"Drew?"
Jillian knocked on her friend's door, hoping he was home, and lending her voice to her knock as if it would help.
"Drew? It's Jillian. Are you home?"
Though she was pretty sure Jesse would be fine for the short while she expected to be gone, Jillian still didn't want to take more time than absolutely necessary. He had been doing great so far, but the few times she thought she had seen fear in his eyes, she didn't want repeated, and certainly not while she wasn't there to offer him support.
If things worked out, Drew would have a spare pair of pants, a shirt, and maybe some sandals, that Jesse could use, and which Jillian would gladly replace the next time she got to the mall. Knowing Jesse would need more clothes, she guessed that would be sooner rather than later anyway.
How it was anyone could move from one place to another and not bring their things with them was a little strange to Jillian. That Jesse was a boy was probably mostly responsible. Did most boys care about things like clothes? That Jesse was a boy who had been living on the streets meant he didn't have much to bring, if anything. Easy way to live, but it didn't help him right now. Jillian wanted to bring Jesse to Xeph looking less like he had just walked in from a homeless shelter, and more like the guy she knew had to be hidden beneath the dirt, and aloof facade.
"Drew?"
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
Drew
15 years ago
Huh? Door knocking? What?
Drew had managed to fall asleep at his desk. Damned Reign and her ideas she had him looking at PhD options, it was like she and Nikhila were in cahoots with his mother and grandfather. Next time he almost kind of picked a girl up, he was going to make sure she wasn’t educationally minded. At any rate he’d lost track of time and nodded off staring at his laptop, it had been some dry reading and he’d dropped off for no reason.
Blinking a few times and rubbing his face, it felt like part of it had gone numb, he stood, walked into the chair and knocked it over, but did manage to get to the door with out major injury. What the hell time was it any way? Was he late? No. Well if he was, it wasn’t anything to do with Jillian. Opening the door, he grinned down at her.
“Heya chica, come on in. What can I do for ya?”
His own rooms were relatively sparten and rather lived in too. There were books scattered around, some of his anime collection piled up next to the TV a number of family photos, a couple of baseballs a glove and a bat, and some other odds and ends, but mostly it was how the rooms had come. He wasn’t much in for decorating.
Drew had managed to fall asleep at his desk. Damned Reign and her ideas she had him looking at PhD options, it was like she and Nikhila were in cahoots with his mother and grandfather. Next time he almost kind of picked a girl up, he was going to make sure she wasn’t educationally minded. At any rate he’d lost track of time and nodded off staring at his laptop, it had been some dry reading and he’d dropped off for no reason.
Blinking a few times and rubbing his face, it felt like part of it had gone numb, he stood, walked into the chair and knocked it over, but did manage to get to the door with out major injury. What the hell time was it any way? Was he late? No. Well if he was, it wasn’t anything to do with Jillian. Opening the door, he grinned down at her.
“Heya chica, come on in. What can I do for ya?”
His own rooms were relatively sparten and rather lived in too. There were books scattered around, some of his anime collection piled up next to the TV a number of family photos, a couple of baseballs a glove and a bat, and some other odds and ends, but mostly it was how the rooms had come. He wasn’t much in for decorating.
Jillian
15 years ago
It had been a while since Jillian had seen Drew, what with school, studying, finals, and being cooped up. As soon as she saw him she remembered how much she liked him, and nearly leapt at him, giving him a quick hug, then bounding past and into his place.
"Drew! Hi! You look good! It's been a while, huh? How have you been?"
Sure she could have just told him what he'd asked, and accomplished what she had come for, but ever polite, she just couldn't. She had been raised to always ask after a person, and that went double when you were about ready to ask a favor of them.
Having never been inside his suite, Jillian cast a couple sideways glances, but never took he eyes off Drew for more than a couple seconds at a time. Her body nearly hummed with excitement, though she was pretty much unaware.
"Drew! Hi! You look good! It's been a while, huh? How have you been?"
Sure she could have just told him what he'd asked, and accomplished what she had come for, but ever polite, she just couldn't. She had been raised to always ask after a person, and that went double when you were about ready to ask a favor of them.
Having never been inside his suite, Jillian cast a couple sideways glances, but never took he eyes off Drew for more than a couple seconds at a time. Her body nearly hummed with excitement, though she was pretty much unaware.
Drew
15 years ago
Drew didn’t mind being half tackled, it made him smile actually and he returned the hug before waving his arm in a casual sweeping gesture indicating that she should make herself at home. He half guided her to a chair before sprawling on the sofa.
Something had her in a good mood, he couldn’t guess what but it wasn’t hard to tell. But rather than going down that road he answered her question first.
“Busy. The glamorous life of an intern you know.” He gave her a wry smile. “Found some parks and rec baseball team to play on, been looking at maybe going back to school made a few new friends. Nothing terribly out of the ordinary.”
He wasn’t going to go into the Reign thing, hell he hadn’t figured that one out himself just yet. And of course his truck was giving him some trouble but that fell under the ‘nothing out of the ordinary’ stuff.
“Now what’s up with you? And if you say nothing tossing you out on your ear.”
Something had her in a good mood, he couldn’t guess what but it wasn’t hard to tell. But rather than going down that road he answered her question first.
“Busy. The glamorous life of an intern you know.” He gave her a wry smile. “Found some parks and rec baseball team to play on, been looking at maybe going back to school made a few new friends. Nothing terribly out of the ordinary.”
He wasn’t going to go into the Reign thing, hell he hadn’t figured that one out himself just yet. And of course his truck was giving him some trouble but that fell under the ‘nothing out of the ordinary’ stuff.
“Now what’s up with you? And if you say nothing tossing you out on your ear.”
Jillian
15 years ago
The word intern momentarily threw her, thinking she hadn't heard anything about medical school, but then Jillian did recall Drew was working for some company...Meridian? And thought he'd mentioned researching or something. She returned his smile, nodding almost absently when the topic turned to baseball, which then jarred her thoughts again.
"Baseball? Co-ed by any chance?" She needed to get back into some more regular physical activities, and did like playing ball.
She didn't need to be asked twice to reveal her news. It had been her initiating the conversation after all, just showing up at his door.
"Can I borrow some clothes? Shirt, pants, flip flops or sandals...something casual but not too grungy, ya know? I've got a friend staying over but, well do to circumstances beyond his control, he only has the clothes on his back, and they've seen better days."
She paused to await his response, hoping it would be positive, but then continued on, unable to contain herself.
"I promise I'll replace everything, we just haven't had time to get to the mall yet, and I'm hoping to introduce him to Xeph before we head out again...I'd like Jesse to get his own rooms, and get settled as soon as he can..." A little afraid if he didn't, he might think twice and take off again. Jillian didn't want that to happen, though she was prepared to go after him if it did. This guy was special, something told her, and she wasn't about ready to just let him disappear.
"You're his height I think...a bit bigger overall, but that's better than the other, and I just don't know who else to ask...he can't wear my things, that's for sure."
She cast Drew a look of absurdity at that thought, and then did pause long enough for him to answer.
"Baseball? Co-ed by any chance?" She needed to get back into some more regular physical activities, and did like playing ball.
She didn't need to be asked twice to reveal her news. It had been her initiating the conversation after all, just showing up at his door.
"Can I borrow some clothes? Shirt, pants, flip flops or sandals...something casual but not too grungy, ya know? I've got a friend staying over but, well do to circumstances beyond his control, he only has the clothes on his back, and they've seen better days."
