That night, curled up on Colt’s chest, Tempest got the best night’s sleep she’d had in…a long time. Since Athan had abruptly ended it, her schedule had been off as had the rest of her overall demeanor. Then, even moving in with Colt and knowing that he actually cared, she’d slept alright but it was still off. If she were honest with herself, she’d never slept great with Athan, either, as she always woke up with him out of bed before she awoke, be it the middle of the night or the “morning”. Waking up and rolling over to feel for him, only to find his place on the bed cold and vacant.<br/><br/>Tonight, with Colt’s warmth beneath her, she didn’t wake up. Not once. Her dreams were sweet, the sweetest they’d been in a long time with nothing but happy thoughts. Were they some sort of a fantasy? No…it was just her time with Colt, and anticipated time with him. Nothing extravagant; just the knowledge that he cared enough to spend time and not vanish on her.<br/><br/>When morning came, she rolled over, anticipating stretching out and finding…a body next to her. Groggily, her eyes peeked through thick lashes, heavy with the veil of sleep, and surprise overtook her.<span style="font-style: italic">Colt…is still here?</span>When was the last time she’d woken up to find someone still in her bed with her? Athan hadn’t stayed, and those before him…they were often up and doing other things, if not having already left to start their day without so much as a note. …But there was Colt, looking peaceful.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">…Do…do I stay in bed?</span>she wondered.<span style="font-style: italic">Do I…get out and go shower up?</span>The worry that things would be awkward was very real as she stilled, closing her eyes and praying that he was as deeply asleep as she thought he was, carefully rolling back over and pretending to sleep to give herself time to think.<span style="font-style: italic">Do I pretend I’m still asleep and let him leave first?</span><br/><br/>The idea that he’d stayed was foreign to her, foreign and worrying.<span style="font-style: italic">Please let there be no complications. Please let there be no complications…</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Sleep came easy for him, for the first time in a long time though he could not stop his body from waking up at the normal time. Early. However, unlike most mornings, there was a very good reason to stay in bed and just enjoy the fact that he did not have to get up, the fact that he did not have to get up and go do something to help keep him distracted from the knowledge of being alone. Instead, as he rested in the warmth of the bed, he enjoyed the simple pleasure that was the sound of her breathing. It served to lull him into some kind of zone so that he did not notice right off when she woke up. <br/><br/>When it dawned on him that she was awake, he chose to lay there and wait for her to make the first move. <span style="font-style: italic">Would she leave the bed? Would she leave the apartment entirely? Would she regret what they did the night before and try to ignore it? Ignore him?</span> These thoughts ran through his mind as he laid there, unsure of what she would do. The relief that he felt when she rolled over and stayed there was beyond words. Before he lost the nerve he rolled over, wrapped his arm about her form and pulled her close while he whispered in her ear. <br/><br/>“Good morning,” voice deep and somewhat thick from the sleep that had not fully left his body yet. “How did you sleep?”</span><br/><br/>How long did she lay there? It may have only been a minute in between her rolling over and him following suit, but it felt like a lifetime. Her mind ran away with her, playing out each awkward scenario in turn, wondering which would be a worse fate. Should she get up now? Avoid it a little longer? Slink away to her room in the tattered remains of her clothes? Make a “hey, that was nice” breakfast for him?<br/><br/>No, even the idea of moving hurt as she felt that dull ache settling in the more conscious her mind grew, and she was enjoying the warmth of his body beside her.<br/><br/>His shifting cut her thoughts short, though, as she anticipated something, anything. Heavy breathing? Snoring, even? Instead, she was greeted by a warm arm pulling her close and his breath on her ear, causing her heart to trip over itself as she subconsciously snuggled closer. “…Extremely well, actually,” came her reply, voice, too, thick and reflecting her groggy nature. “You?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Better than I have in a very long time,” he murmured while he nibbled her ear. “Want me to go make us some breakfast? I figure we could be lazy today and just stay in bed together…” he suggested as he kissed and nibbled down along neck down to her shoulder.</span><br/><br/>She had a remark, a teasing one, about how her theory had been right; that he’d just needed someone to cuddle with like he’d used to before his sleep schedule became less and less. It never came out, though… No, his nibbling and kissing made it extremely hard to think, the familiar ache already starting as a groan slid from her lips before she could stop it.<br/><br/>Something caught her eye, instead, and it had a low laugh tumbling forth, a bit breathless in fond memory. “Are you sure your bed can handle another…lazy day?” Tempest asked, a finger picking at one of the wayward pieces of headboard. “…Breakfast sounds wonderful, but perhaps your bed needs a break…”<span style="font-style: italic">Just like my body, holy hell…</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "There is always your bed," he teased and gave her neck a playful nip.</span><br/><br/>That earned him a sharply-inhaled breath and goosebumps along her skin. Half of her was telling her to say “fuck it”, have him carry her across the apartment, and they could pick up where they left off…and the other half was saying something different, something she listened to more readily right then.<br/><br/>“Maybe we should focus on breakfast, first and foremost. Unlike you, some of us have to eat to maintain any kind of stamina for even the simplest of things, let alone…what we did last night…And, though you may not be, I’m still feeling it.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> A grin danced across his lips as he shifted his position in bed so that she could feel <span style="font-style: italic">it</span> better, “Are you now?” he asked amongst some light kisses and nibbles on her neck.</span><br/><br/>Shifting away from him as another groan loosed, she shot him a look, nibbling on her lip and trying to keep from making another, unwarranted sound. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it…” she tried to reply in her best growl, though it came out just as breathy as the words preceding it. “So, about that breakfast…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Tell me what you want and I give it to you," he whispered against her ear, intentionally allowing his hot breath to play across her ear and neck. Colt could not even remember the last time he enjoyed the simple and affectionate actions that came with having a lover in his bed.</span><br/><br/>Her eyes fluttered closed and a shaky breath was inhaled and held, tongue darting out over her lips before recapturing her lower to be bitten hard. What was it she wanted? At this point, she was having a hell of a time remembering. This time, she successfully growled and tried to extricate herself from his hold. “You know, damn well, I can’t think when you do that…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The growl only seemed to excite him further as he answered with one of his own and pulled her back against him. "I believe you are hungry for something..." he offered along with a couple more nibbles and kisses.</span><br/><br/>His body burned against her skin, and everything in her was screaming for this to continue, to pick right up where they’d left off last night after falling asleep. But, there was this need to eat, to regain strength, to give her body some semblance of a break. “I’m hungry for something…and another something that’s far more pressing! You’re going to break the human if you don’t give her a break, Colt,” she retorted, narrowing her eyes and trying to wriggle away more; each wriggle of her body making her bite back a groan as she could feel him, the entirety of him, and wanted to be nearer to it rather than further.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> A soft low chuckle rumbled from his throat as he gave her a final nip, but finally relented. “Alright. Now, what do you want to eat?” he asked as he rolled from the bed, stood up with a stretch before he exited the room.</span><br/><br/>As she was finally given a reprieve, she let out a sigh and sprawled out on the bed, and watched him leave, seriously considering calling him back. “Surprise me?” she called after him, gathering up the sheets and wrapping them about her so she could get up and, ever so slowly, crawl out of bed to follow after him. “Whatever you feel like making, I’m happy with.”<br/><br/>A yawn followed suit before she shambled through toward her room intent on getting some clothes on. “Do you always cook naked? Isn’t that a little dangerous?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Dangerous?” he asked with an amused tone. “I’m more than capable of keeping all of the important parts safe,” he said with a smirk. “Why are you out of bed? I told you breakfast in bed, so you need to get that cute ass back in bed for me,” his tone nearly commanding. <br/><br/>“You think you want some protein today? Or are you going to just eat that fruit crap?” a tease while he rooted about in the fridge.</span><br/><br/>Stopping dead in her tracks, she seriously debated whether or not to fight him on going to her own room to get dressed…but something about his tone had her slowly padding back. “Even though today is a lazy day…I should probably have some protein; something tells me I’m going to have some muscle fatigue today…” A look was given, but she didn’t say anything else, meandering back into his room and flopping onto the bed unceremoniously to wait.