February 25, 2003.02.25.03. - mysteries and machines [tristan][noje]
(tristan)
Amazingly, he’s in his own apartment tonight, as Diego was working and wanted to get some things together before their shopping trip tomorrow, so our favorite prettyboykin is stretched out on his own couch, hand resting on bare belly, fingers curling absently against skin above denim, the other hand tucked under head against pillow against arm of the couch. Eyes and partial attention is directed toward the flickering of the TV on the cartoon channel. Lashes have lowered, and mere he’s contemplating pulling the bed out - or going up to pry Diego from his jewelry making, forcing him to eat something and dragging him off to bed again… of course, the latter would involve movement and he’s quite comfy right here for the moment. Empty beer bottles litter the coffee table (4 or 5) ashtray has been put to good use, and now he lazily drifts in that hazy almost sleep where you don’t quite dream, but aren’t surprised to find yourself dashing off to solve a Scoobie Doo mystery in the mystery van either…(james)
the Mystery Machine is at it again
turquoise and green and orange zooming down the lane
meddling kids rushing in to save the day
one mask pulled off to reveal the perpetrator
scooby snacks for allapparently, the Ahroun seemed to pick up on this
cause he's quietly knocking on the door
(tv's on, someone must be home)
three-quarters a pizza in the box balancing on one arm
(why eat alone when he was so nearby?)
an eighteen pack of Rolling Rock under the other
(they needed to talk, and beer is safe enough)
and he waits, patientlywondering if he should actually hope the door will open
(even if he has a way in to at least leave the food if he's wrong and the apartment is empty)(tristan)
The knock at the door (jinkies!) pulls lashes up from where they’d fallen completely against cheeks and it’s a moment or two (ragghy? Yeah scoob? Rumrunsratruhroor.. You get it scoob.. ruh-uh!) and he’s blinking a moment before.. “coming!” falls in that sleepy hoarse ‘I wasn’t sleeping’ denial kinda way. Muscles crunch and lean, tall form is pulled to sit, bare feet hitting the floor and a scrub of palms against face and he’s awake again and headed to the door.
Bolt turns and voice teases. “Forget you’re key ag…” trailing off as door opens and he realizes what that tingle at the base of his spine and words fall instead into a soft chuckle - almost embarrassed even. (nah. Not quite.) “Hey James… common in..” Door is pulled open farther and free hand scratches through hair and pulls it back from his face before falling to tuck into pocket of his jeans… eyes light up seeing the pizza box.. “ohhhhhh foooooooooooooood…. And beer… you’re a god, man… a god.”
(james)
"Nah, have my key." Tris... never gave him one, but he keeps getting in the security gate without a problem, doesn't he "Just thought I'd be polite and knock."grinned so easily
especially at that not quite embarrassment
just because that's more than any others would get from the unabashed kin
there's a bright shine in those eyes as he hands the pizza box over
heading for the fridge to deposit the beer
just... happy... to be so well recieved"Felt you might be hungry, was just down the block drumming so thought I'd impose a meal on you."
few seconds later he's returning
four beers in hand: two on table, two opened
flopping into the couch to damn well make himself at home
brow lifting a little in teasing afterthought"You don't mind, do ya?"
there's enough there to feed three
just as leery about "interrupting" as the Kin is(tristan)
Ya know, never did give him a key - but he’d meant too so it wouldn’t really matter, but then again? Gnawers adapt. It’s what they do. So he just flashes a boyish grin and grabs that pizza box and heads toward the couch. He’d told James before he was always welcome, he wouldn’t welsh on that no matter how upset he may be. He’s family after all. And the reason he decided to settle down to begin with.
Mind? Hell, he’s already gotten a piece of cheesy goodness and taken a bite before James flops on the couch, and there’s that grin again around second mouthful.. “nottaall. Diego forgot to feed me today.” Ok, not exactly true as he tends to make sure Diego stops working and eats - but the chuckle is there. “make y’self at home.” As fingers grab for opened beer and washes down mouthful with a content grin.