She paused to await his response, hoping it would be positive, but then continued on, unable to contain herself.
"I promise I'll replace everything, we just haven't had time to get to the mall yet, and I'm hoping to introduce him to Xeph before we head out again...I'd like Jesse to get his own rooms, and get settled as soon as he can..." A little afraid if he didn't, he might think twice and take off again. Jillian didn't want that to happen, though she was prepared to go after him if it did. This guy was special, something told her, and she wasn't about ready to just let him disappear.
"You're his height I think...a bit bigger overall, but that's better than the other, and I just don't know who else to ask...he can't wear my things, that's for sure."
She cast Drew a look of absurdity at that thought, and then did pause long enough for him to answer.
Drew
15 years ago
Drew was a heck of a ball player and he knew it. Some of his coaches had any where from strongly hinted to pushed him to go into the minors but given his dual nature that wasn’t such a great idea. Some days that bothered him but not much and not for long, he didn’t regret his decision. But the point was he was playing in a hard-core league.
“Well mines not but I know they have some co-ed and ladies only teams if you want. I’ll show you the web site or take you down to meet with one of the organizers if you want. I’ll even watch some of your games.”
He grinned at her. He loved playing baseball and he loved watching too so it wouldn’t be any issue to hang around for an extra game or two.
A friend staying over with no cloths? Drew tried hard not to go all big brother on Jillian but he didn’t like the way –that- sounded. It sounded… well it cold be a couple of things and he wasn’t sure how he felt about either. Of course he failed in this attempt and wound up frowning and sounding semi suspicious.
“You picking up strays?”
He was all about taking care of family but, well his tribe was very isolated not to mention the rest of the reservation didn’t trust them so it was natural for him to be suspicious of new arrivals. Even more so when they seemed to make their way into things by picking on cute young single girls. No matter that said girl also was a large wolf and could take care of herself. No, it was the method he didn’t like and he would remain suspicious until he met this guy.
“But yeah I’m sure we can dig up some jeans and a tee shirt. I’m a bit shy on shoes myself although Kathy might have sent a pair of sandals or something in that last package.”
Drew had arrived in Nachton with the bare minimum His mom and sisters were taking turns sending him stuff he’d left behind and he hadn’t gone through that last box except to get the DVDs he’d asked for. Who knew what else they’d put in there.
“Well mines not but I know they have some co-ed and ladies only teams if you want. I’ll show you the web site or take you down to meet with one of the organizers if you want. I’ll even watch some of your games.”
He grinned at her. He loved playing baseball and he loved watching too so it wouldn’t be any issue to hang around for an extra game or two.
A friend staying over with no cloths? Drew tried hard not to go all big brother on Jillian but he didn’t like the way –that- sounded. It sounded… well it cold be a couple of things and he wasn’t sure how he felt about either. Of course he failed in this attempt and wound up frowning and sounding semi suspicious.
“You picking up strays?”
He was all about taking care of family but, well his tribe was very isolated not to mention the rest of the reservation didn’t trust them so it was natural for him to be suspicious of new arrivals. Even more so when they seemed to make their way into things by picking on cute young single girls. No matter that said girl also was a large wolf and could take care of herself. No, it was the method he didn’t like and he would remain suspicious until he met this guy.
“But yeah I’m sure we can dig up some jeans and a tee shirt. I’m a bit shy on shoes myself although Kathy might have sent a pair of sandals or something in that last package.”
Drew had arrived in Nachton with the bare minimum His mom and sisters were taking turns sending him stuff he’d left behind and he hadn’t gone through that last box except to get the DVDs he’d asked for. Who knew what else they’d put in there.
Jillian
15 years ago
A 'ladies' team? Ugh. Jillian had seen a couple of those back home, and wanted no part of them. Sure the women played well, but they also took up way too much time worrying about their uniforms, and getting play time so their boyfriends could watch. Besides, when grouped with humans, she was a lot stronger, and didn't like being the only person who could hit far, or pitch fast. It would have to be co-ed or nothing, but it would also have to be food for discussion another time. Jillian was glad Drew thought enough of her to go to the trouble he offered, and thanked him.
His next question and the frown behind it was expected. She would have reacted the same way if he had told her about meeting someone new.
"He's pack, but he's from New York, and new in town. He lost his family too." Jillian hoped that helped to explain why she had become involved. It was far from the only reason, but one Drew should understand.
At least his concerns didn't prevent him from helping, and shoes or not, the pants and shirt would go a long way to making Jesse more presentable.
"And a belt? I hate to be greedy, but he is a lot thinner than you, and I'd hate for him to lose his pants in the middle of his audience with Xeph." That wasn't an image Jillian relished, but she still had to giggle at it.
"Do you think Xeph would forgive the shoeless thing?"
Jillian watched as Drew gathered things, sincerely hoping if it came down to it, Xeph would overlook such a social faux pas.
His next question and the frown behind it was expected. She would have reacted the same way if he had told her about meeting someone new.
"He's pack, but he's from New York, and new in town. He lost his family too." Jillian hoped that helped to explain why she had become involved. It was far from the only reason, but one Drew should understand.
At least his concerns didn't prevent him from helping, and shoes or not, the pants and shirt would go a long way to making Jesse more presentable.
"And a belt? I hate to be greedy, but he is a lot thinner than you, and I'd hate for him to lose his pants in the middle of his audience with Xeph." That wasn't an image Jillian relished, but she still had to giggle at it.
"Do you think Xeph would forgive the shoeless thing?"
Jillian watched as Drew gathered things, sincerely hoping if it came down to it, Xeph would overlook such a social faux pas.
Drew
15 years ago
Drew kept his suspicions in check. He really didn’t like lone wolves. It was un-natural. Although he did have a sympathy for any one who’d lost their family, or course it could be a story. OK he was reserving judgment on this one. Hell of a story to make up, after all. He’d been brought up to think lying about some one being dead was the same as wishing them dead.
“I’d like to meet him.” That was all there was to it. “But cloths and settling first. Come on let’s ransack the closet and hope I did the laundry recently.”
He was half way to the bedroom before he got that last quip.
“Are you implying I need to lose some weight?”
He did his best to look both concerned and hurt, it didn’t go as well as he would have hoped. Primarily because he couldn’t help laughing at the question about Xeph and shoes. It’s not like he and the Alpha were best buddies but well he’d learned a few things.
“I don’t think he’d even notice.
He disappeared into the closet cautiously sniffing at things.
“If it’s on the floor it’s dirty, on the bed is 50/50 odds. And that box in the corner is what Kathy sent, why don’t you check there for shoes. Here!”
A pair of jeans, not too worn, but not new flew out of the closet at Jillian followed closely by a belt. He still had one clean and ironed button down shirt, he’d been counting on that for work but he’d manage. Still ambled to the dresser looking for a tee shirt, he could give this guy options, not many but one or two.
“Does this stray have a name?”
“I’d like to meet him.” That was all there was to it. “But cloths and settling first. Come on let’s ransack the closet and hope I did the laundry recently.”
He was half way to the bedroom before he got that last quip.
“Are you implying I need to lose some weight?”
He did his best to look both concerned and hurt, it didn’t go as well as he would have hoped. Primarily because he couldn’t help laughing at the question about Xeph and shoes. It’s not like he and the Alpha were best buddies but well he’d learned a few things.
“I don’t think he’d even notice.
He disappeared into the closet cautiously sniffing at things.
