[Karl Holds the Line] Bronzeville. It is quickly becoming a second home to the Rotagar. Oh, he has yet to stay a single night in the ‘luxurious’ cardboard palace of Mama, but he spends his days mostly here, when he is not in the Caern or in the loft he shares with his mate. The Norse Fenrir is guided today. Easily following the gentle tug of the packbond as he drives his car. A gift from his mate. An engagement present in fact. Sleek American muscle car that brings about images of long freeways and rock music and a freedom the Rotagar will never truly know.
But he is a man as much as he is wolf, and where wolves dream of the hunt and the kill, the man dream about the freedom of muscle cars. It is just the way of life.
The rumbling of the engine as he pulls over and stops the car echoes in the nearby alleys. He gets out and locks the car. A glance around, making sure he is seen by whoever is watching, then he is off towards one fo the nearby alleys. On the other side of the red brick building is a steak house, and Karl thinks he knows why Marni would be here. The ravenous gnawer would have little other reason. Food.
Of course, she is a gnawer, so he isn’t sure if he wants to know the exact definition of food that his packmate would happily inhale, but it does not really bother him either. Dressed as he always seems to be, in simple jeans and a dark tee, with low boots. Buzzed raven hair and glacial pale blue eyes, cold and unfathomable to anyone who does not know the Fenrir.
“Marni?” Voice low, deep as he stops at the alley mouth, leaning against the red brick and waits. He knows his packmate is close enough to hear him.
[Marni] [nothing to see here!]
Dice Rolled:[ 7 d10 ] 1, 1, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 10, 10 (Success x 3 at target 6) Re-rolls: 3
[Marni] Steaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak. Meat. Red and Rare and merely chased through the kitchen. Dripping in juices and succulent across the tongue. So tender it melts in your mouth, and brings little moans of satisfaction as it’s eaten. With baked potato on the side with all the fixings – bacon and sour cream and butter – and a dinner salad with a nice house dressing, and an ice cold beer to wash it all down…
At least, that’s what the folks INSIDE are having. Marni is having something… similar, yet not exactly… hot. Or fresh. But definitely on the edible side of what she normally eats.
When Karl calls for her, she’s settled in front of a veritable feast – several discarded plates to one side, the remains of other peoples lunch and dinners – enough to make a sizable meal for the hungry gnawer – piled on a single plate in front of her. Left over steak pieces of various sizes and cooked consistency, bits of potatoes, a bite of salad here or there. But she’s all about the meat, crouched in front of the plate like she’s guarding it from someone who might steal it from her, munching faster than should be allowed.
At least the leftovers are mostly from today…
She feels him come closer and tips her head, licking the juices off her fingers as she turns in his direction. He speaks, and she lifts a hand to wave, before grabbing another hunka meat. “Heya. Wanna bite?”
[Karl Holds the Line] He chuckles softly, then shakes his head.
“Thanks, but no.”
He looks over at the gnawer with a smile. He puts up a foot against the wall, then takes a look to the streets, up and down as if looking for a threat before looking back to Marni.
“But if you got room after that feast, I wouldn’t mind taking you inside for the all you can eat ribs.”
His voice remains low and calm.
“Have to make sure you don’t waste away now that you are eating for two.”
[Marni] She blinks, stopping mid bite, and looks over at him, then back at the plate of other peoples left overs, and back to Karl again. “….FRESH ribs? ALL I can eat?” and damned if that bounty of leftovers doesn’t get tossed right back in the garbage as she stands and wipes her grubby hands on her grubby jeans [someone needs a trip to the Broho showers n laundry!] and snags her pack to slide it back on her shoulders.
Waste away. She snorts. “I’ma be a two ton tessy, just you wait and see.”
And then she’s joining him and tugging on his arm, a pitiful little ‘i’m staaaaaaarving’ look in her eyes, playful though it is.. “weeeeeeeeeell? what are you waiting for? feeeeeeeeeed meeeeeeee…..”
[Karl Holds the Line] He nods and turns to walk with her around the red brick building. He even holds the door up for her. The poor servers do not know what awaits them as the two No moons enter the restaurant. The smell of meat and sauce strong in the air. A chirpy girls turns from her place, holding a menu and freezes as she is about to greet them. She stares at the odd couple until Karl sighs and points to an empty booth in the back.