<br/><br/>“If I can’t go get it myself, are you able to grab me some clothes? Or is this going to be a day where you keep me hostage in a vulnerable state?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> His tongue danced across his lips as he watched her walk back to his bedroom. <span style="font-style: italic">Good girl</span> he thought to himself, while he placed the eggs, bacon and sausage on the counter. “Is it really holding you hostage? I mean you seem to want to be in my bed and you definitely seemed to enjoy what we did in my bed last night,” he chuckled and the sound of bacon sizzle in the pan could be heard. “I could, but I think I’ll wait until you are done eating,” dismissive tone as if that would be the end of the discussion. “I think we both deserve to have a day where all we do is lounge in bed naked,” he looked over his shoulder toward his bedroom. “What do you want to drink?”</span><br/><br/>If he could see her face, he’d have seen her glare, the slight flush of her cheeks at the memory of just how much she’d enjoyed last night. He’d have seen her bite her lip and attempt to snarl at him for his remark as it had no bearing on whether or not he was holding her hostage. If she recalled correctly, he’d been the one in charge, so he was, in essence, holding her there; willing…but holding her there.<br/><br/>“What I’d<span style="font-style: italic">like</span>is something to wear…Unlike some people, I don’t wander around naked all day, basking in my awesomeness…” she retorted. “But, I suppose orange juice will due.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “You should reconsider that,” he called back amongst the sounds of the meal he prepared. “Your body is pretty hot you know,” voice full of honesty. More silence is filled with the sounds of breakfast being made, which included the sounds of bacon and sausage as it sizzled and of course Colt singing along to some tune that only he knew. Everything about this morning was perfect to him and he could hardly express himself in any other way save for with song. Never would he proclaim to have any musical talent, but much like dance singing was something he nearly felt compelled to do when he could. Often to himself or in moments of drunken merriment, but it did happen. Generally, he would sing old tunes from his past, rich in Irish culture and heritage.</span><br/><br/>There’d have been a blush if he were in the same room with her, but she was grateful he wasn’t. It wasn’t as though she didn’t know he appreciated her body; he’d more than aptly demonstrated that fact the night before and their conversations…and brief encounters…beforehand. But to hear it, when it wasn’t part of the moment, it still had her on the verge of a blush, subconsciously covering her body up more with his sheet.<br/><br/>Then, she heard the singing, listening to the song she didn’t recognize. “What’s that you’re singing?” Tempest called out, curiosity painting her words. His musical talent, though not the greatest, wasn’t bad and the song was an interesting one, to say the very least.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Just a song I used to sing with my father,” he called back to her the plates in the process of being made. “Though, I know you are dying to know if I can sing any of those obnoxious jigs that people seem to enjoy lumping into my culture. The answer is yes and as for whether or not if I will sing any of them for you, well that is a maybe,” tray in hand he came into view. “Those songs are something I generally only reserve for when I am exceptionally drunk and hanging out with my friends.” <br/><br/>He waited for her to be situated before he set the tray down and then made himself comfortable at the foot of the bed. “Alright, you try first and then let me know what you think.”</span><br/><br/>It was unlike anything she’d heard before, so he couldn’t blame her for being curious about it. But, before she could even begin to question more about it, he preemptively disputed what could have been an Irish jig-off, coming into view as a smile crept onto her lips and an eye roll followed suit. “It’s like you think I’m some sort of racist that would lump you all together…” Then, for emphasis, she looked down at their plates, and gasped. “No potatoes? Isn’t that a staple for you?”<br/><br/>Waggling her brows at him, she got a bit more comfortable, watching him as he got sorted at the end of the bed, admiring in unabashed fashion. Only with his prompting did she take the first bite of eggs and nodded in approval. “Perfect, as per usual,” Tempest complimented. “Did you do something different to them?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Well, I was going to make potatoes, but I figured that would be too much starch for you to handle. Especially since I was going to steep them in alcohol first,” he snickered. “As for what I did to them, there was a dirty thought that I shall keep to myself and merely say that I had extra motivation to make sure that you got a delicious meal,” a smile of fondness and filled with emotion came to his lips then as he carefully leaned forward and planted a single sweet kiss on her lips.</span><br/><br/>“Damn, you left out the alcoholic potatoes? But those were the best part!” she whined at him, loosely flouncing so as not to disturb the tray with her movement. …Another eye roll, however, was awarded with his lack of comment (as she was pretty sure she could guess the dirty thought), and then a smile pulled at her lips.<br/><br/>There was something in the way he looked at her that she didn’t quite understand. It was so much more…emotional than she’d thought it’d be, watching it as he leaned forward, eyes naturally drifting closed as she returned his kiss and felt her heart skip. With Athan, things hadn’t been so…emotional, different. He’d opened up to her, sure, but it was never truly open. He’d wanted to give them a shot and then ended that shot when things got even a little rough.<br/><br/>With Colt, he’d been honest…open, he didn’t hide what he felt. Part of her loved that she always knew where she stood with him, and then there was another part that worried her.<span style="font-style: italic">But we’re not going to overthink,</span>she told herself.<span style="font-style: italic">We’re going to sit and just…relax, and enjoy the day.</span><br/><br/>Offering him up a bite since he’d had to wait for her to taste it, she gave him a look. “So! Since I’m at your mercy today, what shall we be doing?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The offered bite was taken with a smile that lingered long after the bite was swallowed. “Hmm, what do you with you?” a teasing smile played across his lips accompanied by a little waggle of his brows. “But, in all seriousness I like the thought of spending a few hours in bed, cuddling with you and then getting dressed and going for a walk to get something to eat. Followed by returning home and figuring out what to do from there. Not too nefarious right?”</span><br/><br/>His own eyebrow waggle was met with a roll of her eyes and light laugh, but she was already taking another bite as he proposed the idea for their day. “…Cuddling doesn’t sound too nefarious, no,” she replied. “Nor does going for a walk, nor getting something to eat…”<span style="font-style: italic">But, is it like…a date date?</span>That was the question on her mind. Was it two friends getting coffee? Two roommates? Were they considered dating now? Was this an official date or just…hanging out?<span style="font-style: italic">You’re overthinking, Tempest,</span>she chided.<span style="font-style: italic">You’ve got hours to figure it out so you’ll know what to pick out.</span><br/><br/>Taking a sip off of her OJ, she looked at him. “So, are you going to eat, or am I going to be the one eating all of this? A huge first, if I do say so myself.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Well I do plan on having my way with you while we are out on our walk,” he said in a casual manner before he began to eat. It was clear that there was something on her mind, something that continued to make her smile just a bit less. It made him wish he was not so good at the whole body language deal cause then it would have been easier to just ignore it and continue with their meal. <br/><br/>“Let’s be honest, you are going to have a hard time finishing off that juice,” he teased in between bites of his own food.</span><br/><br/>Her eyebrow quirked up, eyeing him as he went about eating after so casually throwing that out there. A few bites of her own were taken before she even ventured a word in reply. Certainly, he’d moved on and was more focused on the eating, but that didn’t mean her mind hadn’t wandered.<br/><br/>“What makes you think I’ll be allowing you to have your way with me while we’re out?” she finally asked. “I’ve resisted you before…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Simple,” he replied with all the confidence in the world. “Before you had not had a…sample of what I could do. Do you really think you can resist me now that you have felt and experienced a fraction of what I can do to you?” he leveled a gaze at her as he waited for her to think back on last night and then think about him doing the same to her in public; with the chance of being caught ever there on the edge of their thoughts even as they indulged in the primal act of passion.</span><br/><br/>He had a lot of confidence, and she couldn’t exactly fault him for it. Last night had been…intense, incredibly intense and mind-blowing; Toe-Curling, amazing, and incredibly tiring. But, for all the confidence he had, he was underestimating her level of stubbornness, and her wish to not get arrested for indecent exposure.