Friend or Foe?

[stephy]

"Sweeet!" He blinked in surprise at her reaction, his lips parting in awe as she cleared over Dj and to his side, as he still slouched back into the kitchen chair. Her bouncing figure almost made him laugh, "Can I see? Can I seeeeee?" His mouth still gaped slightly. "Pleeeeeeeeeassee? I'll show you my form!"

Before he could blink there was a, dare he say, beautiful looking white coloured she-wolf at his feet. Her emerald green eyes stareing up at him with such enthusiasm. He closed his mouth, a small grin tugging at the edge of his lips. "Trinell! Calm down, Damn! You're gonna give the poor guy a heart attack!" He jumped forward, grabbing the poor wolf by the scruff of her neck backwards away from him. "I'm sorry, Chase. I think someone put crack in her coffee." His apologetic call came from accross the room. He resisted the urge to laugh at the comical scene, Trinell breaking free and running away calling "Sweet Freedom!" Her head high and laughing.

He turned his head and sat up once more, his hands gripping at the sides of his chair and slouching as he looked down at her, laughing and falling to her stomach. He smiled more, looking at her rather large form laughing brought a small spark of happiness to his heart. The chains on his old black bondage pants rustled lightly as he moved. I like her.He decided, his hair falling in front of his face once again.

He raised a mesh covered arm, running his long fingers through his hair as he watched her, closing his eyes for a moment. "Ok, If you really want me to." This feels important to her, And I geuss I have to get used to it. He mused, getting up and pushing his chair back a few feet to give him room. He took a breath, and focused as he'd learned to over the week, he took a quick look over his shoulder at Dj as he began to change, turning his head again before he could notice the pink coming over his cheeks.

He let his eyes slide half closed, pink dissapearing as his skin turned midnight black, his ears slipping back elegantly, his jaw coming forward and his legs and arms shortening. His spine curved, and his tail bone extended, black fur turning a silky silver at it's tip, the pads of his now paws turning the same silver. He sat down down beside Trinell fully transformed, his eyes still narrowed thoughtfully as he stared into her eyes, deciding to let her speak first.

His tall dark handsome figure felt as thought it towered over her, especially as she lay in front of him. He was a fair bit larger then she was, his height making him feel tall even as a wolf. He swiveled an ear back, curling his silver tipped tail around his side to his paws. There was so much about her that made him feel safe, similar to the way he felt around Dj albeit not quite as strong. And there was somthing in her eyes.. something about her that he felt as if he could relate to.He felt a stab at his heart for a moment, I hope she's been through nothing like I have. She was hiding something, maybe she would tell him someday. He breathed evenly, waiting for her reaction. Nothing would surprise him.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Trinell barked happily as Chase shifted forms, her eyes widening as he towered over her. He was huge! Eyes still wide, Trinell looked him over, commiting his image to her memory.

He was massive, definately one of the largest wolves she had ever seen, and his pelt was a deep ebony color. From what she could see, his paw pads were silver, as was the tip of his tail. And, of course, he had his expressive forest eyes. Even in the light of the kitchen, his pelt glimmered, proudly showing off its health and vibrance. All in all, he was a very good-looking wolf.

Nodding approvingly, Trinell flashed a wolfish grin, exposing her pearly whites. "Nice, very nice. You've got a beautiful Shifted form, Chase. If I wasn't happy with mine I would wish to have one like yours, except smaller." She winked, laughing. Turning to Djakael, she said, "Good choice, Dj! Chase here is a handsome young man." She stopped, looking like she had peanut butter on the top of her mouth as she stared at the tip of her nose. "Bah, it feels wrong to say it like that." She muttered, shaking her head. "Basically, you're hot." She said, shameless.

Grinning, she hopped to her paws and shot Djakael a sly smirk, the fox blushing furiously. He was embarrassed all to hell and she knew it. Padding up to him, she grinned a full grin at him, showing all her teeth, then turned around and went to his fridge. She nudged the door open, saying, "Hey, have you painted anything new recently? Last time I was here you were in a creative slump and couldn't draw a circle right." She sniffed around his fridge, wagging her tail happily when she found a plate of chicken.