“That one, and two all you can eat ribs. Keep it coming and bring two pitchers.”
The girl blinks, nods and turns, scurrying away from the two, grateful almost. Karl mutters and leads Marni to the booth, sliding in opposite of the curvy gnawer.
“Sometimes I miss the days before the change.”
He offers another smile at Marni.
“Thank you. For keeping an eye on Moira.”
[Marni] Its not only the rage that gets that look – but the fact that the extra ragey one is companion to a smallish, curvy, cute but utterly grubby and dirty looking vagrant of a Gnawer. Not exactly who folks want to be seen serving, at least not through the front door or in the restaurant proper. But they move past and soon marni’s slipping from her pack and tossing it into her side of the booth, and sliding in next to it.
Sometimes he misses the days before the change. She chuckles and shrugs. “Wasn’t much different for me. Just a lil more moon-mad, now.” She’s comfortable on the streets, because they have always been her home. She can’t remember a time when they weren’t…
As for Moira, she grins and shrugs. “No biggy. She doing ok?”
[Karl Holds the Line] He nods and leans back, relaxing a bit.
“Yes, she is. A little sore, but nothing serious. But I was right. Bai never called.”
His eyes stray from the gnawer to look around the place, shaking his head a little.
“I was raised in the septs. My experience with places like this before the shift was stumbling across small towns in the north of Sweden. Now I can go anywhere, but not without sending them running.”
He chuckles and looks back to Marni. The Fenrir grins a little and gives her a wink.
“There is something troubling me about the attack. Remember the big one I carried away?”
[Marni] Snorts. “Shocker there. Not.”
She pulls her feet up under her, sitting crosslegged on the bench seat, and tries to keep her hands still and calm in her lap even as her belly rumbles audibly. Hopefully her appetite will even out a bit as the months go on – else the whole city will be on Incoming Gnawer Alert…
“I was raised in the Green – we surfed Subway cars for fun…” A little grin there. She hasn’t surfed since finding out she was knocked up… and the daredevil in her aches with the want too…
“Yeah, I remember. Why?”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”He was Fenrir.”
His voice is low, and there is a hard tone in it. His pale blue eyes intense.
“Tainted and I believe Fallen, but undeniably of the Fenrir tribe.”
Then they are interrupted as the first two plates with ribs arrive together with two large pitchers of cold beer. Karl ignores the ribs and pours himself a glass of the amber liquid.
[Marni] She arches a brow. “Yeah? And?”
And then there’s ribs, and while he ignores his plate and goes for the beer, Marni is all about the meet, and she digs in like she ain’t ate in a week… truth be told, she hasn’t anything this GOOD or FRESH in a week, but that’s beside the point. She grabs up the first rib and digs in, ripping the meat from the bone with a little happy moan…
“Those that fall ain’t always of ‘someone elses’ tribe. Ohgoodgaiathisisgoooooood…”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”They were waiting for the girls. Moira told me what she remembered. It sounds like a planned ambush. They had summoned a water elemental and used it to cause the accident. Had they not lost control of it, I believe they would have been able to finish what they were planning.”
He takes a drink of his beer, then grabs one rib. He takes a bite and chews it for a while.
“I am going to try to track down the spirit with Mama’s help. If they are ambushing the kin for a reason, we need to find out why.”
If there is a reason behind it, in the very least the other kin will have to be warned, and the sept told.
[Marni] She nods, slightly. “They’re gettin bolder. Confident that they got the Hills well under control an’ starting to attack more aggressively. They done got that Oliver kin, already – an he had contact info n’ shit from a lotta folks.”
He says he’s gonna track the spirit, and she tosses aside the first picked clean bone and picks up another. “What, ain’t gonna invite me along? Ya’ll ain’t lettin me do ANYTHING fun anymore…” A lil pout as she tears into rib number two….
[Karl Holds the Line] He raises a brow and chuckles, taking another sip of beer.
“Did not think I could keep you away even if I tried. Going to need Mama or another Crescent to come along.”
He takes another bite of the rib. There is a slow roll of his shoulders and he offers a small smile.
