It's been a long day. A long few days. He's honestly lost track of how much time has even passed for the day - distracted instead by an uncomfortable heat that's burning under his skin. His already sharp senses feel more sensitive than usual, drawing his attention around the room anytime someone breathes just a hair too fast, their hearts even the slightest bit off in their rhythm. The only thing worse than that is the smells that border on nauseating with how strong some of them are as people pass in and out of the room. And there have been too many people.
This is the last place Arawn wants to be, a thought that only grows stronger the longer the day drags on. His packmates pace around the room on and off, some fully wearing their fur, others only their ears and tails, but their own restlessness is a reflection of Arawn's own. They know their Alpha - now their King - is on the verge of a rut, and the razor thin line of his patience might very well snap at any second. That's something that might come sooner rather than later, one of his advisors realizes quickly as his lips roll back in a sneer, flashing too sharp teeth in what the bear earred man recognizes as a predator ready to strike at its prey.
"Yes, yes, we'll be in touch. Thank you," the man urges quickly, shooing a couple and their scantily clad daughter down the blood red carpet and back out of the grand hall. He doesn't make it far before a shaggy, gray furred wolf hurries to nudge them more quickly out the door as the advisor turns back to where Arawn sits unhappily upon the large throne. "We're almost done, Your Majesty, I promise. Just a couple mo-"
"One more." Arawn's voice is a loud snarl that makes the bear flinch, a few of the other wolves hunching down or lowering themselves to the ground in face of the man's uncharacteristic rage. He reaches up with one hand, rubbing it over his face as he breathes in, nose wrinkling in distaste at the lingering scent of the young woman in his nostrils. One of too many of the people who have been paraded in front of him as an offering to fill his bed for his rut now and for as long as he wears this stupid crown to stay in his good graces. It's a thought that doesn't sit well with Arawn for too many reasons his rapidly crumbling thoughts can't even string together anymore.
Rubbing his eyes, the furry ears flick back, frustrated, as he hears the heavy steps of his bear advisor leave the room to herd the next group into the room. He falls back against the hard back of his throne, the soft fur of past kills a fleeting comfort against his skin as the bright eyes close. He forces himself to breath out, trying to hold onto the thread of humanity he's clinging for just a bit longer. Just a few more minutes and he can go back to his room, and so help him, he'll ride out this rut in silent misery whether any of his advisors like it or not.
The doors at the end of the large room open after a moment, his ears shifting upwards to stand tall he hears the shuffle of more people into the room. Beside him, the length of the fluffy tail gives a sharp flick before it stiffens as he takes in the new scents that fill the room as the bear leads them to the head of the room where his throne sits. There's something mixed in them that has his attention, eyes opening to narrow at the people that approach.
"Your Majesty, the Soh-"
"Who is that?" He motions expectantly towards the orange haired man among them, eyes dragging down the length of him slowly.
The Cat. The Monster. The Outcast. He was used to those names as much as he hated them. The Sohma clan wasn't a small name in the kingdom, but rather one of the largest families thanks to its spreading branches and unique ruling preferences. One head, many lines. They answered to their "god" and their "god" kept them safely within the kingdom. The dragon branch specialized in medical professions and knowledge, the dog branch in literature and records, the snake branch in clothing and textiles, the ox branch in husbandry, the rat in academics and trade, and so on for each of the zodiac branches. They ranged from positions of power in the kingdom (and earned those positions in skill, not just old blood) to the newest stock just starting in school. Some said they were shady, accepting and brokering illicit deals with others in the kingdom to keep that power and spread. Others said they were simply that damn good at what they did, working well with the kingdom's ruling classes and vocations. Perhaps it was a mixture of the two. Who knew.
But the Sohma head answered to the king or queen, whoever they may be, and offered support in exchange for continued favor and permission to operate. Arawn was no different. Though there was talk about concern the new king was of the werewolf pack, the Sohma head saw little negative in that aspect of their kingdom's ruler. No one forget they'd lived beneath a dragonborne two centuries ago. Human rulers came and went, and more unique beings took the throne between them. Likely what made the kingdom so adaptable and successful, not stuck in their ways so hard a solid crack to the corner would bring them toppling. The Sohma played a good part in that as well, its roots strong and holding different areas together, along with other powerful families that supported the family, clan, or tribe currently on the throne.
That support is part of why a representative group is here today. Walking into the room as brought by the bear-eared guard. Five people, dressed in nice clothes, the Sohma crest embroidered on the shoulder. Four of them seemed normal enough, upper-class citizens. The fifth, however, not exactly. A simple black tunic and breeches with casual boots suggest a low-class breeding. A far contrast to the young man's fiery orange hair, warm tanned skin, and heated scarlet eyes, expression scowling and not at all looking like he's keen to be here. There's a bristling, hot-headed air about him, challenging despite standing with the rest of the small Sohma entourage.
Twelves zodiac branches are respected in the Sohma family, but the thirteenth one, the cat's branch, is the antithesis, and oft goes unspoken without reference by the family, and they try to keep it out of the kingdom's chatter. It serves as the family "reject" pile, where disappointments and failures go, where those perceived as weak or useless are sequestered to, where those the Sohmas don't want to deal with are placed to eek some good out of their lives without staining the rest of the family image. Sweatshops, workhouses, street cleaners, military, even red-light districts are their ilk. Those born into the cat branch are oft even worse.
