Friend or Foe?

[stephy]

Chase's eyes flickered over the boy's features as he answered, The corner of Dj's lips curving into a delicate smile, the warmth of his expression was soothing. "I'm fine, I promise." Dj's hand reached up, dishelving his hair and he winced, a small grin at the corner of his mouth. He found it hard to believe but he knew Dj was telling the truth the moment the words had come out.

He's such an amazing friend- His mind breathed, the childish smile on his face suddenly fading as he felt Dj's hand starting to drift towards his cheek. His face flushed a crimson, his eyes showing emotions he didn't understand yet the only thing he could think about. His heart hammered overtime in his chest. Another Chill sending a shiver through his body as the warm caress suddenly ended quite abruptly and Dj got up after uttering a quick word, leaving him alone on the couch.

His lips parted numbly, his mesh covered arms felt limp at his sides and his face was still flushed it's brilliant rose colour. His clouded forest eyes stared straight ahead, and his mind seemed to blank. He was greatful he was leaning against the back of the couch, or else he might have fallen over off of the couch completely. What just happened? The single statement whipped through his mind so quickly, he wondered if it had been a dream or some kind of delusion.

Quite suddenly he realized he had stopped breathing the moment Dj and stopped Ruffling his hair. He heaved as he took a sharp intake, the oxygen stinging his throat as he sat panting for a moment, a numbed hand raising to his chest as he caught his breath. What's wrong with me. His harsh breathes slowed as he calmed his racing heart down, but as hard as he tried his mind couldn't comprehend, couldn't.. He raised his hand from his chest to his cheek, tracing the line where Dj's hand had.. he let it fall to his side again.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see Dj's shadow came around from the hallway, his familiar chuckle amused by his own thoughts. The cusions jerked as Dj sat accross from him again, His eyes still fixed on nothing as they faught a battle within. He could feel Dj's eyes on him again, half of his own vision was made up Dj's form next to him. He forced himself back to reality, smiling what he hoped wasn't as distant looking as it felt.

"S-so, Shopping?" He Stuttered, his voice cracking as he started speaking.

[Terenzio DeVito]

"S-so, shopping?" Stuttered Chase after a moment, Djakael blinking. Oh yeah.

"Oh, that's right! Let's go to the mall and get you some stuff. Trinell may or may not still be here when we get back, so if she's gone don't worry. She's a bit of a busy bee, I guess you could say." He said, standing. Grabbing a pen and a piece of paper from the little couch-side table next to him, Djakael scrawled a quick note for Trinell, letting her know what was up before pulling his wallet out of his pocket and opening it. He pulled a fairly-sized wad of cash out of and pulled off a few hundred dollars. It would last her unbelievably long and he knew she would take it for his sake.

Wadding his money back up, he put it back in his wallet and returned it to his pocket. Quickly, he glanced over his shoulder at Chase and said, "I'll be by the door. Take your time, I still need to get my shoes on." He smiled and walked away, disappearing around the corner, headed for the door.

Once there, he slipped on his shoes and tied them up swiftly. He could hear getting ready and leaned back against the wall at angle that he could still see him at. Chase wouldn't be able to see him from where he was, but Djakael could see him perfectly.

Propping one foot up against the wall, Djakael crossed his arms over his chest and settled down to watch Chase with a smile.

[stephy]

"Oh, That's right!" Recognition flashed in his icy depths, and he explained briefly about Trinell before leaving a note and some cash. It all barely registered in his mind, as Dj sauntered towards the door. "Take your time." He called, His tall figure gone from sight.

The distracted smile on Chase's lips faded as he did, the same distant look taking over his face as before the question known as Dj entered the room. Sentient thought still seemed lost. His hand automatically shook as it rose towards his face, once again gently tracing the line where.. His eyes were a mash of a billion emotions, he managed to close his mouth from it's awkward position. His eyes closed, and he took a trembling breath.

Get ready, he's waiting. His mind prompted him, his eyes sliding open half way, flickering as they glanced down at his boots by the foot of the couch, his Trench coat folded neatly beside it. He raised both hands, still shaking furiously, and ran them through his midnight black locks. His breath sounded more even as he composed himself, letting his hair fall in front of his face and grabbing his boots, taking one and slipping it on before bluckling all the straps and fasteners attached to them that ran up his leg.