"Yeah. I got out of that slump about two weeks ago and actually went into a creative gold mine. Go take a look once you finish eating." Djakael said, watching her pull out a plate of chicken. "Have you not eaten today?" He asked, Trinell pausing in devouring the food just long enough to say, "Nope! Haven't eaten for three days." She returned to the food, Djakael growling.

Hadn't he told her that if she needed food she could always come to him? He voiced his thoughts, peeved. "Trinell, why didn't you come to me? You know I'll feed you no matter what time it is. I don't like you not eating like that."

Finishing off the food, Trinell turned around and sat down, watching Djakael. "I didn't come to you because I don't like taking your food. I can get food on my own. You know how much I hate taking things for free. You won't even let me work for you to pay for it!" She explained, her ears pinned back. It was true; Trinell despised getting things for free with a passion. It was a blow to her pride, and she really just didn't like getting free things. It made her feel as if they thought she couldn't take care of herself, when she very well could.

Sighing, Trinell shook her head, cutting Djakael off as he opened his mouth to speak. "Just drop it, Dj. I'm working on getting more food right now, okay?" Rising to her paws, she padded up and beyond him, headed for the guest bedroom where all of his paintings were.

Pushing the door open, she walked into the room and -mid stride - Shifted back into her human form to look at all of the art without potentially destroying it.

She ignored the footsteps she could hear headed for her, knowing Djakael was far from happy.

[stephy]

Trinell nodded, her canines sparkling as she gleamed up at him. "Nice, very nice. You've got a beautiful shifted form, Chase." She sent him a wink, and he sent a polite smile back. She shifted her gaze behind him, and he shuffed his paws back and forth. "Good choice, Dj! Chase here is a handsome young man." He blinked, Choice? Bah, she was so confusing. Turning back to him, she added quickly before walking towards Dj. "Basically, you're hot."

He turned to look behind him, Dj's cheeks were flashing a very vicious red, his own feeling hot under his fur. Rounding quickly he sat facing them, as they spoke about Dj's paintings. I really must see those, I remember him mentioning he was an artist. his sensitive ears swiveled towards them as they exchanged words, Trinell opening the fridge and devouring what seemed like an entire chicken. I bet he's an amazing artist. His mind wandered lazily as their lips moved, his mind completely going off track.

He tilted his head to the side, looking into the distance. The cold lenolium under his paws felt good to his still rather raw touch. It was nice here, Trinell seemed very nice, he already almost trusted her as much as he did Dj, and that was saying a lot. Dj... He wondered what exactly it was that made his heart beat so quickly in his chest. He shook it off, his mind snapping back to reality.

Were they fighting? Dj was growling deep in his throat, Trinell's tail just gona around the corner, Dj close at her heals. He wondered for a brief moment if he should folow, standing and taking an eager step forward before back stepping to where he was. His tail swayed slowly behind him, the gleam of sun from beyond the window making his pelt glisten. "Hmm." He sighed, taking a few steps forward he stood at the corner where they had dissapeared, his toenails clicking against the flooring. Both had gone into one of the rooms from what he could tell.

Should I shift back?Lowering himself to the ground he set his head on his paws. I geuss I'll just wait. His ears lay back as he waited for their return.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Djakael watched in fuming silence as Trinell Shifted and examined his artwork with a trained eye. She wasn't an artist herself, but she'd spent so much time around Djakael while he painted and sketched that she knew good from bad. She picked up one of his worse pieces, staring at it for a few moments before saying, "Messed up here a bit, Dj. Good job on the rest of it, though. It's not bad, but definately not one of your best." She never was one to sugarcoat what she meant, and she didn't just hand out praise either. If you don't deserve it, she won't give it to you. If you do, she will.

"Thanks, Trin. I know you mean it." He said, Trinell giving him a soft smile. She returned his painting to its original place, moving on instead to the easel that stood before the window. There was a simple white sheet hanging over it, making an enigma of what was beneath. Curious, she pulled the sheet up, her breath leaving her as her eyes full upon the breathtaking painting.