But every now and then, a cat can be useful. After all, who wants to serve up a prized family member to something as base as dealing with the king's lupine rut? It can't be any more pleasant for Arawn either. Wouldn't it be better for them all to offer something quiet that would require no real effort, no lengthy documented permits or rulings, nothing that would drag this out even further for the king? Something to be used and done with, then put away silently without fanfare. That said, it's not as if the Sohma are offering a piece of gutter trash (despite how they view those in the cat branch). They took their time culling through the cats, finding one who wasn't badly touched by the low dregs of society, but also had the looks suitable for a rut partner. Kyo was the "lucky" selection.
"Kyo, of the Sohma house, your highness," one of the Sohma representatives offered with a respectful bow and dip of his head. Something the orange-haired teen pointedly did not offer. Rather, he simply crossed his arms in front of his chest, corner of his mouth twitching in a silent snarl. "A soldier prospect."
One ear swivels forward as the group comes forward, trying to pick apart the different sounds that belong to this Kyo. He's distinctly aware of the sound of his breathing, a hint faster than the others, a sharp tick of a heartbeat - something he recognizes as disapproval, maybe even anger. Finally a spark of something that isn't just constant obedience, fear, and uncertainty. A spark of life that just fuels that heat that's burning under Arawn's skin.
"Kyo," he echoes, one brow going up. The golden eyes linger on the orange haired teen, the line of his posture, that twitching mouth. "You didn't bring him here to be a soldier." In most situations, Arawn wouldn't say he picks up on things that aren't obvious, but he's been through enough of this the last few days that he knows exactly why they brought Kyo. The Sohmas are just like everyone else, eager to dump someone in his lap for good favor and perks that come with being able to say, their family has provided the king with someone to slick his lust whenever he needs it. And for the first time, Arawn feels a rush of want that might finally give these sharks what they want.
He breathes out slowly, chest rumbling, as he extends his hand to twitch his fingers expectantly for Kyo to come closer. "Come here," he orders, eyes watching Kyo carefully before they lift to the other men around him. "The rest of you step back." There's a sharpness to his voice when he says that, and a few of the wolves that flank them rise onto all fours, creeping closer to the edge of the carpet the Sohmas stand on. It's every bit a warning that they won't tolerate any push back from any of them.
It's certainly disapproval and no small amount of anger. The only reason he's even going along with this is because he'd rather be a soldier in the king's guard than be forced into the lowest ranks by the outskirts of the city. Even those from the Cat branch have their pride, despite most of the family pretending they don't. What he's doing here in front of the king in the first place is beyond him. Why does the king have to be bothered with looking over individual soldiers? Kyo figured that would've been at the very most, the Captain of the Guards.
His name comes on Arawn's lips and he looks up at the wolfish man in front of him. Fuck, why does the sound of his name on that voice grab his attention so much? Though what he says next earns a heated flare of his eyes, tan lips curling in a snarl as the truth comes out. Or at least the start of it. "You what-?!" Kyo almost rounds on one of the Sohma clansmen beside him, twisting his shoulders and upper body with the intent to land a kick straight across the man's face.
But the sudden sharpness in Arawn's voice and the growling of the wolves on them halts his attempt, leaving Kyo in a strange position as his focus goes from his clansmen to the king and his wolves. Growling at the summons just on the heels of the lie, Kyo faces Arawn again, defiantly refusing to move forward for a few seconds. Not until the wolves actually have his clansmen peeled away from him and backed off. Only then does Kyo bother to move forward, arms by his side as he walks closer to the throne the wolf sits on.
"What the fuck am I really hear for?" he snaps, white teeth showing in that glaring expression. "Spit it out." He's not some damn coward that can't take the truth, unlike these assholes who brought him here under pretense.
Arawn can't say he has much patience left for the moment. His senses are in overdrive, nerves sensitive, and it's a constant struggle to keep a hold on his human side. Every part of him is howling to give into his instincts, to take what he wants whether Kyo wants it or not. But he manages, barely, to breathe through those thoughts.
His lips part just the slightest when Kyo approaches, a slight bear of his teeth in response to the other's attitude. There's a low, steady rumble that builds in his chest in warning as the other draws closer - the closest thing to a warning Kyo will get from the wolf that's wound tight and ready to snap. He reaches out once Kyo is within reach, closing a hand around his bicep to haul him closer. Close enough that he can lean in and tuck his face against the curve of his neck.
He draws in a deep breath, his other hand grabbing at Kyo's hip. This far gone, his claws are out, dark nails that dig into the other's hip and bicep to still him, and that grip is tight, enough that it will likely bruise. "You're here," he manages to get out in a low growl, giving into that urge to drag his tongue slowly over the flutter of Kyo's pulse, tracing the line of his jugular vein. "Because you're mine." Those words are rough, the sound of an animal on the verge of losing himself to instincts.