“If it’s on the floor it’s dirty, on the bed is 50/50 odds. And that box in the corner is what Kathy sent, why don’t you check there for shoes. Here!”
A pair of jeans, not too worn, but not new flew out of the closet at Jillian followed closely by a belt. He still had one clean and ironed button down shirt, he’d been counting on that for work but he’d manage. Still ambled to the dresser looking for a tee shirt, he could give this guy options, not many but one or two.
“Does this stray have a name?”
Jillian
15 years ago
"Oh, you will. If he moves in here everyone will meet him eventually, though he's pretty shy."
Shy wasn't probably truly accurate, but it seemed the easiest way to describe Jesse's standoffishness.
Jillian got up and went to the box, not really finding anything, but thankful Drew was having better luck. She wrinkled her nose and smirked when he tried to appear offended at her comparative remark.
"No! It's not that you're fat at all...you're fine...but he's just thin. I don't think he eats regularly, or too well."
And how could he having to feed on local small prey. With luck, and a few good meals here at the Den, Jesse would fill out, and give Drew some competition. Wait...not that Jillian wanted Jesse out in the field with Drew...
The jeans flew by her head, missing her by inches, but the belt she didn't dodge as nicely. The buckle cleared her, but the leather end slapped across her arm, barely registering any sensation at all.
"Oh yea, how silly of me, his name is Jesse, but he's not a stray..." Though she tried to sound indignant, Jillian didn't fare well. She knew Drew was just being protective, and she appreciated that.
It was a relief to not have shoes to worry about. The more she thought about it, the more she agreed Xeph would be more concerned with what Jesse was made of, and not if he was wearing shoes or not. Taking the shirt she folded it and placed it on top of the folded jeans, and belt.
"This is just super Drew. I knew I could count on you, and you didn't let me down. I really owe you a lot...this isn't the first and probably won't be the last time you come to my rescue."
Everyone in the pack that Jillian had met or made acquaintances with had been super friendly to her, and she trusted in a pinch she'd be able to rely on all of them. But none would hold a special place with her like Drew did. Maybe because they had both arrived in the pack around the same time, and were close in age...perhaps it was because she'd always had a crush on him, and he'd never teased her about it. Whatever it was, Jillian was glad he was her friend.
Shy wasn't probably truly accurate, but it seemed the easiest way to describe Jesse's standoffishness.
Jillian got up and went to the box, not really finding anything, but thankful Drew was having better luck. She wrinkled her nose and smirked when he tried to appear offended at her comparative remark.
"No! It's not that you're fat at all...you're fine...but he's just thin. I don't think he eats regularly, or too well."
And how could he having to feed on local small prey. With luck, and a few good meals here at the Den, Jesse would fill out, and give Drew some competition. Wait...not that Jillian wanted Jesse out in the field with Drew...
The jeans flew by her head, missing her by inches, but the belt she didn't dodge as nicely. The buckle cleared her, but the leather end slapped across her arm, barely registering any sensation at all.
"Oh yea, how silly of me, his name is Jesse, but he's not a stray..." Though she tried to sound indignant, Jillian didn't fare well. She knew Drew was just being protective, and she appreciated that.
It was a relief to not have shoes to worry about. The more she thought about it, the more she agreed Xeph would be more concerned with what Jesse was made of, and not if he was wearing shoes or not. Taking the shirt she folded it and placed it on top of the folded jeans, and belt.
"This is just super Drew. I knew I could count on you, and you didn't let me down. I really owe you a lot...this isn't the first and probably won't be the last time you come to my rescue."
Everyone in the pack that Jillian had met or made acquaintances with had been super friendly to her, and she trusted in a pinch she'd be able to rely on all of them. But none would hold a special place with her like Drew did. Maybe because they had both arrived in the pack around the same time, and were close in age...perhaps it was because she'd always had a crush on him, and he'd never teased her about it. Whatever it was, Jillian was glad he was her friend.
Drew
15 years ago
Drew caught the tone and just grinned an apology.
“I do promise to give him a fair shake you know. Some day I’ll tell you more about where I grew up.”
If she knew the Navajo legends that went back more generations than he could count, not to mention all the stories that had been pass around about his family, well she might understand the vibe he was giving off a little bit better.
Hmmm only three clean tee shirts. That one was his favorite so it was off the table, the other was a bit ratty, so the blue with the gold NAU emblazoned across it was tossed to Jillian as well.
“Hope he doesn’t mind being a Lumberjack for a while, but that’s the best I’ve got. If you’re desperate for the shoes I can loan him my dress shoes but I’ll need those back for work tomorrow. I don’t think running around the den in cleats is going to help his reputation.”
He flopped, gracelessly in a papa san chair in the corner of the room and laughed off her thanks.
“It’s not a problem, I mean I don’t wear a cape and tights but some times I’m good for something. If I’d have known I would have done laundry last night the you would have been -really- impressed. Anything else I’m not thinking of? If he’s been roughing it for a while heck… soap, deodorant, razor?”
“I do promise to give him a fair shake you know. Some day I’ll tell you more about where I grew up.”
If she knew the Navajo legends that went back more generations than he could count, not to mention all the stories that had been pass around about his family, well she might understand the vibe he was giving off a little bit better.
Hmmm only three clean tee shirts. That one was his favorite so it was off the table, the other was a bit ratty, so the blue with the gold NAU emblazoned across it was tossed to Jillian as well.
“Hope he doesn’t mind being a Lumberjack for a while, but that’s the best I’ve got. If you’re desperate for the shoes I can loan him my dress shoes but I’ll need those back for work tomorrow. I don’t think running around the den in cleats is going to help his reputation.”
He flopped, gracelessly in a papa san chair in the corner of the room and laughed off her thanks.
“It’s not a problem, I mean I don’t wear a cape and tights but some times I’m good for something. If I’d have known I would have done laundry last night the you would have been -really- impressed. Anything else I’m not thinking of? If he’s been roughing it for a while heck… soap, deodorant, razor?”
Jillian
15 years ago
Jillian shrugged off Drew's promise of revealing more of his history, having heard it before. In the past year since they met, he had given her small glimpses into his background, but even then had remained a fairly private man. Far be it for her to pry. Of course she was interested, but they were just friends after all. He didn't 'owe' her anything really, aside from a friendly attitude, and possibly a reciprocal offer to lend a hand, or ear, now and then. She had taken him up on the latter more than he had with her, but it wasn't like she did anything to prevent him from coming to her for advice, or assistance. It just always seemed like she found herself being the needier of the two.
"Yea, yea...how many times have I heard that one?" She laughed, teasingly.
"And really, this is so good of you. If you saw what he came in with...well there's just no comparison. I'm sure once he cleans up and puts these on he'll look a world better. I can't thank you enough."
Jillian didn't fault Jesse completely with his lack of cleanliness and tattered clothing. He didn't have any money, he had been gone from home for some time, and life on the streets undoubtedly wasn't the most hygienic of circumstances. What she would be curious to see now was how he took care of himself, and things, now that he had the opportunity to do better.
She again waved off the shoes. A lot of the guys around the den went barefoot, or wore sandals. She would just hope Drew was right and Xeph didn't mind.
Watching Drew plant himself in his chair, Jillian knew she needed to get back to Jesse. A part of her still feared he would freak and run off, and though she had no reason to care, really...she did.
Laughing at her friend's casual reference to superheros, and impressing her, she shook her head.
"Nope, I've got those things, plus a brand new, never used on legs razor, and deodorant that doesn't smell like flowers...I'm sure you'd approve."
