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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 1, 2013 19:33:10 GMT -5
Yesterday afternoon, there were complications with the client, which resulted in everyone getting sent home while his boss and the client worked things through. He hoped there was nothing wrong with the structure itself... or they would pretty much need to start from scratch. Either way, he wasn't too unhappy... sure money was tight but today, the sun decided to show its face, so today it was warm enough to sit outside with a sweater and scarf. His day started early, since he was up at four am already for work, when he got the call at four thirty telling him he had today off as well. Of course Zander being... well Zander paced around his apartment for a couple of hours shifting from watching some tv to strumming quietly on his guitar. His eyes had caught the sun poking through his curtains, and he suddenly got the urge to go outside. Getting off early was one thing, but not having any work at all was another.
Within the last few days he had been very restless. With the full moon quickly approaching the beast which normally sat back patient, was pacing very eager to get out and stretch his legs. That metaphor worked nicely for Zander since he was a lot more fidgety, a little busier so he tended to actually pace around a little more. All he needed was to get his mind off the hammering of his heart, and the itching underneath his skin. If he sat still too long, doing nothing, he got very stiff.. and it was then he felt the wolf closer to the surface. But as long as he either kept moving or keeping his mind busy (or a bit of both) he was fine. Not that he was going to shift or anything... he just never liked feeling like it wasn't only him inside his head. He understood that once a month it had that right ... but otherwise it was weird when he didn't feel in control.
After fixing himself a coffee, and grabbing his guitar he headed out. There was a park not to far from his place that was fairly quiet. There was only around five people tops whenever he was there. No one bothered him when he played there, people just minded their own. In a way that was fine for him, his little hobby was something he never really shared, since to him it was personal. And to strangers... they wouldn't care because they didn't know him.
There was a picnic table next to a large tree, in full view of the sun. Zander light blue jeans and a black hoodie, with a white scarf rung loosely around his neck. The park was fairly empty, only a few people walked through it every now and again. It was actually a really nice day... the streets were quiet since it was only around ten thirty. Zander settled himself down, sitting on top of the bench, his worn sneakers on the seat. In his arms and lap sat his acoustic guitar. He had pulled his phone and ear buds out, leaving one ear open.
Flicking his fingers over the phone he scrolled through his list of songs. Finally one caught his eye, since it was easy to play -- people he had played for before a long while ago told him he sort of sounded like the guy. Although Zander's voice had a slight rough edge, but it worked well enough for the songs he tended to sing. As the song started Zander strummed along on his guitar, and sang along.
"I don't mind, I don't care... as long as you're here."
Zander easily fell into the lyrics, eyes closed as he was completely focused on song, and what he was singing and playing.
"Wrong or Right Black or White If I close my eyes Its all the same
In my life The compromise I'll close my eyes Its all the same
Go ahead say it You're leaving You'll just come back running Holding your scarred heart in hand It's all the same And I'll take you for who you are now If you take me for everything Do it all over again It's all the same..."
As the song came to an end, he stopped playing and looked up only to see someone he didn't expect. Of course he jumped a bit, but with a sheepish smile he greeted Silas... eyes lighting up a bit. "Shiiit you scared me." he stated with a soft laugh. Biting his lip, looking a bit embarrassed, "Well fuck Silas, you caught me." que'd with another sheepish grin. His fingers lightly drummed on the guitar. He reeeally didn't expect the good doctor to be here, not that he hated it. He was actually happy to see him.
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Post by Zephyr on Feb 2, 2013 22:18:53 GMT -5
Shitty days at work take on an entirely new meaning for a surgeon. Luckily for Silas, his day hasn’t included anyone dying for once, so, as far as days are concerned, this could be one of the better ones…if it isn’t for the nagging doubts and the way his stomach is clear in his throat most of the day, he feels good enough to call today a spectacularly awful day. Couple with that some nagging patients…and Silas had lost his cool a few times over the course of the day…and he is just ready to go hope and drink until he passes out. He gets that that is not the healthiest way to deal with his pain, but he just can’t see anything else helping.
Lunch doesn’t make things easier. Silas hangs out in the cafeteria for a while until he’s sure Matthias isn’t coming. And he doesn’t even know why he expects anything. He hasn’t seen the kid for a while, and he’s fairly certain that seeing him will be terribly awkward, even if the fact that he isn’t there causes his gut to lurch and all the feeling to dissipate from his feet.
He gets out of the hospital before he suffocates, because he’s sure he will if he stays in there any longer.
The air outside is cool, but not cold, and it relieves him more than he thinks possible. The doctor breathes in deep, pulls his coat closed against the chill and just starts walking. He usually takes long lunch breaks because no one really cares, and he isn’t feeling terribly inclined to go back, not when it’s so claustrophobic in his office at the moment.
Silas doesn’t have anywhere specific in his mind as he walks, he just tries to put as much space between himself and the hospital, as fast as he possibly can, hands shoved into his pockets and head down, expression guarded against anyone who might think it’s a good idea to talk to him…or you know, look at him.
He just isn’t in the mood.
The surgeon finds himself in a park before too long, and while he probably could have walked through it without knowing anything interesting was there, if he hadn’t caught the scent of a very familiar wolf on the breeze. Zander’s scent causes Silas to stop dead, indecision swirling in his gut. He’s always tried to not to get too close to the other wolf. Something feels strangely like betrayal at the thought of getting close to someone who isn’t Matthias…but Silas likes the wolf, and before he can tell himself differently, he finds himself walking in the direction he knows Zander is in.
The music reaches his ears before he sees the other wolf, and curiosity keeps him walking, and something like approval stirring in his gut. Of course he can’t let approval show on his face, so he keeps his expression careful neutral as he gets to Zander, pausing with his hands crammed into his pockets. The surgeon is a little surprised that the man doesn’t notice him until after his song is over, and Silas can’t keep the awed expression off of his face.
So it’s probably a good thing Zander doesn’t see him until he’s done.