(jame)
his head shakes, chuckling
taking a swig of half that beer even before reaching for the pizza
(what has Eagle's pack done to you boy?!)
it may conclude that he ate a quarter of it even before leaving the pizza joint
so it's quite as ravenous as the kin
but they're Gnawers, they adapt
and they're also bottomless pits
he's inhaling a full slice before coming up to breath"Gotta teach that boy priorities."
gently chided
from the guy who went for beer before pizza
(PIZZA!!)
he really likes the little Garou
not to mention how happy the Walker makes his Kin
(odd, that.... 'nother Walker/Gnawer pair-up... must be something in Jersey water)"How is he, anyway?"
last time he saw Diego
well, things weren't exactly at their least tense
and he didn't even think to ask on the phone the other night
so the question seems easily falling into place, rather than planted
cause it's that tension that solidified his reasoning to come over here(tristan)
He can’t help the answering chuckle, really, already reaching for a second piece (Diego’s slow eating habits sure haven’t worn off on him in the past month or so..) Washing the first down with more beer, setting it between his legs for easy reach as he leans back and concentrates on that hanging bit of cheese and toppings that seems determined to escape, his grin positively wicked (ah - the dawg we all know and love) “Ain’t complaining about his priorities at all…” A brow arches, that bite taken and eaten and there’s a twist of tension somewhere in the kin too, at the question. He knows how things were the last he left - and he ain’t none too happy about it either.
There’s a moment or two (swig and bite or four) before he finally answers the question. “bit pissed, a lot scared, deciding whether we are going make a stand or run if it comes down to it.” Yeah. There’s that “we” word again… goes right along with those three little words that have the pretty boy kin scared outa his normally rougueishly playful mind.
(james)
a brow lifts, glancing over
eyeing the Kin up and down
oh. so. slyly.
(he can be wicked too)"Think you're losing weight, Tristan, need to replace those calories you're burning off."
and he noticed that "we" word
see, he can get away with that, cause he's pack with his lover
it's always "we" when things go down
and even though Gnawer kinfolk are often considered part of a pack
he's not quiet sure that Tris and Diego have done that
so it must be that little three word phrase
cause he's seen how they look at each other
he remembers how the Kin reacted that night the truth came out, too
so maybe there's some fondness in the tease
everybody needs somebody, and all that"You know I"ll stand behind you if you stay.... probaby the pack, too, if I give them my reasoning. And..." there's a slightly wry chuckle here "... since I've brought you chiminage and placed myself on your couch.... what was it you were wanting to say about that?"
strange how the little gesture ended up
he brought food and beer for Family and smoothing feathers
he placed himself within the other's turf to give the Kin... the KIN.... right of say
setting himself up for a proper tongue-lashing, if it's coming
(and he's sure it is)
so very strange, the behavior of this Ahroun
he knows he did something to offend
and while so many others would make any Kin suck it up and deal
he's here trying to work it out
he may not necessarily admit if he was right or wrong
but he's willing to listen, at the very leastFamily is more important than pride
(tristan)
He finishes the second piece, the first beer, and grins, grabbing a third and second respectively as he nods with soft laughter. “whoda thunk a lil guy like that could have so. Much. Energy..” He wiggles his brows and laughs.. positively wicked, indeed.
Everyone needs someone. It’s been a long time since he has felt like this and then it was pushed off as teenage first crush hormones and most ignored it. But now? He’s older, maybe not wiser, but older, and he’s bloody well scared out. Of. His. Mind. Can’t say it enough. Its evident in that softer smile and shake of head every time that we word is used.
He sobers then, leaning forward to rest elbows on knees - third piece of pizza going down a little slower.. and there’s another bite as he listens, and just, contemplates how to put this - and if blowing up would even do any good. Screaming may make him feel better - but this is family. And family? Is more important then frustration. Of course - if you can’t yell at your family who can you yell at?
There’s a deep breath, and a couple swallows of beer, and gaze locked on the crust in his hand. Honest is the best policy, right? Voice low and tight -fully expecting to get screamed in return, actually.