<br/><br/>Her mind had wandered, as he’d wanted it to, eyes eventually breaking contact with him to take another sip of orange juice, to buy her time to answer. Then, after a bite of egg, she shrugged. “Maybe you’re not as good as you think you are. I can still resist you…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Head cocked slightly to the side, he arched a brow. “Is this a challenge? Cause if so I hope you are ready for round four?” <br/><br/>It was not even a threat but more of a promise, as he was more than willing and able to show her just how good he was and just how hard it would be to resist him. “I mean I had to take it easy on you, lest you break on me or pass out,” he proclaimed before he went back to his meal.</span><br/><br/>“You had to take it easy on me?” Eyes narrowing, she openly scoffed and rolled her eyes. “More like I had to take it easy on you and cooperate. Besides, there won’t be a round four while we’re out. We’re going out for a walk and for lunch,<span style="font-style: italic">not</span>so you can try and have me while we’re out.”<br/><br/>Another bite of food was taken, and she shrugged. “It’s cute that you think you’re that irresistible, though…Clearly, you’ve not met another like me…you know, a woman who doesn’t throw herself at you just because of your eyes and muscles.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">"Let's not forget my tongue and fingers," he said with a wink.</span><br/><br/>“Your fingers and tongue aren’t all the remarkable,” she replied dismissively, going about eating.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Nothing was said to that comment; instead he merely focused on eating. When he was done though, he took the tray away and returned to climb into bed with her. Quick to settle into the bed and pull her close to him for some cuddling he did nothing at all for the longest time, until he allowed his hands to wander. Light touches at first along her stomach, followed by some soft kisses and nibbles along her neck. Still nothing was said, instead he just continued with the soft kisses and light touches.</span><br/><br/>Feeling like she’d won a small victory as he fell silent, she ate in silence, making no protest as he took their food away. Nestling into bed and then feeling his hand creep around her to pull her in, she couldn’t have been more content. Cuddling was always nice, and something she’d gotten into the habit of with him; Being naked just…upped the ante a bit, feeling his skin directly on hers, burning into her while they lay there, perfectly content.<br/><br/>But that hand didn’t stay still, though. No, it wandered over her stomach sending shivers up her spine. His lips left a trail of tingles connecting each place they touched down on. Her eyes drifted closed, her heart rate rising a bit, but she didn’t say anything.<span style="font-style: italic">Don’t say anything…don’t react…You’re just cuddling. Otherwise he’ll gloat about just how good he is.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The kisses turned to soft nips, the hand moved down to her inner thigh. He could hear her heart rate pick up and was impressed that she had yet to voice what he felt. However, he was not to be deterred by her resistance. She would break eventually.</span><br/><br/>She had to bite down on her lip, hard, to make sure that she didn’t make a sound as his hand wandered closer and closer to where she craved it. She had to keep herself from jumping with every nip, everything in her screaming to give in, turn around, and take what she wanted; after all, this round was<span style="font-style: italic">supposed</span>to be hers.<br/><br/>Instead, she found herself pulling away from him to get out of bed. “So, what would you suggest I wear on our walk? Pants and a shirt okay?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">“We aren’t done cuddling yet,” he remarked. “After all, you were supposed to show me how it’s done. Or was I wrong and you really can’t handle someone like me?” he taunted.</span><br/><br/>That had her movements ceasing, eyes narrowing in a look he couldn’t see. So, instead, she lay back down and snuggled up, acting as though the prospect of his fingers touching her did nothing.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The kisses and nips returned, his hand moved lower, “No retort? No clamoring on top to show me whose boss?” he whispered into her ear before he nipped it.</span><br/><br/>“We’re cuddling,” she replied noncommittally. “This isn’t supposed to be another round.” Glancing back at him, she perked a brow. “Or did you forget how to cuddle without groping?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I can but, I just prefer more hands on cuddling,” he answered back with a nip on her neck. “So, does that mean I get the next round? As you are not interested in having a round…”</span><br/><br/>That had her growling, rolling over and straddling him, eyes narrowed as she stared deep into his eyes. “I didn’t say the next round wasn’t mine, nor did I say I didn’t want it. We’re<span style="font-style: italic">cuddling</span>, and I’m demonstrating that you’re not as compelling as you think.” Her hands grabbed at his wrists and held them to the bed. “So, lay back, relax, and enjoy the cuddles.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Colt growled, though it was more of an invitation than a threat or challenge. “Is it wrong that I feel this is such a turn on?” he asked and nipped at the air before he arched a brow. “But, if you would really prefer the grope free cuddles, I’m fine with that. I still win, cause I get to hold you in my arms after all, right?” he said and then faster than she could follow, moved and rolled her so that she was beneath him once again. <br/><br/>“Mmmm…yes, I do enjoy you being all forceful and stuff,” he said grinned, then kissed her before she could protest. After that he settled into the bed beside her, “Ok, so how are we doing this?”</span><br/><br/>His growl was met with narrowed eyes, though she gave him a playful sort of grin in response. “Grope-free cuddles are exactly what I want right about no-“<br/><br/>Before she could get the rest of the sentence out, though, he’d flipped her so her words were lost as a flurry of breath escaped her lips, impacting the bed with a startled look on her features. Nothing would ever get her accustomed to how fast he could move when he felt motivated, whether it be flipping her beneath him…or stealing a kiss. That kiss was met with a sound, a sound of like and almost disappointment that it ended so soon. But, she wouldn’t bend. No, she was going to have no-grope cuddles.<br/><br/>“How would you like to cuddle?” she prompted. “You have to be as comfortable as I, after all.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I can sleep however,” he remarked with a grin while he propped himself up on his elbow. “Spooning is a classic cuddle position and one that I definitely enjoy.  But, there is something comforting about you resting your head on my chest as I hold you,” the grin turned into more of a caring smile. “So, it is really up to what you want to do.”</span><br/><br/>“Planning to go to sleep on me?” she replied with playfully. “And here I thought you just loved talking to me; I didn’t realize I was your substitute pillow!” But, she did enjoy being held, and enjoyed just…laying with him. Even before they’d shared the bed the night before, cuddling with him on the couch was always nice. Somehow, without saying a word, she felt like he was completely attuned to her, that he paid attention.<br/><br/>“I think I want to lie on your chest,” Tempest finally responded after a moment of thoughtful silence. Something about having her head there was comforting to her, as well. “So, get comfortable how you need, and I’ll adjust accordingly?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He smiled, but before he complied with what their plans he pushed up and kissed her. A loving, gentle and tender kiss something that would show how he felt about her without the words actually being spoken, because sometimes words were not enough. When it ended he just continued to smile then lay back on the bed and held his arm out, a silent invitation for her and confirmation that he was comfortable. <br/><br/>“If I do fall asleep, it is your job to make sure I get up in time for the next round,” he teased. “However you wish to wake me, is your choice, but I do suggest kisses as a starter,” his fingers made a lazy trail up along her spine as he spoke, one of those simple things that he enjoyed doing more than even he realized.</span><br/><br/>Another kiss. Her eyes drifted closed and a hand rose up to caress his cheek; the smile that crossed her features couldn’t have been stopped even if she’d wanted it to. But, the moment was over and he was smiling at her which drew the faintest of blushes to her cheeks that she happily buried in his chest as she settled in.<br/><br/>“If you fall asleep, I can’t guarantee that I’ll wake you up in time for that round…” she replied quietly, teasingly. “I may just…sneak off and handle the next round myself, shower, clean up…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “You do that and I will just take my next round whenever I want, regardless of where we are and what we are doing,” he teased her as he kissed the top of her head and held her for several moments in silent contentment before he finally spoke. “I’m very happy right now…” <br/><br/>The sentence seemed to be half done, though he did not attempt to say more instead he just held her a little tighter and closed his eyes. In the silence of the room he could hear the sound of her heart as it beat steadily. This seemed like so much of a dream that he was not sure if it was real and that Athan still had Tempest with him being left alone. Even the wolf was content, happy and pleased to be with her. <br/><br/>It was perfect and he hoped that it would remain as such for a long time to come. Well, for as long as such a relationship could last before something had to change.