Having forgotten to close her blinds before bed, Jillian awoke rudely to a shard of sunlight streaming through, landing directly on her eyes.
"Owwwww...." She groaned and rolled away from the light onto her side. The windows throughout the den were specially customized to remain dim even in sunlight, but when you're used to no light at all, even the tempered light was strong.
Unfortunately when she rolled over, she had chosen the side she had landed against the headstone with, and her groan increased. Not that the pain was unbearable, and in fact was almost imperceptible, but it was enough this early in the morning to give her a small reason to whine.
When it became apparent she wasn't going back to sleep, Jillian stretched and climbed out of bed. Her focus immediately went to the events of the previous night, and her brow furrowed. She needed to talk to Xeph about the new wolf, and hoped she might catch him first thing before he became to busy to deal with a young girl's flights of fancy. Not that her concerns weren't important to her, but Jillian wasn't sure if they would be to anyone else, least of all her pack alpha.
Dressing in comfy, but newer jeans, and a beige tank top with yellow flowers and the words 'Student of Life' written across the back, Jillian slipped into a pair of yellow flip flops, stepped out onto her balcony to brush her hair into a ponytail, and then set out to locate her leader.
The Den seemed remarkably quiet upon entering the main room, and Jillian hoped she wasn't the only one awake. Thinking it might be a good idea to wait just a short while before finding Xeph, she used the extra time to get something to eat, and found she was her typical ravenous diner. The kitchen off the communal dining room was also empty, which was okay with Jillian today. She loved company, and often ate outside her own suite just for that reason, but with her head full of thoughts today, she didn't miss it. Once she cleaned up her mess, she sought out and found Xeph in his office.
Once she explained her visit to the cemetery the last night, and her run in with the wolf, Xeph gave her the standard alpha lecture that she needed to be careful, and if she sought out this wolf again she should take a Piper with her for protection. He went on to warn her that if she wasn't careful, and didn't return by nightfall, he would send out the troops to locate her. Jillian looked at the man somberly, but at times had to bite her tongue to avoid smiling at him. He cared about his pack, and she appreciated that, but every now and then when he said something to remind her of her father, she felt immensely happy, and her face radiated that emotion.
To appease her elder, and out of respect, she acknowledged his wisdom, and agreed. Over the past year Jillian had relied on Xeph for many answers, as well as just some 'fatherly' support, and found he was more than able to provide her with that missing component in her life. She hadn't found anyone to come close to representing a motherly faction, but with Xeph around, Jillian really hadn't longed for anything emotionally under the 'parental' guise. Not that she consciously noticed anyway.
Before she left for her days explorations she also looked for Hammer, wanting to just touch bases with the huge mountainous man. Also during the past year Jillian had developed some feelings for the pack's second in command, though nothing as deep as those for Xeph. Whether or not he intended to, Hammer left Jillian feeling a bit uneasy still. He was without doubt an intimidating man, though she could understand some reasons for that. He had a job to do for the pack, and it helped him do it, she was sure. And he didn't scare her nearly as much as he had when she first met him, but he just wasn't someone she could curl up next to and hug...really. As it turned out she couldn't find him anywhere, so she decided to go about her business, and try again later.
Amid her distractions she forgot totally about finding a Piper to escort her, but when she finally did remember later, she blew it off thinking it was daylight and she couldn't imagine being in much peril this early in the day. Her reasoning may not have been sound, but it seemed so at the moment, to her.
Unbeknown to Jillian, once she stepped out of the Den, a pair of blue eyes never left her side.
Uh...hey...
The sun rose seemingly earlier than usual, and Jesse woke up without his normal preamble. Even once awake, he skipped over his routine stretches, and warm ups, used to get his body moving. He was NOT a morning person, but if pushed he could be ready for any challenge if he had some time to tune into the day. People just couldn't rush him, and expect anything more than a growl.
Like it or not, and thinking on it long and hard, convinced Jesse he wasn't sure he did like it, but he had things to do today that he couldn't put off any longer. First he had to find the girl, and then he had to meet the Kadzait alpha. If things went as he hoped, one might enable the second, or make it more palatable anyway. He would just have to make sure he did everything he could not to screw it up. Sometimes he didn't move so well among people. Sometimes he said the wrong thing, or acted the wrong way, and all hell broke loose. So most of the time he tried to just hang with himself, and avoid those kinds of situations. Sometimes they were unadvoidable.
Once he made his morning kill, Jesse ran toward town on four legs. Moving about was usually much easier that way, as long as he had the cover of the woods. When he could hide no longer he shifted, and dressed in jeans, sandals, and a hoodie, both of which were clean, and came from a pack he toted around. He had a t-shirt to wear under the hoodie, but wanted to wash up first, which he did at a gas station on the outskirts of town. Feeling presentable, Jesse took the rest of the walk on two legs, but still stuck to the woods as much as possible.
Knowing a wide expanse of woods backed up to the Kadzait compound, he made it all the way to the log and stone building he'd seen the girl enter the night before. There was a check point out in front of the property where he knew he should check in at, and would, but first he wanted a better look of things during the daylight hours. It was early, and things were still pretty quiet.
Jillian
15 years ago
Jesse
15 years ago
With the sun slowly rising, Jesse was able to hide in the shadows, as long as no one was outside and in his general vicinity to catch his scent. Staying upwind he still managed to get close enough to try and peek into a window, but when he discovered he couldn't see anything anyway, he retreated, and waited.
He really had no clue as to why he thought she would appear this morning, or even if he would know who 'she' was when she did. It didn't seem likely that the young female would leave the building on four legs...not during the day. Though he would have recognized her if she had, he wanted to see 'her', instead.
Much of his waking time had been spent trying to figure out what he was going to say to her, and how he was going to present himself. Social amenities were not his strong point, but he could usually do okay with introductions. At least if the introductions were important to him.
Jesse was the epitome of a loner, and always had been, even when his grandparents had been living. Though they could often convince him to join them in family events, he always remained on the outside of a group, and only communicated with others on a one-to-one basis. People often knew of him, just nothing about him, other than the superficial skin he allowed them to see.
Even though he wasn't a man about town, or life of any party, Jesse wasn't a loser either, not when it came to the opposite sex. There were enough girls out there who had no problem taking care of his needs. He'd even been lucky enough to find those who didn't really expect anything in return either, though he usually took them out to dinner, or even a movie before hand. But Jesse had never been close to a girl yet, and without any experience to fall back on, felt quite awkward.
He didn't like feeling awkward.
Staying in the shade of the trees, once the sun had risen enough to possibly become a problem, Jesse considered leaving, and returning again later. Before he could give that more thought, the door to the building opened, and out 'she' came.
He knew it was 'her'. Something in both her scent, and the way she stood...he was certain it was the female he'd followed the night before, and his eyes became glued to her every move.
Studying her, as she stood on the porch, Jesse saw how small she was, and was surprised. Those of his kind were usually much larger, even the women. Or at least those he had seen, and known. Her hair gleamed black as onyx as the sun caught it, and the sway of her ponytail. Her body, round and succulent wore the clothing almost like a second skin...wow, who would have thought all that had been hidden in her silky fur...
It was somewhat frustrating to not know her, and not be able to just walk up to her and start talking. Jesse didn't want to just watch as she stretched, and welcomed the day...he wanted to share it with her.
He really had no clue as to why he thought she would appear this morning, or even if he would know who 'she' was when she did. It didn't seem likely that the young female would leave the building on four legs...not during the day. Though he would have recognized her if she had, he wanted to see 'her', instead.
Much of his waking time had been spent trying to figure out what he was going to say to her, and how he was going to present himself. Social amenities were not his strong point, but he could usually do okay with introductions. At least if the introductions were important to him.
Jesse was the epitome of a loner, and always had been, even when his grandparents had been living. Though they could often convince him to join them in family events, he always remained on the outside of a group, and only communicated with others on a one-to-one basis. People often knew of him, just nothing about him, other than the superficial skin he allowed them to see.