There's no warning when he pulls Kyo further, down onto his lap. And no sooner than his weight lands there, Arawn's teeth take hold, digging into soft, warm skin. He doesn't break skin - there will be time for that later - but the intent is there. A show of force so Kyo knows who is in control here, what Arawn could do with such little effort. It should be obvious now what he wants. On his lap, the red head will feel how he's already half hard. How hot the air around them is, the scent of need strong in the air.
Something about the way Arawn is acting sets Kyo on edge. The tension in his body make an aura of impatience had to ignore. Whether it's the man's brow twitching on the subtle way he sets his jaw or the burning heat in his eyes that makes Kyo's pulse race faster. He feels like the prey in front of a predator, caught in its gaze with an instinctive desire to do something and that doesn't sit well with him.
Doesn't help matters that Arawn looks like he's having trouble breathing. Not from illness, but from restraint. Barely-held restraint. Kyo may have just walked into a wolf's den, but he refuses to back down despite his own hackles rising. Unlike his damn clansmen, he won't approach this with some cowardly substitute. He was brought here for a reason, and has no intention of leaving without knowing what the hell it is. Seeing the king's sliver of white teeth between his lips at his defiance is encouragement to him and Kyo smirks dangerous at the sound of that soft growl. Warning? Bring it on. He's not-
"Huh?!" Until Arawn abruptly grabs his arm. Shit! He thought he was going to pounce! Instead, he's grappled and hauled forward, almost stumbling on his feet, though surprising reflexes quickly catch the motion before he can trip. Kyo tenses up when the wolf suddenly shoves his face against his neck, eyes widening at the inhale. "Hey! What the hell are you doing?!" There's a big different between attacking him and doing... well... that!
Kyo arches slightly when that hand grapples with his hip, skin shivering when the prick of claws dig into his pelvis and upper arm. His bicep hardens under his sleeve and Kyo jerks his hips backwards against Arawn's grab. Feels a damn bruise starting up. "HEY!!" He's licking him?! Kyo tilts his head to the side, trying to avoid that hot tongue running up the length of his neck, right up his jugular. "I'm no one's!" If this guy thinks he can claim him just because he's the damn king, then Arawn's got another thing coming! Even if he does sound like a fucking animal in heat...
Kyo slams both hands onto the wolf's shoulders, tightening them and pressing as he's hauled onto his lap, one knee wedging between Arawn's hip and the throne arm, the other leg still extended to press to the ground in front of it. Teeth sink into his neck and Kyo yells in surprise, anger, and slight alarm. It's not piercing his skin yet, no blood, but the intent... fuck. He shudders against himself, fingers kneading at Arawn's shoulder. That show of dominance and force isn't easy to ignore. And neither's the prominent rising hardness between the wolf's legs.
Oh. Fuck. The pieces click into place. "Fuck. You."
There's a faint echo of a thought that he needs to give Kyo time to think about this. To accept that Arawn is ready to take him to bed and keep him there until his rut is over, to keep him forever if he can have his way. But he can't hold onto that thought no matter how hard he tries, can't help but lose it to the rumbles of instinct and want that spur each movement.
When he feels those hands on his shoulders, there's the slightest shift back with the force of it, a brief flash of discomfort that fades quickly. Kyo is strong, fit, that much is clear, but Arawn is much more solid in comparison. An animal built to fight and endure wrapped in a human skin. There isn't much Kyo could do right now that would hurt him, let alone stop him. And in the state of mind he's in, Arawn can't even spare the thought to try and humor him.
Instead, his other hand is moving, landing on the opposite hip and sliding down it and over his thigh. There, he tugs, hoping to stop Kyo from bracing himself so he can pull him down properly onto his lap, tugging at the hip in his grip. He can't help but laugh at the other's words, teeth relinquishing their hold in favor of letting his lips and teeth catch his ear lobe with a sharp tug. His own skin feels hot and almost unbearable with Kyo's scent mingling with his own.
"Come on," he urges, voice low and rumbling as his hand moves from Kyo's hip and instead to slide under his shirt. The rough fingertips glide over the younger's skin, nails dragging bright red lines in their wake. "You'll just be mine," he promises against the other's ear, mouthing along the line of his jaw. "I'll give you the world." He promises, but the more he speaks, the more his words drag into growls. Another flicker of humanity in him dimming.
Kyo's mind is already racing at the realization of what's going on. He wasn't brought here to join the king's army! He wasn't even brought here to become a servant or guard! These bastard's tricked him into coming here so they could throw him to the fucking wolves! Or wolf in this case. To be consumed one way or another. He's here to get fucked by a werewolf going into rut and that pisses him off more than Kyo can say!
His hands stay locked onto Arawn's shoulders, shoving backwards as best he can to try and put some distance between them. His biceps harden under his shirt and his torso flexes hard from the effort to keep himself leaning back so he's not shoved up against his bastard! The worst part is, he can feel just how solid Arawn is compared to him. Kyo's lithe and muscular, but the werewolf is built like a statue, as strong as an animal and obviously just as driven by instinct. Any thought of getting out of here is pretty easily quashed.
