Illy Ryann |PF|
*Pacing around my room, I throw my stuffed tiger pillow at the wall. That bastard. Kaden's words still ring in my ears as I kick the pillow across the carpet. "If I wanted a woman, I'd get one". Well guess what buddy, I can get a man if I want. Glancing down at my phone, I nervously bite my lip. I texted Am a few hours ago asking if she knew any guys I could go out with. Yeah, it's pretty lame to have to ask for help but I was kinda desperate. The men in my profession were either gay or had so many women, they could barely keep track. Walking over to the window, I look across the yard and see Turstin coming home from work. Hopefully the house will quiet down now*
*Pacing around my room, I throw my stuffed tiger pillow at the wall. That bastard. Kaden's words still ring in my ears as I kick the pillow across the carpet. "If I wanted a woman, I'd get one". Well guess what buddy, I can get a man if I want. Glancing down at my phone, I nervously bite my lip. I texted Am a few hours ago asking if she knew any guys I could go out with. Yeah, it's pretty lame to have to ask for help but I was kinda desperate. The men in my profession were either gay or had so many women, they could barely keep track. Walking over to the window, I look across the yard and see Turstin coming home from work. Hopefully the house will quiet down now*
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*A growl rumbled in his throat as he padded to the swinging door, nudging it open with his nose. Go Ailwin, fetch Ailwin, stop lurking Ailwin. Acted like he had a damn clue how to do this socializing shit. He ended up slunk down in some soft green weeds, his golden eyes watching the backyard warily. All he needed was T to show up and think he'd upset the woman. Sniffing the air, he let out a soft chuffing noise. He smelled something. Tiger. His teeth bared, he slid forward on his belly, inching his way to the side entrance. He didn't know who else was here, but the only damn tiger's better be his family or he and his brother would be having a talk. Least the place was built with weres in mind. Another swinging door and he found himself in a small foyer of another wing to the Den. A camera sat on a table, bag dropped next to it, some of the contents spilled to the floor. Wandering through the small home, he was being nosy as fuck, but he hadn't found anyone yet. Least if it was another tiger, seeing a fully grown 700lb one making its way through their possessions wouldn't cause heart attacks. A doctor, he was not. Hearing a door shut, his head snapped up, ears flattening as he followed the movements to the stairs*
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Grumbling to myself, I toss on a pair of shorts and a tank top then head out my door. I can't stay in here forever, so maybe I'll go bother T or something. I am just about to turn when the hair on the back on my neck stands up. Someone's watching me. Spinning around, I am just about to shift and mess up someone's day when I see a huge tiger staring at me. I know T's tiger form well enough to know this wasn't him. Sniffing a little, I catch the familiar scent of Ailwin. We both stand there staring at each other for a little while. Me being awkwardly human, him being awkwardly tiger. I knew he was here, Turstin came to tell me in person even. I also know I should have found Ailwin on my own and said something but I didn't know what. Turstin and I were closer in age, we played together more as kids then with our other siblings. Ailwin was always kind of scary to me. Being the eldest, he took a lot of responsibility for us when our parents were away. It was also his idea to split up after our people were attacked. A part of me always hated him because of that, and the other parts told that part to grow up. Realizing it had been more than a few minutes with us just staring at each other, I let out a breath* Hey big brother.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*He stared. He couldn't help himself. His last view of her had been a terrified, skinny, dirt streaked kid with tears pouring down her face. Now she stood in front of him, a grown ass woman. They said time healed all, but they were some kinda fucked up. Shifting, he straightened, clearing his throat awkwardly. Unlike with T, he had no fucking idea how to handle his baby sister. Never had, truth be told* You've... changed. *For the first time, he was conscious of what he must look like. He'd changed as well, and hadn't aged near as well as she had* You look like our mother, you know.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Biting my lip nervously, I look down as I try to not get over emotional. I know he would only think I was acting like a kid* I honestly can barely remember her. *Glancing up at him, I smile* You've changed too. Still have that 'what did you do this time' look though. *Stepping forward, I reach out towards him* Can I hug you?
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*For a long while he'd forgotten to smile. How to laugh. Didn't have need of it, living like a fugitive. Looked like he was going to have to re-learn to be as human as he could* I didn't realize I had that particular look about me. Probably why Turstin's mate has done everything but throw a lamp at my head and demand I get out. *As she stepped forward, he realized he'd retained a bit more humanity than he'd thought as he had to swallow a lump that suddenly filled his throat. Taking the last step, he wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on her head* God damn, I'd given up on finding you. Any of you.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Burying my face into his shoulder, I hug him tight* I thought all of you were dead. Then I moved in with Am and she found Turstin on a mission and then I began to hope that the rest of you were alive. Turstin and Am were working out a way to find everyone but it's been a tough thing to do. Then when T said you were here, I didn't know if you wanted to see me or if you would think I was annoying you. And now I'm rambling because that's what I do, I ramble. Sometimes I never shut up. *Even though my voice was muffled because I was talking into his shoulder, I knew Ailwin understood every word. Finally looking up at him* How have you been?
