Closed For @dameofyourheart

closed for @dameofyourheart

he hadn't been in new haven long enough to understand what everyone was so afraid of, what hid in the shadows that made them all so tense and cautious, but he knew enough to know he needed to be prepared for something. his late night wandering a week, or so, ago had led him to meeting river-- and to buying a modern bow for himself that he could keep in his home as a last stitch defense-- but it felt foreign in his hands; it felt weighted down; it felt human. he knew what he needed to do.

donning some of the clothes he hadn't worn since making a home for himself here in this realm, clothes that his old friend teasingly called his authentic ren-faire outfit, the elf alpha abandoned the comfort of his home and made a crude campsite for himself out in new haven's woods. he was careful to keep himself away from others so that his ritual wouldn't be interrupted; and so that he wouldn't have to explain himself. it took him three days to carve out his bow, and his arrows, from the surrounding trees-- and while they weren't as powerful as what he could have found in the wild lands, new haven had a magic all it's own, woven into the fiber of every living thing that, that he was able to imbue into his weapon.

on the third night, after the bow was finally finished, he put out the fire at his campsite and made his way to the salt water lake. scanning his surroundings briefly, he decided he was alone so he pulled an arrow from his quiver and set it into place. pulling back, the bowstring seemed to glint with flecks of light, as if they were stars, in the glow of the moonlight. taking a deep breath, the elf centered himself before finally letting go. the arrow whipped out of his clutch, arching over the shore and over the water with incredible speed before finally piercing the water's surface towards the deep center. for a moment he thought he saw something out there beneath the surface, right where his arrow slipped under. "the only thing you need to worry about is getting that arrow back," he mumbled to himself as he tried to calm his own concern that he might have hurt something; or almost hurt something. "at least we're alone out here..."

there was a pang in his chest at being called fertile, his mind wandered into a dangerous territory of thoughts, but he was able to keep his emotions at bay and put on a smile for now; ignoring his own wandering guilt to focus on the more seemingly innocent topic at hand. "yes, i am aware of who you are professor." he answered honestly, with a soft smile as he turned to fully face the other.

"i'm always happy to help," another truth from the fairy, though he furrowed his brows and wrinkled his nose a bit with a scrunch as he cocked his head to the side, "but i'm curious. what all would be needed from me for this study? i assume you need more from me than simply being able to smell how-- how, uhm-- how fertile i am? what does the application entail?"

It was common for Bronston's department to conduct studies both on and off campus. He was good at getting participation for appropriate sample sizes as a result, but that's not what today was about. Bronston was simply abusing his position as a university professor to commit a little fraudulent advertising. Just another Tuesday. "Excuse me Sir, but I couldn't help but notice that you're smelling exceptionally fertile today," he lies. Bronston had no way of knowing how virile someone else was from smell alone, but the scent he managed to pull as the man walked by was appealing nonetheless. "I'm a sociology professor at the university and I think you'd be an excellent addition to our latest study. Do you think I could interest you in submitting your participation? We think that the results could have incredible impacts on mating practices," he says, still lying, but this time he also licks his lips, not really hiding how thirsty he was.

he was trying to do the right thing. it might have been hard to believe, but he had no ulterior motive in coming here-- well, he might have had some ulterior motive but it wasn't anything underhanded or deceitful; he simply wanted to make amends and if in doing so the other realized he meant no harm and gave him permission to come around the sanctuary whenever he wanted, or allowed him to help, then that was just a silver lining.

with a deep breath, the elf forced himself to ignore his lack of social graces and relax when something on the breeze caught his attention and made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. something had shifted in the other. something had made him react and now alton could smell it. he prided himself on not being some simple minded alpha that viewed omega's as nothing more than breeding stock, he prided himself on being able to operate with logic and reason rather than letting his knot guide his actions, and yet there was something in the other's scent that had his more base instincts clamoring for attention. it had been a very long time since he'd given in to his own desires, and the other was handsome-- but no. that's not what he was here for. he was here to apologize, not to get drunk on the other's enticing scent and breed him deep.

"i'm a vegetarian," he answered, his voice a bit strained as he recentered his focus.