Not that Silas’ been able to get the expression off of his face by the time Zander is finished, but when the other man speaks, Silas twitches in surprise, eyes narrowing a little. “You didn’t tell me you could play guitar or sing.” In lieu of, you know, actually saying hi or anything. The growly tone to his voice dissipates though, and Silas shrugs a little. “It was nice, is all.” He shrugs, a blush coloring his face as embarrassment at the compliment causes him to shrink away.
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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 2, 2013 23:31:22 GMT -5
Zander's ego felt very much elated at Silas' expression. Even though he didn't mean for Silas to see him play yet, in a way it turned out way better than what he had planned in his head. Not that he was going to serenade to Silas... but for someone to hear a favorite band sung by someone you know it was pretty damned sweet. For Silas to catch Zander singing by himself in the park, was... really nice. What made it all the better was the fact that Silas seemed to like it, which brings us back to Zander's ego inflating a bunch. His eyes watched Silas' expression with interest, as well as a knowing smirk... pretty much letting Silas know that he knew Silas liked it.
The fact that Silas managed to sneak up on him... didn't surprise him in the least. When he was playing, his nerves calmed down considerably and he didn't feel like his skin was going to crack open. He was so focused on the song that he didn't smell Silas as soon as there was any hint of a breeze. Playing guitar had always calmed him down, and since becoming a wolf, calmed his beast down as well. Didn't work on the full moon sadly... but when his nerves and emotions are so wound tight, this was the best remedy.
"That's because, it was supposed to be a surprise." he stated with a light shrug of his shoulders and a small, warm smile. Suddenly his eyes widened as he brought his hands up, "NOT that I was going to fucking serenade to you.... I was just hoping to play a song that you may like," he paused, and then ran his hands through his hair awkwardly, "fuck. That didn't sound any better either." he smirked though, "this was my little hobby that I was going to show you." he stated finally, hoping he didn't give Silas the wrong idea. Actually he didn't know what idea he was supposed to be giving. "But thanks. I've been playing since I was like fucking ten or something. So it better be 'nice'."
Zander looked back down to his guitar and played a bit of the beginning of 'She will be Loved". Just enough of it so whoever was a fan would be able to know what it was right off the bat. He paused, glancing up at Silas again, "I waas practicing. But fuck my voice doesn't like to go as high as his -- so it sounds fucking weird in a lower octave." again a bit of a shrug of his shoulders. "So... what are you up to? Aren't you super fucking important at the Hospital. Master nose fixer?" he asked, with a playful smile.
Zander gently set his guitar aside, and leaned back on his hands... he figured it was safe to just sit without feeling like he was going reform limbs or whatever. The beast hadn't picked up on Silas' scent... which was a relief. It could be because he now wasn't attempting to breathe into hard. The last time it had scented Silas... it made Zander super uncomfortable. Only because he likes to be in control of his body when in situations that... need him to be. His wolf... prevents that from happening and he wasn't used to it (apart from the full moon).
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Post by Zephyr on Feb 3, 2013 1:26:57 GMT -5
Knowing this about Zander, and knowing that the other wolf had intended to tell him eventually gets Silas thinking. He still doesn’t actually say what he’s thinking, just stands with his hands in his pockets watching the man with an appraising look for a second. An idea is forming in his head, watching the way Zander’s hands move over the strings like he fucking knows what he’s doing.
It isn’t an idea he’s comfortable speaking yet, but if it’s something he’s going to be speaking, he feels comfortable enough with Zander to say something. But now isn’t the time, because Zander is still talking, and Silas tucks his train of thought away in favor of smirking at the man. The quirk of his grin is amused and genuinely pleased and he doesn’t realize how much he needed to smile…to really smile until just now. It releases some of the tension from the line of his body, and his voice is only a little grumpy when he speaks. “Sure sounds like serenading to me. Are you sure you don’t wanna rephrase that?”
The teasing goes silent after that, Silas deciding to just listen to the other man instead. The smirk doesn’t disappear. The blush recedes though, once he realizes that Zander isn’t going to tease him for it. “That’s a long time to be playing.” The werewolf says quietly, eyes lighting up as Zander starts to play again; recognizing the song. It’s one of his favorites…probably not something he’ll admit, but Zander can probably tell Silas likes it by the helpless smile that unfurls over his face. He tempers it by snorting, though his words are softly affectionate. “Why aren’t you goddamn famous or something?”
“I like your voice.” The surgeon admits with a shrug, as if him saying it makes it true, because Silas doesn’t give compliments all that freely. The wolf’s question has a wave of regret flushing over Silas and he just shrugs, not really wanting to tell Zander the real reason he decided to walk around when he should be eating lunch. Not like it should matter that much anyway. Still, the ‘nose fixer’ comment causes a bark of laugher to leave his chest, even if there’s a little bitterness in it. “I’m a fucking neurosurgeon, not a plastic surgeon. You’re just special.” He quirks a lopsided grin at Zander, walking over to take a seat on the table part of the picnic table, feet resting on the bench.
His eyes roam over the guitar, and he’s reaching out for it before he thinks better of it, not thinking that Zander could maul him for touching his shit. He lets his hands brush over the wood almost reverently, eyes tracing the curve of it. “I don’t know.” He answers at last, honestly at least, even if he’s omitting certain things. “I couldn’t breathe there.” And he doesn’t bother to explain his words before he brings his hands to the strings, finally deciding on acting on that idea he had earlier.
If Zander is comfortable enough revealing something telling about himself, Silas sees no reason for him not to be. His focus goes into his fingers as he starts strumming away, playing a song he wrote in high school. There are words to it, but he doesn’t actually sing, because while he can share this, there are parts of himself that he isn’t so comfortable sharing.
“What about you?” He manages to get out between beats. “Don’t you have a job? I knew you were a goddamn hobo. My instincts are never wrong.” He finishes gravely, growing silent save for the way his fingers move expertly along the neck and strings of the guitar.
