April 10

[captainryan]

April has come and with it the warm weather. Werewolves, for the next six months at least, do not find it quite so miserable to be outdoors for three days in a row.  The level of easy prey is beginning to rise as well, as the animals of the forest begin their reproductive cycles anew. A good time to be a predator.

It’s the last night of the full moon. The right edge has begun to wane ever so slightly, barely noticeable, but its light is still bright over the hills and valleys of Milliways' Scottish simulation. The light is less illuminating under the trees, but still enough to pick out a path without too great a difficulty, provided there’s a path to follow.

Comments

[hell_in_highheels]

She's tried valiantly, but she can't contain the tears any longer. Her arms tentatively slip around his neck and she stands on her tip toes to press her temple against his jaw. Her sobs are quiet, but they shake her whole body.

It is a revelation to her that, after surviving an encounter with his eight-foot tall, predator form, the thing that she couldn't bear to face was not his anger, but his withdrawal.

It's something she'll talk to him about. Later. Right now, she just wants to hold him, to feel his arms around her.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

He's not really sure how they got to her crying. Were it a little later in the day, he'd probably ask.

Right now, though, all that's important is that she is.

He holds her quietly, frowning over her head at the still dim woods.

[hell_in_highheels]

She is not proud about it. She's tired, and drawn thin by their exchange. Even as angry as the Doctor could make her, he never brought her to tears. But this is different. This is Richard.

He's here. He's not going anywhere. She repeats the words, the very sound of his voice in her head, over and over again. 'I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.'

The tears taper off eventually. Fear and sadness in her scent slowly dimming (memories of that velvet tongue washing away her fears). A little laugh escapes her throat.

"You're scarier than he is."

She doesn't like thinking of them as two separate beings, but in this case, it's true.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

He doesn't agree with that assessment at all. But then, he was nearly eaten by one of those things. He's glad she's been spared that particular experience.

As long as she understands it's a distinct possibility.

He shakes his head slightly, chin rubbing her temple. "No."

[hell_in_highheels]

Yes, she thinks. He just bit my nose. You bit my head clean off.

She doesn't say this at all.

She feels the scruff of his chin against her face and her hands pull him down to her, so she can nuzzle his chin again.

Never leave you, wolf. "Never leave you. Promised."

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

"That's why you shouldn't come out here." There is, very faintly, the hint of a whine to his tone.

I don't want to lose you.

[hell_in_highheels]

"Okay, my love," My love,. "I won't." I had to. "I promise." Can't lose you. "I promise." Love you so much.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

Good.

I love you too, you know. That's why he worries.

[hell_in_highheels]

Her head is tucked under his chin and he feels her give a tiny little nod. Her mind is racing, but she keeps her mouth shut.

After a long moment of just holding tight to him, letting her heart rate settle, letting his strength soothe her, calm her, she pulls back just a tiny bit. Where's Damocles?

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

I don't know. He looks around a bit, sniffing on the off chance he'll catch something besides her scent.

I doubt he's gone far.

[hell_in_highheels]

She falls back a bit, but she keeps hold of one of his hands. Her eyes are scanning the tree line, and she's listening. Her eyes come back to his face and he might recognise the tiny furrow between her eyebrows as frustration. It's gone just as fast as it came.

"We should head back."

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

Have to wait for Damocles.

The only warning she gets is the deep breath he takes. Then he howls, the call lifting itself up into the cool morning air.

He headtilts when he's done, listening.

[hell_in_highheels]

Her eyes go wide as she feels the howl in her chest, feels it vibrate right through her. It's the same voice she heard the very first night they were together. He was calling Damocles then, as she well remembers.

Her grip on his hand tightens as she watches him intently, the sharp ache in her chest making her hold her breath.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

It's takes a moment, but there's a howl in return, not nearly as deep and a little warbly.

Richard nods once its done. He's coming.

[hell_in_highheels]

I love you, so much.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

He pulls her back into him, nuzzling her head.

I love you, too.

[hell_in_highheels]

You're amazing, you know that?

She wraps her arms around his chest and presses her face into his body, nuzzling and breathing him in.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

Yes?

Damocles come crashing through the underbrush, then, with something small and grey furred in his mouth.

Morning! Sorry! I was hungry and there wasn't any deer left and I knew the squirrels weren't too worried about me with Captain around so I caught one!

He's prancing proudly towards them.

[hell_in_highheels]

River releases her fierce hold on Ryan and half turns to seehear him, laughing a bit at the joy and pride in his voice.

Her arm is still around his waist, her hand fisted in his shirt, holding on like he's liable to turn to mist between her fingers. She's not letting go anytime soon.

Good chase hunt, Dam?

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

He was a pawswidth away from making it up the tree, but I caught him!

Richard smiles fondly at the pup, reaching out to tousle his ears. Well done, Dam.

You can tell that just made his morning. He wriggles happily against them.

[hell_in_highheels]

She reaches down to stroke his back and chest, her brow furrowed just a bit. "Didn't catch that," she murmurs to Richard.

"Doesn't matter." She decides.

Home?

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

All right. Come on, Dam. He reaches back into the den for the only other thing he hasn't put on yet, his holster.

Back to the bar. Bring your squirrel. He bumps River.

[hell_in_highheels]

She bumps him back, and lets him go long enough to buckle on the holster.

Then she wants his hand back. She seems content to walk for a very long time without saying anything.

[captainryan.livejournal.com]

That's okay.

Though.

Run for a bit?

[hell_in_highheels]

She nods, letting his hand go and bumping his shoulder, giving a happy little chuff. That's not a sound he's heard her make before.

She bends to check the laces on her boots and then looks to him. After you.