Even though he wasn't a man about town, or life of any party, Jesse wasn't a loser either, not when it came to the opposite sex. There were enough girls out there who had no problem taking care of his needs. He'd even been lucky enough to find those who didn't really expect anything in return either, though he usually took them out to dinner, or even a movie before hand. But Jesse had never been close to a girl yet, and without any experience to fall back on, felt quite awkward.
He didn't like feeling awkward.
Staying in the shade of the trees, once the sun had risen enough to possibly become a problem, Jesse considered leaving, and returning again later. Before he could give that more thought, the door to the building opened, and out 'she' came.
He knew it was 'her'. Something in both her scent, and the way she stood...he was certain it was the female he'd followed the night before, and his eyes became glued to her every move.
Studying her, as she stood on the porch, Jesse saw how small she was, and was surprised. Those of his kind were usually much larger, even the women. Or at least those he had seen, and known. Her hair gleamed black as onyx as the sun caught it, and the sway of her ponytail. Her body, round and succulent wore the clothing almost like a second skin...wow, who would have thought all that had been hidden in her silky fur...
It was somewhat frustrating to not know her, and not be able to just walk up to her and start talking. Jesse didn't want to just watch as she stretched, and welcomed the day...he wanted to share it with her.
Jillian
15 years ago
Bounding down the steps, feeling as light as the breeze blowing wistfully across the lawn, Jillian reveled in the cool morning air. Soon the temperatures would heat up and the atmosphere would take on an almost oppressive feel, weighing a person down, and making them feel sluggish, and drawn. But right that minute it gave her a sense of anything could happen.
As she walked, she bounced a little, feeling the earth beneath the balls of her feet, and her hands gently swaying front, and back with her fingertips skimming her thighs. It occurred to her that she probably should have grabbed her sunglasses before she set out, but didn't want to take the time to go back after them. With her dark eyes, she knew she could handle being in the sun without them, even if she might have preferred otherwise.
Though she alternated between a sort of jogging skip and a walk, until she reached the beach she kept her pace brisk. Feeling a smile on her face, Jillian shook her head at herself, wondering why she felt so goofy, and giddy today. If anything she knew realistically she should be cautious, and possibly worrisome, but she was none of those things.
Still a considerable distance from the cemetery, Jillian saw him. He only briefly skimmed her vision to the side, but without even looking in his direction, she knew who it was. Her smile dropped, but her heart remained light, and slowing her step a little, Jillian began to wonder what she might say to him, by way of engaging the man in conversation. She needed to find out what she could about him to, a)make sure he wasn't a threat to her, and b) satisfy her curiosity. Why was this 'Oz' affecting her as he was?
Not seriously realizing what she was doing, Jillian began routing her steps up the beach, away from the ocean, and more toward the trees where she'd seen him. Her movements were so gradual, she doubted he would notice until she was much closer. As far as she went, that was exactly when she realized it herself.
Feeling him now only about ten, maybe fifteen yards away, still hiding in the shadows of the trees, Jillian stopped, and looked directly to the spot where she knew him to be.
"You can come out now, you know? I'm not blind. I've known you were there for some time."
Crossing her arms across her chest, Jillian now faced the trees and waited, ever alert. If need be she could be off and running with little warning. She would shuck her flip flops, but was confident speed would be on her side.
Unless he changed, that was.
As she walked, she bounced a little, feeling the earth beneath the balls of her feet, and her hands gently swaying front, and back with her fingertips skimming her thighs. It occurred to her that she probably should have grabbed her sunglasses before she set out, but didn't want to take the time to go back after them. With her dark eyes, she knew she could handle being in the sun without them, even if she might have preferred otherwise.
Though she alternated between a sort of jogging skip and a walk, until she reached the beach she kept her pace brisk. Feeling a smile on her face, Jillian shook her head at herself, wondering why she felt so goofy, and giddy today. If anything she knew realistically she should be cautious, and possibly worrisome, but she was none of those things.
Still a considerable distance from the cemetery, Jillian saw him. He only briefly skimmed her vision to the side, but without even looking in his direction, she knew who it was. Her smile dropped, but her heart remained light, and slowing her step a little, Jillian began to wonder what she might say to him, by way of engaging the man in conversation. She needed to find out what she could about him to, a)make sure he wasn't a threat to her, and b) satisfy her curiosity. Why was this 'Oz' affecting her as he was?
Not seriously realizing what she was doing, Jillian began routing her steps up the beach, away from the ocean, and more toward the trees where she'd seen him. Her movements were so gradual, she doubted he would notice until she was much closer. As far as she went, that was exactly when she realized it herself.
Feeling him now only about ten, maybe fifteen yards away, still hiding in the shadows of the trees, Jillian stopped, and looked directly to the spot where she knew him to be.
"You can come out now, you know? I'm not blind. I've known you were there for some time."
Crossing her arms across her chest, Jillian now faced the trees and waited, ever alert. If need be she could be off and running with little warning. She would shuck her flip flops, but was confident speed would be on her side.
Unless he changed, that was.
Jesse
15 years ago
At one point in Jesse's life he found he possessed a helpful ability, and over time worked to develop it. When he wanted he learned he could almost disappear into the background, or appear to anyway, and it served him well in his quest for survival. Though he didn't actually disappear, he blended into his surroundings so well that unless someone really focused on the spot where he was standing, he would go completely unnoticed.
When he needed food, or money, living on the streets, Jesse could create a distraction, and slip into a store to take what he wanted. Sometimes he would get a stranger to help, and give them part of the cut, but most of the time he just bided his time until someone else created the distraction naturally, and then he took advantage. A few times he came close to being caught, in the beginning, but never was.
So what went wrong this time?
Tracking the girl, Jesse stayed safely back, out of her view, and never got close enough for her to scent him. All the while he found himself nearly oblivious to where he was going, and how fast. For once in his life his attentions weren't on himself, but her. And then she saw him!
Freezing in his tracks, he held his breath and willed himself to change, but not into a wolf, rather the trees. Hearing her words he felt his body tense and nothing went off like it should have. But he didn't move. He couldn't. He just stood, stock still, and rushed through his head searching for a response that wouldn't make him sound utterly crazy, or stalkerish.
"Uh...hey."
He sighed. Brilliant, you ass, he thought.
When he needed food, or money, living on the streets, Jesse could create a distraction, and slip into a store to take what he wanted. Sometimes he would get a stranger to help, and give them part of the cut, but most of the time he just bided his time until someone else created the distraction naturally, and then he took advantage. A few times he came close to being caught, in the beginning, but never was.
So what went wrong this time?
Tracking the girl, Jesse stayed safely back, out of her view, and never got close enough for her to scent him. All the while he found himself nearly oblivious to where he was going, and how fast. For once in his life his attentions weren't on himself, but her. And then she saw him!
Freezing in his tracks, he held his breath and willed himself to change, but not into a wolf, rather the trees. Hearing her words he felt his body tense and nothing went off like it should have. But he didn't move. He couldn't. He just stood, stock still, and rushed through his head searching for a response that wouldn't make him sound utterly crazy, or stalkerish.
"Uh...hey."
He sighed. Brilliant, you ass, he thought.
Jillian
15 years ago
It took everything Jillian had in her not to burst out laughing. Any trepidation she might have had fled and was replaced with amusement. Here was the big bad who she had been curious about, and while he was indeed big, he didn't look any more the 'bad' than her Kadzait brethern, Drew!
This guy looked to be about her age, give or take a couple years, but what really had her biting her tongue was his look of shock, and fear that he was trying so very hard to mask. A spark of pity ignited, and Jillian regained herself. Thinking she needed to retain the upper hand here, she puffed herself up a bit, and drew on some found forced bravado.
"Hey yourself! Why are you following me? Who are you? What do you want?"
With little thought, Jillian walked up the small bluff, toward the trees and the boy.
"You're the wolf I saw in the cemetery last night, aren't you?"