It was, by far, his best work yet. It was the rising moon and the falling sun, one on either side. On the side of the sun, warm oranges, reds, pinks, and a few shades of purple. On the side of the moon, cool blues, darker purples, and greens. In the middle, where the colors met, was an explosion of color. Down, in silver the corner on the side of the moon, was Djakael's signature. "My God, Djakael..." She breathed, unable to come up with words to describe it. "It's... I... I can't even describe it..." She whispered, staring at it still. Breathtaking. Heartstopping. Awe inspiring. Those were just a few words Trinell could come up with to even slightly describe it. "Dj, it's amazing." She said, now able to think clearly. "It's easily you're best work yet."

Djakael blushed faintly, embarrassed. He hadn't realized it was that amazing. Sure, he had known it was a great work but he hadn't thought it was that good. Then again, it had been the first thing he painted when he finally got out of his creative slump.

"Thank you," He mumbled, embarrassed by Trinell's blatant awe. He blinked suddenly. "Hey, where's Chase?" Trinell looked past him, confused now.

"I think he's still in the kitchen," She said. Walking past him and into the hall, she spotted Chase laying down in the kitchen, waiting patiently. She smiled, motioning for him to come. "Chase! Get over here, will ya? You're making me feel like you don't like me or something." She grinned, her eyes laughing. "Besides, you need to come see this painting Dj here did. It's amazing!" She added, knowing it was embarrassing Djakael. She didn't care, it was fun. And true. Definately true.

[stephy]

"Chase!" His ears pricked upwards, and he rose his head up to look at Trinell as she rounded the corner. "Get over here, will ya? You're making me feel like you don't like me or something." Her obviously joking tone Made him smile back lightly. He rose to his paws, His large form looking up at her farther down the hall. "Besides you need to come see this paintining Dj here did. It's Amazing!"

He didn't doubt it, He imagined Dj was an amazing artist. Purely by the way he took care of his house, the creativity inside of him showed. He took a moment as Trinell vanished behind the wall again, Quickly shifting back to his original form and striding towards the room with his long legs. He peaked around the corner, Hands in his pocket casually, his eyes darting from photo to photo as he took it all in.

The room was rather large, he remembered vaguely that Dj had informed him this was the room he'd be staying in, but the thought barely even surfaced in his mind as he stared at all the beautiful pieces. Vibrant blue and purple hues to dark Blacks and auburns jumped from each painting, many of them looking like they could start moving. Abstract, Realism.. His Brushwork was quite extraordinary. He noticed his mouth was hanging open slightly as he stood in the overhanging doorway.

"T-This really is amazing." He stuttered in agreement to Trinells Previous statement as he walked farther into the room, careful with each footfall not to get to close to the fragile Canvas'. He allowed himself closer to Djakael who was near the back wall, before turning to look at Trinell, Neither facing Dj or the latter. "Really amazing." He added more to himself, hushed as he looked in silent respect once more at the brilliant paintings before him.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Trinell smirked as Chase entered the room, his breath leaving him, and allowed him time to take it all in before she walked up to him. Gently taking his elbow in her hand, she lead him up to the easel where Djakael's best work yet stood. "This is teh one you need to see," She said softly, releasing his elbow once he was before it. "Breathtaking, isn't it?" She whispered, her previous awe returning as strong as ever.

It truly was an amazing work, no matter how you looked at it.

Leaving Chase to the painting, she turned to Djakael, smiling softly. "I'll explain my living situation to him afterwards, okay? I'm sorry you and he had to know about that." She mouthed, Djakael sighing softly and nodding.

Heading over to Djakael, Trinell stopped next to him, her face set in a scowl. "However, there is something else I would like to discuss with you. What happened to Chase's hands? Why haven't they been taken care of?" Djakael blinked, gasping silently. "Oh, God... I forgot, didn't I? Shit! Look, I'll explain what happened to Chase while I'm patching him up." He cursed quietly, annoyed at himself. How had he forgotten? How could he have? Chase's hands had to be hurting, and his feet too, probably.

"Dammit. I'm sorry, Chase. I forgot to take care of your hands. Come on, we'll get you taken care of and cleaned up then we'll decide what to do first; shop or clean?" He said, motioning for Chase to follow as he turned and followed Trinell, who was already ahead of him, out of the door and into the living room. Trinell went to the bathroom and retrieved the first aid kit, taking it back to Djakael.