“In short. You should have come to me. You fucking blindsided me, and in public for christsake, let alone in front of Diego. Your boy Decker had some fucking problem that didn’t allow me to finish my conversation with Rune - which she then shared with you, and you brought it up without talking to me first. I had my reasons - reasons that have since been explained and the talk with Rune completed. I may be Kin, but simple respect should have kept you from balling me in front of him like that. I had my reasons for goin to her, and doing it how I did - for all she knew until you took matters into your own hands - it coulda been anyone in the 30 apartments in this damn complex. I didn’t want to go through you to her, because of your promise. But I didn’t promise not to find out where that fucker was and where he’s headed next. I’ve got contacts, but not walker contacts. Rune does. Any fuckin head start we can get - whether to stand our ground or run is needed. But none of that really matters - what fuckin pissed me off was the fact you balled me in public like that. I wouldn’t have done it to you - wouldn’t have done it to anyone. Was fucking low. And I know damn well how lucky I am Diego saw my reasoning afterwards.”
not so short after all…. And the pain in that last statement says the conversation that followed was not light and playful. Nor were the ones for several days afterwards.(james)
in short
in.... short?
as the kin continues, he can't help but wonder what the long version is
but as he indicated, he listens
to the very. last. word.
he listens silently without interrupting
then when Tristan stops
he takes a moment to digest
(and finish off that beer)"I think.... then.... you can see my reasoning for being upset that you went behind my back to Rune - no matter my promise. Though I understand, now, why you did."
the Kin rambles and rants and borders on yelling
and the Ahroun? stays perfectly calm
his voice is low and easy
most would throat a kin for saying the things Tristan did
but he doesn't, doesn't even look like his hackles are coming up
his head tilts, dreads sliding over shoulders
turning to look, fully, at the other man"I know you wouldn't do that to someone - and I know that I shouldn't either. I can't explain to you why, what for, or any of my reasoning behind reacting - overreacting - the way that I did. I can blame it on Rage but I don't know if that's good enough. I should have gone to you first, and I'm sorry I didn't."
Gaia's great full moon Warrior
.... apologizing.
he doesn't ask to be forgiven
he just wants it known he regrets the actions chosen
(the Garou lives, always so full of regret)"I'll say it to Diego, too."
(tristan)
He can see the reasoning, he knows he would be upset - he didn’t expect Rune to run off and tattle first thing in the morning and have it all blown up before he could finish his conversation. Decker and his goddamn dowry - pay it in big blow up dolls and be done with it… but back to this, and the slight nod.
He doesn’t look up, not quite, not yet. Others would throat their kin for daring to spout as much as he did… but James doesn’t, and wouldn’t have asked if he didn’t want to know. Tension bleeds from his shoulders, slowly, and hand slides through corkscrew curls, tightening briefly, before falling again, pizza crust finished - because he is Gnawer after all - beer grabbed again as he leans back into the couch once more. “I know. And I would have gone to you had you not made that promise. When I headed for Runes I wasn’t sure what I was going to ask, or what I’d do with the information. To be honest, I’d already calculated how much it would cost to get me to Miami to kill the fucker so we didn’t have to worry about it anymore.” There’s a sight smirk, he knows how foolhardy that would have been.
Finally those dark eyes lift, and meet the Warriors, and for once he doesn’t hide the emotion under playful banter and flirting gaze - there’s naked pain, fear, fury, and love (oohhhh its that four letter freaky word) all tangled up into one confused and frightened kin. “I could have lost him that night. I’m not ready for that. And.. thanks. That means a lot.” The apology does, and goes a very long way toward relaxing the gnawer…
(james)
she didn't tattle, she had just mentioned it
but it's passed, now, and doesn't matter
and an elbow sneaks out to gently nudge the Kin"If we're gonna protect him.... we need to work together."