“You did miss a good fight. I got to dive off a building at one of them. Surfed him across half the alley.”
That smile spreads into a grin. He really did enjoy that fight, despite the near disastrous consequence. He is no full moon, but the Fenrir in him celebrates the battles as fiercly as any full moon.
[Marni] She grins at him, her mouth covered in bbq sauce, and winks. “Good. Jus’ makin sure. Feel like everyone’s all treatin me with kid gloves jus’ cuz I’m carryin a kid. I ain’t sidelined yet. I don’t think.” She pauses, and tips her head. “…I shouldn’t be, right? Ain’t no reason to be…”
She doesn’t know. She’s oddly protective over her lil coffee bean sized embryo, but doesn’t mean she isn’t aching to get her claws into some asshole that deserves it. And if she can’t get Lukas – the Wyrm will do just as well.
She chuckles as he tells her of his surfing and finishes off another rib, tossing the bone to the side as she grabs another. “Sweet!”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”You are asking the wrong person. The Norse women will take great risks to seek battle, especially during the later parts of their pregnancy. To give birth on the battlefield and baptize your child in the blood of a fallen enemy, that is how your guarantee your child will become a great warrior.”
He grins and shakes his head, grabbing another rib.
“They are crazy, and I do not recommend that particular approach, but I do not think you need to be coddled. You know the dangers as well as I do, and it is not like we can afford to lose your abilities during the war.”
He finishes his first glass of beer and pours a second.
“But It is your child, and your choice. I will support you, no matter what you do, and whack you over the head if you get stupid.”
[Marni] She wrinkles her nose as she looks at him, and then just chuckles and finally pours herself a glass of beer, leaving bbq sauce fingerprints all over the pitcher and glass as she lifts it to her lips and then… “Motherfucker.” Sets it down again, and grabs her water instead, and drinks from it heartily.
“Still forget sometimes. But yeah – Adam, she says that ya should be careful at first, so ya ain’t shake the lil bean off the wall it’s clingin too or some shit. But I feel fine – ain’t even sick or nothing, so I think it’ll be ok.”
A beat, and a grin. “So. When ya gonna knock up Moira?”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”Cant be an easy thing to get used to, but for what it is worth, you are going to be a good mother. If a very fat one.”
He grins wide at her then takes a swig of the beer.
“As for Moira, I am in no rush. She just lost a person that meant a great deal to her. She wanted some dream of settling down. She will come around in a while. And I know a trick or two if she needs help with the decision.”
Said with an almost wicked smile.
“So, we have been bonded for a while now. Have I proven the stereotypical Fenrir yet?”
[Marni] She shrugs, slightly. “I dunno. I dunno how I’m gonna raise this kid… at home we always had kin Mama’s that’d take over, so that we could still do what we do. I ain’t got no kin Mama here, and Ray…”
a soft sigh, wistful and filled with longing.
Then she’s tearing into another rib, the last on her plate.
She nods her understanding of his situation with moira, and then laughs outright at the question. “No more’n’Max was. He wouldn’t cuddle either though, so ya is even more alike.” There’s a shadow of longing there too. Max would love that she was knocked up – and so would Indira. She misses her previous family with an ache that never quite goes away…
“Ya ain’t like Joe. So that’s extra points in ya favor.”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”I’ll have you know I love to cuddle. Its right up there with waxing my legs.”
He snorts at her then winks, raising his hand and his voice a bit to order another two plates of ribs. Looking back to Marni, he grins and reaches for her plate with the picked clean bones, and switches it with his own that’s still half full.
“Cant let them think I eat like a woman.”
He refills his glass with beer and raises it halfway to his lips.
“War-Handed is… I will have to deal with him. But I have no wish to rule by the fist. It presents a little problem. One I will figure out soon enough.”
[Marni] She arches a brow, and then unfolds a leg from under her to reach under the table and use a toe to lift the cuff of his pant, leaning over to peer under the table, curiously. Then she snorts and sits back up and rolls her eyes. “whatEVer…”
Which encompasses his other statement too about eating like a woman – but that doesn’t stop her from attacking his leftovers at all. Nope, Marni’s a full on eating machine…
She chuckles and grins up at Karl. “You should ask him what happened when he told me I was less a warrior than he was cuz I ain’t Fenrir. I scent of sweet honey’d him – boy ran like a lil girl from the hungry hoard…”
[Karl Holds the Line] He just grins at her. He has no trouble giving her the free shots, as long as it means she gets the food she needs and then some. But he is Fenrir. There are things that can be said and done, and things that are best left unsaid.