</span><br/><br/>Had he not spoken again, she may have just left it at that, leaving him to think that he could just take the next round on his terms but then there was that other thought. It hung in the air between them, dropping off into the void and lingering at the forefront of her mind, wondering what it was that he’d left unsaid. Her brow furrowed a hair, but it didn’t have her propping up to ask him what the rest of the sentence was; that’d have ruined the moment.<br/><br/>Her hand splayed out across his chest and her eyes drifted closed enjoying the steady, loud beat of his heart against her ear, the sound of each breath as he inhaled. Even that was comforting to her, the simple sound of his breaths, of his heart. How had she missed this when lying with Athan? Then again, she’d missed a lot of other signs, and wouldn’t realize he’d skipped out on her until his side of the bed had long since grown cold. Maybe that was why she liked laying like this with Colt; she knew he was right there beneath her, with that constant reminder, that heat. He was there because he wanted to be, and not because he had to keep up appearances.<br/><br/>How long could this go on, though? That was the thought that made itself known shortly after falling into a nap-like lull, not fully awake but not fully asleep. She and Athan had barely been together twice before things got complicated. The night after their dinner date with Colt, and then that morning in the shower…She couldn’t jump immediately into another relationship. It was too soon, right? Then with Athan…he wanted another chance…<br/><br/>When she fell asleep, she wasn’t sure, but she woke up for the second time that day, groggily happy. There was still that slight shock to her system that she was in someone else’s room, causing her to be a bit disoriented initially, growing out of it the longer she kept her eyes open and once his breathing and heartbeat registered. A glance down at him and a small smile played out over her lips. With the lightest of kisses pressed to his, she ran off to the shower to quickly wash up and then back to her own room to get<a class="postlink" href="http://www1.pictures.fp.zimbio.com/Cheryl+Cole+Arriving+Heathrow+Airport+-Ct3VSNetdXl.jpg">dressed</a>for lunch. Once he was sorted, they walked over to the restaurant, settling into a booth, perusing over the menu.<br/><br/>“Anything particularly striking your fancy?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> They dosed off again, which he did not mind at all. In fact he actually felt well rested when he awoke again to the sensation of her lips pressed lightly against his own. He waited for his turn in the shower before he even got up out of bed. It would take him far less time to get ready than her and well, he wanted to be lazy for a bit longer. When he walked passed her, he spared a moment to give her a quick kiss on the lips. <br/><br/>Later that day, freshly showed and dressed he looked across her from the top of his menu, “Hmmm…something rare?” he teased. “Probably two burgers and two large helpings of fries and a pitcher of soda…” he said as he set his menu down. “What about you? And do not say salad or I will be forced to take action against you,” he warned with a smile.</span><br/><br/>It still hadn’t ceased to amaze her just how much he could eat in a sitting. That much would have lasted her well into the next day even with how much she ate; she considered it to be a lot, anyway.  So, when he asked her about what she wanted and told her it couldn’t be a salad, she couldn’t help the fake pout that made its way to her lips.<br/><br/>“And if I wanted a salad? What action would you take, hmm? Salads are just as healthy as anything else,” she replied coyly. “If the punishment is bad enough, maybe I’ll consider eating something more substantial.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “How about taking you over my knee and spanking you?” he offered with an arched brow and a knowing look.</span><br/><br/>She leveled a look at him, rolling her eyes. “You wouldn’t.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "You act like you don't even know me," he said with a grin. "I would and do it right here in front of everyone too."</span><br/><br/>That was true…He had yet to have any sort of shame and seemed to do as he pleased without worry of repercussions. “We wouldn’t even be able to have our lunch if you did that! We’d be tossed out and then where would be we?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Looking for a new place while you rubbed your bottom," he replied simply.</span><br/><br/>“Uh huh,” came her short reply, going back to looking at the menu.<br/><br/>Just then, a waitress came over, pad in hand, pen ready to take their orders. “What can I getcha?” she asked, disposition a tad too happy for Tempest’s liking, but maybe that’s just how she normally was; who was she to judge?<br/><br/>“I think I’ll have the Cobb Salad and a water with lemon. What about you, Colt?” The words poured from her mouth with a sickly sort of smile and innocence in her eyes. “Did you decide on what you wanted?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Brow arched and his lips set in a thin line, he looked from Tempest back to the waitress before he decided to just place his order. For now…<br/><br/>“I’ll have two double cheese burgers, rare, with two large orders of fries and a pitcher of coke,” he said as he handed over the menu.<br/><br/>“A pitcher of coke?” the waitress repeated as if that was an insane amount to request. <br/><br/>“I know that you guys do pitchers of beer, I just want a pitcher of coke instead. If that’s not possible then I am going to need at least six sodas. I’m trying to save you the hassle coming over here to refill my cup,” he smiled and she smiled back, even gave a little laugh. <br/><br/>“I’ll see what I can do,” she said then left to fill their order. <br/><br/>“Can’t believe you got a salad,” he said to Tempest once they were alone.</span><br/><br/>As he ordered, all she did was watch him with her innocent expression, eyes pointedly fixed on him even as the waitress was boggled by the soda request. But, after a laugh and a parting remark, she walked away and that left her alone…with Colt…disbelieving.<br/><br/>“The salad has chicken, it has bacon, it has egg and avocado! This salad has plenty of meat in it, which was the requirement was it not? I needed to eat something more than just lettuce?” she replied, unwaveringly confident. “What’s wrong with what I’ve ordered?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “It goes against everything that is good and natural in this world, is what’s wrong with it,” he said in a huff as he fiddled with his silverware. “And you defied me that alone should warrant a spanking, a public one at that,” he glared at her in humorous disbelief. “That is hardly enough meat for a starving dog,” he mumbled under his breath.</span><br/><br/>“I<span style="font-style: italic">defied</span>you?” she repeated, mockingly incredulous. “You speak as though I’m supposed to listen to everything you say, as though you’re my owner and I’m but a pet that needs to be trained.” Leaning back in her seat, she got more comfortable. “And you’d know all about starving dogs, huh? Should I ask them for some kibbles ‘n’ bits, to make sure you’re properly fed?”<br/><br/>It was, of course, just said in jest; she didn’t equate him to a dog. But<span style="font-style: italic">he</span>was the one to bring dogs into it, so…it was fair game.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He smirked and leaned forward, “I’ve actually had that before, and it’s not too bad. A little dry but still good, I’d recommend that to just about anyone.” <br/><br/>Eyebrows were waggled at her as he grinned, “Nah, but really you are going to have to get more meat in your system. I mean you have to be able to keep up with me, right? So, that means you have to eat and get some meat on your bones.” <br/><br/>This was all said in good fun and jest, because he knew she ate that way to be able to dance and it was not bad. In fact, if he was not a werewolf, he would probably be an obese fatass with how he ate. His diet was poor to say the least about it and it was only because of his species that he could even handle not only what it was, but the sheer volume.</span><br/><br/>She rolled her eyes at his retort at the dog food crack, but then couldn’t help the scoff that came free as he declared she needed more meat on her bones just to keep up. “I seem to recall keeping up with you just fine last night,” Tempest replied. “Besides, even with your extra strength, you’d end up unable to lift me and then where would we be? I’d be out of a job and you’d be out a partner!”<br/><br/>As the waitress came back with their drinks, she took a sip off of her water and grinned at him from over the table. “I find it cute that you think the threat of a spanking would change what I wanted to eat. If you were to do that here, our pseudo lunch date would be over with before it got off the ground.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “True, but we could just simply go elsewhere to eat, no?” he asked and smiled as the waitress placed down the pitcher he had requested. “Of course I could just be saving it for until we are nearly done. You don’t know when I planned on spanking you, just that I planned on it,” he let that information mull over in  her mind for a bit while he took a sip off of his freshly poured drink.</span><br/><br/>Another roll of her eyes was given, but she didn’t say anything to that, not outwardly and not right off. Inwardly, she was mulling it over. Would he really spank her in public? That seemed a bit…excessive, even for him. Then again, he didn’t seem to care what people thought, so maybe he would. Add that he had a way of making people cooperate with him, and she wasn’t sure there was anything he<span style="font-style: italic">would</span>do publicly.