He felt the impact reverberate through his own bones, wincing even as he pushed to his feet, the dark lad driven well off by the unintended blow. Keeping his haunches on the ground, Kyrios rolled the offending shoulder, knowing the pain he felt was more shock than injury. Then, with both ears drooping shamedly, he turned his head to look at the injured combatant.

Though there was no obvious wound, the look of hurt on the silver-tipped face was plain, and an apologetic whine escaped the older wolf at the sight. It had been a fun game, for the most part, and he certainly hadn’t meant to end it so violently, even if he had begun to tire.

Casting his eyes down, the Captain swallowed before speaking, somberly; “M’ sorry lad, A’ didn’t mean t’ cuff ye like tha’!” He glanced back up, seeking out silver eyes to underline the apology; “Ye’r a damn fine buccaneer.”
The compliment sounded a little hollow, though he meant it wholeheartedly. Play-fight or not, it was rare to meet such worthy competition from a younger opponent.

Bruised egos were certainly something the Captain could understand. Over the years, he’d grown more assured and able to accept his loses more easily, but at the younger man’s age he would have been just as abashed. So as soon as he straightened up, Kyrios did the same, lifting his ears and smiling cheekily. He raised one grey-speckled brow at the boast, but otherwise declined to comment, letting the lad have his pride.

His rust-tipped tail started to wag in silent reply to the other’s change in posture, hinting that he would respond happily in kind, should the sooty male decide to attempt a comeback. But he left it at that, letting his opponent make the first move. Meanwhile, he answered the question with a bemused chuckle; “A shrewd fighter. One who’s suave an’ cunning,” He let his gaze roam the other’s slender frame, appreciating the lean muscles visible under that stunning, silver-tipped coat. “An’ handsome too, ‘course,” He added, winking impishly as golden eyes found silvers. Sure, he could go for another tumble, but there were plenty of other fun things they might do.

Kyrios’ grin grew wider as he saw the lad’s reaction, his tail stilling to a slow sway, fitting the mood. The Captain was fond of challenges, aye, and he enjoyed the slow game of coaxing out a more timid bird; but there was a certain charm to those with clear confidence in themselves too.

The pale pirate tilted his head, intrigued, as his swain approached, grin shifting to a more coy, crocked smile. He let out a breath of throaty laughter at the line, scooting sideways pointedly, to make a space next to him. “That’d be tidy,” He answered smoothly, meeting the other’s eyes briefly, before sweeping his head gallantly at the freshly cleared spot by his side.

He waited for a moment, to see if the dark man would take it, then hummed: “M’ Kyrios.”

He was a truly brazen one, this lad, as ready to graft as he had been to scuffle with a stranger. Kyrios hummed deep in his chest when he – Scully – leaned against his shoulder; It fits him… He mused, as his eyes drifted lazily down to where the darkness of one pelt blended with the other’s paleness.

There was a pleasant warmth spreading in his body, from where they touched, his heart beating just that little bit faster. He couldn’t help but smile. Then suddenly, the sooty boy was on the ground, sprawled so invitingly. Once again, Kyrios’ brows lifted, though there was a clear shine in the treasure-gold eyes underneath, showing that he verily enjoyed the sight. He hardly needed the invitation of his touch, but appreciated it none the less, letting out a low, playful growl.

It had been too long since the Captain had lazed alongside another wolf. He wouldn’t trade his adventurous life for anything in the world, but it did get lonely at times, especially sleeping alone. Kyrios took one more silent moment simply look down at his new friend, before letting himself slide down besides him, slipping between the other’s longer legs and stretching his head backwards to rub against his chin. Yes, snuggles indeed!