Zander isn’t the only one who has been playing forever.
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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 3, 2013 21:53:12 GMT -5
Zander's hand met his face as he then brushed it through his hair. "Fuck it. There is no other way to explain this. Smart ass," he stated brushing off his embarrassment with a snarky grin. But he supposed it wasn't entirely wrong, but when the whole serenading thing was used literally... then it was just a tad bit fucking weird. So Zander just shook his head some and accepted it. In all honesty he just wanted to see if Silas was into shit like this... by the reaction he got Silas was into guys who sang and played. He wasn't really expecting it, but this worked well in his favor.
"For all you fucking know I could be famous." and que cocky grin, before it fell into a playful smile once again, "nah as cool as being famous could be. This all started for 'therapeutic' reasons. Still is." he stated biting his lip coupled with a bit of a smile when he did catch Silas smile over the little bit of "She will be Loved" that he did play. "Thanks. You knoow if you want to hear more you just have to ask." he stated in an airy, teasing tone.
Zander laughed, "Fucking right i'm special. Still love hearing it though." The wolf didn't move when Silas decided to sit down, well no that was a lie. He did shift a tad closer, watching as Silas admired his guitar, picking it up. He doesn't get too pissy if people touch it, a little cautious but Silas was not doing anything to it. If people just fucking pick it up, dragging it across the surface of whatever... he can get a tad defensive. But otherwise its all good. When Silas finally answered him, Zander felt there was more to it -- but he didn't know for sure. "Hospitals are fucking stuffy anyway. At least from the patient's side of the bed." he quirked a smirk.
When Silas started to play something, Zander shifted a bit closer, listening. There was definitely some shock carved onto his face as Silas easily played through his song. Now he didn't recognize it, and Zander knows most things you can play acoustically -- only because his dad encouraged him to play more than what he liked to play. When Silas spoke, it shook Zander out of whatever trance he was in. "Yes fuck face. I'm a fucking Hobo, and you're sitting on my fucking bed." he replied, but his voice was light and playful.. still enthralled with what Silas was playing. He liked it.
"Client we're working for right now, had a fucking fit. So laid off for a couple of days while shit is worked out. Fuckers. I hope we don't have to tear the whole thing down and move it." he replied rolling his eyes. Knowing their luck, they will have to tear it down and move it like two fucking inches. "Whatever happens its going to be a huge pain in the ass." he added. At this point if Silas didn't move, Zander would be inches from him. If Silas moved, Zander wouldn't follow... he didn't want to make the other wolf uncomfortable. There was a beat of hesitation, not knowing whether he should ask. He hoped he made it seem like he was still listening... but hesitation wasn't really what Zander did.
"Hey... did you want to come back to my place? Grab a bite to eat? Its just a few blocks from here." he asked, eyes finding Silas' face. He didn't know whether he should be asking, it wasn't like Silas was easy to read... so Zander had to fucking guess. If Zander was reading this all wrong, then... well he was back where he started. Even if that was the case, Zander wouldn't disappear either. Bothering Silas is way too much fucking fun.
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Post by Zephyr on Feb 4, 2013 0:50:29 GMT -5
The doctor’s first reaction is to laugh at the man’s offer. He wants to play it off like he hadn’t liked it as much as he had, but he doesn’t see the point in pretending right now, not when he’s in a mood like this. It’s absolutely exhausting to pretend to hate everyone and everything all the time. He had liked Zander’s singing…so why would he not ask for more if he wants it? He’s quiet for a moment, still playing away at Zander’s guitar. “Sure, I’ll keep that in mind.” He says quietly, musing to himself at how easy it is to pick back up on the chords and the rhythm of the song. The girl he’d wrote the song for has probably long since forgotten him. But he had been so awful to her.
He hopes she hates him for what he did to her.
The song serves to make the surgeon more contemplative than he already is. He’s pleased when Zander doesn’t press the issue of the hospital and Silas snorts lightly. “Yeah. I wouldn’t ever want to be on that side of the bed. Being contained like that…just seems awful.” The wolf in him tends to agree, but he doesn’t seem to care about it much when he locks the beast away in his apartment every month.
He’s unaware of Zander slipping closer to him, so enthralled is he in the note’s he’s playing and how lost he is in the memories that those notes elicit. He does hear the other wolf’s words, and a slow smile spreads out over his face at the thought. “I knew it. I can smell derelicts from a mile away.”
Silas is still listening to Zander when he talks about his job, even though his fingers are still strumming the strings. The song is so familiar, that he can probably play the thing in his sleep. He’d spent hours upon hours memorizing it as a teenager. “That’s kinda the good thing about being a doctor.” Silas grins wryly, still focusing on his music. “If someone doesn’t like where you put something in them, you can’t really move it.” Of course there are malpractice suits and M&M meetings, but those are technicalities that really have no place here.
He’s suddenly aware of the other man’s presence, and Silas jerks his gaze up, letting it settle on Zander for a moment. His first instinct is to move away; get Zander out of his personal space…but he doesn’t move, hand poised over the strings for a moment. The werewolf’s words are processed and Silas just blinks at the other man for a moment. The surgeon doesn’t have the greatest experience with normal people dating. He ‘dated’ one person when he was in high school, and he hadn’t tried since then…so understandably he’s a little out of practice and awkward. How do normal people court one another...is this what it's like?
The offer sounded a hell of a lot like an offer for sex. He’s never invited anyone over to his apartment for anything other than sex before Nathan, and even then, most of the time, especially in the beginning, it was for sex. His wolf rises hot in his chest at the thought, and Silas’ breath comes a little faster; his heart beating a little faster. It could be just for food, but Silas can’t really think past the ‘back to my place’ part…it’s a line he had used many times in college.
And it shouldn’t feel so much like betrayal…because he isn’t even with anyone. But guilt still settles heavily in his gut at the thought, but he pushes it away because Matthias doesn’t love him. No matter how much the kid wants him, he doesn’t care enough about him to leave Cesan…and Silas knows he deserves better than to be led along, even if he can’t admit it. But he’s only human, and he likes Zander. The other man is gorgeous and funny and easy to get along with.