<br/><br/>“I’m confident in my stance that you won’t be doing it, not here. Back home, maybe. But here? I don’t see it, even with your cocky, devil-may-care vibe,” she finally replied with a shrug. “But I guess we’ll see before the lunch is up, hmm?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Devil may care? Hmm…don’t think I’ve heard that one before,” he chuckled. <br/>Their waitress returned at that moment with her….salad and his meal. “Thank you so much,” he said to the waitress and once she left. <br/><br/>“I can’t believe that is all you ordered,” he shook his head. “I could not even consider that a snack for me. There is nothing to it and you’re going to be hungry in like twenty minutes,” he stated as if this was a well understood fact that she was obvious ignorant of.</span><br/><br/>As the waitress left, she started picking up her fork, only to falter as he compared her meal to what he would normally eat. “I’m sorry, some of us don’t have the benefit of a speedy metabolism. We can’t drink a pitcher of soda and eat two double cheeseburgers with two orders of fries without dying of a heart attack shortly after we become obese. If the heart attack doesn’t kill us, our stomach’s exploding will.”<br/><br/>Stabbing down into a piece of chicken, she peered at him over the table. “But, you know, I’ll still be full in twenty minutes so it’s not as though I’m missing out on anything by not getting a heart attack on a bun.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "You are missing out on so much," he said before he focused on his meal. For the next few moments that is all he focused on as he ate the burgers first, drank half the pitcher of soda and then just snacked on his fries. "So, after the walk through the park, what do you want to do?"</span><br/><br/>The conversation lulled and she happily focused on her salad. All the elements were perfectly cooked or cooled (depending on the part she was eating at the time), and got her crunchy craving sated. So, when he resumed the conversation, she continued to crunch on a piece of lettuce while in thought. “…Hmm…I don’t really know. We could always go window-shopping, or see a movie? I’m not sure you’ll be up for it though; not unless we pack a supply bag to fill your inner-binger urges.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "See, this is why we get along so well you think about me and my needs," tone overly dramatic as per his usual. "Window shopping could be fun. I mean we could get a few things for the apartment? Take in a movie and then just head back home to relax?"</span><br/><br/>There was a smirk given at the first comment, but then it turned thoughtful. “Do we know what movies are playing right now?” she asked before her mind shifted in a different direction entirely. “We could look at furniture, maybe? Or, just odds and ends like vases and things?” Then, after a moment, Tempest added, “I’m not sure if there’s anything we specifically need, but I’m certainly up for looking.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Well, it's your place now too and I figured while you did move the stuff from your apartment in to the place you might want to add more? Make it more....homey?" he nommed a couple more fries as he took out his phone and scrolled through the browser for a moment. "Heh," he scoffed. "There is a new vampire movie out. We could go see that and then demand they make a new werewolf one."</span><br/><br/>“More homey…so I could go on a pink-spree and you wouldn’t mind it? I could take your bachelor pad and make it look like the home of lonely cat lady with an obsession with all things fuzzy,” she pointed out while taking another bite of her salad. “I mean, if you’re not worried I won’t de-manify your place, then I wouldn’t mind adding a few touches here or there.”<br/><br/>The idea of seeing a vampire movie was a little odd to her, given her current relation with one. There was a part of her that would wonder how accurate it was, if there were vampires like that or if it were straight fiction; were there other variations, other subspecies? Then, there was another part that would likely get engrossed in the story and ignore the connotations all together.<br/><br/>“As long as you don’t boo, or snarl at the screen, I think that’d be a fun one to see, sure. Will you be able to make it through the movie without dying of starvation, though?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "I make no promises if the vampire sparkles," he said with a chuckle. "And if I get hungry I'm sure I'll find something that could satisfy my hunger..." he leveled a gaze at her and slowly licked his lips as he eyed her. "As for the shopping, I completely trust you and want you to feel like the place is as much your own as it is mine, so please do get whatever you want. I actually don't mind cats and find them to be awesome companions. I'm sure the puppy won't mind it either."</span><br/><br/>“I think I’ll hold off on bringing any other pets into the apartment. We’ve already got one puppy, and I’m still trying to train you so I’m busy with what I’ve got,” she quipped in response to his hunger; a hunger that brought a blush to her cheeks that she attempted to hide with a casually-placed hand. “So then it’s settled? Window shopping and a movie?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Maybe some underwear shopping too," he remarked casually. "Never know when you might get a pair ripped off or damaged....you know?" he grinned.</span><br/><br/>That got him a wide-eyed look. “And you think that there will be enough times that my underwear will be ripped off that I need to go shopping for more?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "You think that there won't be enough times all things considered?" he asked her with a serious look, though amusement danced in his eyes.</span><br/><br/>“All things considered?” she repeated, lower lip ending up between her teeth as she lowered her gaze to her salad. “What things are to be considered?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "The shredded remains of what you wore last night that I've yet to do anything with," he replied without his gaze shifting.</span><br/><br/>She was well aware of her clothes left in pieces from their…<span style="font-style: italic">activities</span>, but that didn’t mean she thought it was going to happen often. “And, you expect that this will be a regular occurrence?” came her quiet question.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Enough of an occurrence for you to invest in some more clothing," reply quick without hesitation.</span><br/><br/>She gave him the briefest of looks, but decided not to say anything to that, focusing on her salad and falling into a thoughtful silence. It wasn’t until she was finished eating that she made eye contact again. “So, how were your burgers?” she asked to change the subject. “Do you always eat your meats rare?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The subject changed and he counted it as a victory, if a small one. “Generally, depends on the meat. But when I can I do prefer something completely uncooked, especially if I’m injured. The raw meat helps me to heal faster and calms my wolf, which is particularly testy when injured,” he said with a casual shrug before he fished out his wallet. <br/><br/>“Does it bother you?” he asked her carefully, concerned he may have upset her unintentionally.</span><br/><br/>“Wouldn’t say bother, no, but I’m not a fan of raw meats, more or less. Even if rare is a form of cooked, I just…I feel like it’s still moo-ing at me,” she replied with a laugh. “I’m far more a medium or medium-well, girl, but never anything less.”<br/><br/>Her thoughts, however, had moved to the wolf side. “So…you and your wolf…how does that work? When he’s not out and you’ve not shifted, is he always…there? Or, does he go away and come back? Are you two always sharing a mind?” As the waitress came over, she fell silent, hands clasping in her lap until the woman wandered away. “Sorry if I’m…overly curious, but it’s like you speak of you both as two separate beings sharing a body.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “I told you before, I’m an open book for your enjoyment and amusement,” he smiled then took a moment to try and explain just how what he was worked. Many never even bothered to ask once they found out what he was, as they assumed either he did not wish to talk about it or he was just some mindless beast when he shifted. <br/><br/>“The wolf and I are one,” he began.  “We share bodies and help one another through the world. When I need strength he is there for me and he needs comprehension in the world of man I am there for him. He is always here with me, watching, listening and giving me input into the world around me. I talk about him separate, because I’m a man and will always be a man, just like he is a wolf and will always be that. However, that does not take away from our bond at all. Generally, those who are at war with either side have the hardest time maintaining a life. There must be harmony between the two for a life to happen. Sometimes, he just wants to run and be wild in the woods. So, I give him that and it keeps him happy,” he smiled and hoped that his explanation would be enough.</span><br/><br/>It sounded like an odd arrangement to her, living with another entity in your body, or…sharing, as he put it. So, wherever Colt was, the wolf was. Part of her wondered if it had coherent thoughts like he did, or if it were merely a feeling that told Colt what he needed. Could he see the wolf in his mind, see him pacing on those days that he wanted to run and be wild? Could the wolf feel and interpret what Colt needed and help him get it without a word spoken?<br/><br/>“I won’t lie and say that I understand it as it sounds a bit…confusing, but I guess this isn’t something that a person would pick up right off the bat, so I won’t bother you with my plethora of questions. Though, I have to ask, have you and your wolf ever…disagreed on anything? If you liked something he didn’t, would you still do whatever it was he didn’t like or would you compromise? If you were allowing him free roam and you didn’t like whatever it was he was doing, would he stop and adjust?