ahead. The corners of his his mouth twitched at the hot feeling being pressed against his skin. Still, his curiosity was easily weighing out the con's of agreeing. Its not like all he had was questions, but he'd certainly had some, and if Damon was offering to answer them then that was great- not, however, the only reason he was allowing the other to mark him. What he'd said before, even if his head wasn't too clear, that desicion hadn't changed, even now, when he was aware of just how much shit it could get him into. Them into. He mightve not been clear on what he thought of Damon before, no, he certainly wasn't but it was slowly becoming something he was certain of. Just like he was, still, certain of his answer "I haven't changed my mind." He assured the other, so, it might have well have been now or never.