That doesn't mean he's going to give in so readily. Kyo snarls as that other hand grabs onto his thigh, pulling at the muscle and all but dragging Kyo's leg up onto the throne as well. He tries to haul back, but that catch on the back of his knee leaves him essentially kneeling over Arawn's lap with both legs. Only to tense up hard when he's hauled down and ends up properly sitting on the king's lap. Kneeling, but yeah. A hard gulp drags down the tan column of his throat. Fuck... big. That's the only thought in his mind before teeth catch at his ear and pull.
"HEY!" It sounds pathetic compared to what's going on right now, but Kyo quickly claps a hand over his ear, glaring daggers at the werewolf in front of him. He sucks in his breath when a strong hand pushes under his shirt, stomach muscles hardening as the older youth's fingertips skim across his flesh, white teeth baring in a hiss as Arawn scratches at him lightly. "The world's a big place," he growls, already feeling some heat in his voice despite himself. It's not like the werewolf isn't attractive. And he doubts he has much of a choice...
"I'm not gonna make it easy on you, bastard." Though that's more a challenge than outright defiance.
Arawn finds himself taking in every reaction he drags out of Kyo. Everything from the sounds and his voice make his ears swivel and flick, trying to pick out what's happening with the younger beyond that heavy air of anger and frustration. He can hear those breaths he sucks in, the lilt of something in his voice besides that anger. His hand spreads over warm skin, feeling the way those muscles flex, how Kyo's body moves. He can feel so much of the strength in that lithe body already, and it only feeds into that growing heat under his skin.
The amber gaze flicks up and to the other's face when Kyo speaks, watching the way his lips form that snarl. Kyo will notice how wide his pupil against the amber irises, the way the corner of his lips quirk upwards in amusement at the continued show of resistance. Arawn isn't the type of person to flaunt what he can or has done - your actions should always speak louder than your words - and now is no exception. If Kyo wants the world, he'll give it to him, and he won't let that bristling attitude stop him from doing it.
His lips spread into a smirk, flashing his own teeth again, a flash of teeth that's more a promise of what's to come than a threat. "I'll like a challenge," he replies as he leans forward again. His mouth his back on Kyo's skin, pressing open mouthed kisses to the curve of Kyo's shoulder and neck, letting his teeth catch and press against skin in a way that will bruise - one of many marks the other will wear on his skin after this encounter. He wants that more than anything, for Kyo and everyone else to know who the cat belongs to, and he plans to make sure there are plenty for only Kyo to see so he can remember what they've down here. What else they will do in the future.
He doesn't bother with holding onto Kyo's hips now, instead pushing his hands up and along the line of Kyo's torso. The top arcs of his palms are rough from time, an animals paws used against the ground and other surfaces, hardened with new callouses from learning to use and master weapons. He lets them glide over Kyo's skin, keeping one on his back, the other sweeping over his side and up his chest to let his fingers brush one nipple before he pulls back from where he'd been kissing and biting against the other's neck. His attention is instead on pulling that shirt up and over Kyo's head, prepared to maneuver his arms if they get in the way. There's no concern for the fact that they're still being watched - not only by his pack and advisor but the Sohmas who had accompanied Kyo here. Arawn doesn't pay them any mind, letting them fade into the background in favor of continuing to focus entirely on Kyo.
Kyo's nothing if not reactive to things. The surge of emotions right now prompts a rush of them, his shock and disgust at the reality of what happened driving him to shove away from Arawn, the angry rejection of his family pushing him to accept the wolf's offer no matter what the hell it cost just to get away from those assholes makes him want to stick around Arawn, and the obvious human reaction of arousal tempting him to lean in closer to feel just how hard, hot, and heavy the werewolf is. Because of his curse, Kyo's never really been able to get close to other people, women causing him to transform and men because that's embarrassing and Kyo usually picks fights with them.
Now Arawn is touching him, way more than anyone's ever done, his hand spreading over his stomach and chest and causing Kyo's abs and pectorals to harden beneath the wandering combo of fingers and palm. Even with just his hand on him, Kyo can tell Arawn's strong; he's drawn to strength, both presence and physical, both which the werewolf exudes despite the heat coursing through him. He doesn't rescind his words either, glaring right into the topaz eyes with his own flashing scarlet. Vertical pupils blown wide, lips showing amusement at his defiance, Kyo takes all those reactions in Arawn gives him and flares back at him.
"I'm more a challenge than you've ever had before," he snaps back, snarling at the wolf's smirk. Lips draw back from his teeth, sharper canines baring when Arawn's mouth returns to his tan skin. Kyo tugs his head to the side when the man starts to mouth over his shoulder and neck, gritting his teeth and cussing under his breath when the werewolf's mouth starts working to bruise him. Bastard! He's going to be showing that shit tomorrow! Kyo wants to grab his shirt and pull it to cover up the area Arawn's making a saliva-spotted mess. But he also doesn't want to show any sign of weakness, embarrassment, or vulnerability in front of anyone else in this room. So he stays his hand and instead fists his grip on the king's bicep and shoulder, deliberately lifting up on his knees to be "taller" than the wolf and keep his hips and ass off the man's lap on purpose.