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Don’t worry about questions, I really don’t mind and I think I may be able to show you…” he mused aloud. “I’ll have to look into it,” he said after a moment. “And…well…there was one time that I was involved with someone that he did not care for. She was nice enough, but he just could not stand her and made it hard for me to spend time with her in peace,” he shrugged. “He knows things beyond what I can just see and so often when someone is not “good” for me there is more there that I might not understand.”</span><br/><br/>That had her pausing, playing with the remaining water in her glass by swirling it about until her curiosity got the better of her. “What does your wolf think of me? Any bad vibes?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "He likes you," he said with a grin.</span><br/><br/>“Even though I’m a bed hog that plans to train you with a collar, leash and bowl?” she asked, a playful glint sparking in her eyes. “Is he prepared for that?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "He welcomes the challenge of you taming him," he replied with the same grin, though the look in his eyes had shifted to something far more predatory.</span><br/><br/>“It’s a challenge that’s already won, I assure you,” she replied in turn, the predatory look noted but not lingered on. “But he’s welcome to try and resist.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "I plan on it," he replied in a slightly gruffer voice.</span><br/><br/>The gruffer voice was noticed, and her brow quirked up at it, smile growing on her lips. “We’ll see who comes out on top,” she remarked, then, getting up from her seat and stretching before leaning down to whisper in his ear. “And I’ll be the one to come out on top. That’s a promise.”<br/><br/>Standing back up to her full height and pulling her coat back on, she ran her fingers through her hair. “So, time for a walk in the park?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> A grin pulled at his lips as he stood from the table, money left on the table without so much a glance as to the amount. The wolf had little care for money and cared not for how much anything was to cost. It figured that the amount he placed on the table would be enough and that was the end of it. <br/><br/>“Yes,” he simply replied to Tempest and placed his arm about her shoulders as they walked out together. <br/><br/>The walk to the park was short and the moment he was in more rural surroundings, the wolf felt better. “This is better,” he replied with a short growl and broke off from her side to dash into the bushes. Instantly he was swallowed by the darkness and not a sound from him was heard again.</span><br/><br/>Where she hadn’t looked at the bill, she assumed the bill was paid properly, so there wasn’t a need to double-check it. In her mind, this was still Colt. Not the wolf, Colt, even if his voice had gone gruff; wasn’t exactly the first time his voice had shifted. So, when he put his arm around her shoulders, hers went about his back and she fell into easy step beside him.<br/><br/>That is, until that easy step turned into a sudden dash for the bushes, leaving her on the sidewalk, confused. Brow furrowed, she took a few steps toward it, but didn’t go immediately in. “…Colt, please don’t tell me you’re taking this pet thing literally and I have to worry about you chasing birds or other miscellaneous animals around,” she yelled in after him, arms crossing as she waited for him to reappear.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “What do you mean?” he asked her from directly behind her. He had somehow managed to get behind her without as much as the smallest sound or indication. “Why don’t you run with me?”</span><br/><br/>She jumped before she knew what was happening, whirling around to stare directly at Colt. Eyes blinking in shock, she looked back at the spot he’d disappeared into and then back at him. “…How did you…? Nevermind,” Tempest started. “I’m not dressed to run with you. Did we forget how our last run went last night? You had to piggy back me home.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> There was a moment of confusion, then recollection. “Ah. Yes, but he had not taken you down a proper path. Run with me, come there is game to hunt. Small game…but game still,” he said with a grin that showed more fang than it had ever before.</span><br/><br/>Her eyes dropped to his grin, to his teeth, eyes narrowing.<span style="font-style: italic">Is…they’re…?</span>The urge to reach out and poke them was there, as though to confirm that his fangs had, in fact, elongated for whatever reason. She resisted, but only just. And, while mulling that over, she noticed that he’d spoken of himself in the third person. “…<span style="font-style: italic">He</span>took me down the wrong path?” she repeated. “Colt, I’m not dressed to go running, and I don’t hunt…I thought we were going for a walk? Had I known we were going to run and have you go hunting, I’d have worn something else entirely. Like sneakers.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> At the comment about her attire, his gaze wandered over her form and the thought of hunting left his mind as he approached her, low growl in his throat as he lowered his face to her neck. Without a word, he nuzzled along her flesh first before he began to give her soft nibbles and licks, his hands on her waist pulled her against his body and held her there.</span><br/><br/>Something about how he was looking at her had a blush creeping back up into her cheeks. As he moved closer, the growl heard, she had the urge to take a step back and stop whatever was coming before it happened, but her feet remained rooted to the ground. His hands grabbed her hips and held her there and it took everything in her not to loose a moan, but her mind was very focused on where they were. Her hands slid down his chest before gently pushing him back.<br/><br/>“We can’t just…we’re in public, here for a walk,” Tempest breathed out. A finger hooked under his chin and led him up to look at her. “This isn’t the time nor the place.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> The growl got a little deeper as he locked eyes with her, “I want you. Right now.” Then before she could protest he picked her up and carried her over into the trees. It was there that he placed her back up against one then picked right back up where he left off. Lips on her neck, hand on her waist as he pressed into her body a bit more. The fact he could smell her arousal only helped to convince him this was what she wanted. There was no point in denying what they both wanted when this was a perfect place for it.</span><br/><br/>Eyes widening, she started to shake her head but he’d already picked her up and carried her off. A tree was at her back and his lips resumed, his hands holding her firmly and she was torn. Tempest was no exhibitionist but that’s what Colt was trying to get her to be. Or…his wolf. This was his wolf. He’d decided to let him have free roam; maybe he took that roam, but now she was against a tree with him wanting to take her in the middle of a small patch of trees.<br/><br/>“We can’t right now,” she answered, pushing back on him as she shook her head again. “This isn’t the place; you may want me right now, but it’ll have to wait.” Her hands pressed into his chest again, using the tree for as much leverage as she could. “Later. Not now.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Don't you want this too?" he asked, his eyes confused. "I can tell...you want me...," he leaned down and kissed her. "Let me give us both what we want..." he growled softly once the kiss ended.</span><br/><br/>His confusion was palpable, even in his kiss, as though the idea of waiting for what they wanted was inconceivable. And, though the kiss was exactly what she wanted and the idea that they<span style="font-style: italic">might</span>be caught was an enticing one, an avenue she’d not explored, she couldn’t push the worry to the back of her mind long enough to enjoy the moment. “I want this…but this isn’t the place. There are laws, rules that we can’t get out of…and I’d rather not get arrested for enjoying myself in a public place…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "I will protect you," he rationalized and kissed her again. "You want me....I want you..." he whispered again, his lips back at her neck where he dragged his fangs along her flesh. "Let's have what we want..." he growled and nipped lightly at her flesh there.</span><br/><br/>She kissed back, unable to resist that urge, but she was holding strong to her conviction of keeping such activities to the bedroom and not the outdoors. The nip had her groaning, pushing harder against him to get herself some space. “No, not here,” Tempest breathed out, pushing him back for what had to be the hundredth time. “Later…”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Later," he whimpered and pouted slightly. "You want it now as I do," he growled and spun her around so that he pressed against her back. "Let's do what we want," he growled against her ear which he nipped and licked.</span><br/><br/>He was a hard one to say no to, she’d admit that. Maybe part of it was due to that…trait they had as wolves, the magnetism or something. Whatever it was, it was making it<span style="font-style: italic">extremely</span>hard to ignore the urge to give in the more he pressed for it. Barely, she held her resolve, ducking out of his hold all together, walking briskly toward the road. “Alright, back to our walk!”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> <span style="font-style: italic">SMACK!