Jillian didn't mind wearing a spot or two of perfume, and always wanted to smell clean, but she wasn't big on fruity or flowery toiletries. She didn't think Jesse would mind his options.
Walking over to where Drew sat, Jillian bent down and kissed his cheek, giving his shoulder a squeeze.
"You're a godsend, Drew. Thanks again for being here. I know I've said it before, but if you ever need anything I have, please yell. And I promise I'll get these replaced by the end of the week at the latest. I've got definite shopping to do, and no reason to put it off!"
A short skip in her step, Jillian was at the door, and heading into the hallway.
"Tata!"
"Yea, yea...how many times have I heard that one?" She laughed, teasingly.
"And really, this is so good of you. If you saw what he came in with...well there's just no comparison. I'm sure once he cleans up and puts these on he'll look a world better. I can't thank you enough."
Jillian didn't fault Jesse completely with his lack of cleanliness and tattered clothing. He didn't have any money, he had been gone from home for some time, and life on the streets undoubtedly wasn't the most hygienic of circumstances. What she would be curious to see now was how he took care of himself, and things, now that he had the opportunity to do better.
She again waved off the shoes. A lot of the guys around the den went barefoot, or wore sandals. She would just hope Drew was right and Xeph didn't mind.
Watching Drew plant himself in his chair, Jillian knew she needed to get back to Jesse. A part of her still feared he would freak and run off, and though she had no reason to care, really...she did.
Laughing at her friend's casual reference to superheros, and impressing her, she shook her head.
"Nope, I've got those things, plus a brand new, never used on legs razor, and deodorant that doesn't smell like flowers...I'm sure you'd approve."
Jillian didn't mind wearing a spot or two of perfume, and always wanted to smell clean, but she wasn't big on fruity or flowery toiletries. She didn't think Jesse would mind his options.
Walking over to where Drew sat, Jillian bent down and kissed his cheek, giving his shoulder a squeeze.
"You're a godsend, Drew. Thanks again for being here. I know I've said it before, but if you ever need anything I have, please yell. And I promise I'll get these replaced by the end of the week at the latest. I've got definite shopping to do, and no reason to put it off!"
A short skip in her step, Jillian was at the door, and heading into the hallway.
"Tata!"
Drew
15 years ago
He nodded very seriously at Jillian.
“I promise, I’ll even buy you a cup of coffee.”
He might touch on it with the new guy if he needed something to relate to. Who knew what this guy’s story was if Jillian was out scrounging cloths for him.
The idea of deodorant that didn’t smell like flowers made him laugh. She was good people. He only shook his head at her thanks though.
“Scouts honor if I need anything I’ll pound on the door. Get going chica He’s probably wondering where you are.”
Drew said with a grin. He followed her as far as the door and tried to work out what his plans for the rest of the day were now that he was awake. Maybe he’d hit the batting cages. Maybe Reign liked baseball.
((OOC… Drew out))
“I promise, I’ll even buy you a cup of coffee.”
He might touch on it with the new guy if he needed something to relate to. Who knew what this guy’s story was if Jillian was out scrounging cloths for him.
The idea of deodorant that didn’t smell like flowers made him laugh. She was good people. He only shook his head at her thanks though.
“Scouts honor if I need anything I’ll pound on the door. Get going chica He’s probably wondering where you are.”
Drew said with a grin. He followed her as far as the door and tried to work out what his plans for the rest of the day were now that he was awake. Maybe he’d hit the batting cages. Maybe Reign liked baseball.
((OOC… Drew out))
Jillian
15 years ago
Once she left Drew's place, Jillian was back at her own in seconds. Letting herself in, she started to shout out to her guest, but thought better of it. Placing the pants and shirts across a chair back, her heart momentarily jumped. Had he run off?
No, she saw his leg resting on the chaise outside, and then saw the rest of his body, partially, thankfully, covered by a towel. The man appeared to be asleep, so Jillian continued toward him softly.
As she reached the doorway, the pinkish orange rays of the setting sun filtered around the corner of the Den, and splayed across Jesse's lap, leaving his face obscured by the increasing darkness. He was asleep, and evidently so soundly that he hadn't heard her return. This surprised Jillian, and made her wonder just how he managed to survive as long as he had, if this was the way he protected himself.
She leaned against the doorway and let her eyes graze his form. It seemed both invasive, as well as wicked, yet she didn't stop. Jillian noticed a fine spray of hairs scattered across Jesse's chest, thinking to touch him, and find out if they were as soft as they looked. Instead she chewed her lip, and felt her forehead wrinkle, her feelings mixed, and confusing. She didn't know this man from Adam, and yet she felt something for him already. And, she then realized, it wasn't the sympathy she had imagined it to be earlier.
So intent was she on checking Jesse out to the 'nth' degree, Jillian didn't noticed his eyes were open, and he was studying her just as closely. Until he coughed, and nearly scared her out of her skin. So much for her paying attention.
"Oh! You are awake. I thought you were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you. I got you some clothes. They're there on the chair. They're from Drew. He didn't have shoes though. I don't think it will matter. You want to sleep there tonight?"
Her nervousness forced her words to spill out and in her attempt to not sound like a complete ninny, she wound up sounding like a complete ninny. Then she caught herself staring at the towel across Jesse's middle, and quickly turned away, going back inside.
No, she saw his leg resting on the chaise outside, and then saw the rest of his body, partially, thankfully, covered by a towel. The man appeared to be asleep, so Jillian continued toward him softly.
As she reached the doorway, the pinkish orange rays of the setting sun filtered around the corner of the Den, and splayed across Jesse's lap, leaving his face obscured by the increasing darkness. He was asleep, and evidently so soundly that he hadn't heard her return. This surprised Jillian, and made her wonder just how he managed to survive as long as he had, if this was the way he protected himself.
She leaned against the doorway and let her eyes graze his form. It seemed both invasive, as well as wicked, yet she didn't stop. Jillian noticed a fine spray of hairs scattered across Jesse's chest, thinking to touch him, and find out if they were as soft as they looked. Instead she chewed her lip, and felt her forehead wrinkle, her feelings mixed, and confusing. She didn't know this man from Adam, and yet she felt something for him already. And, she then realized, it wasn't the sympathy she had imagined it to be earlier.
So intent was she on checking Jesse out to the 'nth' degree, Jillian didn't noticed his eyes were open, and he was studying her just as closely. Until he coughed, and nearly scared her out of her skin. So much for her paying attention.
"Oh! You are awake. I thought you were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you. I got you some clothes. They're there on the chair. They're from Drew. He didn't have shoes though. I don't think it will matter. You want to sleep there tonight?"
Her nervousness forced her words to spill out and in her attempt to not sound like a complete ninny, she wound up sounding like a complete ninny. Then she caught herself staring at the towel across Jesse's middle, and quickly turned away, going back inside.
Jesse
15 years ago
When Jesse first lay down on the chaise, the warmth of the sun did put him to sleep, but as the night air cooled he woke, his mind full of images.
Since Jillian had left Jesse had done little but think about the young woman. He was torn between having an almost primal need to know her better, and a fear of trusting her. The fear issue was easy to deal with, since he had lived that way for so long, but the other was what had him concerned. Not only were those feelings new to him, but they were so foreign that he just couldn't quite figure out how to handle them.