[stephy]

"Hm?" Reality came back as he was lead over to what was probably the best work in the room. The Composition, the whole idea behind the concept with the detailing and colours playing off of each other.. He was probably biased, but it was maybe one of the best Paintings he'd ever seen. He blinked, stunned. Over the years, he'd always loved art. When he was walking around town at night sometimes, he'd see Buildings selling old works of art, The ancient public museum's in the different towns he visited were always a favourite spot of his. He smiled a small charming smile, as he imagined what this piece would look like on one of those walls, alongside famous works by Brenders or even more classical pieces.

Dj and Trinell were murmering silent remarks behind him, he could feel their eyes glancing at the back of his head. "What happened to Chase's hands?" Trinell's whispered remark reached his ears through the quiet room. The floor creaked slightly as he rocks back and forth on the balls of his feet. Dj's Gasp was a bit loud as he must of realized he'd forgotten, Regret obvious. I should have dealt with it myself. He hissed to himself, he didn't want to make Dj worry.

"dammit, I'm sorry Chase. I forgot to take care of your hands." His hand beconned him as he turned to follow Trinell into the main living area where he had slept the night previous. He followed obediently, his smile turning to a small frown at the concern he felt from the two. Guilt swept through him like a wave as he saw Trinell dissapear before reapearing with the first aid kid. He followed closely behind Dj, Sitting on the same Couch where his boots and coat sat.

He sighed lightly, only now raising a hand up, examining it with a wincing look. It was rather pink -Almost red- and noticably sore as he had managed to ignore it, his thoughts somewhere else that morning. He placed it down again as he rested it back on his lap, Letting Dj do as he will. He leaned back into the soft cusions of the couch, leaning his head back and stareing up at the bleak cealing above him. He blinked slowly, the gentle humming of the heater that already seemed so familiar buzzed through his brain.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Djakael sighed, running one hand through his hair and holding what was between his fingers up and out of his face. He sat down beside Chase on the couch. "I'm sorry, Chase. I told you I'd take care of you and I forgot. I guess I was seeing too many pretty things to remeber," He chuckled at the last part, a smirk on his face.

Although one who had been watching might think otherwise, Djakael had noticed every blush and nervous gesture Chase made. He had realized pretty early on that he was thre trigger for the blushes, although he was almost certain that Chase hadn't made the connection yet. Djakael didn't mind, he enjoyed being able to make Chase blush without him having any clue that it was him doing it on purpose. It made his day even better. The adorable hue that covered his pale skin as the blush took over his cheeks, the way you could see his embarrassment in his expressive eyes, all of it made his day. He felt an attraction to the boy, this he knew already, but he wasn't sure how much he liked him.

Just then Trinell came back into the room. She paused for a second then smirked slyly, making Djakael blush. Trinell, of course, knew exactly what he felt. She was execptionally good at picking up on a person's emotions.

She handed him the first aid kit then plopped down on his recliner, laying it all the way back and sighing happily. She let herself drift off as Djakael took care of Chase, his voice and the heater a dull sound that was drifting away in the back of her mind.

Opening the first aid kit, Djakael pulled out the needed supplies and took Chase's hand, pulling it towards him and sitting it palm up on his leg. He cleaned and wrapped Chase's hand as he spoke. "Anyways, if that lazy wolf over there hadn't fallen asleep she would have told you about why we were arguing in the kitchen earlier. Really, I'm sorry you had to hear that. I just worry about her health is all." He said, taking Chase's other hand and doing the same thing. "Because of the way she lives, she doesn't always get enough food to support her body and active lifestyle. You'll understand why in a moment." He added, pausing. "Any other injuries I should know about?" He asked, leaning back against the couch.

[stephy]

Chase Turned his head to rest lazily on it's side as Dj Sighed, sitting next to him and running his fingers through his silky hair. "I'm sorry, Chase." He started, rather glumly. Chase straigtned in his seat. His eyes trained on the boy next to him. "I told you I'd take care of you and I forgot. I guess I was seeing too many pretty things to remeber," He ended with a light hearted chuckle, the smirk playful and kind.