She had no doubts they were one and the same, and was interested to see if he would admit to it.
"Did you follow me home?"
This guy looked to be about her age, give or take a couple years, but what really had her biting her tongue was his look of shock, and fear that he was trying so very hard to mask. A spark of pity ignited, and Jillian regained herself. Thinking she needed to retain the upper hand here, she puffed herself up a bit, and drew on some found forced bravado.
"Hey yourself! Why are you following me? Who are you? What do you want?"
With little thought, Jillian walked up the small bluff, toward the trees and the boy.
"You're the wolf I saw in the cemetery last night, aren't you?"
She had no doubts they were one and the same, and was interested to see if he would admit to it.
"Did you follow me home?"
Jesse
15 years ago
As he watched the smile play around the corners of her mouth, Jesse didn't feel the usual anger he would have felt in the past. Anger with himself because of any shortcomings that happened to be revealed to his enemies was something he had worked long and hard on dealing with. Once he convinced himself it didn't matter what others thought of him, he no longer got pissed off at himself.
Still, this time, it was different. This time he did care what she thought of him, because for whatever reason, this girl was important to him. What eased his concern was that she didn't seem truly bothered by the fact that he had been following her, no matter how stern she tried to sound.
But the questions...ALL the questions being fired at him all at once...they sent his head spinning momentarily.
"I am one and the same...the name's Jesse, and I was following you because you seemed to have been following me, last night."
Standing his ground, Jesse wasn't sure if what he had just said was true, but he would stick to it for now. Yes she seemed interested in him last night, and did follow him around the cemetery some, but that was all he had seen of HER supposed stalking. It was pretty weak.
"I just followed you home to make sure you made it, you being so young and all. Couldn't let a fellow pack member get harmed, now could I?"
He liked her voice, soft but clear, and with a slight smoky edge to it. It wasn't really a voice that would be guaranteed to belt out a song well, but he could imagine it behind some love songs.
Shaking his head, Jesse's irritation with himself flared up. Yes he was glad he'd met her, and yes he knew there was going to be more between them, but damn it, he had to stop being so fucking romantic. That wouldn't do him any good right now.
Still, this time, it was different. This time he did care what she thought of him, because for whatever reason, this girl was important to him. What eased his concern was that she didn't seem truly bothered by the fact that he had been following her, no matter how stern she tried to sound.
But the questions...ALL the questions being fired at him all at once...they sent his head spinning momentarily.
"I am one and the same...the name's Jesse, and I was following you because you seemed to have been following me, last night."
Standing his ground, Jesse wasn't sure if what he had just said was true, but he would stick to it for now. Yes she seemed interested in him last night, and did follow him around the cemetery some, but that was all he had seen of HER supposed stalking. It was pretty weak.
"I just followed you home to make sure you made it, you being so young and all. Couldn't let a fellow pack member get harmed, now could I?"
He liked her voice, soft but clear, and with a slight smoky edge to it. It wasn't really a voice that would be guaranteed to belt out a song well, but he could imagine it behind some love songs.
Shaking his head, Jesse's irritation with himself flared up. Yes he was glad he'd met her, and yes he knew there was going to be more between them, but damn it, he had to stop being so fucking romantic. That wouldn't do him any good right now.
Jillian
15 years ago
"Young?!"
Before she rose completely to the bait, Jillian shut her mouth. That she practically 'harumphed' irritated her, but at least she had the wherewithal to not start screaming at him.
It didn't take her long at all to see that he was just trying to rile her, and she had no desire to feed into that.
Apart from that, didn't she WANT to meet him, and find out what he was all about anyway? How easy it seemed that he was able to distract her from her goal. Her eyes narrowed only slightly as she vowed to keep on her toes around him.
"Well, as you can see I arrived safe and sound and am perfectly fine, so you really don't need to worry yourself about me any longer."
But wait! Why was she acting like she wanted nothing more to do with him? She wanted to know where he was from, and was he in fact a member of her pack? Was he going to be staying on in Nachton, or just passing through? She had a lot more to ask, so why was she dismissing him so soon?!
Before she rose completely to the bait, Jillian shut her mouth. That she practically 'harumphed' irritated her, but at least she had the wherewithal to not start screaming at him.
It didn't take her long at all to see that he was just trying to rile her, and she had no desire to feed into that.
Apart from that, didn't she WANT to meet him, and find out what he was all about anyway? How easy it seemed that he was able to distract her from her goal. Her eyes narrowed only slightly as she vowed to keep on her toes around him.
"Well, as you can see I arrived safe and sound and am perfectly fine, so you really don't need to worry yourself about me any longer."
But wait! Why was she acting like she wanted nothing more to do with him? She wanted to know where he was from, and was he in fact a member of her pack? Was he going to be staying on in Nachton, or just passing through? She had a lot more to ask, so why was she dismissing him so soon?!
Jesse
15 years ago
Now it was Jesse's turn to fight back a smile, but he seemed able to do so just as easily as she had.
"Ayep, you look very much safe and sound..." And much more, he thought, but didn't verbalize.
"So I've admitted my sins to you, how about you come clean with yourself? What was with all the interest at the cemetery last night...uh...I don't know what to call you."
It was a clumsy attempt to ask for her name, but seriously, he had to know it, and under the circumstances he thought she should have offered it without prodding. Then, it did give him reason to prolong the conversation, which is what he wanted, even if she had other ideas. He wasn't about to just turn and walk away with his tail between his legs because she was done with him.
Waiting for her answer, while trying to look nonchalant, Jesse pulled some needles off a tree, and casually tossed them into the air, as if he always did such a thing while standing at the edge of the forest.
"Ayep, you look very much safe and sound..." And much more, he thought, but didn't verbalize.
"So I've admitted my sins to you, how about you come clean with yourself? What was with all the interest at the cemetery last night...uh...I don't know what to call you."
It was a clumsy attempt to ask for her name, but seriously, he had to know it, and under the circumstances he thought she should have offered it without prodding. Then, it did give him reason to prolong the conversation, which is what he wanted, even if she had other ideas. He wasn't about to just turn and walk away with his tail between his legs because she was done with him.
Waiting for her answer, while trying to look nonchalant, Jesse pulled some needles off a tree, and casually tossed them into the air, as if he always did such a thing while standing at the edge of the forest.
Jillian
15 years ago
"Jillian, and last night I wasn't interested...just a little curious. I was coming home from Tropics, and thought I'd cut through the cemetery. If you hadn't been acting all mysterious..."
She let the rest of her thought fade in the breeze, not wanting to admit too much. But at least he had stuck around and not taken her implied suggestion to leave, to heart.
"Anyway, all that aside, what WERE you doing hanging around a cemetery? You're not living there are you?"
She had nothing to base her assumptions on, but she just knew he was Kadzait, and thought it was just out right odd that he hadn't come to the Den when he got to Nachton. And she was sure he wasn't living at the Den...she would have noticed someone like...
"You are Kadzait, right? Why didn't you just come to the Den? Xeph is great. I'm sure he would have seen to it that you were made right at home - there's tons of room there."
It never occurred to Jillian that this boy would have any reasons to avoid the pack, or Xeph, or anyone for that matter. In Jillian's world everyone was seen at face value, and until proven otherwise, she didn't seen any hidden motives or agendas in anyone. For all of her life Jillian had been very trusting, and had no reason now to change. Jesse's actions gave her reason for pause.
"It has to be more comfortable than laying around dusty, musty, dead people. Right? Or are you just that anti-social?"
That last part was said in jest. Jillian didn't really think he would choose to live in a cemetery over being around people. That was just silly.
She let the rest of her thought fade in the breeze, not wanting to admit too much. But at least he had stuck around and not taken her implied suggestion to leave, to heart.
"Anyway, all that aside, what WERE you doing hanging around a cemetery? You're not living there are you?"