There was no way he was going to just be taken in by her lofty words of harmony, and easy living, no matter how convincing she sounded. Jesse was sure that would be asking for disaster, even if a small part of his mind had to think life would be a lot more simple if he could just melt in with the rest of the pack, and live there in the Den.
He wasn't aware of how long he had slept, or lay there thinking, but soon he did hear Jillian return. Thinking he would like to see more of her unobserved, he remained prone, and gave the impression he was still sleeping.
Through his thick, black lashes, Jesse could see her just on the edges of his peripheral vision. The shadows helped conceal his being awake, and must have worked for Jillian did study him long and hard. She, on the other hand, was bathed in the dimming sunset, and Jesse felt stirrings invoked by her beauty. He, in turn, watched her.
When she did a funny little thing with her brow, Jesse's breath caught in his throat, and he gave up the sleeping facade. Rather than speak immediately, he let her go on until she was done, a small smile playing around his lips. She sure could talk.
Sitting up, he carefully tucked the towel around his hips before he chanced to speak.
"Thank you. You really don't need to go to all this trouble. I rinsed my clothes out in the shower, and they should be dry by morning."
Casually waving toward the balcony railing, Jesse indicated where he had placed his clothes.
"But I suppose you don't want a dirty, mangy cur meandering your halls, so I'll play nice and wear what you've brought."
Though he lived alone, and stuck to himself, Jesse was still aware of proper etiquette, and how to present himself in a good light. His grandmother didn't raise any heathens. It just wasn't normally important to him. For all the trouble Jillian had gone to on his behalf, he would graciously accept the offer, and forestall any possible bad feelings for her.
Sleeping arrangements had been one of the topics of his musings earlier, and he had already decided to sleep on the balcony. It was where he would be most comfortable, and it would again alleviate any issues Jillian might have with other arrangements.
"This is fine, though, if you have something a bit heavier than this towel, that I could use during the early morning hours? It does get cool, and damp then."
Or he could shift and sleep just fine on the ground. Either way was fine, but he, yet again, was looking out for her sensibilities. He didn't know her well enough to know just how often she shifted, and how comfortable she was with the process. Something told him she was a most agreeable person, and probably completely at ease with her life. However, until he knew that for a fact, he would remain cautious.
"But if you're short on blankets, I'll just put on my own..."
Feeling the towel move, Jesse held it in front of him and stood, wrapping it around his waist, and tucking the ends in, before sitting down again.
Since Jillian had left Jesse had done little but think about the young woman. He was torn between having an almost primal need to know her better, and a fear of trusting her. The fear issue was easy to deal with, since he had lived that way for so long, but the other was what had him concerned. Not only were those feelings new to him, but they were so foreign that he just couldn't quite figure out how to handle them.
There was no way he was going to just be taken in by her lofty words of harmony, and easy living, no matter how convincing she sounded. Jesse was sure that would be asking for disaster, even if a small part of his mind had to think life would be a lot more simple if he could just melt in with the rest of the pack, and live there in the Den.
He wasn't aware of how long he had slept, or lay there thinking, but soon he did hear Jillian return. Thinking he would like to see more of her unobserved, he remained prone, and gave the impression he was still sleeping.
Through his thick, black lashes, Jesse could see her just on the edges of his peripheral vision. The shadows helped conceal his being awake, and must have worked for Jillian did study him long and hard. She, on the other hand, was bathed in the dimming sunset, and Jesse felt stirrings invoked by her beauty. He, in turn, watched her.
When she did a funny little thing with her brow, Jesse's breath caught in his throat, and he gave up the sleeping facade. Rather than speak immediately, he let her go on until she was done, a small smile playing around his lips. She sure could talk.
Sitting up, he carefully tucked the towel around his hips before he chanced to speak.
"Thank you. You really don't need to go to all this trouble. I rinsed my clothes out in the shower, and they should be dry by morning."
Casually waving toward the balcony railing, Jesse indicated where he had placed his clothes.
"But I suppose you don't want a dirty, mangy cur meandering your halls, so I'll play nice and wear what you've brought."
Though he lived alone, and stuck to himself, Jesse was still aware of proper etiquette, and how to present himself in a good light. His grandmother didn't raise any heathens. It just wasn't normally important to him. For all the trouble Jillian had gone to on his behalf, he would graciously accept the offer, and forestall any possible bad feelings for her.
Sleeping arrangements had been one of the topics of his musings earlier, and he had already decided to sleep on the balcony. It was where he would be most comfortable, and it would again alleviate any issues Jillian might have with other arrangements.
"This is fine, though, if you have something a bit heavier than this towel, that I could use during the early morning hours? It does get cool, and damp then."
Or he could shift and sleep just fine on the ground. Either way was fine, but he, yet again, was looking out for her sensibilities. He didn't know her well enough to know just how often she shifted, and how comfortable she was with the process. Something told him she was a most agreeable person, and probably completely at ease with her life. However, until he knew that for a fact, he would remain cautious.
"But if you're short on blankets, I'll just put on my own..."
Feeling the towel move, Jesse held it in front of him and stood, wrapping it around his waist, and tucking the ends in, before sitting down again.
Jillian
15 years ago
Jillian heard 'rinsed', and almost cringed, but managed to maintain a look of complete nonchalance. How the man thought just by 'rinsing' those clothes they would be even remotely clean enough to wear again, creeped Jillian out. But at least he hadn't refused to wear the clothes Drew had let her borrow.
"It's okay, but I think maybe they should be properly washed, and it isn't like Drew minded letting you borrow these things. I'm going to replace them for him when I take you to the mall to get you some more clothes. I suppose living on the streets it really isn't convenient having too many things to keep track of, but here you'll have loads of room."
Jillian really liked to shop, but didn't really like to go alone. Consequently after an initial trip to the mall with Drew along, she hadn't been back for more than a very few random odds and ends. She was looking forward to getting some things for Jesse, clothes, as well as necessities he would have use for once he got his own suite in the Den. Afraid of seeing his eyes glass over, she didn't go into all that right then.
Once he mentioned a blanket, she face palmed her forehead, and bounded to the linen closet.
"Of course you'll need a blanket! In fact, why don't I put this nice soft quilt down on that chaise...it will feel better against your skin than that canvas. Then you can cover up with this other quilt...its not too heavy, but should be plenty warm enough." Glad she had brought the quilts her mother, and others had sewn for her, as well as her parents, Jillian averted her eyes from Jesse's body as she moved behind him to spread the first quilt down. The second one remained folded and was placed at the foot of the chaise.
"Do you do that a lot? Shift to sleep? Under your circumstances I guess it makes a lot of sense, and probably offers you some added protection too, huh? I mean, if someone came across a sleeping wolf at the cemetery, I doubt they would bother it, whereas a man probably wouldn't be afforded the same leeway, right?"
Returning inside again, Jillian covered a yawn, and was only minutely mortified. It was still early but she hadn't had a lot of sleep lately, and it was catching up with her.
Excusing herself she went into the bathroom, showered, and rejoined Jesse dressed in a soft terry cloth sleep set of short shorts, and a tank top. Jillian slept very 'hot', and often in the nude because of it, but of course that was out of the question tonight. What she now wore should be okay, she hoped, and plopped down in one of her easy chairs.
"Want to watch tv? Or if you're hungry, there are some snacks in that cupboard...chips, crackers, jerky...I'm not sure what all is in there but you're welcome to whatever you might like. There are also drinks, and a couple beers in that smaller chest next to it."