"i came to apologize," alton stated again, though this time he decided to explain himself a bit further, "and to offer you my help; if you need it. i feel drawn to you-- to your sanctuary, here. i want..." he paused, his tongue darting out over his bottom lip as he took another deep breath, his eyes subtly darkening as he took a small step closer to the other. "--i want to help."

Recognition flickered in Tao's eyes as the man emerged from the trees, a hesitant smile on his face. It was the same elf he'd caught wandering the sanctuary grounds a few days prior, the one who'd disappeared before Tao could properly confront him. So, he's returned. Tao's brow furrowed slightly, unsure whether to feel relieved or wary at the elf's reappearance.

Tao's shoulders relaxed a fraction, the tension easing from his muscles. An apology. He hadn't expected that. Most trespassers, when caught, either fled or became defensive. Rarely did they return to make amends.

An apology. The words echoed in Tao's mind as he studied the elf, trying to gauge his sincerity. It was a rare occurrence, someone returning to make amends for trespassing. Most would simply disappear, never to be seen again. Yet here this man stood, his hands fidgeting at his sides, a nervous energy emanating from him.

As Tao stepped closer, a peculiar scent wafted towards him, carried on the gentle breeze. It was earthy and musky, with a hint of something else, something that made his heart quicken and his skin tingle. Alpha. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, and he felt his body react instinctively, a warmth spreading through his veins.

No. Tao gritted his teeth, pushing back against the unwelcome sensation. He was not some weak-willed omega, slave to his biology. He'd spent years honing his self-control, learning to master his instincts. He would not let a mere scent unravel all that hard work.

A low growl built in his throat. He swallowed it down, forcing his voice to remain steady as he spoke. "Are you here to try and eat the animals?" The question came out harsher than he'd intended, but he couldn't help it. He'd had too many run-ins with shifters, their hunger driving them to hunt on his land.

Tao studied him for a long moment, searching for any sign of deceit. Slowly, he nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Alright. I accept your apology."

He paused, curiosity getting the better of him. "If you're not here for the animals, then why did you come?" His tone was polite, masking the wariness that still lingered beneath the surface.

closed for @skylarxgraham

falling back into his usual routine, the werecougar was back at the cafe getting himself a coffee and a pastry when he noticed someone familiar out of the corner of his eye. now, they hadn't met in person yet but they had exchanged a few messages over an app and, well, the other was certainly memorable; and certainly worth approaching in public. as he sauntered over, the alpha broke into the line and stepped into place in front of the other and looked down at him with a smirk. his photos online don't do him justice, he's even prettier in person.

"i couldn't help but notice you weren't getting any pastries." his voice was warm, his words lingering on his breath with a drawl as he licked his lips and looked down at the other. "shame really, you're missing out. tell you what, let me take care of your order today so i can make sure you leave here satisified." was he laying it on a bit thick? definitely, but he was having fun. rather than simply calling the other out for the only real conversation they've had, yet, he was trying to make small talk and see if the other was still curious; see if he was playful.

"personally i think you should get the bearclaw," he added on as he reached over the counter to grab the pastry, which happened to be the biggest in their display case at the moment, so he could offer it to skylar. "it's a nice, thick pastry that has plenty of flavor; warms you up and keeps you nice and full too." he was really laying it on thick today. "then again, i don't know. you might not be able to handle it." with another lick of his lips, and that cocky smirk still hanging around, rowan put the pastry back and, instead, grabbed a small chocolate dipped coconut macaroon. "this might be more your speed."

"don't apologize, i don't consider this an intrusion." he answered with a soft smile. "i'm surprised i made it this long, honestly, without seeing someone else. i don't mind the company." he had picked up their scent as they approached but it had been muddled on the wind and in the scorching heat of the day so rowan wasn't entirely sure of what the other was; but now, given how close they were, there was no mistaking the scent of an omega. breathing deep, his eyes seemed to darken a bit as the other's scent pulled at his more base instincts. swallowing his breath, the alpha did his best to calm himself as the younger omega spoke.

as the omega moved forward, leaning towards him, rowan's free hand moved to hold against the other's waist in an attempt to help him steady him. "easy there," he hummed under his breath, his words a bit graveled, as he held onto the omega. "you feel very warm, flush." of course now his mind was wandering to just how warm the other would feel, how tight, but he swallowed his breath and shook those thoughts away for now.