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*His chuckle was rusty as he relaxed his hold a bit, but still kept his arms around her. She always did this shit, even as a kid. As soon as she got nervous, she'd fucking talk and talk. You'd always tell when she was lying to cover for T, cause she'd follow you around asking the dumbest shit to distract you.* Some things never change. Please tell me you two have outgrown attempting to lie for each other, cause from what I've seen, it isn't going to be any prettier than it used to be. *Giving a small shrug, he pressed a kiss to her temple* I'm alive. Any more than that, kid sister's likely don't want or need to be aware of. I've been the eternal starving musician with a wandering habit. Not much else to be said, pretty sure that paints as much of a picture as I care for my siblings to know. *Gesturing to the camera* You shoot? T talks about as much as the rest of us did. Meaning, not that damn much.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Grinning, I nod* Yeah, I'm a wildlife photographer. *Seeing his smirk, I laugh a little* Yes, I am aware of the irony. Unfortunately, no one else is. The wildlife photographer thing isn't really paying the bills much so I model on the side. T isn't happy about it but oh well. I actually don't mind being in front of the camera much. *Looking up at him* So are you staying long? *The question comes out a little more desperatey and kid sistery than I originally wanted but it's all the same. I just found 2 of my brothers and as selfish as it sounded, I didn't want to lose them again*
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*Leaving her side, he picked up the camera, scrolling through the images* Not bad, kid. You do have an eye for it. *snorting, he mentally reminded himself that he hadn't been here and had no right to say a word. Yet he couldn't help himself, just a bit* Modelling? Jesus, we need to find Barker and Galyn. I can't do this shit on my own. *At her words, he set the camera back down, sliding his hands into his pockets. What was he to tell her?* I...uh. Well. Basically carried my life savings all this time in a damn duffel bag. In case we needed it. Guess T and his mate helped that along. Never really put down roots. Figured I'd do that once I either found you guys or Chasers caught up with me. *His lips twisted in a wry grimace as he watched her* I'm not near as socialized as you.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Smiling sadly, I wrap my arms around his arm* If T can do it, you can. I mean, come on, he cuts open dead bodies for a living. *Seeing his raised eyebrow, I laugh* Yeah, he's a coroner. He is so antisocial he prefers dead people over living ones. Am has helped a lot with getting him out of his shell. Am and I could help you. You could have your own space and do whatever you want. *When he beings shifting uncomfortably, I sigh a little and step back* I won't make you stay, Big Brother. Just know you have family here who love you.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
He always was a bit morose and strange. Then again, aren't we all. *At her sigh, he inwardly groaned. Somehow he's managed to fuck up somewhere again. Clearing his throat, he shrugged* I ain't leaving. Not with most of our family intact again. Even if it comes with this diseased monstrosity of a residence. *Glancing left to right, he lowered his voice* Do you know they have 10 fucking water heaters? Where I've lived, even having one was sometimes a luxury. Basement of this place is packed with wires and fuseboxes and water tanks. It's like a miniature were-city.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Grinning at his words, I laugh* It's a big place so it needs to have extra water heaters so the whole place can get hot water. We even have air conditioning too. *The look on his face was priceless and made me laugh even more* Well if you want, Am and T could build you your own little place out on the grounds like Kaden has. *Seeing his frown, I roll my eyes* He's a friend of Am. Gigantic jerk, more antisocial than you, with the manners of lion bile. *The more I talk of Kaden, the more angry I get. Seeing Ailwin's frown deepen, I change the subject back* So if you want your own place with a single water heater, we could make that happen.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*His brow rose slightly. So far she'd been timid and polite, but whoever the hell this Kaden was, he pissed her off royally. Might have to do some more sniffing around on the grounds. Was he allowed to play the big brother schitck any longer? Did he give a damn? Not particularly.* I took a room in the... ah... left wing? Whatever was nearest the closest escape route to the woods behind the house. Still kind of living like something is after me. It'll get better. Hopefully. If I need a space of my own, I'll see what T says. Maybe a small cabin somewhere might be nice. I assume you're going to be busy this week at some point. As I got kicked out, Amethyst was on the phone trying to set up a girl's night or some shit. Maybe.. eh... Was thinking maybe one day when we're all not busy we'd all go for a run or something. That is, if you wanted to. Or if T wanted to. I could go alone. *His cheeks heated slightly before he let out a frustrated breath* God damn this is gonna take some getting used to.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Giggling, I stand I up my tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. I then wrap my arms around his shoulders* It'll be okay, Big brother. Things will get better over time. You are safe here. Not only are we together, but we have a huge security system by Psiforce, you're safe. And I would love to go for a run with you. Honestly, I don't shift often. I know T does though. We have lots of space here so we don't have to worry about running into humans. *Smiling up at him* And Amethyst isn't so bad. She is actually pretty awesome. What did you do to make her kick you out?