Because she ate most of her meals downstairs in the dining room, Jillian never had a LOT of food in her suite, but what with all the studying she'd been doing, she had amassed quite a stash lately. The small refrigerator always held sodas, bottled water, and the random beer or three. Jillian didn't drink much, but liked having it around in case Drew or someone stopped by.
Stifling another yawn, Jillian glanced over at her bed longingly. She wondered if it would be terribly rude to just leave Jesse to his own devices until morning...
"It's okay, but I think maybe they should be properly washed, and it isn't like Drew minded letting you borrow these things. I'm going to replace them for him when I take you to the mall to get you some more clothes. I suppose living on the streets it really isn't convenient having too many things to keep track of, but here you'll have loads of room."
Jillian really liked to shop, but didn't really like to go alone. Consequently after an initial trip to the mall with Drew along, she hadn't been back for more than a very few random odds and ends. She was looking forward to getting some things for Jesse, clothes, as well as necessities he would have use for once he got his own suite in the Den. Afraid of seeing his eyes glass over, she didn't go into all that right then.
Once he mentioned a blanket, she face palmed her forehead, and bounded to the linen closet.
"Of course you'll need a blanket! In fact, why don't I put this nice soft quilt down on that chaise...it will feel better against your skin than that canvas. Then you can cover up with this other quilt...its not too heavy, but should be plenty warm enough." Glad she had brought the quilts her mother, and others had sewn for her, as well as her parents, Jillian averted her eyes from Jesse's body as she moved behind him to spread the first quilt down. The second one remained folded and was placed at the foot of the chaise.
"Do you do that a lot? Shift to sleep? Under your circumstances I guess it makes a lot of sense, and probably offers you some added protection too, huh? I mean, if someone came across a sleeping wolf at the cemetery, I doubt they would bother it, whereas a man probably wouldn't be afforded the same leeway, right?"
Returning inside again, Jillian covered a yawn, and was only minutely mortified. It was still early but she hadn't had a lot of sleep lately, and it was catching up with her.
Excusing herself she went into the bathroom, showered, and rejoined Jesse dressed in a soft terry cloth sleep set of short shorts, and a tank top. Jillian slept very 'hot', and often in the nude because of it, but of course that was out of the question tonight. What she now wore should be okay, she hoped, and plopped down in one of her easy chairs.
"Want to watch tv? Or if you're hungry, there are some snacks in that cupboard...chips, crackers, jerky...I'm not sure what all is in there but you're welcome to whatever you might like. There are also drinks, and a couple beers in that smaller chest next to it."
Because she ate most of her meals downstairs in the dining room, Jillian never had a LOT of food in her suite, but what with all the studying she'd been doing, she had amassed quite a stash lately. The small refrigerator always held sodas, bottled water, and the random beer or three. Jillian didn't drink much, but liked having it around in case Drew or someone stopped by.
Stifling another yawn, Jillian glanced over at her bed longingly. She wondered if it would be terribly rude to just leave Jesse to his own devices until morning...
Jesse
15 years ago
Jesse's earlier decision that Jillian wasn't TOO girly was revisited when he caught the face she made discussing his clothes. He'd admit he wouldn't win any modeling contests in them, but they weren't walking around by themselves yet. Then again, there was a pretty dark ring around her shower since he'd bathed.
"Drew?" Why that name caused the little hairs on the back of his neck to stand up was a mystery. Jesse figured the guy had to be pretty decent to just let anyone borrow his clothes. Either that, or the guy was rich enough not to care. A quick check of the jeans and shirts squashed the latter thought...nothing expensive there. Jesse wondered if the guy had designs on Jillian, and his hackles rose higher.
"I don't want you spending any money on me. What you've done getting me here is plenty. If I can get a job with the pack, I'll be able to take care of myself in a more conventional manner, including buying my own things."
Not that he wasn't grateful, but he did have some pride.
He watched as she fussed about the bed, jumping out of the way when he felt he was about to be stepped on. It was amazing that such a little thing could whirl about like a mini tornado.
"Not a lot. I got into the habit a year or so ago whenever I was someplace unfamiliar, but I only shift when it's necessary...full moon time, and self preservation..."
Standing back a while longer, he just watched as she flitted about, left the room for what seemed like only seconds, then finally landed on a chair, and nearly falling asleep the minute her butt hit the cushion. Even as she fell asleep, he listened to her mouth and chuckled a few times because of the absurdity. Yet he didn't think she could have been more endearing.
Jesse didn't need to remain still or quiet too long, before Jillian was dead to the world. It did seem a little strange that she would be sleepy so early, but when he thought of the amount of energy she had to spend as she constantly moved around he guessed she might be like a young puppy. Throwing her all into her every waking moment, maybe she had to nap a little off and on to maintain her exuberance. Whatever the case was, he didn't mind at all, and looked over at her bed, trying to decide if he should try to get her into it or not.
It turned out that moving Jillian to her bed was a simple procedure that only took the young man a matter of minutes. Clearing off all the pillows he gently lifted her out of the chair and walked the few steps to set her down. Feeling her warm, soft body pressed against his, her scent floated up and filled his nose. The stirrings he had felt earlier reappeared, and it took all Jesse had in him not to just drop her in surprise.
When he was relatively sure she wouldn't be waking up any time soon, Jesse tried to occupy his time until he too got sleepy. After an hour of pacing, he shifted and took off over the balcony. A good run would wear him out, and four hours later he returned, and took the bed Jillian had made for him. For the first time in too long to remember, Jesse fell asleep quickly, and soundly. It was the first time in a long time he felt safe enough not to be on guard. And for the first time in perhaps ever, Jesse slept through until the sun beat down on his face, and woke him to the new day.
"Drew?" Why that name caused the little hairs on the back of his neck to stand up was a mystery. Jesse figured the guy had to be pretty decent to just let anyone borrow his clothes. Either that, or the guy was rich enough not to care. A quick check of the jeans and shirts squashed the latter thought...nothing expensive there. Jesse wondered if the guy had designs on Jillian, and his hackles rose higher.
"I don't want you spending any money on me. What you've done getting me here is plenty. If I can get a job with the pack, I'll be able to take care of myself in a more conventional manner, including buying my own things."
Not that he wasn't grateful, but he did have some pride.
He watched as she fussed about the bed, jumping out of the way when he felt he was about to be stepped on. It was amazing that such a little thing could whirl about like a mini tornado.
"Not a lot. I got into the habit a year or so ago whenever I was someplace unfamiliar, but I only shift when it's necessary...full moon time, and self preservation..."
Standing back a while longer, he just watched as she flitted about, left the room for what seemed like only seconds, then finally landed on a chair, and nearly falling asleep the minute her butt hit the cushion. Even as she fell asleep, he listened to her mouth and chuckled a few times because of the absurdity. Yet he didn't think she could have been more endearing.
Jesse didn't need to remain still or quiet too long, before Jillian was dead to the world. It did seem a little strange that she would be sleepy so early, but when he thought of the amount of energy she had to spend as she constantly moved around he guessed she might be like a young puppy. Throwing her all into her every waking moment, maybe she had to nap a little off and on to maintain her exuberance. Whatever the case was, he didn't mind at all, and looked over at her bed, trying to decide if he should try to get her into it or not.
It turned out that moving Jillian to her bed was a simple procedure that only took the young man a matter of minutes. Clearing off all the pillows he gently lifted her out of the chair and walked the few steps to set her down. Feeling her warm, soft body pressed against his, her scent floated up and filled his nose. The stirrings he had felt earlier reappeared, and it took all Jesse had in him not to just drop her in surprise.