His face still felt warm under his skin, but he didn't bother trying to blame the heater. He didn't understand so his mind just refused to think about it, He could piece it together later maybe.. yeah.. Reaching up as he finished buckling the last part of the second boot, he grabbed his Trench coat and got to his feet so quickly it made his head feel rather dizzy. He leaned back a bit, his muscles feeling stiff. A gentle sigh left his lips, as put on his dark matte leather Trench coat, the safety and security it gave him made him feel slightly better about his condition. Zipping it up around his midsection, just enough that it hugged his form instead of hanging off of him. His eyes slipped closed as he stood, he felt like stone as he fell still, controlling the strange thoughts that had automatically turned on like a switch in his brain after the silence.

Stuffing his hands into his Trench coat Pockets after turning his collar up, He opened those gentle eyes that seemed so torn yet so sure, even if he wasn't. He took careful step, heading for the door to find his roomate already waiting. He sent him another careful smile that felt far more fake then he ever allowed himself. His stance seemed almost mocking as those smoldering eyes danced, sending another tremor down his spine.

"I'm ready." he stated as soon as he seemed gathered enough to say anything at all, he hoped it had come out better then he'd heard it.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Djakael smirked proudly to himself as he watched Chase raise a shaky hand to where he had touched, his face flushed somewhat. 'Well, then! That tells me everything I need to know,' He thought, proud of himself. Apparently it had affected Chase considerably more than he had originally thought.

Proud of himself, Djakael returned his attention to Chase as he got ready. He was already on his second boot. 'Holy crap, Chase! How do you buckle those things so fast?!' He gasped, shocked. Then he shook his head, sighing. 'Guess he's just that used to wearing them.' He added, shaking his head again. Smirk returning, he leaned his head back and watched Chase pull on his trenchcoat and zip it up to his waist, the fabric curving to his body. It looked good on him, to tell the truth. Not all people could pull off a look like that.

Djakael almost pouted again as Chase started for the door, somewhat disappointed. Then he shoved the thought from his mind, smirking. It would actually be better this was. Djakael knew just from looking at Chase that all the bi or gay guys on the streets would be jealous of Djakael for having him by his side, even if they weren't together. There was more than one guy they could pass that would put two and two together and think of them as a couple.

Chase stepped up to him, looking torn, and said, "I'm ready." Still smirking, Djakael nodded and pushed off the wall.

"Alright, let's go then." He replied, opening the door and letting Chase out. He seemed kind of hesitant to move, then hurried out. Djakael listened for any signs of Trinell waking before following behind. Shutting it behind him, he didn't bother to lock it. Trinell was there, and it would only be a matter of minutes before she Shifted forms now that he had left. If she didn't feel perfectly safe to sleep, she would unconsciously Shift into her wolf form for the benefits of her heightened senses.

Knowing Chase was following, he sauntered down the walkway and stairs, onto the surprisingly empty sidewalk.

He didn't see the cold ice blue eyes that followed him from the shadows.

[stephy]

"Alright, Let's go then" His voice coming out coi, his smirk indicating he knew something that Chase didn't. He paused, hopeing he hadn't done anything wrong.. No, I'm being paranoid. He told himself firmly, walking quickly out the doorway and stopping on the doorstep and Dj closed the door. The chill air of the coming afternoon hit his face as he whipped around after Dj, his bandaged hand clinging to the side railing as he hurried down the stairs and onto the sidewalk, the old cracked pavement split with age. His Trenchcoat billowed after him as they rounded the corner and headed in what he believed was the direction of the mall.

The cool midday sun warned their backs, casting dark shadows dripping around them. A small smile tugged at his lips, the feeling washing over him oddly safe and comforting, walking down the street even in broad daylight like this, with Dj at his side. Wind rustled against the surrounding trees and bushes, a chill wind ruffling his hair.