How does he say no to that.
He can’t spend his life chasing a ghost.
Silas breathes out slowly, putting the man’s guitar down carefully. No matter how much he wants, he knows he has priorities, but this is just an opportunity he cannot pass up. “I can’t.” He says softly, licking his lips without taking his gaze away from Zander’s hand twitching as he keeps himself from reaching out and touching the other man. “I have to get back to work.” He says, before the guy gets the wrong idea. “But.” And he knows this might be a mistake, but he can’t keep himself from saying it. “I can head over after work in a few hours…if you’re interested.”
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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 4, 2013 13:22:26 GMT -5
"If I was a real Hobo, i'd kick your ass out." he replied, voice soft. Not really wanting to ruin anything, he was tempted to ask what song this was... or if he wrote it himself. Zander wasn't a writer, he tried sometimes... but he usually got frustrated and gave up. Since he pretty much played guitar when he was frustrated, angry, upset... or his wolf was being a giant dick -- getting frustrated while playing was counter productive most of the time. When he got frustrated or pissed off with shit, whatever he was holding at the time broke. He really didn't want to break his guitar.
"Oh? Is that all. I thought the fucking paychecks would be a huge bonus." he chuckled with a slight shake of his head, slightly amused. As sweet as the money could be, being a doctor would probably be the worst job for Zander. He may not act like it, but he can get emotionally involved with things... and when you dealt with people's lives -- it would probably break him. So construction was fitting, if shit wouldn't work then he was allowed to bitch about it, outloud (as well as occasionally hit it).
As soon as he had asked, he felt it was too soon. Silas hesitated, there was no cocky smile telling Zander to fuck off. There was just that moment of hesitation. This wolf was no stranger to this, instead of letting it bother him he patiently waited... not making any moves. His wolf seemed to seethe, it wasn't a violent action... it was a want to claim what should be his. Animal instinct to want to dominate the other wolf, and mark it as his. Zander pushed the beast down -- a silent, unseen struggle. With the wolf being so close, he could sense Silas' breath quicken, and the heartbeat faster. Just before Silas replied, Zander almost pulled away to tell him not to worry about it, he was probably busy (or not interested). He wasn't asking for sex, that wasn't something Zander jumped into right away... because no matter how good it was it always brought up doubts and questions. It was something he couldn't help.
As soon as Silas spoke, the words 'I can't' there was a split second of disappointment that slipped into his eyes. But he shoved all of that away, he knew he was making a gamble by asking... even if the intentions were literally him just wanting to invite Silas over... and to see what would happen. With the wolf's next words, an easy smile slipped back onto his features as he nodded some. The 'but' was caught between Zander just about to say 'no problem, maybe some other time?' Instead he was pleased to hear that Silas was taking up his offer. Relief flooded his chest, and the wolf backed down finally.
"I'm game." he replied with a grin. His hand moved to nudge, to touch the other wolf. When he hesitated, instead making it seem he was shifting his weight, hand placed on his own lap instead. He wasn't sure, he was feeling like everything was a gamble at the moment. Silas had just agreed to coming over after what it felt like an eternity of a solid 'no'. But he was used to this, constant unsure feeling... this was the whole courting game. All of it was a gamble, even just toeing the friend/dating line could potentially ruin everything. This is why Zander was so easy going about it all, if going over didn't work Zander knew what they had as friends so he fell back into that easy roll called friendship.
"I will text you directions to my place. Hah its not as extravagant as your place. But I actually have food. he stated with a playful grin. "I can make us some snacks too, or something. Fucking pay you back, for the breakfast." he smirked, even though he pretty much forced Silas to make him food. Details, details.
Another moment of Zander contemplating, before he once again said fuck it. "I can walk you back to work, if you'd like?" he asked with a small nudge of his shoulder against Silas as he slid off the table. He grabbed his guitar, placing it back into the case, and snapping it shut. If Silas was still seated, he would offer a hand to 'assist' the other man off the picnic table. His expression was warm, friendly with a hint of his normal mischievous nature. He wanted Silas to know that he was the same guy, that this small push... wasn't life changing. He was cool with taking whatever will happen slow.
The wolf adjusted his hoodie, and the scarf as the wind picked up a bit. In winter times, even getting closer to spring the sun never stayed around too long. "Where to, asshat?" he asked slipping back into his normal way of speaking to Silas. Zander did love to push buttons.
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Post by Zephyr on Feb 4, 2013 21:39:38 GMT -5
For a second, Silas thought that he’d taken too long to answer Zander, that the other man had decided, in that short period of time, that Silas wasn’t worth hanging out with at all. It would hurt, but he’d be able to let it roll off his shoulders with a grin and a ‘maybe next time’. As much as he wants to get to know Zander better, and Silas does, he isn’t about to force his presence on anyone.
So it does come as a relief to the man when the other wolf acquiesces to his plan, Silas grins; doesn’t hide the pleased curve to his grin. He’s oblivious to the man’s awkwardness, only aware of what he’s trying to do with his own body. The teasing, oddly enough, makes him feel better. It relieves some of the tension in his body and he rolls his shoulders, snorting at the other man. “Damn straight you will.” Having Zander pay him back is a moot point. Silas never expects anyone to pay him back, but he wouldn’t be Silas if he didn’t have a snarky comeback ready for everything.
He’s feeling marginally better about the whole thing by the time Zander make’s his offer and Silas’ eye open slightly wider in surprise. He’s about to turn it down, because he isn’t sure if that’s normal or not…because really, who does that? He doesn’t though. The nudge, something that he thought would freak him out, actually had the opposite effect, and Silas smiled a little. “Fine, bitch.” The wolf snorts. The hand thing, it isn’t new, and Silas doesn’t even hesitate when he takes Zander’s hand and slides off of the table, letting it go immediately in favor of brushing the backs of his slacks off and stuffing his hands in his pockets before he starts off towards the hospital with a lopsided grin for the other wolf.