She had nothing to base her assumptions on, but she just knew he was Kadzait, and thought it was just out right odd that he hadn't come to the Den when he got to Nachton. And she was sure he wasn't living at the Den...she would have noticed someone like...
"You are Kadzait, right? Why didn't you just come to the Den? Xeph is great. I'm sure he would have seen to it that you were made right at home - there's tons of room there."
It never occurred to Jillian that this boy would have any reasons to avoid the pack, or Xeph, or anyone for that matter. In Jillian's world everyone was seen at face value, and until proven otherwise, she didn't seen any hidden motives or agendas in anyone. For all of her life Jillian had been very trusting, and had no reason now to change. Jesse's actions gave her reason for pause.
"It has to be more comfortable than laying around dusty, musty, dead people. Right? Or are you just that anti-social?"
That last part was said in jest. Jillian didn't really think he would choose to live in a cemetery over being around people. That was just silly.
Jesse
15 years ago
Jillian. For some reason that name took him by surprise, but if he'd had a gun pressed to his head he wouldn't have been able to explain why.
Not given time to ponder the name, the girl was really quick with the questions, and loved asking a ton of them. Again he was amused, and this time let the half smile come out.
"I was living there, for the short time since I arrived. I had a few things to take care of before I approached our alpha."
He answered as if it really wasn't her business, and she should feel privileged to be given a response. No point in telling her he wanted to get his bearings first, so when he did meet the alpha he didn't come off as some 'wet behind the ears' pup...even if he probably still was to a large degree. He did have his pride, and didn't want to bring shame to his grandfather.
By speaking of 'their' alpha, he had answered her next question as well. Yes, he was Kadzait.
"I was planning on seeing if I could talk to Aidan Xephier today in fact, and offering my services to the pack in exchange for lodgings."
Today, tomorrow, Jesse only made his decision at that moment, feeling like he had to have a more definite plan, or risk disappointing Jillian in some way.
He also hadn't given any thought to working for the pack until then either. Though he didn't have a job yet, he was sure he could get one quickly, especially if he was willing to do some things others would find distasteful. Dirty, illegal, dangerous? He'd done a lot of that, and undoubtedly would continue. He had nothing against being legit, but those jobs WERE more difficult to come by, and he did need to eat.
Plus, he had no intentions of just living off the pack. He had taken care of himself since the age of thirteen, and done a damn fine job of it too. There was no reason now to expect handouts.
The 'anti-social' comment went unremarked on for several moments. Jesse WAS anti-social for the most part, socializing only when he needed something from someone. That he now found himself drawn to Jillian, and wanting to be around her did not make him think differently. She was different. She wasn't just anyone. If his first gut instinct proved true, they were meant to be together, and he would see that they were. That didn't have to involve anyone else, in his opinion.
"I keep to myself when possible. I know myself, and trust myself...it's a pleasant arrangement, and one that works for me." He paused then looked through the trees in the direction of the cemetery.
"And I don't look at the smells in the graveyard as those of death. I see them more as the smells of history. Every person buried there, from the tiniest baby to the oldest codger, has a story. I like imagining what those stories are."
That was the most personal thing he had said about himself to anyone in years, and it immediately made Jesse uncomfortable. Would she laugh now, and ridicule him? Tease him about living in a fantasy world? He had gone that route when he'd been much younger, and was one reason partially responsible for his aloofness now.
Not given time to ponder the name, the girl was really quick with the questions, and loved asking a ton of them. Again he was amused, and this time let the half smile come out.
"I was living there, for the short time since I arrived. I had a few things to take care of before I approached our alpha."
He answered as if it really wasn't her business, and she should feel privileged to be given a response. No point in telling her he wanted to get his bearings first, so when he did meet the alpha he didn't come off as some 'wet behind the ears' pup...even if he probably still was to a large degree. He did have his pride, and didn't want to bring shame to his grandfather.
By speaking of 'their' alpha, he had answered her next question as well. Yes, he was Kadzait.
"I was planning on seeing if I could talk to Aidan Xephier today in fact, and offering my services to the pack in exchange for lodgings."
Today, tomorrow, Jesse only made his decision at that moment, feeling like he had to have a more definite plan, or risk disappointing Jillian in some way.
He also hadn't given any thought to working for the pack until then either. Though he didn't have a job yet, he was sure he could get one quickly, especially if he was willing to do some things others would find distasteful. Dirty, illegal, dangerous? He'd done a lot of that, and undoubtedly would continue. He had nothing against being legit, but those jobs WERE more difficult to come by, and he did need to eat.
Plus, he had no intentions of just living off the pack. He had taken care of himself since the age of thirteen, and done a damn fine job of it too. There was no reason now to expect handouts.
The 'anti-social' comment went unremarked on for several moments. Jesse WAS anti-social for the most part, socializing only when he needed something from someone. That he now found himself drawn to Jillian, and wanting to be around her did not make him think differently. She was different. She wasn't just anyone. If his first gut instinct proved true, they were meant to be together, and he would see that they were. That didn't have to involve anyone else, in his opinion.
"I keep to myself when possible. I know myself, and trust myself...it's a pleasant arrangement, and one that works for me." He paused then looked through the trees in the direction of the cemetery.
"And I don't look at the smells in the graveyard as those of death. I see them more as the smells of history. Every person buried there, from the tiniest baby to the oldest codger, has a story. I like imagining what those stories are."
That was the most personal thing he had said about himself to anyone in years, and it immediately made Jesse uncomfortable. Would she laugh now, and ridicule him? Tease him about living in a fantasy world? He had gone that route when he'd been much younger, and was one reason partially responsible for his aloofness now.
Jillian
15 years ago
Hearing him easily answer her surprised Jillian a little. Jesse owed her nothing, yet it didn't seem at all difficult for him to give her what she asked to know. Of course if he hadn't answered her, she would have given him hell about it. She could be ornery that way sometimes.
The truth of it all, or partially, was that she just couldn't imagine anyone living in such conditions if they weren't forced to. Yes, she knew about homeless people, but she even doubted they would live in a cemetery, when living on a concrete hill under an overpass would be less dirty.
Shaking her thoughts back to the now, she realized she was finding it a little tiring looking up the bluff at him while they spoke and walked closer to where he stood. Jillian then sat down, facing the beach, with Jesse to her side. Lucky for her neck, he sat down too, though a tiny bit closer than she might have liked.
"If you were going to talk to Xeph today, you should have stopped me at the compound, and I could have introduced you. As it happens he was in this morning."
Again Jesse didn't owe it to Jillian to react in whatever way she deemed appropriate, but it could have killed a couple birds had he done so.
His explanation for staying away from everyone told Jillian a lot about him, and what she heard made her sad. Had her life really been so different? What could have happened to someone so young, to make them so cynical, and suspect of the world around them? And how would someone like that fit in to the nice, neat and tidy group at the Den? Jillian cherished her new home, and the harmony she felt there. Thinking something or someone might come along and shake that up was not what she wanted to consider.
His next words almost made Jillian laugh, so out of character did she think they were. Fortunately for the two of them, she didn't. Turning her head she could tell what Jesse was telling her was something he considered private, and not what he normally shared with others. It was too fanciful for someone trying to foster an air of toughness, and indifference. She wondered if he realized just how much of himself he gave up then.
Rather than comment on his words, and risk making him feel uncomfortable, Jillian let them go. If she had the opportunity in the future to talk to the boy again, she might delve deeper, and try to find out more. She definitely was interested there.
"Well, I think the whole thing is utterly creepy, and am glad you won't have to do that anymore. If you're the type who gets to feeling cooped up inside four walls, you'll be happy to know several of the suites have skylights that make them seem quite open, and they all have big balconies. I've even slept outside on my balcony a few times when the nights have been warm."
Much like Jesse had done, toying with the tree needles, sitting on the grass now, Jillian played with the sand by her feet, feeling the need to keep her hands busy.
"So where are you here from, Jesse? And what brought you here? My parents died over a year ago, and I came here to get a fresh start, and finish school. I grew up in Nevada."