Kyo arches into the hands shoving up over his torso, lithe body and athletic muscle hardening beneath his skin as those rough palms map out his upper body. His hand remind him briefly of canine paws, for obvious reasons, and Kyo glares off to the side as one catches him round the back to trap him there while the other starts messing with a dusky nipple. It makes him bite his lower lip to keep the sharp sound from escaping as the sensitive bud gets flicked and brushed, then breathes out when Arawn leaves it alone and draws back. His chest feels hot, his neck feels like a damn molten patch of sun's been plastered to it. Probably has saliva gleaming and hickey marks there already-
"Like hell!" Kyo immediately yanks his arms down, fighting against the removal of his shirt. If it were just Arawn (and his pack, whatever) maybe he wouldn't fight it as much, but the fact his own damn family members are still here, watching him, Kyo flat out refuses the attempt. He's not going to let those bastards watch him get bred or whatever right here on the damn throne! "Tell them to get lost!" That one's more a growl, quieter, but still emphatic.
Even if it's Kyo resisting his attention, Arawn appreciates the strength and resolve he's showing. A docile mate would be easier in the condition he's in, something he thinks he'd accept without complaint if he'd found them to his liking, but he prefers this. That spark of passion even if it's directed at him in such a vicious and disapproving way. It means Kyo feels and cares, and that's something that he's always valued in himself and his pack. It gets you a long way in the world, for better or worse.
Still, he can feel his own frustration at Kyo's resistance. Arawn's too far into his rut now to want to drag things out. All he wants is to feel some kind of relief, and touching more of that warm skin, tasting it, is giving it to him. His teeth relent only for a few seconds, long enough to drag his tongue slowly over the indent of teeth there, feeling the heat of a mark forming. Imagining what it'll be like to sink his teeth into the other's skin, how it'll break under his teeth and give way to a mark that Kyo and everyone else will see and know who the other belongs to. But if he has his way, Kyo won't need a mark to remind him.
Before he can give into the urge to bite down again, he's interrupted by the way those arms are yanked down, stopping him from removing the shirt. It earns a sharp, aggravated growl and a flash of teeth as Arawn lifts his head, ears and tail erect as one hand reaches back, grabbing the back of Kyo's neck to keep him still. There's a press of his claws in warning. "They don't matter." The words come out as a low rumble Kyo can likely feel being so close to Arawn. "Show them what they're losing." He can't articulate fully what he means. It's hard for him to find the right words. But he does know that this is the Sohmas lost. They served Kyo up to him on a platter without telling Kyo why, and that doesn't sit well with him. They've ruined what grace he might have given them.
"People like them get nothing." His eyes flick briefly from Kyo to instead fix a hard stare on the Sohmas, one ear swiveling forward to hear whatever they might have to say. But then his gaze is back on Kyo, one hand moving to pull the shirt off Kyo again. "Take it off."
[ooc: gonna leave this one up to you on whether it's set at the Teahouse or if you want to have Axix in another brothel entirely.]
~ 0 ~
[One week. That's all it'd taken. A week since his family decided Kyo had to "do something useful" with his life and opted to sell him to a damn whorehouse rather than keep him around the Sohma estate. He doesn't know what kind of stipulations they'd added to the sale, but it was safe to say he no longer "owned" his own damn life. Like hell he was fine with this! It's not like he chose to be born like this, or that his mother couldn't handle the extra baggage that came with Kyo, or that his father wanted nothing to do with him thanks to his mother's...
He should stop thinking about that. It's not going to make his life any easier. Right. If anything, he should be grateful he got away from those idiots. Didn't have to stay walled in and face their disgusted eyes or hear them constantly run his mouth about him. So long as he stayed away from certain triggers, he'd be fine. That's what Kyo told himself. And he managed to make it one week in that place. It wasn't bad, actually. The whorehouse was neat enough, wasn't cramped, the people there were marginally better than his family because they didn't have a real reason to pester him.
But... the week leading up to his first client stressed Kyo the hell out. Expectations, questions, a certain big damn truth his family never BOTHERED to mention, and he was terrified to getting found out, all of that came to a head in the final day before the visitation and...
Well let's just say Kyo's not there when the door opened that morning. The window was open, but no sign of him. And everything was left as well. Clothes, wallet, money, anything he'd been given in the week, all still around the room. Just Kyo was gone.
And that's not at all surprising because HOW THE HELL IS HE SUPPOSED TO LET THEM SEE HIM LIKE THIS?! Perched atop a trash can in an alley way, ears perked forward, tail draped down behind him, paws braced on the lid as his red eyes watch the marketplace hustle and bustle. What's the owner going to say when he finds out the whore the Sohmas sold him is cursed? He can fucking guess what others in the whorehouse are going to say... and he doesn't want to deal with it.
That said... Kyo's currently watching a few of them in the marketplace, not sure if they're looking for him or just out shopping because what's a whore gone missing? Wouldn't surprise him if they didn't give him a second thought.]
let's go with early into his Teahouse days, before he's top-earner
[ Fourth brothel, fourth contract, and finally at Ivore's nicest establishment of ill-repute. Axis made a name for himself before bothering to approach Atros about working at the Teahouse, even if his room doesn't reflect the opulence of the rest of the house. At the end of the day, Axis isn't sharing a room with another courtesan, he has privacy, a metaphorical long leash, and he knows he's going to move his way up into far better digs before the end of the year.