Dj paused for a moment, And Chase wondered what exactly he was thinking. His Blue eyes shifted, thoughtful before becoming humorful and then smoldering. His breath almost caught in his throat, greatful for the distraction of Trinell coming back into the room that made the contact part. His mind buzzed, and he focused on his hands once again, a moment passing before the 'Click' of the metal fastener that unlocked the First aid kit braught his attention back to Dj. He was greatful he seemed focused this time, and wasn't staring, that is until Dj grabbed his hand carefully and placed it on his leg to bandage it.

His already -strangely- quickly beating heart seemed to double it's speed. He sighed, masking a deep breath as he tried unsuccesfully to calm it down, wondering if it was pounding as loudly as he could feel it. He leaned one shoulder casually against the back of the couch as he sat facing the man now bandaging his hand. He wondered if he should visit a doctor, but something told him it was more then that, and he was missing something.

"Anyways, if that lazy wolf over there hadn't fallen asleep she would have told you about why we were argueing the kitchen earlier." Chase's mind drearily remembered earlier, the fighting.. At least it wasn't serious. "Really, I'm sorry you had to hear that, I just worry about her health is all" He explained briefly, Changing hands and sending a rather odd chill down Chase's Spine. He nodded, Sure he'd understand soon enough.

Dj paused once again, looking back to Chase as he leaned back against the couch. Chase stayed where he was, he was comfortable now as he examined the bandages on his hands. I look like a mummy. He grinned at the silly thought as it passed through his mind. "Any other injuries I should know about?" Dj's tone seemed concerned, and he looked back up thoughtfully, allowing a brief pause before he replied.

"I don't think so," He answered honestly, his own deep eyes veiled as he hesitated. "But what about you?" The tone of his voice concerned, he fiddled with the bandages as he continued, his mind elsewhere. "You've all been so nice to me, but no one's seemed to ask about you. Are you ok?" His eyes hid nothing, his deep concern was evident, maybe not as evident as he realized himself. After all the events, he doubted Dj was completely unscathed. Not after last night, everything they'd been through. Mentally and physically, it had to be tearing.

He went silent again, his breathing even even as his heart still hammered faster then it should. Complexities lost as he looked at the man accross from him.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Djakael nodded as Chase told him he had no other injuries, glad. He didn't want Chase to be injured any more than he already was, it was already too much after all. 'Chase shouldn't be hurt at all,' Thought Djakael fiercely, a surge of overprotectiveness rising within him.

"But what about you?" He blinked, confused. Chase sounded worried, his deep emerald eyes showing the depth of the emotion. "You've all been so nice to me, but no one's seemed to ask about you. Are you okay?" Djakael smiled softly, touched. Chase's worry was endearing.

"I'm fine, I promise." He assured, lifting his hand and setting it on Chase's head, ruffling his hair gently. "You don't have to worry about me, I'm a tough little nut thanks to Trin." He added softly, his soft smile still in place.

Letting his hand fall, Djakael gently stroked Chase's cheek for a moment before letting his hand fall back to his side. He needed to clean up the small mess he had made while taking care of Chase. Besides, he was letting himself get carried away. Sure, he knew Chase liked him, but Chase didn't know he liked him and that needed to change before anything else did.

Cleaning up his mess, Djakael closed up the first aid kit and stood. "Give me a moment, I need to put everything away." He excused himself, putting the first aid kit away and throwing the trash into the bin that sat next to the sink. For a moment, he stared at himself in the mirror, searching for something, anything, to ground himself before he went back to Chase.

Sighing, he shook his head and ran his hand through his hair once more. 'Just remember, Dj; Chase has to realize he likes you before anything else can happen, okay? Got it? Good.' Nodding to himself, he turned and left the bathroom.

Entering the living room, he chuckled slightly and shook his head as he saw that Trinell was still asleep. Of course she'd still be asleep. That nut could sleep through an earthquake if she wanted to.

Still chuckling, Djakael plopped down beside Chase, leaning back against the couch with his arms spread out along the back of it. All in all, a very comfortable position. 'It'd be more comfortable if Chase understood his feelings,' was Djakael's thoughts.