and his voice softens
he can smell the man's tension and fear
even before those eyes lift again to sink into deep umber
admissions here, that he had made infront of Tristan, before
knowing that four letter word that just isn't said
"I know you're not ready to lose him Not yet. Not ever."how vulnerable that four letter word makes them
how viciously murderous the backlash can be
simply for giving everthing - body, heart, soul
he's not ready to lose Rune
(he's lost before, can he survive it again?)
but that is the Garou way
nothing lasts forever, especially when both are Warriors
(perhaps now he understand what it is the Kinfolk feel for those they love)
it can be seen in the resignation in his eyes
say it now, cause you may never have the chance again
the Ahroun knows that better than he wants to"I'm doing everything I can to keep you from losing him, because I'll fight for what I believe in."
love? honor? justice? Family?
(tristan)
He nods with something of a lopsided grin, barely there but at least it appeared, however briefly. “Been a lot time since there’s been a ‘together’… I still forget.” Voice soft, and sigh softer still. Been a long time since a lot of things, and he just tips that beer back, and drinks deeply, finishing it off and setting the bottle on the coffee table in front of them… nothing lasts forever…
The second time the smile appears, it’s a little fuller then before, a little longer, and so appreciated… he nods, again.. “I know. And I’m sorry I didn’t come to you before hand. Rune knows most, but not all now. She’s agreed to let me know if the pack heads this way - but that’s all. More then I expected, to be honest. She doesn’t like that I’m “coddling” him, but I told her it was none of her fuckin business” grin widens a bit - the walker is drop dead (fuck.me.red) gorgeous - and scares him to death, something he admits freely. “But all I wanted was to buy us that time to make some decisions. Diego knows too - knew before I finished talking to Rune, and said it was alright, a bit grudgingly, but knew I was headed back to buy us that time. And since she knows - it’s the reason for the little shopping trip I’d mentioned. Doing an introduction the official way now, I guess.”
Truth, honor, beauty and love - all things to fight for, and family falls in there somewhere too.
(james)
he can't help the laughter
just imagining Tristan telling Rune to veritably fuck off
not something he would say, honestly
but then again the Kin doesn't have dynamics of pack and rank to follow
at least in the same way James must
the Garou-Kin relationship is far different
and the way Garou and Kin look at things is different
and then the light goes on!
.... aaaah.... Christmas in February"Makes sense, now. Couldn't figure out why the hell you were asking the other night. But it would be appreciated"
course, not much he would have rationalized at the time
Tristan was lucky to get as much as he did during the call
but it also goes to show what becomes ingrained
to him, there is nothing more important than pack"I'd expect he'd fight alongside us." he could not think of running, he will not. back. down., not from Spirals, not from Decker, not even from Erik when the time is right - so most definitely not from a pack of strange, abusive Garou who are nothing more than tainted monsters in his book "I'll teach him to brawl, if he wants."
even if they make the choice to run
that will always come in handy"Do you have a plan, for when the time comes?"
(tristan)
“You didn’t sound much capable of figuring out where the phone was the other night, man. Musta been goooooooood.” Teased, and even a nudge of his friend.. family. He does grin unrepentantly - Rune yelled at him a bit, so he yelled back… he’s not one to keep quite though most days its just his normal banter…. Like this.. “Gotta say in boxers and a tshirt she looked good enough to eat…” oh yes, there’s the wicked grin again, flinching playfully from expected (and deserved) swipe.
He nods. He won’t back down either… and hopefully, by the time comes, Diego will have decided to fight as well. “Hell - teach me to brawl, still have nightmares about that big red glove..” mock shudder, before he sobers again. “No plan yet… getting Diego safely through introductions is first order, after that I’m kinda playing it by ear. I don’t want to push him in either direction… fight or flight, but am hoping that he will gain the packs support as well. Acceptance of his gifts and being allowed to stay here with Eagles blessing will go a long way to boosting his moral I think.. I hope. He’s been running so long he’s forgotten how to stand…”
(james)
"It was." that grin just. spreads. smug. "She was."not just anyone he can do this alleged "guy talk" thing with
so he takes advantage of it, of relaxing
even if he also takes advantage of the ability to swipe
lazy and half-aimed, the back of his hand partially smacks into bicep"I'll teach you both, it's something you should know anyway, regardless if you stay or go, and with me there you won't hold back as if you were teaching each other."