It only seemed right that she offer him some information about herself, if she wanted him to do the same.
Listening to him talk, and trying not to be too obvious, Jillian looked at the boy sitting next to her, starting with his also bare feet, which were HUGE in her estimation. Her own size eight foot, though a bit on the big size for a girl, looked positively miniature next to his. And where hers was all smooth, and soft looking, with pretty pink toenails, his was bony, and corded, and very tan, with little black hairs growing out of the tops of his toes. Had she ever looked at a boys foot before? She couldn't remember doing so.
The truth of it all, or partially, was that she just couldn't imagine anyone living in such conditions if they weren't forced to. Yes, she knew about homeless people, but she even doubted they would live in a cemetery, when living on a concrete hill under an overpass would be less dirty.
Shaking her thoughts back to the now, she realized she was finding it a little tiring looking up the bluff at him while they spoke and walked closer to where he stood. Jillian then sat down, facing the beach, with Jesse to her side. Lucky for her neck, he sat down too, though a tiny bit closer than she might have liked.
"If you were going to talk to Xeph today, you should have stopped me at the compound, and I could have introduced you. As it happens he was in this morning."
Again Jesse didn't owe it to Jillian to react in whatever way she deemed appropriate, but it could have killed a couple birds had he done so.
His explanation for staying away from everyone told Jillian a lot about him, and what she heard made her sad. Had her life really been so different? What could have happened to someone so young, to make them so cynical, and suspect of the world around them? And how would someone like that fit in to the nice, neat and tidy group at the Den? Jillian cherished her new home, and the harmony she felt there. Thinking something or someone might come along and shake that up was not what she wanted to consider.
His next words almost made Jillian laugh, so out of character did she think they were. Fortunately for the two of them, she didn't. Turning her head she could tell what Jesse was telling her was something he considered private, and not what he normally shared with others. It was too fanciful for someone trying to foster an air of toughness, and indifference. She wondered if he realized just how much of himself he gave up then.
Rather than comment on his words, and risk making him feel uncomfortable, Jillian let them go. If she had the opportunity in the future to talk to the boy again, she might delve deeper, and try to find out more. She definitely was interested there.
"Well, I think the whole thing is utterly creepy, and am glad you won't have to do that anymore. If you're the type who gets to feeling cooped up inside four walls, you'll be happy to know several of the suites have skylights that make them seem quite open, and they all have big balconies. I've even slept outside on my balcony a few times when the nights have been warm."
Much like Jesse had done, toying with the tree needles, sitting on the grass now, Jillian played with the sand by her feet, feeling the need to keep her hands busy.
"So where are you here from, Jesse? And what brought you here? My parents died over a year ago, and I came here to get a fresh start, and finish school. I grew up in Nevada."
It only seemed right that she offer him some information about herself, if she wanted him to do the same.
Listening to him talk, and trying not to be too obvious, Jillian looked at the boy sitting next to her, starting with his also bare feet, which were HUGE in her estimation. Her own size eight foot, though a bit on the big size for a girl, looked positively miniature next to his. And where hers was all smooth, and soft looking, with pretty pink toenails, his was bony, and corded, and very tan, with little black hairs growing out of the tops of his toes. Had she ever looked at a boys foot before? She couldn't remember doing so.
Jesse
15 years ago
Jesse had thought about seeking out the alpha when he was checking out the Den, but didn't think he had enough information to comfortably do that, as it turned out. Again it was something he didn't feel like letting Jillian in on. She would find out his weaknesses soon enough, he saw no reason to just throw them out in front of her right now. So when Jillian suggested it herself, he just shrugged and kept quiet.
It was encouraging though, to hear her offer to introduce him. His attraction to her aside, it wouldn't hurt knowing someone who was on a first name basis with the alpha. Though he had never become involved in pack life in New York, he was aware of the hierarchy that existed there, and had always heard their leader there was not approachable by the 'little man'.
"The Den sounds nice. I do have some issues with feeling penned in, but I can usually handle a few days at a time okay."
And that was the truth. He could live a normal life, inside a house, sleeping in a bed, though he didn't have the opportunity to do so too often. But he would often get antsy if he couldn't get back outside after a few days. Maybe having a balcony would cure that...
"I'm from New York. I have no family there either, and with the way of the world these days, I just thought it might be a good time for a change from the big city. I've looked around Nachton quite a bit since I've been here, and find it accommodating, without being as fucking ... er ...freaking crazy as New York."
It wasn't like Jesse to care about how people viewed him. He never watched his language before, well, except when he was around his grandmother. Now it seemed important to not sound like a sailor. At least when it came to Jillian. He did wonder if it bothered her though. It wasn't going to be an easy habit to break.
"I'm enjoying the change so far. I haven't been outside of New York in my entire life...I have always wanted to go west though, and see California, and Las Vegas. Did you live close to Las Vegas? That place must be totally insane."
And definitely NOT the kind of place he would want to live in, but visiting was a whole other matter.
"It looks like fresh starts are the special these days."
Hearing how she spoke of her dead parents allowed Jesse to remain relaxed. It seemed to him they must have died long enough ago that Jillian was over the initial terrible part of the grief process, like he was with his grandparents. He was glad she didn't have that sorrow to yet resolve.
"How are you finding the changes between Nevada and Nachton? Was it easy for you to adjust?"
It was encouraging though, to hear her offer to introduce him. His attraction to her aside, it wouldn't hurt knowing someone who was on a first name basis with the alpha. Though he had never become involved in pack life in New York, he was aware of the hierarchy that existed there, and had always heard their leader there was not approachable by the 'little man'.
"The Den sounds nice. I do have some issues with feeling penned in, but I can usually handle a few days at a time okay."
And that was the truth. He could live a normal life, inside a house, sleeping in a bed, though he didn't have the opportunity to do so too often. But he would often get antsy if he couldn't get back outside after a few days. Maybe having a balcony would cure that...
"I'm from New York. I have no family there either, and with the way of the world these days, I just thought it might be a good time for a change from the big city. I've looked around Nachton quite a bit since I've been here, and find it accommodating, without being as fucking ... er ...freaking crazy as New York."
It wasn't like Jesse to care about how people viewed him. He never watched his language before, well, except when he was around his grandmother. Now it seemed important to not sound like a sailor. At least when it came to Jillian. He did wonder if it bothered her though. It wasn't going to be an easy habit to break.
"I'm enjoying the change so far. I haven't been outside of New York in my entire life...I have always wanted to go west though, and see California, and Las Vegas. Did you live close to Las Vegas? That place must be totally insane."
And definitely NOT the kind of place he would want to live in, but visiting was a whole other matter.
"It looks like fresh starts are the special these days."
Hearing how she spoke of her dead parents allowed Jesse to remain relaxed. It seemed to him they must have died long enough ago that Jillian was over the initial terrible part of the grief process, like he was with his grandparents. He was glad she didn't have that sorrow to yet resolve.
"How are you finding the changes between Nevada and Nachton? Was it easy for you to adjust?"
Jillian
15 years ago
Jillian listened, and for the most part was very interested in what Jesse said. Only on a few occasions did her mind pick up on his slight accent, and become waylaid, before she caught herself and refocused on the present.
Besides checking out his feet, her eyes wandered up his legs, moving to his arms, then his shoulders, across his chest, and up his neck to his jaw. All her inspecting was done under the cover of listening to what he said, being very discreet, and making sure he was looking elsewhere at the same time. She liked what she saw, from a purely esthetic point of view. Jesse definitely was a better than average looking guy...much better than average, she mused.
When he made an apparent mistake in saying the word 'fuck', and corrected himself for her benefit, it seemed, Jillian glanced at his face and smiled. It was nice that he considered her feelings, but she would need to tell him she wasn't above using the word herself. She saw no reason to hold him to some special set of standards she didn't follow. Still, she couldn't help be feel a little special that he went to the trouble he had. It was nice to find a guy her age that would.