Axis isn't the newest courtesan for long before he's also replaced in his slot as the youngest, too. Practically a kid, even though Axis figures Kyo is probably around the same age Axis was when he ran away from Verone, so Axis barely blinks twice at the part – the difference, however, is that this whole life was Axis's own plan. His family sucked, but the closest they would have ever gotten to selling him off would have been a political marriage; it's a hell of a different thing to dump an inconvenient child at such an exploitative doorstep.
So maybe Axis feels a little bad for him. He has no fucking clue how to express it other than checking in on Kyo sometimes, making sure he knows where the food is at or giving him tips on clients to watch out for – which is the same as taking care of someone, right? Not that it's easy, by any stretch of the imagination, because Kyo is about as approachable as a feral tiger and Axis is a man who takes the path of least resistance. So the kid wants to be a prick? Axis will let him and fuck right off. Not like he doesn't have actual shit to do.
And it's sure as hell unsurprising when the kid disappears, too. Vanishes before he even sees a single client, and hey, Axis thinks that's a good move. Kyo doesn't want to be there, so why should he stay put? There's other options in the world, and Kyo might as well go find them. Especially because no one for the Teahouse is bothering to look for him. Too much effort for an investment that really was a shockingly good price, and Atros doesn't want to waste the time hunting down a teenager who clearly has enough shit on his plate. (Xanthe is a jerk, not evil.)
So when Axis and a few other house members are out at the market, they're all shopping for their usual weekly supplies. Axis breaks off from the little group of Claret, Argent, and Lilith, hands stuffed in his pockets as he debates on whether or not he's going to snag an apple or other snack with the five-finger-discount. He's wandering amidst stalls when he catches sight of the vividly orange color of— well, at first, he thinks it's Kyo, but a double-take reveals a cat instead.
Oh. Actually, Axis is way happier to see a cat than a teenager.
He doesn't make any sudden movements, but he's incredibly smooth about the small roll he slides off a tray of baked goods. His stolen treat vanishes up his sleeve as he weaves through the throng of market-goers, slowing when he's near the mouth of the alley before he even gets near the cat. Instead, he clicks his tongue, pausing his approach when he's no longer in the middle of the street. ]
[The nicest establishment of ill-repute. That's a hell of a way to describe a fancy whorehouse. If he's brutally honest, Kyo's surprised his family had the balls to sell him to such a fancy-looking brothel in the first place. Then again, if they just kicked him out on the street corner, told him to whore himself out, and be back by sunrise, they never would've seen him again. Not that he thinks any of them want to see him again, but if Kyo's legally owned by someone, then they logically had recourse to look him up if they ever needed to. Too controlling to simply trash him and forget him.
First meeting Axis had been the spark on the bonfire. Already a ball of anger from the realization of what happened when Atros was handed the signed contract, but the way the man talked to him and the sheer emotional shock of everything meant Kyo was a hair's breadth from snapping by the time Axis popped in. Of course he raged at him. It wasn't like Kyo was used to someone bothering to look out for him. They checked on him to make sure he wasn't polluting their lives with his presence. His mother checked on him multiple times a day because she was scared of what he really was. His cousins checked on him to tease him and egg him into fights or piss him off with their "attempts" to be nice. Anytime someone wanted to be "nice" to him, it was always a fucking lie.
It's no wonder the stress finally took its toll.
But... what other option did he have? It's not like Kyo could return to the Sohma estate. They'd stick him right back at the whorehouse. Or figure he's too much trouble for what he's worth and the Cat's Room wouldn't wait for the summer. His life would end then and there. Running away from the Teahouse completely is an idea, but being reduced to a beggar, or a thief even, is just... At least there he had someone who tried to be nice. (Now that he can look back on it, it' obvious Axis was just... trying to help.) Ugh, and he yelled at the man for it. Real shitty, Kyo.
Only to break from his thoughts when a shadow approaches. Red eyes flick upward and the cat jerks to attention, tail lifting and body tensing in instinct to flee. Why? Because it's Axis. How the hell out of everyone in the market did it have to be Axis?! ... And yet he's not running either. He could run. Put it all behind him. But... Kyo stays where he is, watching the other courtesan. Did he really just click his tongue like that? Don't tell him Axis is actually nice to animals.
If his ears flatten a little when Axis calls him "little guy" then that's why. At least he didn't straight up call him "puss puss" or something. What's it look like he's doing over here? Sitting on a trashcan! He's a cat!]
[ When the cat doesn't bolt, Axis takes a couple tiny steps closer, extending a hand with his knuckles offered harmlessly to let the animal get his scent (as long as it doesn't bolt). ]
I'm not gonna hurt ya. Mind if I come say hi?
[ He's... so nice... to the cat...