When he was relatively sure she wouldn't be waking up any time soon, Jesse tried to occupy his time until he too got sleepy. After an hour of pacing, he shifted and took off over the balcony. A good run would wear him out, and four hours later he returned, and took the bed Jillian had made for him. For the first time in too long to remember, Jesse fell asleep quickly, and soundly. It was the first time in a long time he felt safe enough not to be on guard. And for the first time in perhaps ever, Jesse slept through until the sun beat down on his face, and woke him to the new day.
Jillian
15 years ago
Bolting straight up in bed, Jillian wasn't sure what woke her, but she immediately thought of Jesse, and wondered how she'd gotten into her bed. Looking through the door way to her balcony, she could see he was still stretched out on the chaise, though it looked like he had fought with the blanket, and the blanket had won.
Stretching languidly, her own sheet fell away, and she slipped out of the bed and her feet touched the rug beneath it. Again she stretched, feeling wonderfully refreshed from her sleep, and excited about the days events.
Making the bed was a simple chore, and one Jillian never missed. There was just something about having a nicely made bed that gave her room the instant sense of organization. Grabbing a robe that was slung across a chair, she casually pulled it on, leaving it unbelted. Though her pajamas weren't really scanty, they didn't offer much warmth against the cool morning breeze.
Stepping onto the balcony, after making sure Jesse was decently covered, Jillian could see he was also awake, though he seemed deep in thought.
"Good morning. I hope that wasn't too uncomfortable for you. Did you get any sleep at all? Are you hungry? I thought we might get some breakfast then go looking for Xeph. If we can get you settled, then we can go shopping and get you some things you'll need. And before you start to argue, I'm going to make sure you have at least one other change of clothes, so you can either go with me and get something you like, or risk my tastes."
Her mind was set, and that was that. If he gave her any flack she would do what she said and if he wound up with a Hawaiian shirt, or plaid shorts it would be his own fault. Jillian giggled quietly at the idea of that combination.
She watched as the muscles in his arms and chest rippled slightly when he moved, craning his neck a little to see her better. He was thin, but he wasn't bony, or at all emaciated looking. His muscles were evident, just drawn taught across his bones, without any signs of fat to soften his edges.
He needed a few good meals, and she would see to that as well.
Stretching languidly, her own sheet fell away, and she slipped out of the bed and her feet touched the rug beneath it. Again she stretched, feeling wonderfully refreshed from her sleep, and excited about the days events.
Making the bed was a simple chore, and one Jillian never missed. There was just something about having a nicely made bed that gave her room the instant sense of organization. Grabbing a robe that was slung across a chair, she casually pulled it on, leaving it unbelted. Though her pajamas weren't really scanty, they didn't offer much warmth against the cool morning breeze.
Stepping onto the balcony, after making sure Jesse was decently covered, Jillian could see he was also awake, though he seemed deep in thought.
"Good morning. I hope that wasn't too uncomfortable for you. Did you get any sleep at all? Are you hungry? I thought we might get some breakfast then go looking for Xeph. If we can get you settled, then we can go shopping and get you some things you'll need. And before you start to argue, I'm going to make sure you have at least one other change of clothes, so you can either go with me and get something you like, or risk my tastes."
Her mind was set, and that was that. If he gave her any flack she would do what she said and if he wound up with a Hawaiian shirt, or plaid shorts it would be his own fault. Jillian giggled quietly at the idea of that combination.
She watched as the muscles in his arms and chest rippled slightly when he moved, craning his neck a little to see her better. He was thin, but he wasn't bony, or at all emaciated looking. His muscles were evident, just drawn taught across his bones, without any signs of fat to soften his edges.
He needed a few good meals, and she would see to that as well.
Jesse
15 years ago
"Whoa there!" Jesse found himself laughing so hard he could hardly see straight from his tears. It now looked to him like Jillian had two speeds...off, and on. And when she was on, she was all about moving a mile a minute.
"You are really a buzzing little bee aren't you?" Though without doubt the prettiest bee he'd ever seen, even first thing in the morning with little wisps of tousled hair flying about in the breeze, and her clothes a bit helter skelter.
Seeing Jillian frown, Jesse sat up and became a little serious. He assumed from her look that she didn't take what was intended as a compliment, to be a compliment.
"Sorry, but you wake up a lot quicker than I do it appears. My eyes may be open, and there are words coming out of my mouth, but I assure you my brain isn't quite up to par yet."
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and pulled the blanket around himself to make sure there weren't any inadvertent exposures. He really wanted to get dressed so he wouldn't have to mess with the blanket any longer, but he was afraid to say anything else to Jillian right then.
Fortunate for Jesse, Jillian turned up her nose at him, and stalked back into her room, giving him ample time to get up, get the clothes from where she had placed them last night, and pull them on. He was indeed grateful for the belt, as the jeans wouldn't have lasted ten seconds if he had tried walking in them. The t-shirt he put on under the button up shirt, and felt really human again, the first time in days...or weeks even.
Looking around her bedroom, Jesse could see Jillian wasn't to be found, and went into her small living room where he found her sipping on a bottle of water, watching the morning news on the television. Nothing being played on the television could distract his view from the lovely woman before him.
"I'll go shopping with you, but only if you promise to let me pay you once I get a job, or at the very least take you out to dinner. If you go with the dinner option, you'll also have to come up with the place too though...I really don't know anything about what might be good around here."
He hoped that would appease her, and bring the smile back to her face. It was a very little thing, he knew, having her grumpy at him, yet it still wasn't anything he relished feeling.
She was going to be trouble for him, this one, he knew.
"You are really a buzzing little bee aren't you?" Though without doubt the prettiest bee he'd ever seen, even first thing in the morning with little wisps of tousled hair flying about in the breeze, and her clothes a bit helter skelter.
Seeing Jillian frown, Jesse sat up and became a little serious. He assumed from her look that she didn't take what was intended as a compliment, to be a compliment.
"Sorry, but you wake up a lot quicker than I do it appears. My eyes may be open, and there are words coming out of my mouth, but I assure you my brain isn't quite up to par yet."
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and pulled the blanket around himself to make sure there weren't any inadvertent exposures. He really wanted to get dressed so he wouldn't have to mess with the blanket any longer, but he was afraid to say anything else to Jillian right then.
Fortunate for Jesse, Jillian turned up her nose at him, and stalked back into her room, giving him ample time to get up, get the clothes from where she had placed them last night, and pull them on. He was indeed grateful for the belt, as the jeans wouldn't have lasted ten seconds if he had tried walking in them. The t-shirt he put on under the button up shirt, and felt really human again, the first time in days...or weeks even.
Looking around her bedroom, Jesse could see Jillian wasn't to be found, and went into her small living room where he found her sipping on a bottle of water, watching the morning news on the television. Nothing being played on the television could distract his view from the lovely woman before him.
"I'll go shopping with you, but only if you promise to let me pay you once I get a job, or at the very least take you out to dinner. If you go with the dinner option, you'll also have to come up with the place too though...I really don't know anything about what might be good around here."
He hoped that would appease her, and bring the smile back to her face. It was a very little thing, he knew, having her grumpy at him, yet it still wasn't anything he relished feeling.
She was going to be trouble for him, this one, he knew.