"No, I'm from Elko, which is in the northern part of the state, almost exactly north of Las Vegas, but close enough to California that we did visit there often." A quiet came over Jillians as it usually did, whenever she talked about the proximatey to California. It was impossible for her not to think of the car crash when she recalled the highway that ran between Elko, and south down around Lake Tahoe, California. But now was not the time to bring that up. Jillian had no desire to get sad and moody now.
"I've never been to Las Vegas, but Reno, I've heard, is a smaller version, and it can be pretty crazy."
Almost everyone had said Las Vegas was a MUCH grander scale than Reno, and that you really couldn't compare the two, but Reno was what Jillian had experience with. She had only been there a couple times, and didn't like it much...so if Las Vegas was worse, she could probably live the rest of her life quite happily without visiting that hot spot.
"I think, probably because there were so MANY changes in my life at the time I moved here, it was probably easier for me than many. At the time it was a choice of either being totally overwhelmed, and just shutting down, or diving in and swimming like crazy, just remembering to breath when necessary. New home, new family, new school, new live in general...too much to deal with I think...ya know?"
It was something she had thought about around six months after she had been in Nachton, when one night it just hit her. She really had blended into the pack well, and life in Natchton too. Aside from a couple very rare bouts of sadness when she thought of her parents, Jillian hadn't suffered at all, and really couldn't have been happier with the move.
"The pack really has been helpful too though...I mean I didn't do it totally on my own."
It struck her then that Drew might be good for Jesse to meet, and get to know. They were probably close in age, give or take a couple years, and might find they had a lot in common. If nothing else they were both cute single boys. Jillian smiled.
"I'm going to have to introduce you to Drew too. He's really great, and very friendly. But then I can't think of anyone in the pack who isn't...though Hammer can be a little intimidating." Again she smiled and hoped to be there when Jesse met him.
Besides checking out his feet, her eyes wandered up his legs, moving to his arms, then his shoulders, across his chest, and up his neck to his jaw. All her inspecting was done under the cover of listening to what he said, being very discreet, and making sure he was looking elsewhere at the same time. She liked what she saw, from a purely esthetic point of view. Jesse definitely was a better than average looking guy...much better than average, she mused.
When he made an apparent mistake in saying the word 'fuck', and corrected himself for her benefit, it seemed, Jillian glanced at his face and smiled. It was nice that he considered her feelings, but she would need to tell him she wasn't above using the word herself. She saw no reason to hold him to some special set of standards she didn't follow. Still, she couldn't help be feel a little special that he went to the trouble he had. It was nice to find a guy her age that would.
"No, I'm from Elko, which is in the northern part of the state, almost exactly north of Las Vegas, but close enough to California that we did visit there often." A quiet came over Jillians as it usually did, whenever she talked about the proximatey to California. It was impossible for her not to think of the car crash when she recalled the highway that ran between Elko, and south down around Lake Tahoe, California. But now was not the time to bring that up. Jillian had no desire to get sad and moody now.
"I've never been to Las Vegas, but Reno, I've heard, is a smaller version, and it can be pretty crazy."
Almost everyone had said Las Vegas was a MUCH grander scale than Reno, and that you really couldn't compare the two, but Reno was what Jillian had experience with. She had only been there a couple times, and didn't like it much...so if Las Vegas was worse, she could probably live the rest of her life quite happily without visiting that hot spot.
"I think, probably because there were so MANY changes in my life at the time I moved here, it was probably easier for me than many. At the time it was a choice of either being totally overwhelmed, and just shutting down, or diving in and swimming like crazy, just remembering to breath when necessary. New home, new family, new school, new live in general...too much to deal with I think...ya know?"
It was something she had thought about around six months after she had been in Nachton, when one night it just hit her. She really had blended into the pack well, and life in Natchton too. Aside from a couple very rare bouts of sadness when she thought of her parents, Jillian hadn't suffered at all, and really couldn't have been happier with the move.
"The pack really has been helpful too though...I mean I didn't do it totally on my own."
It struck her then that Drew might be good for Jesse to meet, and get to know. They were probably close in age, give or take a couple years, and might find they had a lot in common. If nothing else they were both cute single boys. Jillian smiled.
"I'm going to have to introduce you to Drew too. He's really great, and very friendly. But then I can't think of anyone in the pack who isn't...though Hammer can be a little intimidating." Again she smiled and hoped to be there when Jesse met him.
Jesse
15 years ago
For one who rarely talked without prompting, Jesse found himself actually offering conversation to Jillian. It was helpful that Jillian liked to talk, leaving Jesse feeling relaxed and comfortable. Even when there were short lulls in the chatter neither Jillian nor Jesse seemed at odds. Yet for something so foreign to him, Jesse just took it all in stride. Again reacting in a manner totally unlike him.
At some point, several hours after they had first sat down there, where the woods met the beach, it occurred to both Jesse, and Jillian that they were hungry. Almost simultaneously their stomachs growled, and they both laughed.
"Well that's a first for me. No matter how bad things ever got on the streets, I never went hungry."
Jillian had heard almost everything about Jesse's life, before his grand parents died, and after, including the not so pleasant parts. Not that Jesse was proud and boisterous about those things, but Jillian had a way about herself that made Jesse want to share himself with her. He also wanted to know everything about her, and couldn't expect to have one without the other. Not that he hadn't tried, but gave up early on, feeling Jillian deserved better.
After a short discussion they agreed to return to the Den so Jillian could fix lunch...or dinner, which was more accurately corresponding with the setting sun. The walk back passed quickly, conversations continued ranging from semi-serious to slightly giddy. More than once Jesse thought to himself that Jillian was unlike anyone he'd ever known before, and how lucky he was to have met her.
At some point, several hours after they had first sat down there, where the woods met the beach, it occurred to both Jesse, and Jillian that they were hungry. Almost simultaneously their stomachs growled, and they both laughed.
"Well that's a first for me. No matter how bad things ever got on the streets, I never went hungry."
Jillian had heard almost everything about Jesse's life, before his grand parents died, and after, including the not so pleasant parts. Not that Jesse was proud and boisterous about those things, but Jillian had a way about herself that made Jesse want to share himself with her. He also wanted to know everything about her, and couldn't expect to have one without the other. Not that he hadn't tried, but gave up early on, feeling Jillian deserved better.
After a short discussion they agreed to return to the Den so Jillian could fix lunch...or dinner, which was more accurately corresponding with the setting sun. The walk back passed quickly, conversations continued ranging from semi-serious to slightly giddy. More than once Jesse thought to himself that Jillian was unlike anyone he'd ever known before, and how lucky he was to have met her.
Jillian
15 years ago
Jillian could sense a change in Jesse as soon as they got within a mile of the Den. He seemed to draw into himself, and close up, like a morning glory approaching evening. At first she wondered if she might have said something that upset him, but for the last bit they had talked it had all been about pretty silly, and mundane things. It had been nice, just saying whatever came into her head, and laughing along with him when her words seemed to surprise him. But now there was no laughter, and his eyes had grown serious, and taken on a kind of...furtive look.
The Den came into view, and Jesse stopped. His gaze was fixed on the building, his hands balled into fists at his side. Jillian was worried.
"Are you okay? Are you feeling sick? I have some aspirin, and some stuff for your stomach in my room if you need it..."
Or was it just that he was REALLY hungry? Jillian had worked up a healthy appetite, that was for sure.
Taking his hand, she rubbed her thumb across the back of it, hoping to get him to relax. She tugged him gently toward the Den, hoping to get him inside where he could sit, and relax again. But Jesse stood steadfast, and shook his head calmly, letting his eyes finally drop to hers.
The Den came into view, and Jesse stopped. His gaze was fixed on the building, his hands balled into fists at his side. Jillian was worried.
"Are you okay? Are you feeling sick? I have some aspirin, and some stuff for your stomach in my room if you need it..."
Or was it just that he was REALLY hungry? Jillian had worked up a healthy appetite, that was for sure.