~~
The walk with Zander back to the hospital serves to relax Silas’ on edge nerves. He wasn’t sure how he was going to deal with an entire day at the hospital without Matthias and with those nagging, awful thoughts that wouldn’t leave him alone. Even if Silas hadn’t been sure about him before, Zander is pleasant to be around, and provides a distraction to Silas’ near constant surge of thoughts.
The walk isn’t all that long, and Zander leaves Silas at the door. It’s a little strange and Silas isn’t sure what to do with himself right after.
~~
The rest of the day goes relatively quickly. He hasn’t forgotten about what was bothering him earlier, it’s just easier to push the thoughts back with the promise of something interesting. He doesn’t have any more surgeries to do, and paperwork should be mind numbing, but he gets through it quickly enough, ignoring Evelyn’s looks.
~~
After his shift, sure enough, there’s a text on his phone with an address and a snarky little note and the surgeon snorts, rolling his eyes and walking towards the address on his phone. The apartment building is innocuous enough, and Silas only hesitates for a second before he goes in and makes his way up to Zander’s apartment, knocking on the door.
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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 5, 2013 20:36:12 GMT -5
To Zander's surprise everything went fairly well. He hadn't expected Silas to be so receptive, he instead thought the other wolf would pull away. But instead Silas agreed to coming over, he wasn't sure how he had thought about the whole thing. He didn't really plan on asking Silas to hang out with him, it was normally Zander who forced his presence on him... never really giving Silas a chance to say no. He knew he was interested in Silas, ever since he fixed him up that night after their scrap at the bar. Even then he found he liked Silas' company, no matter how much Silas seems to fight whatever he's fighting. But Zander could have been jumping the gun, normally wanted to see how friendship went before toeing that line.
His afternoon wasn't all that productive, but he did manage to tidy up whatever clothes that were lying around. Zander was rarely home during the week so his apartment never got too messy. His apartment wasn't super clean, instead it just looked lived in. The apartment was simple, when you walk through the front door you're greeted with the kitchen, pretty standard, small table on the right side of the room with a couple of chairs. Papers, keys, mail, were sort of piled on one section of the table. Next the living room complete with a full couch and chair, in front of his flat screen sat a game console with a few game cases surrounding it, mainly adventure games, rpg's. On the coffee table there were music sheets for varies songs from Maroon 5 and several other bands, with a few guitar picks -- along with the tv remote and game controller. His bedroom was straight ahead, door slightly open and the bathroom to the right of the living room, door closed.
It wasn't very big, but it was cozy... in a way that was the worst thing, which is why the werewolf was normally out. Zander currently busied himself in the kitchen, cooking up several snack finger foods -- like mozza sticks, chicken fingers, breaded shrimp... he even went out and bought carrots for carrot sticks and dip. This is the stuff normally eats when he can't decide on one thing, and its not too filling, so you can have several of each. Currently everything was in the oven (thank fucking god it all had the same cook times), and Zander was doing his dishes from earlier today. He knew Silas was probably going to say something, the fuckers apartment was so fucking clean.
Placing the last dish in the dish rack, the door was knocked on. Grabbing a dishtowel on the way to the door he rushed to dry his hands before opening it. A warm smile spread on his face in greeting before it shifted to a mock impatient look. "'Bout time asshole," he smirked as he moved to let Silas in. Zander hung the dishtowel back on the handle of the oven, before turning back to Silas. "You can take a seat, food should almost be done. I figured we could chill and watch a movie or something." he stated as he indicated towards the living room. In all honesty Zander was a tad nervous, but he never let it show... but he was a little more fidgety.
After checking the time remaining on his phone he would follow Silas into the living room. He didn't touch him, in all honesty he didn't know what to do with his hands, so they were pretty much in his pocket. "I don't know what you want to watch, if you watch anything. Pretty much have most of the more popular shit." he stated vaguely indicating towards the bookshelf next to the tv, pretty much filled with movies, bottom shelf being games.
"Hey... thanks for coming over." he said, the tone in his voice was genuine.
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Post by Zephyr on Feb 5, 2013 23:03:55 GMT -5
The entire time he’s standing outside the door, Silas is contemplating turning and leaving. He hasn’t done this in forever, and he finds himself stuffing his hands in his pockets, unsure of what to do with them. The doctor is tensed up, and looks like he’s ready to flee at any second. His eyes open wide when Zander opens the door, but after a second, he relaxes and even manages to smile at the other man. “Could you have had a harder goddamn apartment to find?” The insults are easy to fall into, even if they aren’t true.
He slips into the apartment after Zander, glancing around as he does. It’s human nature coupled with the wolf’s endless sense of curiosity to look around the place. His wolf is tense, having stepped into the domain of another wolf. It doesn’t like being out of its own home. It took the wolf forever to get used to Nathan’s apartment, but Zander’s wolf isn’t overly domineering, and Silas feels it calming as he walks farther into the apartment, lifting a brow at the promise of food. “You mean you cook?” He asks with a teasing note to his voice, even if he’s distracted by looking around.
The apartment is bigger than he thought it would be, with more furniture than he thinks is probably practical. Silas’ apartment barely has any furniture in it, except for the shit Nate and Matthias made him buy, at least he’d gotten a new couch.
He lets his eyes sweep over the selection of movies. He hesitates, pulling his brows together as he taps his finger on one. Silas doesn’t do movies often. He had been forced to watch movies in the past, and had enjoyed them, mostly because of the company he’d been keeping at the time. He isn’t sure which movie to pick, if any. He doesn’t want to pick something that’ll make things awkward…well, more awkward than they already are.