'Crack.' He stopped where he stood, hands burried deep inside his Trenchcoat pockets, His forest eyes darting towards where he had heard the sound. What was that? It had been an very quiet noise, almost unoticeable to most but.. He was sure he had heard it. He furrowed his brown, his hair blew annoyingly in front of his face but he ignored it. He almost considered Shifting to investigate, forgetting how afraid it made him, the only thought pushing through his mind was what was there..

"There's something there." He said, almost mouthing the words, his eyes not straying from the spot. The darkness from the bushes made it impossible to penetrate.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Djakael let his mind wander as he headed for the mall, Chase at his side. Before he even realized it, Djakael slipped into a peaceful silence, no thoughts passing through his head.

It was Chase's doing, he knew. Chase had the same effect on him that Trinell did, only there was more physical attraction coupled with it. Just like Trinell, Chase put Djakael in a relaxed, peaceful state. He made him feel safe, protected. Something he hadn't really felt in a long time.

And so it came as a surprise to Djakael when he suddenly realized that Chase had stopped walking and was staring into the bushes at something he couldn't see. Blinking, Djakael turned halfway around, curious. "Chase?" He asked, head tilted slightly. "What's up?" He followed Chase's gaze to no avail, not seeing what Chase was. Annoyed, he looked harder, trying to see.

This caused him to turn around completely, his back to even more bushes. He became blind to the malicious ice orbs behind him, oblivious to the sleek black panther that leapt from the bushes.

Slamming into him, Rohjyx forced Djakael into the ground, a gasp of shock escaping his lips. Crashing into the ground, Djakael whirled around to face his attacker, freezing as he saw what exactly was on top of him.

"Chase, get out of here. Now. Don't call animal control, though. This isn't some escaped panther from the zoo." He said, eyes never leaving the feline standing over him. There was no way this panther was a zoo animal. It was too intelligent, Djakael could see it in its eyes. 'A Shifter, perhaps?' He thought to himself.

Rohjyx drew his lips back in warning, a deep growl rumbling in his chest. Don't move. That was his clear-cut meaning.

Taking advantage of the panthers momentary distraction, Djakael shrimped and slipped out from under the panther, scrambling to his feet. It didn't matter. Before he could do anything else, Rohjyx leapt on him and slammed him into a tree, Djakael becoming stunned.

The breath left Djakael as he hit the tree, his head ramming into it, and his body slowly slid down to the ground, slumping slightly. His head spun and throbbed painfully, making him want to hurl. He didn't allow himself to, though, and instead watched in rising fear as the panther hissed at him then turned towards Chase. His vision started to blur, but he could still see well enough to know what might happen. 'No! Chase! Please, Chase, get away! Don't let him get you!' He wanted to scream, tried to scream, but no sound came out. He couldn't move, his jarred brain was too muddled to tell his body what to do.

So he watched in terror as the panther prepared to leap onto Chase. 'NO!!'

[stephy]

"Chase?" He could hear the puzzled tone in his voice as Dj turned, Chase's eyes scanning too late to see the large blur of black Jump right onto Dj's back. No. Those icey blue eyes seemed locked onto Dj as it loomed over him, claws erect and ready to tear, teath bared in the most threatening way.. He froze in place, his mind catching up to what his eyes were seeing.

"Chase, get out of here. Now." His voice was low, controlled but pleading. He saw worry flashing in Dj's usually cool eyes, the same panic and terror that had haunted his so many times before, but more then anything the night previous.. Dj.. He hadn't left Chase's side, this wasn't time to abandon him. His heart thudded, it felt like it was being torn out of his chest. He took a small step forward.

Dj scrambled out from under the Large panther before Chase had the chance to move, the cat swung out a paw as soon as he'd gotten to his full height."No!" His scream pierced as Dj Went flying against the tree near the walkway, His eyes rolling back, focusing and unfocusing as he slid down the rough bark of the tree. From where he stood, his breathing wasn't right, his body looked broken.. Slowly the panther turned, it's muscled hindquarters squaring as it snarled up at him.