“Just shows his weakness. He does not think before he speaks, or acts. It has already begun. I tore his throat out when he laid insult to Mama, but he is still playing at being the Jarl. That will have to be sorted in some way.”
He takes a long drink of beer, almost musing.
“I guess I do not match up to your standards of men.”
He suddenly seems a bit thoughtful.
“Can I ask you about Ray?”
[Marni] She nods, slightly, chuckling at the thought of him ripping out Joe’s throat for his insults. “Good. He’s a raciest prick an’ needs to be put in his place.” a beat, and a tip of her head. “I think ya’d make a fine Jarl.” Confident in her packmate.
And then… he brings up Ray. She hesitates, only briefly, before she nods. “Ask anythin’ ya want. Yer pack. Ain’t gonna hide nuthin from ya.”
[Karl Holds the Line] He notes her expression, thoughtful and takes another sip of his beer. A moment before he goes on.
“I never met him. I am wondering what sort of a man he is. You seem to care about him a great deal.”
But there is something the Fenrir still seems hesitant to take up. Marni can see it in his eyes, a question the Norseman isn’t sure he should ask.
“He is important to you, so I want to know what kind of a man he is. How long have the two of you been involved?”
Definatly something he isn’t taking up, trying to hide it by drinking beer, but the totembond reveals his hesitation. For a Fenrir that is a strange thing indeed.
[Marni] She looks up at him, and studies him for a long moment… and then doesn’t address the hesitation he knows she’s noticed. Not yet, anyway. Instead, she answers the questions between bites. She’s still eating, but at least she’s slowed down. A little. Enough to talk without mumbling over the meat she’s shoving into her mouth.
“In some ways – he’s very much a fuckin’ Lord. He’s confident an’ smart and good at what he does -and he knows it. He’s good lookin, and strong, an’ when he ain’t all about business, he has a great sense of adventure… an’ he’s a fuckin dream in the bedroom. or his office. or his pool. Or his hottub… ya get the idea.”
She shrugs, slightly, though her smile remains fond. “Me an’ Indira met him t’gether. He was lookin at some building down round the ‘ville, an’ I stole his iPhone. It’s got pacman on it! I gave it back though. He’s a natural flirt, an’ so I got bored after getting banged up a bit in a fight, an’ went to his office. He’s an incorrigible flirt, an’ I am too – and well, he fucked me right there on his desk. It was all fun an games.. we saw each other often, an’ always ended up in a delightful tumble. I knew he was seein other gals too – he’s very much a ladies man, but I ain’t ever wanted to tie him down. I ain’t really the jealous type – when I found out he’d tapped indira too, I cheered them on, and she an’ I giggled late into the night over it… it was uncomplicated. Fun.”
She sighs, softly. “I ain’t meant t’get knocked up an’ make his life complicated.”
[Karl Holds the Line] She talks, and he listens. And before long, there is a look of genuine surprise there. His brows raise up high, and he forgets about the beer, then shakes his head a little as she is finished.
“You… I did not….”
He grits his teeth and then takes a long swig of the beer.
“Knäppa fruntimmer och tokiga karlar.”
Whatever he was saying, it sounded half like a curse and half disbelieving.
“I’ll be glad to admit I could never be that casual about something like that. I was worried because Moira said he had been flirting with her, at least until she left his employ, and I was not sure if it would be a concern with you and him being involved… I guess I still have a lot to learn about the way you Americans live your lives.”
Muttered almost.
[Marni] She blinks, an’ arches a brow. “What? whatcha say?”
and then he clarifies about being casual, and she laughs softly. “I like sex, Karl. Lots an’ lots of sex. An I ain’t ready t’settle down to a mate. At least, I wasn’t, an’ neither was he, and well, we have a lot of fun together. But that don’t mean I ain’t care for him, cuz…”
she stops, and shakes her head slightly, because admitting it… well… safer topics. “Nah, I ain’t worried bout his flirtin. It’s part of who he is – an’ clearly he ain’t mine.” a beat. “yet.”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”Oh, I am a fan of sex myself. I am just a little to selfish to… Share my mate.”