Now that he's left the cart behind, he slips the bread out of his sleeve, holding it up in his other hand. ]
[... so he is an animal person. Kyo doesn't quite know what to do with this new piece of information. It doesn't seem to fit with Axis' rough disposition he always throws at people. And yet, it's annoyingly interesting too. He could get a lot of mileage out of teasing Axis about it. If he wasn't sitting here on this massive secret himself...
The cat leans in slightly towards the offered hand, though Kyo instantly finds the usual combination of smoke and cologne Axis normally has around him to be very strong as a cat. Sheesh. Makes him twitch his head back instinctively to avoid an overload.
Still can't believe he's hearing these kind of words from Axis. Kyo never thought the guy had it in him. But despite one part of him saying he should run, the other part... apparently stays right where he is. Bread? He even brought food?!
WHO IS THIS PERSON?! ... and why does he think cats eat bread? Whatever. Kyo glances at the roll regardless. Couldn't hurt to have a bite?]
[ Axis retracts his hand when Kyo doesn't immediately run, and he tears off a small cat-sized mouthful of the bread, tossing it gently to land at Kyo's paws. He isn't getting as close as he could or reaching out to try petting yet. ]
It's pretty good.
[ And as if to prove it's not poison, he takes his own bite out of the roll, chomping inelegantly and saying around an open mouth, ]
See?
[ This is why Axis likes being around animals more than people: he's about as domesticated as a feral badger and his table manners reflect it. (Which is probably reflexive and intentional after his upbringing, but Axis doesn't have a shred of self-reflection to examine those particular habits or rejection of them.) ]
[His head drops with the piece of bread, tracking it just like any cat would do. Movement = attention grabbed. Now, he knows what bread tastes like, obviously, but as a cat, he's really just eaten meat and occasionally other things, like some mochi once and potatoes. Not that he really stays in this form long enough to want to eat... This is a rare occurrence.
But his stomach is already clenching and he leans down to nip at the bread once or twice before grabbing the entire thing in his mouth. Gnaw gnaw chew chew before getting it down with a swallow, tongue flipping across his jowls in usual post-eat cat fashion. Okay, that wasn't bad.
It's kind of funny Axis would be trying to "convince" a cat to eat the bread. But there he goes, taking a bite and mouth-full talking like it'd help sway his actions. Kyo bets no one in the world has seen Axis act like this. Wow.]
[ Absolutely no human in the world has seen Axis like this. Maybe anyone around while he's been really drunk and saw a puppy or something. But for daily life?
He looks so pleased when the bread is demolished, and he just pulls off another chunk, tossing it to Kyo again – and taking one more step closer, within petting range. ]
I'd grab you some meat or somethin', but that's a little harder to get away with.
[ He doesn't expect the cat to understand or reply, obviously, but that doesn't stop him from speaking to Kyo in a soft, gentle tone. ]
[Wow. Kyo's so privileged. Then again, it's not like he hasn't seen people treat animals differently than they treat people. Kyo's never kicked a cat for ignoring him, but he's certainly tried to beat up other kids for doing the same (insultingly).
Axis looks happy though, and Kyo finds that expression stupidly attractive. This dumbass shouldn't look that good! But another piece of bread and he leans down to grab it in his mouth. Okay, he is hungry. The bread's not going to do him any damage; he'll change back and it'll be fine.
Whenever that happens... Oh, Axis is closer. Kyo looks up at him, tail flicking once or twice at the mention of meat. Not going to lie, that sounds really good right now. But he'd rather Axis not steal it?
Not that he can communicate any of that to Axis without, what, biting him if he tries to yoink a sausage?]
[ Could Axis afford to buy some meat? Easily. Does he want to? No. He's a cheapskate and he has meat at home. (Metaphorically and literally.) ]
Not gonna hurt ya, bud.
[ He holds his hand out to Kyo again for another sniff once he's had the next bit of bread, then moves to pet the top of his head and gently between his ears. So slow! So careful! He's ready to pull his hand back at a second's notice or a displeased ear twitch. ]
[Yeah that's exactly what Kyo would figure Axis to do. Only this idiot would risk getting fined (more than the cost of the meat he stole) or worse just for a damn shank of lamb or something. But instead, he's got a roll of bread Kyo doubts Axis paid for, so... that's something.
Kyo perks his ears up at the promise. Oh it's tempting to just bite him right on the finger. What's he going to do, smack a cat? Even though Axis totally looks like the kind of punk who would smack a cat... Kyo he doesn't. Meaning a second or two later, he's getting that strong hand rubbing at the top of his head and it's really annoying because it feels good.
Despite himself, Kyo leans into it. An affectionate touch is practically unknown to him. He'll take what he can get. Not like Axis would touch him if he knew the truth. It's deception but whatever.]
[ Axis keeps his touch feather-light at first, just a gentle stroke between Kyo's ears, but once that seems well-received, he's ecstatic. Still careful, he curls his hand around Kyo's ear, scratching just under it and along the cat's jaw. ]
Yeah, see? I'm not so scary, huh?