Jillian
15 years ago
Jillian blushed slightly. She was fully aware she could run off at the mouth, but usually was talking to someone who expected her to do that, or not concerned with what the person she was with thought. In this case she did care what Jesse thought, but was only mildly embarrassed. If they were going to be pack mates, he would need to get to know that part of her, sooner rather than later.
None the less, she didn't want him to see that he had embarrassed her, so she turned and went into the living room, grabbing a bottle of water along the way, and flipping on the local news when she got there.
Trying to appear interested in the story about some local businessman who was doing all kinds of good for animals in the area, Jillian nodded when Jesse spoke of paying her back, but didn't look his way.
"Dinner, that would be fine. I can ALWAYS do dinner." And she did favor that response with a smile. Something else he would learn about her soon enough...she ate like the wolf she was.
"Speaking of eating, I'm really ravenous. What say we dress and go down to see what's up for breakfast?"
Her eyes flitted to his face, where they paused, and she drank in the beauty of his crystal clear, and pale blue eyes.
Snapping out of her daydream, Jillian took her water, and returned to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. He was already dressed, so now she would do the same, without need of an audience. When she had pulled on a pair of white linen slacks, and a tiny tank top of deep burgundy, Jillian covered herself up further with a sheer white blouse, rolling up the sleeves till they were just above her elbows, and tying the bottom in a knot. Slipping on a pair of white sandals, the young woman felt a little overdressed, yet ready to appear before Xeph, and go shopping afterward. She could only hope she wouldn't spill anything on her pants beforehand.
"Ready?"
Appearing in the doorway once she'd brushed her hair and skimmed the mascara wand across her already black lashes, Jillian gave Jesse a final appraisal and doubted anyone would find fault with the young man's appearance. She certainly couldn't.
When the two of them arrived at the dining room, headed toward the kitchen, Jillian was surprised to find Xeph eating his breakfast, and Hammer seated next to him. Relief could be seen filling her face, when she also noticed beneath the table that Xeph wore no shoes.
Her surprise filled her with enthusiasm, and hope that this was a sign of all things good, and that in turn spilled out into her actions. With little thought for protocol, Jillians rushed to Xeph's side, half hugging him about the shoulders. Decorum did then set in, and she immediately stepped back, and out of the older man's space.
"Oh I'm sorry Xeph! I'm just so happy to see you. It's been ages, and I've so much news for you. In fact we..."
Remembering Jesse had also entered the dining room, Jillian waved him over.
"Were going to come looking for you, and here you've made that so much easier."
Again a thought occurred to Jillian, and she glanced at Hammer.
"I...we're not interrupting anything, are we?"
None the less, she didn't want him to see that he had embarrassed her, so she turned and went into the living room, grabbing a bottle of water along the way, and flipping on the local news when she got there.
Trying to appear interested in the story about some local businessman who was doing all kinds of good for animals in the area, Jillian nodded when Jesse spoke of paying her back, but didn't look his way.
"Dinner, that would be fine. I can ALWAYS do dinner." And she did favor that response with a smile. Something else he would learn about her soon enough...she ate like the wolf she was.
"Speaking of eating, I'm really ravenous. What say we dress and go down to see what's up for breakfast?"
Her eyes flitted to his face, where they paused, and she drank in the beauty of his crystal clear, and pale blue eyes.
Snapping out of her daydream, Jillian took her water, and returned to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. He was already dressed, so now she would do the same, without need of an audience. When she had pulled on a pair of white linen slacks, and a tiny tank top of deep burgundy, Jillian covered herself up further with a sheer white blouse, rolling up the sleeves till they were just above her elbows, and tying the bottom in a knot. Slipping on a pair of white sandals, the young woman felt a little overdressed, yet ready to appear before Xeph, and go shopping afterward. She could only hope she wouldn't spill anything on her pants beforehand.
"Ready?"
Appearing in the doorway once she'd brushed her hair and skimmed the mascara wand across her already black lashes, Jillian gave Jesse a final appraisal and doubted anyone would find fault with the young man's appearance. She certainly couldn't.
When the two of them arrived at the dining room, headed toward the kitchen, Jillian was surprised to find Xeph eating his breakfast, and Hammer seated next to him. Relief could be seen filling her face, when she also noticed beneath the table that Xeph wore no shoes.
Her surprise filled her with enthusiasm, and hope that this was a sign of all things good, and that in turn spilled out into her actions. With little thought for protocol, Jillians rushed to Xeph's side, half hugging him about the shoulders. Decorum did then set in, and she immediately stepped back, and out of the older man's space.
"Oh I'm sorry Xeph! I'm just so happy to see you. It's been ages, and I've so much news for you. In fact we..."
Remembering Jesse had also entered the dining room, Jillian waved him over.
"Were going to come looking for you, and here you've made that so much easier."
Again a thought occurred to Jillian, and she glanced at Hammer.
"I...we're not interrupting anything, are we?"
Iov Hammerthynn
15 years ago
Hammer loved eggs. Absolutely loved them. The large pile of scrambled eggs next to his sausage was probably a decent testament to this fact, but it was a mental statement he liked to mention often, if only to himself.
With large and long fingers, Hammer picked up his fork and began shoveling in his breakfast as he leaned over to his left hand and rested his fingertips against his temple. His demeanor was thoughtful, if not earnest, especially as he quietly answered his Alpha's unspoken question.
'The new male is here.'
The Alpha did not react nor reply to Hammer's statement, which was sufficient to the Beta. It would have been more of a problem, especially for his eggs, if the Alpha had said something in response to the unexpected arrival. Brothers, and sisters, were always welcomed to the Compound - Jillian's acceptance of the male was proof enough that there was no harm in his presence. With a sniff at Xeph's uncooked fish, Hammer continued eating his eggs with as much enthusiasm as he put into any action, which was really none at all.
The familiar scent of Jillian preceded her arrival and the new scent accompanying her was no surprise. Hammer did not look up as Jillian gave the Alpha a girlish hug, but he could not help snorting softly at the affection. She did not attempt a similar action toward him, much to his relief, but it was Jillian and he was fairly certain Hammer did not frighten her, so much as give her pause. Still, she was a lovely girl and he did do her the courtesy of putting his fork down.
Hammer flicked a lone eye at Jillian and then at the male behind her. Wiping his mouth with the napkin that lay across his lap, Hammer waited for the Alpha to respond.
With large and long fingers, Hammer picked up his fork and began shoveling in his breakfast as he leaned over to his left hand and rested his fingertips against his temple. His demeanor was thoughtful, if not earnest, especially as he quietly answered his Alpha's unspoken question.
'The new male is here.'
The Alpha did not react nor reply to Hammer's statement, which was sufficient to the Beta. It would have been more of a problem, especially for his eggs, if the Alpha had said something in response to the unexpected arrival. Brothers, and sisters, were always welcomed to the Compound - Jillian's acceptance of the male was proof enough that there was no harm in his presence. With a sniff at Xeph's uncooked fish, Hammer continued eating his eggs with as much enthusiasm as he put into any action, which was really none at all.
The familiar scent of Jillian preceded her arrival and the new scent accompanying her was no surprise. Hammer did not look up as Jillian gave the Alpha a girlish hug, but he could not help snorting softly at the affection. She did not attempt a similar action toward him, much to his relief, but it was Jillian and he was fairly certain Hammer did not frighten her, so much as give her pause. Still, she was a lovely girl and he did do her the courtesy of putting his fork down.
Hammer flicked a lone eye at Jillian and then at the male behind her. Wiping his mouth with the napkin that lay across his lap, Hammer waited for the Alpha to respond.