This couldn't happen, not to Dj. Rage bubbled up inside of him out of no where, his eyes flashing red and his teeth slowly grinding together, turning into a snarl of his own. No. Eyebrows furled, his fists balled at his sides as he stared, Clenching and unclenching. He'd Never looking as menacing as he did at this moment. At the back of his mind a throbbing pain started, but he ignored it. No, this monster was getting a beating from his own hand. Clouds seemed to shift over the sun, everything looked shadowed. His eyes quickly darted to Dj's very still form, his eyelids slid halfway, he was obviously fighting conciousness, fighting..

Without thinking he shifted into his Wolf form, faster then he ever had. Fear forgotten, He loomed over the Panther, His fur bristling and makeing him look much larger then he already was. His lips pulled back into a fearsome snarl, his eyes showing bloodlust, need to avenge, make the beast pay for what it had done. The Bandages from his hands fell loosely off his paws, too large to stay in place in his new form. The cold rough pavement nagging painfully at his wounds, feeding the anger coursing through his veins. His silver tipped tail twitched, Thoughts buzzing around his head like flies to his focused mind. Dj wasn't going down like this, No matter how much he thought about it all he could think about was that single line. He wouldn't let him be hurt, he wouldn't let him be touched. He wouldn't lose him, He couldn't lose him. Not now. A low growl came from the back of his throat, his snarl deepening.

He lunged forward quite suddenly without warning, Landing as he spun on the back of the shadowed creature. His teeth bit furousiously into the back of the cat's neck, teeth singing as deep as they would allow until he felt bone. He knew very well it wasn't a lethal spot, but enough to send pain worse then you could imagine shooting through his body. Jumping off, he skidded away to a distance, standing in front of the tree where Dj lay broken. He turned an ear backwards, The jagged breaths telling him he was still concious. His own breaths heaved, his shoulders hunched threateningly dareing the cat to attack him again.

"Get out of here, And leave us alone." His own voice sounded not like his own, Low, slow and furious, As he glared with a look that could cut stone into the eyes of the animal accross from him. He made sure he was directly within distance of Dj that he could protect him if he had to, his mind focused soley on keeping the boy safe.

He waited, expecting claws to score accross his pelt at any moment.

[Terenzio DeVito]

Djakael and Rohjyx were surprised when Chase Shifted suddenly into a massive ebony wolf taller than him, although Rohjyx didn't show it. Growling once more, he was about to leap when the boy beat him to it, flying onto his back and clamping his powerful jaws around the back of his neck.

Djakael wanted to scream, fight, do something. Anything would be fine so long as it helped Chase. All he could hear was his own heart pounding, his head throbbing. But he could see. Not clearly, of course not, but well enough to know that Chase was in a very dominant position.

Roaring, Rohjyx writhed in pain and anger, wanting the wolf off him now. He got his wish when he suddenly released him and leapt off him, landing before Dj in a wholly protective position. Obviously, he would attack again if he needed to. He would do everything he could to defend that Thief Djakael.

Djakael refused to blink, knowing he would pass out should he do so, and tried to fight off the darkness he could see closing in on the edge of his blurred vision.

Fighting through it, he saw Chase standing before him, prepared to attack or defend, whichever he saw fit, with one ear swivled back around to him, listening for something. His body lost some of the fear-induced tenseness and became more fluid, smooth. He had been reassured, and was now considerably more lethal. Djakael didn't care about the furious bleeding panther that was backing away.

Growling furiously and bleeding profusely, Rohjyx backed away. He needed to get his wounds taken care, now.

Disappearing into the foliage, he turned and took off, dashing almost silently past a few people going the same was as him and into the alleys.

Djakael felt relief pour through him, thanking God that everything had turned out alright. Chase had won. He was fine. Thank God, he was fine!

Gathering all of his strength, Djakael choked out, "Thank God, you're okay Chase..." and smiled a weak smile. He couldn't fight the darkness anymore, it was overpowering him. He kept his focus on Chase, however, still fighting passing out. The darkness took more of his vision.

[stephy]

Seconds seemed like hours, Blood seeped from the gaping wound Chase had left in the beast's neck as it backed away, spilling and staining the ground with a bright red tint. Dj's breathing seemed to ease somewhat, and Chase's tense muscles released their pressure as the cat streaked away. He Sent a malice filled snarl after it as it vanished into the brush, Streaking the ground with Crimson as it left.