And of course, that is the whole thing. To the Fenrir, even if Wyrmbreaker has not yet approved, to him it is clear that Marni is mated to Ray, or it was clear anyway. He is a bit disturbed by the whole thing it seems, as if it is alien to him. His instincts are quite wolven when it comes to that matter.
“It is clear you care quite a bit for him, since you are willing to face down Wyrmbreaker over him. So I take it you also have your fun on the side then, with you liking sex so much?”
The poor girl that brings them another two plates of ribs nearly spits her gum out, overhearing the last. She quickly puts the food down and then scurries away from the fountain of rage in the back booth.
[Marni] She shrugs slightly. “Gnawers sometimes is a bit more free lovin, on the whole thing. We was havin fun, we wasn’t mated. That’d mean a commitment, an’ we hadn’t even talked bout that shit. We jus’ liked bein together. Jealousy is a stupid emotion, an it happens when ya ain’t honest with each other. Me an’ Ray, we never lied bout what we wanted. An’ if things changed, we woulda talked bout it. Then things DID an’ it got all fucked up an’ complicated cuz Lukas ain’t want nothin but true love n’ shit. Course, why he ain’t knocked up HIS mate yet is still another mark against his honor.”
As for her fun on the side. She laughs and shrugs. “I did sometimes, yeah. But ain’t had nuthin since I got knocked up.” A whimpering moan there. “something ELSE t’fuckin blame on Lukas.”
As for the waitress, Marni just grins at her, and keeps right on eating.
[Karl Holds the Line] ”A bit more, that is a way of putting it. I mean, I heard stories about the Children and some of the things they supposedly are up to, but this? Lets just say that my mind is not quite that open.”
He chuckles and empties his glass, then refills it, emptying the pitcher.
“I have been honest to a fault with Moira, and I believe that goes the same for her, and she is more then enough to satisfy me, despite my… appetities.”
Said with a wry grin. It was true. Moira certainly did not shun him when he came rumbling, and he did not shy when she came for him. Even if he wanted another woman? (And he is more then happy with the one he has) He is not sure he has the stamina for a second, or even an adventure. No, the Fenrir is quite happy with his current setup, and having a hard time coming to terms with how Marni seems to look at it.
“Then…” And he looks a bit odd when he suggests it, as if trying on something he is very unsued with. “Take a lover or two? Gaia knows that sort of release is needed for us.”
[Marni] She chuckles and shrugs. “To each their own, ya know? Ain’t everyone as open as I am t’lovin. I got lots to spread around. But ain’t make my way right an’ yours wrong, or the other way around. Its just who we is, how we is.” a beat, and a nod. “I’m glad ya got Moira, an’ ya happy together. Ain’t nuthin wrong with that.”
As for taking a couple lovers, she groans softly. “I wish. Ya think Lukas ain’t lookin for ANY reason t’stop me from claimin Ray an’ lettin him be part of his kids life? I’m all on my own for the duration.”
[Karl Holds the Line] Karl is still new to the city. To him it seems vast still. If a no moon wanted something hidden, to the Fenrir it seems no one would be the wiser. But he shrugs. Marni has a point and she knows the city better than he could ever hope to do.
“Yeah. She did surprise me a bit with the whole marriage thing, but I think I am finally getting used to the idea… Well, almost all of it anyway.”
He smirks and shakes his head.
“I am not looking forward to Erik and Svea showing up. And I cant not tell them about it either.”
He shakes his head.
“Another life, I might have given that whole free love thing a try. Have to admit, as alien as it seems to me, I can see the attraction.”
He had not been a holy man before meeting Moira, and had managed to get his hands on women before, but all human, and none involved with the nation. It added another dimension to it, especially with all that damn pure breed the woman has going for her.
“As long as you are happy with Ray, I say go for it. And it seems as if Lukas is surrounding himself with people like that… Ray and Theron.”
A dark look passes his face as he says the last name.