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
Yeah, friend of mine, K told me I should come here, that it was a safe place for weres. So here I am. Should listen to his drunk ass more often. As for Am. Er. *A ghost of a smile lit his face* I may or may not have been lurking around corners and being a pain in the ass as I investigated the place. Where T's mate unwittingly kept stumbling into me. I maintain I was just checking the place out, she's the one that wouldn't stay the hell still.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Laughing, I nod* Well Am is also a government agent, so she is kinda jumpy. Not to mention, Turstin is super lazy and usually when he is in his tiger form, he lays out on the porch and stays there. And like I said, I don't shift very much. So she isn't use to tigers being where we aren't.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
So me hiding the the nook park under the stairs as she walked past, likely not a great strategy. *He chuckled, his arm going around her in a quick squeeze* I will learn to adjust. Though how he managed to snag someone who clearly has brains and a personality is beyond me. She's gotta be deficient in some way that I simply have not discovered yet. *He sobered, his gaze meeting hers* Are you happy here, little sister? Is this where we stay?
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Laughing* Honestly, they are really good together. She makes him very happy and he somehow makes her happy too. *Smiling up at him* Yeah, I am happy here. I think we should stay. I also think we should find Barker and Galyn and bring them here. Then we can all be together again. Safe.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
Safe. Almost forget what that feels like. *Breathing out, he glanced around, his eyes catching the small hints of Illy that made this place her home. The trees silhouetted outside. The smaller house set adjacent that must be this Kaden's place. Truthfully, T and his mate had found a slice of paradise for weres. And their little family was almost complete.* Then here we will stay. *Had Illy not been happy, he wouldn't have given a damn how much had went into this place, he'd growl and make demands until shit got done how he wanted. But, hell. His kid sister was happy. Perhaps he'd learn to feel safe here as well. As her phone rang, he watched her go to grab it, murmuring that it was Am. Not wanting to intrude, he gestured towards the door, mouthing, "Run after?" When she nodded, he shifted into his more comfortable animal form, heading out back. T may have a point about this laying in the sun bit. Maybe he'd try that.*
*A growl rumbled in his throat as he padded to the swinging door, nudging it open with his nose. Go Ailwin, fetch Ailwin, stop lurking Ailwin. Acted like he had a damn clue how to do this socializing shit. He ended up slunk down in some soft green weeds, his golden eyes watching the backyard warily. All he needed was T to show up and think he'd upset the woman. Sniffing the air, he let out a soft chuffing noise. He smelled something. Tiger. His teeth bared, he slid forward on his belly, inching his way to the side entrance. He didn't know who else was here, but the only damn tiger's better be his family or he and his brother would be having a talk. Least the place was built with weres in mind. Another swinging door and he found himself in a small foyer of another wing to the Den. A camera sat on a table, bag dropped next to it, some of the contents spilled to the floor. Wandering through the small home, he was being nosy as fuck, but he hadn't found anyone yet. Least if it was another tiger, seeing a fully grown 700lb one making its way through their possessions wouldn't cause heart attacks. A doctor, he was not. Hearing a door shut, his head snapped up, ears flattening as he followed the movements to the stairs*
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Grumbling to myself, I toss on a pair of shorts and a tank top then head out my door. I can't stay in here forever, so maybe I'll go bother T or something. I am just about to turn when the hair on the back on my neck stands up. Someone's watching me. Spinning around, I am just about to shift and mess up someone's day when I see a huge tiger staring at me. I know T's tiger form well enough to know this wasn't him. Sniffing a little, I catch the familiar scent of Ailwin. We both stand there staring at each other for a little while. Me being awkwardly human, him being awkwardly tiger. I knew he was here, Turstin came to tell me in person even. I also know I should have found Ailwin on my own and said something but I didn't know what. Turstin and I were closer in age, we played together more as kids then with our other siblings. Ailwin was always kind of scary to me. Being the eldest, he took a lot of responsibility for us when our parents were away. It was also his idea to split up after our people were attacked. A part of me always hated him because of that, and the other parts told that part to grow up. Realizing it had been more than a few minutes with us just staring at each other, I let out a breath* Hey big brother.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*He stared. He couldn't help himself. His last view of her had been a terrified, skinny, dirt streaked kid with tears pouring down her face. Now she stood in front of him, a grown ass woman. They said time healed all, but they were some kinda fucked up. Shifting, he straightened, clearing his throat awkwardly. Unlike with T, he had no fucking idea how to handle his baby sister. Never had, truth be told* You've... changed. *For the first time, he was conscious of what he must look like. He'd changed as well, and hadn't aged near as well as she had* You look like our mother, you know.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Biting my lip nervously, I look down as I try to not get over emotional. I know he would only think I was acting like a kid* I honestly can barely remember her. *Glancing up at him, I smile* You've changed too. Still have that 'what did you do this time' look though. *Stepping forward, I reach out towards him* Can I hug you?