now that things seem to have calmed down a bit
he has the time to make the offer
but there's a nod to the explanation so far
finally grabbing that last beer off the table
then settling back comfortably into the second-hand beat up couch"I may get shit for hiding it, but I"ll handle explaining that to Erik. Do that's right, and traditional, and it'll go a long way with the German. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy, so if you explain why you're needing the protection, he shouldn't disagree. Then whatever Erik says goes, no matter how Decker or anyone else may feel about it. Then we can think of what to do from there on." there's a glance over, breifly, to the Kin "Because if you decide to run, I won't. I'll buy you that time, with or without my pack backing me."
(tristan)
He laughs softly, nodding. Somehow - he thinks good doesn’t begin to describe the sleek Walker (and god help james if he finds out about the trapeze.. there will be no end to the teasing…) And he knows that there aren’t any others that James can tease about it with.. and only whimpers a little at lazy swipe.
There’s a chuckle, and he nods. “Damn straight… or something… I won’t hold back. I owe you one still. I’ll talk to Diego about it.. but expect me for lessons for sure.” They’re still figuring out what they’ll get for each of them, and then at the last, that gaze is met, held a moment, before he nods. “I know.. and that means more then you’ll probably ever know. And if it comes down to it - I’d prefer to stand with you. Just so you know, and all. I’ll fight to my last breath to protect him - though I’d sure prefer sharing it with him for many many years to come.” Or as many as they are allowed to be together. He knows the life of Kin, he knows what it is to have to remain home while the war is fought… having James, and now Diego, has gone a long way to making that bare-able again.
(james)
"Yes you do, and I'll heal a lot faster, so no worries on practicing it."because they both know when the time comes that things go down
it won't be a time for holding back
everything is now or never
nobody ever knows what tomorrow will bring"I know you would. You stepped into the ring with me, I know you've got guts, Tris. Just keep using your brains so you can share those breaths." the Ahroun waxing poetic? "'Cause while I"m fighting, and he's running, someone's gotta watch his back." there's that playful grin again, no matter how serious this conversation may be "Then you two can name your first kid after me, sing tales of my glory, or somesuchshit."
(tristan)
There’s a nod.. and seriousness prevails until that last comment and all out laughter breaks free… and with it flees the rest of the tension that may still have been between them. It all flows away and he relaxes back into that couch and that grin is nothing short of that silly little grin as he nods.. “that’d be quite the trick… though if Dire can get himself a pup - Diego and I can find a way to name something after you. A scruffy black lab or something…”(james)
there's a sideways glance
and that easy, easy grin
seems he's accepted and supporting their relationship, eh?
course, he doesn't have much room to speak
at least as far as the traditional Litany goes
letter by letter, they're better off than him
gesturing absently with the bottle
unable to stop the soft laughter"That would most definitely work. Maybe a cute little shepard... was always partial to those."
musing, absently
that would be because he looks like one in lupus
for some reason just really damned amused at that, too
cause it's just got that good feeling about it
Tris and Diego living a happy life, somewhere, for however breif it may be
enough to actually have a "family" of their own, if strays count
even the goddamned white picket fence
it may not be forever, but they've got the chance
that little bit of bliss before the War comes knockin' again
and he'll do his damndest to see it happen
.... just...... because it's something he will never havehe may have, once
but that's lost to him now
he's adapted and moved on
and wouldn't trade Rune for the world
(or... even Jenna)
though he knocks off the rest of the beer
rising to gather the bottles from the table
those are trashed, and he's returned with another cold one for Tris"Glad you were home."
a soft smile wrapping around those words
glad we shared a meal
glad we had this talk
glad we made amends"Don't forget to drag him down for some of that pizza before it gets too cold." winked, he knows what else will happen, and the pizza probably will be cold by the time they get to it "Night Tris."
Posted by james at February 25, 2003 12:00 AM
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