Taking his hand, she rubbed her thumb across the back of it, hoping to get him to relax. She tugged him gently toward the Den, hoping to get him inside where he could sit, and relax again. But Jesse stood steadfast, and shook his head calmly, letting his eyes finally drop to hers.
Jesse
15 years ago
"I, I...I can't. I thought I could, but I just can't. It's too soon."
Though his intent all along had been to join the pack, meet the Alpha, and learn to live in closer proximity with those of his kind, Jesse hadn't developed any kind of back up plan yet, in case things went south. The only safe haven he had was the cemetery, and Jillian knew about that. If he found he had to get away, find someplace he could be alone, he needed to find another sanctuary. He had lived alone too long to do things any other way.
His eyes darted from the Den to Jillian, and then away. How could he tell her? After all they had talked about today, shared about themselves...after he had let himself get closer to her than he had ever done in the past..how could he shut her out now?
"I'm starting to feel like I need to run...far and fast and away."
The hand she held was beginning to feel sweaty and cold. His heart was racing a little, nothing serious, but enough to make him feel uncomfortable.
Did she understand? Did she get just how difficult this all was for him, and how far he had come? A small part of Jesse was now becoming anxious at the thought of disappointing Jillian.
His hand gripped hers.
Though his intent all along had been to join the pack, meet the Alpha, and learn to live in closer proximity with those of his kind, Jesse hadn't developed any kind of back up plan yet, in case things went south. The only safe haven he had was the cemetery, and Jillian knew about that. If he found he had to get away, find someplace he could be alone, he needed to find another sanctuary. He had lived alone too long to do things any other way.
His eyes darted from the Den to Jillian, and then away. How could he tell her? After all they had talked about today, shared about themselves...after he had let himself get closer to her than he had ever done in the past..how could he shut her out now?
"I'm starting to feel like I need to run...far and fast and away."
The hand she held was beginning to feel sweaty and cold. His heart was racing a little, nothing serious, but enough to make him feel uncomfortable.
Did she understand? Did she get just how difficult this all was for him, and how far he had come? A small part of Jesse was now becoming anxious at the thought of disappointing Jillian.
His hand gripped hers.
Jillian
15 years ago
He was scared. REALLY scared. But it didn't make any sense to Jillian. How could a guy who had left his home, and had been living in a cemetery be scared about just going inside such a nice homey place like the Den?
Or was it the whole idea of meeting Xeph? Or meeting the rest of the pack...Jesse had been living a solo life for a long time now. That was undoubtedly it, Jillian guessed. And even if it seemed a little silly to her, way beyond normal anxieties of meeting new people, that didn't make Jesse wrong or bad for feeling like he did.
Maybe if she brought him inside, took him to her suite, and let him get situated, he could gradually get used to being under a roof again, and then address the topic of merging with the pack mates? Baby steps.
"Don't run. It won't help in the long run. I have an idea, it might help."
Jillian paused and tried to figure out the best way to get Jesse up to her rooms.
"Lets get up to my place and I'll explain. How are you at climbing? I'm on the second floor, so I see your options of climbing up my balcony, or just walking in with me, and going upstairs through the house."
The Den was far beyond a 'house', but in the time Jillian had lived there it seemed like a very huge one to her.
Jesse's eyes darted around the building, and properties, still not near settling down. Jillian squeezed his hand in return, hoping to impart her confidences to him.
Or was it the whole idea of meeting Xeph? Or meeting the rest of the pack...Jesse had been living a solo life for a long time now. That was undoubtedly it, Jillian guessed. And even if it seemed a little silly to her, way beyond normal anxieties of meeting new people, that didn't make Jesse wrong or bad for feeling like he did.
Maybe if she brought him inside, took him to her suite, and let him get situated, he could gradually get used to being under a roof again, and then address the topic of merging with the pack mates? Baby steps.
"Don't run. It won't help in the long run. I have an idea, it might help."
Jillian paused and tried to figure out the best way to get Jesse up to her rooms.
"Lets get up to my place and I'll explain. How are you at climbing? I'm on the second floor, so I see your options of climbing up my balcony, or just walking in with me, and going upstairs through the house."
The Den was far beyond a 'house', but in the time Jillian had lived there it seemed like a very huge one to her.
Jesse's eyes darted around the building, and properties, still not near settling down. Jillian squeezed his hand in return, hoping to impart her confidences to him.
Jesse
15 years ago
"I can climb okay, but it would be easier just going the regular route. I have a kinda knack for blending into the woodwork, so to speak... If I don't want to be seen, I'm pretty good at making that happen."
Jesse relaxed a little. If he didn't have to meet anyone new today, he should be able to do what Jillian suggested. Meeting her was a blessing, he knew already, but it had still taken a lot out of him, their afternoon on the beach.
The propriety of going to her room wasn't something either of them considered apparently, probably because neither one of them were thinking of anything beyond Jesse's initial survival. When he would think about it later, he would be glad. One less thing to worry about was always a good thing.
"But we probably should go, and get it over, before I think about it any more. I can talk myself out of things pretty easily if I have a chance."
His smile was awkward, but sincere. Somehow he would need to figure out a way to thank Jillian, for all she was doing for him.
Jesse relaxed a little. If he didn't have to meet anyone new today, he should be able to do what Jillian suggested. Meeting her was a blessing, he knew already, but it had still taken a lot out of him, their afternoon on the beach.
The propriety of going to her room wasn't something either of them considered apparently, probably because neither one of them were thinking of anything beyond Jesse's initial survival. When he would think about it later, he would be glad. One less thing to worry about was always a good thing.
"But we probably should go, and get it over, before I think about it any more. I can talk myself out of things pretty easily if I have a chance."
His smile was awkward, but sincere. Somehow he would need to figure out a way to thank Jillian, for all she was doing for him.
Jillian
15 years ago
Seeing Jesse relax, helped Jillian relax too, and she returned his smile though her own was much more exuberant.
"Great idea! Lets go then." Before she had second thoughts herself, she mused.
Walking into the entry of the Den, Jillian looked around quickly. She heard voices off in the near distance, but saw no one. With dinner time approaching, she knew the place would be filling up soon, but suspected they had a good hour before that became a serious worry. She pulled on Jesse's hand as she made her way to the staircase, and upward.
It took little time to get to Jillian's suite, and once inside she let go of Jesse's hand, and was glad to see she hadn't left the place in any kind of mess at all. Her mother would have been proud.
"Here we are. You're right about that whole 'blending' thing too. If I hadn't been holding your hand, and felt your presence next to me...I really lost you there a couple times."
It had been an odd sensation to know he was right there next to her, but not be able to see him clearly. To make sure she didn't stumble or do anything else that might have given Jesse away, Jillian had just kept her eyes focused forward until they reached her room. As it was, they didn't meet anyone else anyway.
"If you want, you can shower in there. There are clean towels, and anything else you should need, I think. I'm going to run over to Drew's and see if he's in, and maybe get you a change of clothes."
He needed something clean, and it would be a while before she could see that the clothes he had on now were taken care of. Besides, Jillian also thought it might be a good idea to give Jesse a little alone time here now too.
"And then I'll check out the kitchen, and see what I can come up with for dinner. Take your time...I'll be a little while."
She watched him as he looked around the room, then walked over to the balcony. The doors to her suite were open to the outside, almost always. Even when it rained Jillian liked keeping them open to let the sounds and smells of nature waft in. There had only been a couple times when the wind blew too hard, that she had to close the doors.
Since he didn't say anything negative about her plan, and since he seemed off in his own world at the moment, Jillian didn't say anything further, but let herself out of her room. Jesse was a big boy, and surely he could take care of himself for a half hour or so.
"Great idea! Lets go then." Before she had second thoughts herself, she mused.
Walking into the entry of the Den, Jillian looked around quickly. She heard voices off in the near distance, but saw no one. With dinner time approaching, she knew the place would be filling up soon, but suspected they had a good hour before that became a serious worry. She pulled on Jesse's hand as she made her way to the staircase, and upward.