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*For a long while he'd forgotten to smile. How to laugh. Didn't have need of it, living like a fugitive. Looked like he was going to have to re-learn to be as human as he could* I didn't realize I had that particular look about me. Probably why Turstin's mate has done everything but throw a lamp at my head and demand I get out. *As she stepped forward, he realized he'd retained a bit more humanity than he'd thought as he had to swallow a lump that suddenly filled his throat. Taking the last step, he wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on her head* God damn, I'd given up on finding you. Any of you.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Burying my face into his shoulder, I hug him tight* I thought all of you were dead. Then I moved in with Am and she found Turstin on a mission and then I began to hope that the rest of you were alive. Turstin and Am were working out a way to find everyone but it's been a tough thing to do. Then when T said you were here, I didn't know if you wanted to see me or if you would think I was annoying you. And now I'm rambling because that's what I do, I ramble. Sometimes I never shut up. *Even though my voice was muffled because I was talking into his shoulder, I knew Ailwin understood every word. Finally looking up at him* How have you been?
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*His chuckle was rusty as he relaxed his hold a bit, but still kept his arms around her. She always did this shit, even as a kid. As soon as she got nervous, she'd fucking talk and talk. You'd always tell when she was lying to cover for T, cause she'd follow you around asking the dumbest shit to distract you.* Some things never change. Please tell me you two have outgrown attempting to lie for each other, cause from what I've seen, it isn't going to be any prettier than it used to be. *Giving a small shrug, he pressed a kiss to her temple* I'm alive. Any more than that, kid sister's likely don't want or need to be aware of. I've been the eternal starving musician with a wandering habit. Not much else to be said, pretty sure that paints as much of a picture as I care for my siblings to know. *Gesturing to the camera* You shoot? T talks about as much as the rest of us did. Meaning, not that damn much.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Grinning, I nod* Yeah, I'm a wildlife photographer. *Seeing his smirk, I laugh a little* Yes, I am aware of the irony. Unfortunately, no one else is. The wildlife photographer thing isn't really paying the bills much so I model on the side. T isn't happy about it but oh well. I actually don't mind being in front of the camera much. *Looking up at him* So are you staying long? *The question comes out a little more desperatey and kid sistery than I originally wanted but it's all the same. I just found 2 of my brothers and as selfish as it sounded, I didn't want to lose them again*
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*Leaving her side, he picked up the camera, scrolling through the images* Not bad, kid. You do have an eye for it. *snorting, he mentally reminded himself that he hadn't been here and had no right to say a word. Yet he couldn't help himself, just a bit* Modelling? Jesus, we need to find Barker and Galyn. I can't do this shit on my own. *At her words, he set the camera back down, sliding his hands into his pockets. What was he to tell her?* I...uh. Well. Basically carried my life savings all this time in a damn duffel bag. In case we needed it. Guess T and his mate helped that along. Never really put down roots. Figured I'd do that once I either found you guys or Chasers caught up with me. *His lips twisted in a wry grimace as he watched her* I'm not near as socialized as you.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Smiling sadly, I wrap my arms around his arm* If T can do it, you can. I mean, come on, he cuts open dead bodies for a living. *Seeing his raised eyebrow, I laugh* Yeah, he's a coroner. He is so antisocial he prefers dead people over living ones. Am has helped a lot with getting him out of his shell. Am and I could help you. You could have your own space and do whatever you want. *When he beings shifting uncomfortably, I sigh a little and step back* I won't make you stay, Big Brother. Just know you have family here who love you.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