[Marni] She scratches at the back of her neck, absently, and nods, before admitting… “…I talked to him today.” Ray, she means. Give a raggie a loophole, and they’ll certainly make use of it. “He’s insistin’ I use the expense account he set up for those of the nation, an’ find myself a place so’s I ain’t on the streets – since I can’t be at his place, an’ shit. tried t’tell him it weren’t necessary, but he’s stubborn, an well. He’s stubborn.”
And it’s something she can do to keep them connected, something she can do to let Ray feel like he’s taking care of her, and their baby. It’s all he CAN do right now, and she certainly won’t take it away from him.
She snorts when he says Theron. “Speakin’ of free love. That boy done had a different true love every other week since he got here. Now he’s all up in that Strider’s skirts, yet I’m the one that’s an honorless curr. go fuckin figure.”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”He tried to force himself on Moira. It was just before I claimed her, or I would have carved BloodEagle. Lukas should look atb his own pack before judging you.”
He shakes his head and takes a drink.
“As bad as it might seem to you, a part of me, the traditionalist understand his reaction. But to take such a stance, one best be sure one has a clean belly. Lukas does not. I like Gina… There is something odd about her, but she means well. I certainly hope Theron will do the right thing by her at least.”
[Marni] “Folks in glass houses, an’shit. There’s always been rumors, but well. I ain’t gotta leg t’stand on, an ya know Lukas ain’t ever gonna see his precious unbroken as anythin’ other than perfect, despite what the rest of us see.”
She tips her head, curiously. “Ya bring that shit up to him? Bout Theron n all?” More than curious, actually, being as it could help her out, too. She grabs another rib and rips into it. “Reminds me, I gave Theron the use of my gift for his birthday – three times. Maybe I should go make him use up his wishes, see if I can get any toehold, anythin t’use against them.”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”Not yet. But I have brought it to the attention of the philodox elder. She was not pleased, but I doubt it will go further. I do intend to let Lukas know that Theron is part of the reason why I chose to not accept his offer to run with the Unbroken, and exactly why.”
He shakes and finishes his beer.
“We are No moon’s. It is our way to use our brains instead of our brawns when it is needed. Do what you have to to win. Not all of our battles are fought against the minions of the Wyrm after all.”
[Marni] She snorts. “Princess Kate? You are aware that she’s Lukas’s beta, right? Ain’t trust her any more than I trust him. She ain’t gonna take no side but Perun’s.”
She nods, though. “Good. The sooner the better, too. Maybe if he realizes that he ain’t the leader of perfection, he’ll let a lil dirt…y gnawer worm her way inside t’get her man.” As for Theron, she nods. She doesn’t like the fact he’s waited this long to make use of her talents anyway. Best to get it over with, and hopefully learn something during it.
[Karl Holds the Line] ”Yes, I know. We had a talk that night when you wouldnt crash the pool party and sat outside in the trashcan all night. She will side with Perun, but if she is displeased with the way Theron acted, and Lukas finds out as well, it might help to peruade him to look at things differently.”
A shrug of his shoulders.
“Shadow Lords and Silver Fangs. I am proud to be what I am, of my lineage, but those guys are just…”
He shakes his head. He is trying hard to get away from the stereotypes he was brought up with. It is needed here, to think outside the box. It is needed if he is ever going to attain his goal.
“And stop re-inforcing Lukas. If others hear you calling yourself that, they will have a much easier time accepting Wyrmbreakers words, rather then thinking for themselves. Gnawer you may be, but stand proud. You are a Moonrunner, chosen of Humminbird, and not trash to be walked all over. You best take that to heart Marni, and do it quick.”
[Marni] He chides her, and she blinks, and then scrubs her hands through her curls and shakes her head. “sometimes it’s jus’ easier that way, ya know? We’re always the bottom of the totem pole. If WE say it, than it ain’t so bad, cuz then it’s… not that we accept it, but that we understand it, and know it’s simply the way it is.”
She shrugs, slightly. “I know I ain’t trash. If I was, I’da been taking advantage of Ray all along, an’ takin his money an’ everything. But I ain’t never once done that. The fact he’s gonna pony up for an’ apartment is eatin me up, but I know I can’t rightfully turn it down – not now.”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”I can understand that. But accepting a situation you cannot change, or reinforcing what some idiot is claiming… You are far from weak. You know it, and now I know it. Let the others know it as well. “
He smiles and finishes his beer, placing the glass down on the table hard, then leans back again, releasing a rumbling sigh, content.