“I think I’ll let you pick.” Silas says, pulling his hand back to stuff into his pocket, turning away from the movies. His eyes land on a door, presumably to Zander’s bedroom, and Silas briefly thinks about being a completely nosy asshole and going in to look around, but thinks better of it. He’s already feeling fucking awkward enough as it is and he follows the other man into the kitchen, leaning on the doorframe for a moment as he watches the other werewolf work around in the kitchen.
After a moment, he gets over his own unease in the only way he really knows how – running headfirst into it and trying to force it into some semblance of normality in his head – and comes up behind Zander. He’s close enough to smell the other werewolf, and touch him if he wants to, but he isn’t so close that the other wolf won’t feel claustrophobic. “So.” He asks, causally, an air of amusement in his voice as he does. “What’re you fixing me?”
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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 6, 2013 0:17:17 GMT -5
As Silas walked in, Zander's wolf was very tolerant, more than actually. It was used to solitude... but it was a pack animal by nature. So when one was in the vicinity all it wanted to do was rush over and check the other wolf out. So the moment Silas was in the apartment there was this sudden pull to be close to the other man. Of course this doesn't go against what Zander really wants... which made it harder to deny. Of course instead, he swallowed both urges (thanks to his nosy furry companion). "Whatever fucker, don't blame your bad sense of fucking direction on me." he retorted back with a snarky ass smile on his face.
The awkward air around the place was noticeable, it couldn't tell if it was all him or Silas was just being awkward as well. But Zander didn't invade Silas' space, he didn't want to push things at all, not right now. In a way Silas was like bringing home a new pet... when one already resided there. Silas was the nervous new dog... and Zander's was the kind that wouldn't help things by jumping over the new one in excitement.
"Uh. Define cooking? If it means putting yummy shit into the oven and waiting, then yes I cook." he replied with a look over his face that screamed 'smartass'.
Zander watched Silas look around awkwardly with mild amusement, until Silas stated that he should pick the movie. Fucker, that meant the whole thing was on him -- what if he picks an awkward ass movie? "You know the rules, you're the guest so you can fucking choose." he snarked before waling back into the kitchen. Pulling the carrots out of the fridge, rinsing them off before shaving the top layer off. It wasn't until he was finished with the fourth one when he felt... sensed rather Silas behind him. Silas certainly wasn't helping Zander hold back these pulls to press himself against the other wolf. He knew these weren't all his feelings.. or whatever the fuck they were. But he wasn't hating it.
Zander placed the freshly cut carrots on a plate he pulled from the cupboard above him, "Oh... you know... food." he replied in a teasing tone. The wolf turned around to face Silas, with the same amount of tease in his eyes. There was a moment where he thought about quitting the internal fight he was having by holding his wolf back -- to just suddenly press himself against Silas... to see what would happen. Zander stepped forward, but at that moment the alarm went off on his phone, and he stopped with a smirk, sighing a bit. He slid past Silas, most likely brushing against the other wolf on his way to the oven.
Zander grabbed an oven mitt and pulled out the pans with all the food on it. On one pan, there were chicken strips, large breaded shrimp, and on the other there were mozza sticks, and calamari rings. He then placed the chicken and mozza sticks on one large plate, and the shrimp and calamari on another. Grabbing two more plates from the cupboard he would set them down beside the food on the counter. "Okay so we haaave, Fucking chicken, shrimp, cheese sticks, and calamari rings... and some carrots." he stated pointing to each in turn. He'd grab a plate and pass one to Silas. "I have ranch for the carrots. But I also have, ketchup, cherry sauce, sweet and sour, plum sauce..." there was a pause as he made his way to the fridge, "and mustard." he added snorting lightly.
"Fuck it I will grab all of it." and he did so taking all the bottles and lining them up beside the plates of food. "Grab whatever you want, and just fucking ask if you need anything else." he stated grabbing a carrot and putting it in his mouth while he grabbed some of the other food. "If you prefer your dip in another container, just grab a smaller plate or whatever. Whatever you want."
The wolf let Silas make his own decisions about what to eat, he wasn't going to hold his hand. Him hovering over Silas while he grabbed things would be awkward. So Zander made his way into the living room and took an off center seat on the couch.
"So asshat decided on what you wanted to watch? Or should I force you to play a game?" he teased, with a mischievous smile. He wondered if Silas caught on that Zander really only said these things to bother him.
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Post by Zephyr on Feb 6, 2013 1:28:37 GMT -5
There’s a moment, a split second, really, where their eyes meet, and Silas thinks that Zander is going to make a move. The doctor wishes he would. It would go a long fucking way to relieve some of the awkwardness Silas feels…but he doesn’t, and Silas is left standing where he is, fingers twitching as he tries to get ahold of himself. He does let out some of the tension when the other wolf brushes up against him. His wolf, the damn traitor that it is, leans into the touch, even if only a little bit.
He leans back against the sink as Zander goes to tend to the food in the oven. It isn’t like he tries to be perverted or anything, because he really doesn’t…but he can’t help the way his eyes are drawn to the other wolf’s backside as he bends over to pull the pans out of the oven. It only lasts a second, because Zander is turning around and Silas is looking away, blushing lightly as he does. Getting caught looking at another guy’s ass is not something that he particularly wanted to happen today…unless of course the other man is naked. In which case, staring it totally appropriate.
If it were Zander naked, Silas wouldn’t be able to fucking keep himself from staring. He hasn’t actually seen any parts of the other man naked, but he imagines that the guy probably has a pretty hot body. And fuck. Imagining Zander naked while he’s standing in the guy’s kitchen is not something that is socially appropriate, in any sense of the word, so Silas turns his attention to the food, trying to seem as uninterested in the man at his side as possible.
The food, it seems, is more than adequate distraction. Now that he isn’t thinking about parts of Zander bare – and he’s having a hard time – he realizes how fucking hungry he is. He hadn’t actually eaten anything at lunch, or any other time during the day, and while he’s pretty good at going without eating, that is infinitely harder when there is food spread out in front of him.
And a lot of it too.