He always was a bit morose and strange. Then again, aren't we all. *At her sigh, he inwardly groaned. Somehow he's managed to fuck up somewhere again. Clearing his throat, he shrugged* I ain't leaving. Not with most of our family intact again. Even if it comes with this diseased monstrosity of a residence. *Glancing left to right, he lowered his voice* Do you know they have 10 fucking water heaters? Where I've lived, even having one was sometimes a luxury. Basement of this place is packed with wires and fuseboxes and water tanks. It's like a miniature were-city.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Grinning at his words, I laugh* It's a big place so it needs to have extra water heaters so the whole place can get hot water. We even have air conditioning too. *The look on his face was priceless and made me laugh even more* Well if you want, Am and T could build you your own little place out on the grounds like Kaden has. *Seeing his frown, I roll my eyes* He's a friend of Am. Gigantic jerk, more antisocial than you, with the manners of lion bile. *The more I talk of Kaden, the more angry I get. Seeing Ailwin's frown deepen, I change the subject back* So if you want your own place with a single water heater, we could make that happen.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
*His brow rose slightly. So far she'd been timid and polite, but whoever the hell this Kaden was, he pissed her off royally. Might have to do some more sniffing around on the grounds. Was he allowed to play the big brother schitck any longer? Did he give a damn? Not particularly.* I took a room in the... ah... left wing? Whatever was nearest the closest escape route to the woods behind the house. Still kind of living like something is after me. It'll get better. Hopefully. If I need a space of my own, I'll see what T says. Maybe a small cabin somewhere might be nice. I assume you're going to be busy this week at some point. As I got kicked out, Amethyst was on the phone trying to set up a girl's night or some shit. Maybe.. eh... Was thinking maybe one day when we're all not busy we'd all go for a run or something. That is, if you wanted to. Or if T wanted to. I could go alone. *His cheeks heated slightly before he let out a frustrated breath* God damn this is gonna take some getting used to.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Giggling, I stand I up my tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. I then wrap my arms around his shoulders* It'll be okay, Big brother. Things will get better over time. You are safe here. Not only are we together, but we have a huge security system by Psiforce, you're safe. And I would love to go for a run with you. Honestly, I don't shift often. I know T does though. We have lots of space here so we don't have to worry about running into humans. *Smiling up at him* And Amethyst isn't so bad. She is actually pretty awesome. What did you do to make her kick you out?
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
Yeah, friend of mine, K told me I should come here, that it was a safe place for weres. So here I am. Should listen to his drunk ass more often. As for Am. Er. *A ghost of a smile lit his face* I may or may not have been lurking around corners and being a pain in the ass as I investigated the place. Where T's mate unwittingly kept stumbling into me. I maintain I was just checking the place out, she's the one that wouldn't stay the hell still.
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Laughing, I nod* Well Am is also a government agent, so she is kinda jumpy. Not to mention, Turstin is super lazy and usually when he is in his tiger form, he lays out on the porch and stays there. And like I said, I don't shift very much. So she isn't use to tigers being where we aren't.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
So me hiding the the nook park under the stairs as she walked past, likely not a great strategy. *He chuckled, his arm going around her in a quick squeeze* I will learn to adjust. Though how he managed to snag someone who clearly has brains and a personality is beyond me. She's gotta be deficient in some way that I simply have not discovered yet. *He sobered, his gaze meeting hers* Are you happy here, little sister? Is this where we stay?
Illy Ryann |PF|
*Laughing* Honestly, they are really good together. She makes him very happy and he somehow makes her happy too. *Smiling up at him* Yeah, I am happy here. I think we should stay. I also think we should find Barker and Galyn and bring them here. Then we can all be together again. Safe.
Ailwin Ryann |PF|
Safe. Almost forget what that feels like. *Breathing out, he glanced around, his eyes catching the small hints of Illy that made this place her home. The trees silhouetted outside. The smaller house set adjacent that must be this Kaden's place. Truthfully, T and his mate had found a slice of paradise for weres. And their little family was almost complete.* Then here we will stay. *Had Illy not been happy, he wouldn't have given a damn how much had went into this place, he'd growl and make demands until shit got done how he wanted. But, hell. His kid sister was happy. Perhaps he'd learn to feel safe here as well. As her phone rang, he watched her go to grab it, murmuring that it was Am. Not wanting to intrude, he gestured towards the door, mouthing, "Run after?" When she nodded, he shifted into his more comfortable animal form, heading out back. T may have a point about this laying in the sun bit. Maybe he'd try that.*