Cold Water Creek Randy Dandy-O

 

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.

Scully was pretty absorbed with himself at that moment, until the other man's whine crept into his ear. Immediately his skin crawled, interpreting it as pity and aggrieved by the notion alone. He licked his lips and straightened his posture, erasing all signs of hurt from his features. Scully wanted to be seen as tough, aloof.

It especially meant he couldn't tell if the guy meant what he said or if he was just trying to bandage the younger wolf's ego, a horrid possibility. It was one thing to be flattered, but another entirely to be deemed necessary of charity.

Scully slunk downward, taking up that infamous posture that meant he was ready for round two, any time, any place. His wicked grin returned.

"Barely felt a thing," he lied without reservation.

"What's a buccaneer?"

   

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.

The other man did not attempt to hinder his recovery, and Scully was thankful for it. Had he pushed the matter, the darker-colored wolf would have been all but forced to prove what he'd claimed, even if it had been sympathy alone driving the stranger. Instead, the Archer's mood improved greatly with his company's reaction, as though the unintentional hit had never happened. It soared even further with the volley of compliments that ensued.

No longer concerned with intention, the unnamed man had Scully hook, line and sinker. He smirked back, posture straightening and chin lifting briefly. Yeah, he totally knew he was a catch.

"Yer plenty more than a silver tongue yerself," he offered, taking pointed steps forward, closer. He was eager to test the waters now, see what all this man was up for, without scaring him off.

"I wouldn't mind keepin' yer company for a bit longer."

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.”

Tidy. Scully couldn't help but chuckle fondly at the unique word choice, happily accepting the gestured invitation.

"Scully," he purred out his own name before reclining, not shy about settling close enough to mingle fur and lean into the other man's more muscular frame. It was a soft spot of his, strength. That familiar, ticklish feeling like butterfly wings began in his chest at the proximity, adoring the closeness and attention.

Unabashedly he slipped down, first onto his stomach before rolling lazily over onto his side. Black paws pushed again at Kyrios' legs and shoulder, but far more gently this time. The invitation was clear in his shining eyes; snuggles?

 

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!

Much to his delight, Kyrios obliged Scully's unspoken request. He fit perfectly among the Archer's long limbs, which wrapped and hooked round, pulling the other wolf close. He wouldn't be shy about doting on the man, nuzzling and grooming and nibbling. He'd have been content to stay like that for quite a while, enjoying a stranger's affections, but as the sky above shifted and changed, it grew closer to the time that he needed to meet back up with Avella. Eventually, begrudgingly, Scully would untangle himself and depart. At least the memory would remain.