“Goddamn. You must think I’m a damn hog to have fixed so much food.” Not that Silas is complaining, and there’s a smirk on his face as he reaches out to grab some food. He grabs a little of each, stuffing a cheese stick in his mouth – and trying not to choke on it when the cheese burns his tongue – and following Zander out into the living room.
Once there, he’s struck with a predicament. He could sit in the chair, or on the couch with Zander. There’s room on the couch, but the fucker decided to sit in the middle. Silas decides to throw caution to the wind and takes a seat next to the other wolf. His own beast rises hot in his chest, interested in the proximity of one of its own kind. The surgeon pushes it back, laying the plate on Zander’s coffee table for a second before he shoulders his coat and suit jacket off and slings it over the back of the man’s couch. His tie follows a second later, and he unbuttons the top buttons of his shirt, taking his plate back and lounging back on the couch.
With food in his hand, and a friendly presence in the room, Silas relaxes visibly, enough to give Zander a look and a snort at his words. “Video games are a goddamn waste of time. I never play.” That’s probably only because he doesn’t have any consoles, or own any games…but surgeons just don’t have the free time to play games. He smirks at the man and nudges his thigh playfully with his foot. “Just go pick out a fucking movie. I promise I won’t judge you on your goddamn awful taste in movies.”
Lies. He totally will.
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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 6, 2013 10:50:05 GMT -5
Zander snorted, he clearly missed any sort of ass staring that had happened when he was pulling shit out of the oven. Which was a fucking shame, because he definitely would have said something about it. Whether it was going to be nice things said... was probably unlikely. "I don't know about you fucker, but i'm hungry." he stated, entirely true... but Zander was always hungry. When you worked eight and a half to eleven hours a day, hauling heavy shit he always had an apetite. His metabolism happened to be fairly fast as well, so as you can imagine he was a skinny kid. It wasn't until he was seventeen when he started to work out. While working out only increased his appetite, he no longer looked like a skinny as sissy.
In all honesty Zander didn't really think about where he was sitting. He actually always sat in the middle of the couch, because that was centered to the tv. As Silas followed him into the living room, Zander did notice... but he merely smirked as he picked at his food. He vaguely wondered at that moment if Silas would rather sit away from him, or beside him. To his pleasure, Silas sat next to him -- of course as soon as that happens his wolf pushed harder. With Silas so close, his wolf fought a little harder against Zander's restraints. The only thing to show for it was he was a tad tense. This has never happened to him, the first time he has felt any sort of pull was when the other wolf was fixing his face. In the bar, his wolf was in the fight with him in a way... that was what he was used to. But to fight the constant pull of just pushing himself onto Silas... was hard.
Of course, Zander didn't miss glancing up at Silas when he was unbuttoning his shirt -- causing Zander to suddenly cough accidentally inhaling a small piece of chicken, nothing life threatening... funny actually. Yes Zander has seen Silas in only his boxers, but seeing someone almost strip down, was a tease. Zander after clearing his throat tossed Silas a look that clearly said 'don't you fucking say anything'. Which was entirely hypocritical of him, because Zander wouldn't hesitate at all to say something.
With the video game comment, Zander raised his eyebrows with a look of mock hurt but it melted into a small smirk with a shrug of his shoulders "I get bored easily as soon as I get home. Plus games help keep my fucking mind off shit, especially when full moon comes around." he replied. Just then a slow smirk crawls to his lips, "but to fucking tell me you've never played, ever. You know what. Fuck the movie." he stated getting up, "you can then instead make fun of my taste in entertainment you fucking liar." Zander glanced at the cases next to the xbox, all he saw there was Skyrim, FEAR 2 and Fallout. Nah he wanted Silas to play something he can laugh at, so wandering to the book shelf he got down on his hands and knees. The first thing he saw was Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Zander tended to avoid this game, because always got pissed off... but to watch someone else play -- would be fucking hysterical.
He grabbed the game, clearly ignoring Silas' complaints if there were any. He popped the disk into the system and flopped back onto the couch. This time he sat closer to Silas, their legs touching, now that he had a distraction holding his wolf back was not going to be a problem. All he had to do now was struggle with his own wants. He grabbed the controller on the table and set the game up for online multiplayer. Probably the worst thing to do to someone who is new. Once the screen was waiting for others to confirm and pick a map, Zander pretty much forced the controller into his hands. "Come on it will be fucking fun. You get to play with other fucking losers. Look all you do is use those two sticks to move, that one to switch weapons, that one to smack people with your gun, and those triggers to aim and shoot." he explained hands hovering over Silas' as he pointed to each of the buttons in turn.
There was the biggest mischievous smirk on his face, as he lay back against the couch, arm slipping behind Silas on the back of the seat, his food now on his lap. "Oh fuck, you got an easy map too." he said, "all you fucking have to do is kill as many of the other team as possible before time runs out. Fucking simple." he explained, eyes sliding to Silas face to see his expression, snickering quietly. If Silas kept refusing during everything, Zander would have kept pushing the controller onto him, and ignoring all complaints.
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Post by Zephyr on Feb 6, 2013 11:22:03 GMT -5
“Hey.” Silas growls, fixing Zander with a truly impressive glare. He knows, deep down, that it’ll probably have very little effect…if any, on the man, but that’s never stopped him before and it sure as hell isn’t going to stop him now. “I didn’t say I’ve never played…just that I don’t.” It doesn’t matter if the statement is completely true or not – and it is, Silas has never played video games since his father had always kept him on a pretty goddamn short leash as a kid – it’s the principle of the thing that matters and the wolf fluffs up all defensively.
Of course the effect is ruined since it just makes him look like a rather indignant puppy, but he doesn’t know this.
The surgeon rolls his eyes, clearly deciding that this conversation isn’t worth pursuing and shoves another cheese stick into his mouth. He almost chokes on it when Zander keeps going and green-brown eyes open wide at the words, his face curling into a grin approximately the size of the grand canyon. Watching Zander crash and burn and die horribly in some infantile video game would go a long way to improving his mood…and keep him pretty distracted.