</span><br/><br/>His face contacted with the tree and he yelped as his nose impacted with the hard wood. <br/><br/>“Ow!” he growled, his nails turned to claws were dragged down the bark. Before much else could be done, however, Colt regained control and moved to join Tempest back on their walk. <br/><br/>“Impressive…and painful,” he remarked while he rubbed his face. “I did not think you were going to be able to say no to him. As you can see he is very…persuasive.”</span><br/><br/>She hadn’t expected him to fall forward and hit himself, nor had she expected the sound of his claws going down the bark. Her steps faltered and she turned around to look at him, and saw the familiar look back in his eyes…and redness on his face. Grimacing, she stopped walking to touch his face and look for any cuts. “…Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to…hit your face,” Tempest replied quietly. “He is persuasive, but I’m stubborn…and it looks like your face paid the price. Do you need ice?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He smirked, “A few kisses should patch me up just fine.” The concern that she had for him, made him feel well cared for, something he hadn’t felt in a bit. It was nice and only managed to endear her further to both man and wolf.  “Got to say, that your stubborn side is very….well, hot,” he licked his lips slowly and eyed her for a bit.</span><br/><br/>The way he licked his lips and eyed her had her rolling her eyes and shaking her head. “Yes, you’re clearly more than fine if you’re still of a mind to give me looks like that,” came a remark, low and just beneath her breath in a jesting manner. “Now that you’re no longer attacking trees…” Her hand took hold of his and started leading him on their interrupted walk. “I’m sure you’ll be able to keep from attacking the ground, too, yes? That way we can walk without interruption or incident?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He grinned and brought her hand to his lips to kiss the back of it, “I’ll do my best. But really, the kisses for my poor face would go a long way to helping me feel better. Not to mention help me to focus on things like walking, talking, breathing. You know the important stuff.” <br/><br/>This was nice, this was what he wanted and had yearned for. That companionship, the closeness that just made the world go round and made everything better. Made everything worthwhile for him and gave it a purpose it had sorely been lacking, even with dance there had been a hole there in his life; a hole that slowly was being filled by Tempest.</span><br/><br/>“Well, can you bend down then, so that I can reach your face to give you kisses or are you going to make me jump? Fingers crossed I don’t bash my face into yours in the process if that’s the route you decide to go with,” she replied with a laugh, the back of her hand still burning from the feel of his lips against her skin. “Since breathing is sort of important, even for you weird immortal types, I suggest you take it easy on yourself and lean down to my level.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Anything for you,” he replied softly and bent down so that his face was closer to her own.</span><br/><br/>Though the urge to take the more comedic route of a popular commercial was lurking on the edges of her mind—specifically of the V8 variety—she decided to take it easy on his poor soul. First, she pressed a kiss to his nose, light and soft. Next came his forehead. Each cheek, and his chin followed suit and then she hovered over his lips for a moment, eyes looking back and forth between the both of his before finally closing the gap and giving him a kiss “to make him feel better”. It lingered, was just as soft and just as sweet as the kisses had been elsewhere, the only difference being that it lasted longer than the ones preceding it.<br/><br/>When she pulled back, a hand caressed the side of his cheek and gave him a smile. “How’s that?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> There were no words that could describe as she took his breath away and made his knees weak. He a powerful and near immortal being weak in the knees because of a kiss from a woman he threw around for a living. <br/><br/>“Much better,” he managed to barely whisper out to her. “Shall we continue our walk?” he asked and slipped his arm about her shoulder to pull her against him. “Off to shop, right?”</span><br/><br/>The whispered sentiment caught her off guard, expecting the usual type of remark from him, something confident and bordering on cocky. Instead, she got quiet Colt, seemingly breathless Colt. But, in the next instant, it was gone, his arm about her and their walk resuming. “Yes, to the shop. Which shop, though, is the question. Anything you want to look at first?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "A bigger bed?" he teased.</span><br/><br/>That earned him a rib nudge as she rolled her eyes. “No, seriously, what do you want to look at first.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Well, we need furniture and stuff, right? Like couches and all that stuff, so I don’t know one of them Swedish places I suppose. Or what’s the other one? Pier one?” he offered though there was no certainty in his voice.</span><br/><br/>“Do we need a lot of furniture?” she asked, seriously thinking over what they had and what they didn’t. When she moved, she brought all of her furniture with her which included a couch, a couple arm chairs, coffee table, an actual table, and the like. But, with the new loss of the couch, there was a surprisingly large gap that needed filling.<br/><br/>“…A couch at least, yeah,” she ended up answering herself. “Let’s try Pier One first, because Ikea is a death trap.<span style="font-style: italic">No one</span>can assemble their furniture, not even rocket scientists. And maybe we should look into getting you a new bed frame…just in case, as you broke some of it last night.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Did I?” he asked with a grin. “I could have sworn I was not alone there,” he snickered and ducked out of what he expected to be a physical retaliation. <br/><br/>The walk from there was a pleasant one, with the small talk about nonessential things. The occasional kisses and playful banter that often broke out into a couple of wild sprints in a game of tag.  By the time they arrived in the shopping district there was smile plastered on his face that Colt could not even begin to remove, which was fine as he was more than happy to have it there. He could not even remember the last time that he mouth hurt so much just from smiling. Sure brawls and other such painful activities had caused him more than enough pain to last several lifetimes. <br/><br/>“We should get the puppy a bed too, something really nice. OH! And some toys too!” he said like so many of those weird dog parents.</span><br/><br/>During the walk, Tempest spent a good portion of time putting on and taking off her shoes as there were games of tag, running, with her clearly coming out the superior (whether he wanted to admit it or not). So, by the time they got more into the vicinity of the store, she had to brush off her feet and put her shoes on for what she hoped would be the final time. Then, after quickly fixing her hair, she followed him into the first store they happened to be drawn to: the pet store.<br/><br/>Nearly right off the bat, she saw a tag maker and the idea began brewing. “We need to look at collars first,” she suggested. “Collars, then beds, toys and then our last stop will be the tag maker at the front. Sound good?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> “Sounds good,” he said and practically ran off to the collar section. “We should get him a couple of them and get something that he can like grow into, right?” he asked while he began to check out what they had to offer.</span><br/><br/>While he got a head start, she took her time walking through the aisles, eventually stopping at the collars and looking at some that were, clearly, too big for Max. “I suppose, though isn’t that what the slider is for? To allow for room?” she asked, picking up one and wandering over to him. Looking at his neck, she held it up, a thoughtful look on her face. “Hmm….Maybe a red one for you instead…What do you think?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> A glance down at the collar in her hand and he arched a brow, “Maybe something that brings out my eyes better?” he offered with a smirk.</span><br/><br/>“What about…” She put that one back and came near-bounding back with a pink and purple collar, complete with hearts and bows. “…This one!”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Do you really want to have me go out there in this?"</span><br/><br/>“Possibly…It’d work to keep all those hoes at bay; they’d likely think you gay,” she answered in offhanded fashion.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Hoes? Are you worried someone is going to try and take me from you?" he asked as he grabbed her and pulled her against him.</span><br/><br/>Rolling her eyes, she scoffed. “Of course not. No one is going to be trying to take you away from me as I don’t<span style="font-style: italic">own</span>you…But, where I’m supposed to be training you, I can’t have you getting distracted on the off chance.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "You have to own me if you want to train me," he whispered down to her. Then he pulled back away from her and went back down the aisle to look at something else.</span><br/><br/>As he walked away, she looked after him, mind following up on that one train of thought. It’d been a joke, really, training him and collaring him. But, what started out as a joke just took a semi-serious turn, even if it hadn’t for him. Her mind had taken it and rolled with it and it had her putting the collar down to look at actual collars for Max. Grabbing up a few that he could grow into as Colt had suggested, she followed after him, holding them up. “How’re these? If they pass, I’ll go start looking at other leashes and toys since I figured you’d want the honor of picking out his bed since he’s your ‘widdle puppeh’ and all.