“He is trying to do what is right. That is strength as well. It will be better for your child, and yourself while carrying it, there is no denying that. Let him do what he can, and accept it for what it is. It will not prove you a worse woman or Garou. “
He chuckles then shakes his head.
“I am sorry for preaching at you. You know all of this already. Don’t need me sticking my nose into your business.”
[Marni] She wrinkles her nose, and shrugs with a chuckle. “I ain’t mind yer preachin. It’s other folks that get under my skin, cuz they ain’t know me – they jus making assumptions. Like this fuckin’ fang I met last night… tried t’ explain to me WHY Kinpoachin is wrong. He’d knowed me for two fuckin seconds. Pretentious dickwad.”
But she nods, slightly. “Yeah. Was headed to the broho later anyway t’shower an do laundry. I promised Ray I’d pick up one of his money cards when I was there, an find a place asap. Let Moira know he might send some stuff for me through her, too. Even gonna write up a contract so’s he can tell lukas he forced it on me so’s the prick don’t start spoutin how greedy I is again.”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”I will. And I am just getting to know you Marni… But I hope you know that I do care for you. If you feel I am taking liberties, I expect you to tell me so. I will certainly do the same. I put great weight to being honest with those around me that I care for, and I expect the same in return, for good or bad.”
The Fenrir grins at his packmate, then shakes his head and chuckles.
“Ray is a lucky guy. Make sure he knows it, and I will make sure Moira knows he might reach out to her about it. Just remind him that Moira is officially off-limits now.”
Said only as a half joke. It is not that he is jealous. He is protective of his mate, much like a wolf. Those instincts (and all others) are strong in him, stronger then in most homid born. He stretches then reaches into his jeans, pulling out his wallet. Fifty bucks brought out and left on the table.
“Speaking off… I need to get back to her before she thinks I’ve run off on her. Thanks for keeping me company over dinner Marni.”
[Marni] She snorts and arches a brow. “Ya think I have ANY problem tellin folks when they pissin me off by takin liberties?” But it’s said with a fondness, and a wink.
She nods to the rest, and then grins as she takes a napkin or four and wraps up what is left of their feast, to shove into her pack for later. Ya know, when she gets hungry. In like 30 minutes or so.
“Yeah, i should hit the broho too – hopefully before Lukas shows up again.”
[Karl Holds the Line] He chuckles as he gets up from the table, shaking his head at the cruvy little gnawer with a warm smile.
“No, I expect not. Just wanted you to know I expect you to not swallow things around me is all.”
He reaches out, brushing his hand past Marni’s shoulder, fingers squeezing it for a brief moment. Physical touch is important to the Fenrir, more instinct than actual thought. Then he turns and walks out of the restaurant, giving the witress a smile that will not win him any beauty contests. He holds the door up for Marni if she walks after him, and then he is out and away to his car, a look over his shoulder at her.
“Ill give you a ride to the Broho if you like.”
He motions to his car, waiting for her reply before getting in.
[Marni] She grins up at him, and scoots out of the booth, casting a longing glance at that still cold beer. February seems a REALLY long way away, when one considers it’ll be that long before she can have another beer… When he touches her shoulder and squeezes, she lifts her hand to touch his. She’s a creature of touch, Marni, and it’s just as important to her.
He offers the ride, and after she waves happily at the poor waitress, she nods, chuckling. “I’d much rather ride than walk.”
[Karl Holds the Line] ”Then your carriage await you my dear.”
He actually opens the door for her and closes it after she is in. It is part of being raised in a fine family. He might be an asshole and a No moon, but he is an asshole with manners and breeding. He gets in after and starts the car with a grin.
He is not the best driver, but what he lacks in pure talent, he makes up for with quick reflexes and a lot of enthusiasm. They get to the BroHo safe and sound, and a lot faster then what is rightly legal. He does not get out to let her out, instead just brushes his hand against her arm as she gets out, then as she closes the door, he is off again, burning rubber.
Boys will be boys after all, and this boy has a shiny new curvy toy to play with.