He turned his Dark blood stained muzzle towards Dj, His eyes turning from anger to intense worry. He slowly turned back to normal, his midnight black hair stained with blood, thought returning. He walked back, a couple strides bringing him to the man's side as he kneeled down, leaning on one knee in front of him. He had to get him out of here, to safety. He Reached out with his strong arms, Pulling his nearly limp body against him protectively. His charge coughed, his eyes sliding up to look at Chase, a faint smile on the edges of his lips.

"Thank God, You're ok Chase.." He rasped, his eyes began to close and his body went completely Limp in his arms. "No, Dj! Wake up!" He pleaded as he held him tighter, His silence broken as his heart raced. He had to be ok! He could still feel the boy's heart beating in his chest, it was fainter then he would have liked. "No.." he whispered, Pulling him tighter against himself. He's going to be ok. All traces of the bloodlust he felt earlier were gone, he almost cried as he held his warm body against his. He gulped roughly in his throat.

Very gently he lifted Dj up, It felt like his insides were being torn out. Dj's pale face was the only thing in his vision as he stared down at the unconcious form in his arms, beggining to walk instinctively back to the appartment, his feet carrying him as he got lost in his mind. "You can't get hurt anymore." He whispered, His Trenchcoat billowing behind him as a slow breeze went by, stinging his eyes as he squinted down. The bright mid-day sun came out from behind the cloud that had previously veiled it, a bright ray shining down upon them mocking the grim mood.

The doorstep of Dj's unlocked Appartment appeared faster then he realized, his grip tightening as he kicked open the door, the frame already ajar from what he geussed was Trinell leaving. "Dj, I-" He choked, He walked forward quickly, His head looking from side to side in urgency. His muscles ached pathetically as he turned a corner into a room that must have been Dj's, His artistic flair clearly visable in everything right down to the sheets on the large bed in the center of the room. He took no notice, only rushing forward and placeing Dj gently down onto the soft silken covers.

I'm sorry, I couldn't protect you.. He reached an arm forward, gently running his fingers through the boy's hair as he sat on the bed beside him. He wouldn't take his eyes off him again for a second. His face looked so peaceful somehow, but spikes of worry wouldn't kept him in reality. How had this happened, and who was that monster who tried to hurt him? Fury began to bubble up inside of him but he forced it back down.

He gently brushed back a few strands of hair that had found their way in front of Dj's face, His breath caught for a second as he remembered earlier that day, when he had brushed his cheek.. His heart beat quickly in his chest again at the thought. "Dj, I-.." His lips moved without a sound. His head drooped lower, his hand still cupping Dj's cheek. His eyes slid partially closed, until he was just inches from that handsome face..

What am I doing..

[Terenzio DeVito]

Pain.

That's all that Djakael felt. Pain. All along his back and his head. His arms and legs felt like deadweights, as well. And all he could see was darkness. A deep, smothering darkness that allowed for no light.

...Scratch that. He could see a faint light; it was getting brighter slowly. It kept growing until it filled all of his vision, a dark figure taking over as he glanced to the side slightly. It took him a moment to recognize who it was, and then his eyes snapped fully open and he jerked upright, into a sitting position. Chase! Whirling around, he faced Chase, ignoring the painful headrush and even more painful throbbing.

"Chase! Oh my God, Chase! You didn't get hurt did you?!" He gasped, frantic. Oh, how he hoped to God that Chase was fine! He didn't care so much about he himself being injured, but Chase being injured made it too much. 'Please! Don't be hurt! Please, Chase!' He exclaimed mentally, reaching out to the boy. "Please, Chase... Tell me you're not hurt... Please, don't be hurt again..." He pleaded, wrapping his arms around the boy and pulling him tight against him. He buried his head in his shoulder, holding on as tight as he could. It was to stop the shaking.

It worked for a moment, but then the shaking became too powerful. All of his fear, all of his adrenaline... All of it. It was realizing that it wasn't needed here, and his body shook from the unneeded terror. "Oh, please, dear God, don't be hurt again!" He whispered, pleading. He didn't move from where he sat, Chase pulled tightly against him and his head pressed into his shoulder.