He’s stull unaware of the other werewolf’s ulterior motives and he leans back in the couch comfortably as the man pops in a game and starts it up. Silas snorts as Zander scrolls through the menus, realizing that he has nothing against video games and that he could probably get used to just sitting back and watching someone else play. “Oh god no.” He laughs at the guy, making sure not to choke this time in his incessant glee. “S’all yours, rockstar. I’m good laughing at your ass.”
That’s about the time Zander shoves the fucking controller in his hands and Silas is lucky not to spill his food all over the place. “The fuck?” He growls, unprepared for this turn of events. “I’m not going to p…” IS interrupted by Zander explaining the controls and Silas suddenly has the intense urge to throw the controller at the fucker’s all too smug face. “I don’t play video games.” He just knows he’s going to suck at this shit, and maybe he doesn’t want Zander to see that…maybe a very small part of his mind is possessed with the desire to impress the man, no matter how small and underwhelming, and getting his ass handed to him on a game is not going to help that.
“I’m going to hit you with this damn thing if you don’t take it back now.” The surgeon growls, trying to seem threatening…even if it doesn’t quite work out the way he expects. He tempers the urge though, settling back in the couch with a resigned grumbling, lip curling in a petulant snarl. “On second thought, it’d be a damned shame to ruin that pretty face.” The grin he casts at Zander is wicked and teasing as the game starts up and Silas turns his attention to the TV, resigned to the fact that this is actually fucking happening.
It takes him a while to get used to the controls, and he’s killed at least five times within a couple minutes. He quickly comes to the conclusion that this is not a game for someone with a notoriously bad temper and really fucking short fuse. “Goddammit.” The man snarls. “I’m going to murder you for this, you little shit.” And it’s clear from the tone of his voice and the way his body is slightly turned towards Zander that Silas is totally talking to the other werewolf…especially when he shoves Zander hard with the controller. "Laugh it up, shithead. You're next." He snarls, thoroughly frustrated with the damned game, but finding it impossible to stop playing.
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Post by Zander Burke on Feb 6, 2013 13:23:52 GMT -5
Silas' threats pretty much bounce off of Zander's smug aura. Like he had planned, Silas pretty much eventually gave in to Zander's persistent shoves. In all honesty, he didn't just do this because he wanted to laugh at Silas playing the game. He also wanted to see Silas flip out while he tried to get him to play. Zander was a little shit disturber and always was, it wasn't his fault that Silas was so fucking easy to tease -- pretty much Zander's perfect target.
Zander returned the wicked smirk, with a little more heat in his eyes, "Haha that's right asshole.... You know you want me," he teased. When you got to know Zander, his insults shift from his regular 'fuck-face' ones to jokes that are a tad more sexual. With Silas no longer feeling awkward, the tension eased considerably. The only thing he was tense about was the sexual tension that was thick in the air. Or to Zander it was, he normally wasn't like this. Well it was much easier to reign in and brush off any feelings like this. Either way he had a distraction, and laughing at Silas was the best distraction there was.
Any hilarious deaths, Zander would have snickered with one of his snarky comments. He could tell Silas was getting heated, and he learned first hand what it was like when Silas was furious. But Zander pushed buttons anyway, because it was highly, highly amusing. Silas could probably tell from the very amused smile on his face with his usual mischievous glint in his eyes. On the contrary Silas actually did fairly well for his first try. When Zander first started to play games like this he tended to have a bit of a temper with certain things, so when shit didn't go his way, he would freak. Now he just chain swears and gets really frustrated -- there is a reason why he doesn't use the headset to actually talk to the sorry fucks on his team.
When Silas snarled stating that he was going to murder him, Zander laughed, "sure thing, rockstar," he snickered. His laughing was momentarily interrupted with a grunt when the controller was roughly shoved into him. But the grin didn't leave his face, "You are so fucking easy. Just wait while I impress you with my skills, you fucking noob." he teased in a mocking tone, with a faux gamer nerd voice.
At the start, Zander was a little clumsy with his shots. But after just one death, he was back into his game. Dual colored eyes completely focused on the game, as he tossed grenades to flush out the window campers. He managed to kill at least eleven, until one player from the opposite team took notice. Zander didn't fucking know what this guy was doing before this. But it would seem after every turn, that guy was there -- and before he could do anything about it the guy creamed his ass. Zander accepted the first death with a roll of his shoulders.
But the game, being a dick like it was... kept spawning him where-ever that guy was. So as soon as he re spawned there that guy was. "Cock-fucking-sucker," he would have growled with a slow exhale. When he finally got out of spawning in front of that dick, his game just fell from there. He got a few kills here and there... but of course since he was frustrated, he was careless. In the end, Zander's death count was pretty damned equal to his kill count... which was at least fifteen to seventeen. "Oh my fuck. I forgot why I fucking hate this game." he dropped the controller back on Silas' lap. If there was food there, he would just pass it to him. If this were an anime, Zander would be the one with the angry black cloud above his head. "Always find that one asshole, who kicks my face in every time." he stated with a groan. Zander stood for a moment, pulling off his hoodie, t-shirt underneath almost coming off with it -- he pulled it down once the sweater was tossed onto the arm chair on the other side of the room. Silas would have gotten a good look at how fit Zander was, but as well as the large bite mark scar around his belly. The wolf sat back down, this time arm (without much thought) his arm was draped around Silas' shoulders. Zander would tense suddenly, not sure if that was allowed. But if Silas didn't make a fuss or anything, he would remain there relaxing.
If Silas started another game, there would be a sneaky smirk on Zander's face. Whenever Silas got into it, focusing what was on the screen. Zander would lean over planting small kisses around his ear lobe and neck. This was mainly for fun, to see how much he could distract the other wolf while he played, but... this was also because he was losing the constant battle with his wolf. On the other hand, this was also a chance to test some boundaries.
But the main thing was... Zander wanted to watch Silas just try and focus with Zander's teasing.
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