"the heat around here can get pretty rough. how long have you been walking around?" he questioned, mostly using the small talk to gauge if the other was suffering from heat stroke, or if he was just hot and bothered. "is there anything i can do to help you feel better?"

It was so warm out. Generally, Lux didn't mind the heat. He liked summer, and spring, and feeling sunlight on his skin. The colder months were fine, too, but he'd always preferred the summer. Today, though, the heat didn't feel comforting. It didn't just warm his skin, it felt like it was eating through him. It was uncomfortable, itchy, and he didn't like it. Still, he didn't want to be cooped up indoors, and so he had forced himself to take a walk through the woods. Lux figured a bit of tree cover would help.

Unfortunately, it seemed he'd been wrong. As he walked, all he could really focus on was the growing discomfort. He did his best to push it away, keep walking, but his inattention was becoming more and more evident. Eventually he realized he didn't know where he was going, his body automatically walking towards the scent of another, a decision he didn't remember making.

Immediately upon exiting through the last few trees before the creek, Lux caught sight of Rowan. He watched him for a moment, his gaze scanning, interested. And he offered a small, weak smile. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," he finally said aloud, shaking his head. The water behind Rowan looked cool, though, and refreshing. Maybe that was just what he needed. He would've stepped around Rowan and walked straight into the water, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

Fuck, why did that feel so good? Lux looked at the hand, and then at Rowan's face, his expression almost hungry. "I-" He started, trying to stop himself from drooling. "I don't feel well," he admitted, leaning towards the other, making sure that hand didn't leave his shoulder.

he could smell it on him, the sweetness of his secondary nature, but the elf wasn't about to puff out his chest and hold himself up with arrogance simply because the man before him was an omega. he might have been from another world but even he was aware, enough, that gender didn't equate to strength and weakness; and he'd seen his fair share of alphas, in his time, learn that the hard way-- that and the other hadn't given alton a reason to lord his gender over him. they were just talking. for now.

"the rancher." he repeated back with pursed lips and a nod of his head that implied understanding. now that the other was mentioning it, it was a bit strange he hadn't come across anyone yet but at the same time alton hadn't gone out of his way to look for anyone. he simply found a gate that wasn't locked, let himself in, and lost himself amongst the animals. if they didn't want him here they could have come and found him themselves. "he's not watching them that closely," he commented. it could have been a joke but, if it was, his flat tone made it hard to tell. "but maybe that's why you're here. did he, this damien, call you because he saw me wandering around? i would have introduced myself to him but," he didn't go looking for anyone to introduce himself too, "i'm not much of a people person. cinnamon," he grimaced at the ridiculous name for the horse, "can vouch for me though. i mean no harm. i'm just... learning my way around."

ryan  knew  reflexes  all  too  well,  but  he  also  had  the  sharp  eye  of  a  cop,  which  caught  the  knee-jerk  reaction  in  the  other.  but  at  the  same  time  ryan  didn't  judge.  they  all  had  their  baggage  &  he  wasn't  about  to  stockpile  on  someone  else's.  not  until  he  asked  for  it  anyway.  he  didn't  often  meet  people  out  here,  but  it  also  wasn't  the  most  uncommon  happenstance.  his  joke  ..had  clearly  not  hit  the  mark,  but  ryan  didn't  let  that  get  to  him.  hands  pushed  into  the  pockets  of  his  jeans,  attempting  to  appear  ..calm  or  relaxed,  or  both.

perks  of  being  who  he  was,  he  didn't  have  to  be  afraid.  he  smelled  alpha  across  the  ranch,  but  he  wasn't  impressed.  nor  was  he  worried.  he  saw  nothing  he  couldn't  take.  he  seemed  reasonable  though.  "damien's  the  rancher."  he  was  here  here,  wasn't  he?  interesting.  most  newbies  went  through  him  at  one  point  or  another.  "he's  watchin'  after  the  horses  an'  other  animals."  &  he  took  his  job  seriously.  "damien  ain't  mine,  no.  mine's  ...  not  here.  but  the  one  you're  befriending's  called  cinnamon.  still  think  pebbles  is  bad?"  not  that  ryan  judged  horse  names.  “damien  doesn't  like  random  people  hangin'  out  here,  so  you  might  wanna  say  hi  at  some  point.”