It took little time to get to Jillian's suite, and once inside she let go of Jesse's hand, and was glad to see she hadn't left the place in any kind of mess at all. Her mother would have been proud.
"Here we are. You're right about that whole 'blending' thing too. If I hadn't been holding your hand, and felt your presence next to me...I really lost you there a couple times."
It had been an odd sensation to know he was right there next to her, but not be able to see him clearly. To make sure she didn't stumble or do anything else that might have given Jesse away, Jillian had just kept her eyes focused forward until they reached her room. As it was, they didn't meet anyone else anyway.
"If you want, you can shower in there. There are clean towels, and anything else you should need, I think. I'm going to run over to Drew's and see if he's in, and maybe get you a change of clothes."
He needed something clean, and it would be a while before she could see that the clothes he had on now were taken care of. Besides, Jillian also thought it might be a good idea to give Jesse a little alone time here now too.
"And then I'll check out the kitchen, and see what I can come up with for dinner. Take your time...I'll be a little while."
She watched him as he looked around the room, then walked over to the balcony. The doors to her suite were open to the outside, almost always. Even when it rained Jillian liked keeping them open to let the sounds and smells of nature waft in. There had only been a couple times when the wind blew too hard, that she had to close the doors.
Since he didn't say anything negative about her plan, and since he seemed off in his own world at the moment, Jillian didn't say anything further, but let herself out of her room. Jesse was a big boy, and surely he could take care of himself for a half hour or so.
Jesse
15 years ago
Before he had a chance to object, Jillian tugged Jesse toward the large log and stone building, and inside.
Jesse's eyes swept around the room desperately, thankful to find they were alone. Again before he could reconsider, the young girl was moving toward and up the stairs. In no time they were inside her own private corner of the home, and his heart was beginning to beat regularly again.
His nose was the first thing that reacted, her scent was everywhere, and filled his head deliciously. The decor was the next thing he noticed, finding it relatively modern, and plain, but with definite feminine touches everywhere. Fresh flowers had been placed in a couple places where their bouquets could be enjoyed as a person walked past them. Candles also adorned a few shelves, adding their perfumes to the mix. Yet beneath it all was the scent of Jillian, which he could recognize now in a room full of others.
In addition to the fragrances that assailed him the colors were visually pleasing. Soft hues of blues, greens, yellows, as well as browns, and peaches. Colors he would forever equate with her now.
Jillian's quarters were fitting, and eclectic as she was Jesse considered, once he got over the fact he had noticed any of it at all. Perhaps he had been out on the street too long. It seemed he had lost all consciousness of the nicer things in life. And now Jillian had brought him back to all those niceties he hadn't enjoyed since visiting his grandmother all those years ago.
Rather than comment on what he saw, and smelled, Jesse remained sort of dumbfounded, listening to Jillian's instructions, and plans. Then, as quickly as she had dropped him off, she was gone. For a few seconds he gulped down his anxieties. His ass hit the floor then, and he pulled his knees in toward his chest, hugging his arms around them. He needed a little time to get acclimated.
Several minutes swept by before Jesse stood again, and went into the bathroom. The room was an extension of her bedroom, and gave him a sense of peace the second he entered. The only drawback was everything was so clean, and he was anything but. How could he let his clothes touch anything, even to be piled in a heap on the white stone floor?
When he couldn't figure out what else to do with his clothes, Jesse removed them, and took them back out onto the balcony, where he stowed them behind some wicker furniture he found there. It was his fortune to find her balcony was surrounded by trees, and fairly secluded because of that. In addition there were a lot of potted plants spread around the outdoor 'room', filling in and giving an even larger sense of privacy. He could see she had taken great pride in her home, and had fixed it up really nice.
Returning to the bath, Jesse showered, spending more time than necessary just letting the hard, hot spray of water beat down his back, neck, and shoulders. He washed his hair twice, thinking it might be time for a haircut, as the curls dropped in front of his eyes.
Once he was finished, and the water seemed to be cooling, Jesse stepped out, and dried off under towels he had never before felt to be so soft. They too had a flowery scent, which he buried his face into before drying his hair.
Now that he was clean, Jesse lingered a bit longer in the bath, looking over everything he found. His fingertip touched the tops of the pretty bottles he found on a small table where a short stool also stood. It seemed to Jesse that it was one of those tables girl's sat at when putting on makeup, but that seemed odd to Jesse, since he didn't think Jillian wore any.
When his curiosity had been sated, he moved back into the bedroom, and back onto the balcony. Spreading his towel on one of the wicker chaise lounges, to cover the pretty south western material that covered the mattresses. The second towel he'd taken to dry his hair he used to discreetly cover his lap, once he'd reclined on the lounge, enjoying the warm air as the sky darkened toward night.
Jesse's eyes swept around the room desperately, thankful to find they were alone. Again before he could reconsider, the young girl was moving toward and up the stairs. In no time they were inside her own private corner of the home, and his heart was beginning to beat regularly again.
His nose was the first thing that reacted, her scent was everywhere, and filled his head deliciously. The decor was the next thing he noticed, finding it relatively modern, and plain, but with definite feminine touches everywhere. Fresh flowers had been placed in a couple places where their bouquets could be enjoyed as a person walked past them. Candles also adorned a few shelves, adding their perfumes to the mix. Yet beneath it all was the scent of Jillian, which he could recognize now in a room full of others.
In addition to the fragrances that assailed him the colors were visually pleasing. Soft hues of blues, greens, yellows, as well as browns, and peaches. Colors he would forever equate with her now.
Jillian's quarters were fitting, and eclectic as she was Jesse considered, once he got over the fact he had noticed any of it at all. Perhaps he had been out on the street too long. It seemed he had lost all consciousness of the nicer things in life. And now Jillian had brought him back to all those niceties he hadn't enjoyed since visiting his grandmother all those years ago.
Rather than comment on what he saw, and smelled, Jesse remained sort of dumbfounded, listening to Jillian's instructions, and plans. Then, as quickly as she had dropped him off, she was gone. For a few seconds he gulped down his anxieties. His ass hit the floor then, and he pulled his knees in toward his chest, hugging his arms around them. He needed a little time to get acclimated.
Several minutes swept by before Jesse stood again, and went into the bathroom. The room was an extension of her bedroom, and gave him a sense of peace the second he entered. The only drawback was everything was so clean, and he was anything but. How could he let his clothes touch anything, even to be piled in a heap on the white stone floor?
When he couldn't figure out what else to do with his clothes, Jesse removed them, and took them back out onto the balcony, where he stowed them behind some wicker furniture he found there. It was his fortune to find her balcony was surrounded by trees, and fairly secluded because of that. In addition there were a lot of potted plants spread around the outdoor 'room', filling in and giving an even larger sense of privacy. He could see she had taken great pride in her home, and had fixed it up really nice.
Returning to the bath, Jesse showered, spending more time than necessary just letting the hard, hot spray of water beat down his back, neck, and shoulders. He washed his hair twice, thinking it might be time for a haircut, as the curls dropped in front of his eyes.
Once he was finished, and the water seemed to be cooling, Jesse stepped out, and dried off under towels he had never before felt to be so soft. They too had a flowery scent, which he buried his face into before drying his hair.
Now that he was clean, Jesse lingered a bit longer in the bath, looking over everything he found. His fingertip touched the tops of the pretty bottles he found on a small table where a short stool also stood. It seemed to Jesse that it was one of those tables girl's sat at when putting on makeup, but that seemed odd to Jesse, since he didn't think Jillian wore any.
When his curiosity had been sated, he moved back into the bedroom, and back onto the balcony. Spreading his towel on one of the wicker chaise lounges, to cover the pretty south western material that covered the mattresses. The second towel he'd taken to dry his hair he used to discreetly cover his lap, once he'd reclined on the lounge, enjoying the warm air as the sky darkened toward night.