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "What happened to my purple collar?" he asked a grin on his lips and amusement in his eyes. "I thought you were going to train me?"</span><br/><br/>“Can’t train you until I own you, isn’t that what you said?” she asked, giving him a look of wary humor. “So that training will have to wait. If I own you, we’ll come back and pick the prettiest of collars out just for you. And we’ll get you groomed, and we’ll tattoo ‘property of Tempest’ across your ass. Until then…” She held the collars up a bit higher. “What do you think of the collars?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> A small frown flashed for a moment before he just focused on the task at hand. "Hmmm...this one," he picked a blue harnessed one. "Ok, so then it's the leashes, toys, bed and lastly a tag?"</span><br/><br/>“Hey, I saw that,” she remarked, with a perked brow. The frown had caught her attention, causing her to sigh but it wasn’t anything that would be discussed currently. So, the harnessed one was kept and the others put back. “Now, leashes and toys. I’m guessing you want a rope to play tug-of-war with? All I ask is you<span style="font-style: italic">not</span>use your teeth. Resist the urge!”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "BUT!!!!" he whined loudly before he stormed off toward the toy section. "You're no fun!!!"  he pouted.</span><br/><br/>“Don’t make me swat your nose with a newspaper!” she called after him.<br/><br/>Picking a leash didn’t take too long, opting for one that matched the harness and wasn’t easily chewed through. So, she wandered over to the toys, leaning against the aisle wall as she watched him perusing the toys. “Remember, these are for<span style="font-style: italic">him</span>, not you. So, think for the<span style="font-style: italic">puppy</span>and not what you want to sink your teeth into.” Fighting to keep the grin off her lips was a process, but she managed, if only just. “I knooooow, I know. I’m a killjoy. Deal with it.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> " I know what I want to sink my teeth into," he growled and scooped her up. "I don't think I can afford you though, gonna need a price check. PRICE CHECK! WE NEED A PRICE CHECK!!"</span><br/><br/>“Put me down!” she shouted midlaugh as someone came over to see what the fuss was about and stared at the pair, his face saying that he was unsure whether or not to step in or just let it run its course. “I’m not a thing to be bought, damn it! Put me down and look at toys!!”<br/><br/>“Sir…Sir, I’m going to ask you to rough house…outside the store.” The man’s voice was quiet, but there, attempting to be as authoritative as he could manage.<br/><br/>“See? You have to put me down.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Colt leveled a gaze at the man until he caught his eyes, “Do I really have to put her down?” <br/><br/>There was a moment of hesitation and confusion on the man’s face, but then he just shook his head and smiled. “No you don’t,” and with that he walked off. <br/><br/>“Oh look…” he said as he looked down at Tempest whom he still held in his arms. “Looks like I don’t have to,” he grinned.</span><br/><br/>Her eyes widened, mouth agape as she watched the change come over his face before he left her to the wolf. With a swat, she wriggled around in his arms some more and whined. “Put me dooooown! You cheated! That’s clearly not fair and, where we’re here to shop for things you can actually buy, carrying me around isn’t productive!”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> He laughed and hefted her up to his shoulder, "Well, seeing as how you don't want to own me. I'm just going to own you." Matter of fact tone given as he smacked her ass and proceeded down the next aisle. "What else were we looking for? Oh yeah! Toys and a bed."</span><br/><br/>“That’s not how that works!” she replied to that, pushing herself up on his shoulder to try and force him to drop her. “You can’t just<span style="font-style: italic">own</span>a person! Besides, who says that you can own me, anyway?! I’m a free woman, damn it!”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Yes! But I don't want any hoes trying to steal you away. So, I'm just gonna own you."</span><br/><br/>“What hoes are going to try and steal me away?!” she shot back. “And you can’t own me without my permission!”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "I can't? Who made up that rule?" he asked as he continued to casually shop.</span><br/><br/>“The entire Slave/Master community? This isn’t the 1800s. You can’t own a person anymore! I know you’re old and that senileness is starting to set in, but you have to remember this is a different time!” Then with an afterthought, she let herself hang limp with a sigh. “Besides, what’s to stop the hoes from tryin’, huh? Not like there’s a sign on my forehead that says ‘oh yeah, Colt claimed me out of the blue so hand’s off’.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "We could get you a tattoo..."</span><br/><br/>“I’m glad you find this joke so amusing,” she mused with a swat on his ass. “Mind putting me down now? Your shoulder is bony.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Into spanking huh?" he teased but gave in to her request.</span><br/><br/>She didn’t say a word. The moment he put her down, she made a break for it around into the next aisle, weaving around people and displays.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Really?" he said with a grumble but still a smile on his face. After he grabbed up some items he chased after her, well more like went lazily after her since this was not the place for a true chase.</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Of course he’d be lax about it!</span>she grumbled before spotting a guy, an idea taking form. Sure, she didn’t find him appealing, buuut…since Colt couldn’t be bothered to really chase her, she’d have to try and give him a reason to pick up the pace.<br/><br/>Without any further hesitation, she stopped just beside him…and struck up a conversation. The usual tells were there, her head tilted to the side, the smile on her face, full eye contact and even a shared laugh.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Alright <span style="font-weight: bold">owner</span>, let’s see you own this then!</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Down an aisle he chased her, only to come to a complete stop when he stopped her with….someone else. The wolf within growled and snarled, wanting to immediately rip the throat out of the male who thought to challenge his claim. <br/><br/>The man however, merely smiled and strode up to the pair. “Oh!  SIR! I’m so glad you found my sister! She is touched in the head and tends to wander off from me!”<br/><br/>“Tempest! You know I was worried sick for you!”</span><br/><br/>The moment he strode up, she felt herself rolling her eyes as the man stared between the pair. “And I’d like to introduce you to my brother, the overly-protective one who likes to check in with everyone I talk to and make me sound crazy,” she replied with a sickly sweet smile. “I didn’t wander off anywhere, Colt; I was merely talking with Michael here. Idle chatter. Isn’t that right?”<br/><br/>Michael just flit between the two for a moment longer as his brow perked up. “Siblings?” There was a slight pause as his eyes narrowed. “Wasn’t it you who was yelling about a price check earlier?” A look of recognition crossed his face and he snapped his fingers. “It was you! I’d be more inclined to believe her version of things now that it’s all coming together,” he replied with a laugh. “But yes, I was merely talking to your sister, finding out her name. Nothing bad, I promise.”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Price check? Me? Oh no sir that was not me, I was busy keeping her from trying to put everything in her mouth. She has one of those oral fixations things. You know where they just like to put everything and anything in their mouths. A dirty illness to say the least," he said with a shake of his head.</span><br/><br/>The way he looked back and forth between them had Tempest wondering what he was thinking, but then his eyes lingered on her at the mention of an oral fixation. Did she look the type? She gave him an innocent sort of expression, maybe even one that erred on the side of flirtatious at the mention of that “oral fixation” she apparently had.<br/><br/>“You’re definitely him,” he replied with another laugh, though his eyes didn’t deviate. “Anyway, Tempest, here is my number…You should call sometime. We can go out for drinks or something. What do you say?” His hand hovered between them, a business card in hand (which she found a little 90’s, but she wasn’t going to complain given the circumstance) as she went to take it, painfully aware of Colt and his reaction.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> Without even a glance at Tempest he took the card for her, “Thank you. I’ll make sure she calls you when she practices using the phone. Until then, take care Mikey!” <br/><br/>He waved all enthusiastic at the man as he walked away, “Bubah Michael! Bubah!” Spoken to him as if he was just another dumb puppy in the store, because to him that is all this male was. Once he was out of view he turned toward Tempest, “So, are you going to run again? Cause I really want to chase you down and pounce on you.”</span><br/><br/>There was another roll of her eyes, but she didn’t say anything until Michael was out of sight. Even when he looked back, she just gave him a sweet smile and a wave before attempting to snatch the card from him…and failing. Mumbling something beneath her breath, she huffed and peered up playfully at him.<br/><br/>“Was that<span style="font-style: italic">really</span>necessary?” she asked. “Playing me up to be your mentally-challenged sister?”<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000"> "Would you have rather me called you my girlfriend?" he asked with a grin.</span>