[ He keeps using that warm, soft voice that he fully and intentionally pretends he isn't capable of (unless he's wooing particular clients, but). ]
[Damn, this actually feels good. It's not like these kinds of touches aren't as effective when Kyo's not a cat... he just doesn't TELL anyone that because it's stupid and no one would bother to give a shit. But when that hand goes under his jaw, he tilts his head back almost instinctively, eyes closing as a purr starts up in his chest and throat whether he wants it to or not.
No, Axis. You're always scary. You look like a thug. But Kyo can't say that as he is, so he just... is going to indulge in this for a few more minutes until Axis is inevitably called away or something. Then it'll all be done and over and he'll have to figure out what to do from there.]
You can have all the scratching you want, lil guy.
[ Purring? Score! Axis looks terribly accomplished – triumphant rather than smug. He continues scritching under Kyo's chin, showing no inclination to break away.
Until—
The flash of lightning and following crack of thunder in the near distance makes Axis's head jerk up, getting an eyeful of the gloomy grey clouds overhead. Well fuck. ]
[Being called "lil guy" makes him want to scratch Axis on the damn hand, but since he's currently enjoying a rare moment, for both of them, then he gets a pass. Annoying. The purring is embarrassing as hell and Kyo really wishes he could, you know, NOT do it, but he's happy and content for a brief moment, and that... means purring. It's a cat thing, unfortunately.
At least until the sky decides it wants to rip itself open with a crash of lightning and thunder. Kyo spazzes immediately, jumping clear up into the air, fur poofed and tail on end, arched up on all fours as soon as he lands. Dammit! Why's it gotta rain now?!]
[ Axis manages to retract his hand before Kyo springs up like a shot, going from purring to poofy in seconds flat. ]
Shit.
[ He glares at the sky, then looks back at the very alarmed cat. Fuck, it's gonna suck to stay out during the storm... and Axis hates to see such a helpless animal left out in the cold...
Gnawing on his lip ring, he hesitates before taking a step closer to Kyo. ]
[It's like he was spazzing with all claws out. But probably a good thing Axis retreated a bit. He might've got nicked...
Kyo's still alert, ears up and swiveling a bit as he looks around as thunder rumbles again. It didn't look like rain earlier... but that was earlier. Axis' curse draws his attention again and he watches the guy bite down at his lip. What's he thinking abou-
... oh.
Well, on the one hand, that's really sweet, and really embarrassing. On the other hand, Kyo had been thinking about going back.
Stuck in indecision, it means Axis gets to pick the orange kitty up. Oof.]
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This is the last place Arawn wants to be, a thought that only grows stronger the longer the day drags on. His packmates pace around the room on and off, some fully wearing their fur, others only their ears and tails, but their own restlessness is a reflection of Arawn's own. They know their Alpha - now their King - is on the verge of a rut, and the razor thin line of his patience might very well snap at any second. That's something that might come sooner rather than later, one of his advisors realizes quickly as his lips roll back in a sneer, flashing too sharp teeth in what the bear earred man recognizes as a predator ready to strike at its prey.
"Yes, yes, we'll be in touch. Thank you," the man urges quickly, shooing a couple and their scantily clad daughter down the blood red carpet and back out of the grand hall. He doesn't make it far before a shaggy, gray furred wolf hurries to nudge them more quickly out the door as the advisor turns back to where Arawn sits unhappily upon the large throne. "We're almost done, Your Majesty, I promise. Just a couple mo-"
"One more." Arawn's voice is a loud snarl that makes the bear flinch, a few of the other wolves hunching down or lowering themselves to the ground in face of the man's uncharacteristic rage. He reaches up with one hand, rubbing it over his face as he breathes in, nose wrinkling in distaste at the lingering scent of the young woman in his nostrils. One of too many of the people who have been paraded in front of him as an offering to fill his bed for his rut now and for as long as he wears this stupid crown to stay in his good graces. It's a thought that doesn't sit well with Arawn for too many reasons his rapidly crumbling thoughts can't even string together anymore.
Rubbing his eyes, the furry ears flick back, frustrated, as he hears the heavy steps of his bear advisor leave the room to herd the next group into the room. He falls back against the hard back of his throne, the soft fur of past kills a fleeting comfort against his skin as the bright eyes close. He forces himself to breath out, trying to hold onto the thread of humanity he's clinging for just a bit longer. Just a few more minutes and he can go back to his room, and so help him, he'll ride out this rut in silent misery whether any of his advisors like it or not.
The doors at the end of the large room open after a moment, his ears shifting upwards to stand tall he hears the shuffle of more people into the room. Beside him, the length of the fluffy tail gives a sharp flick before it stiffens as he takes in the new scents that fill the room as the bear leads them to the head of the room where his throne sits. There's something mixed in them that has his attention, eyes opening to narrow at the people that approach.
"Your Majesty, the Soh-"
"Who is that?" He motions expectantly towards the orange haired man among them, eyes dragging down the length of him slowly.
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But the Sohma head answered to the king or queen, whoever they may be, and offered support in exchange for continued favor and permission to operate. Arawn was no different. Though there was talk about concern the new king was of the werewolf pack, the Sohma head saw little negative in that aspect of their kingdom's ruler. No one forget they'd lived beneath a dragonborne two centuries ago. Human rulers came and went, and more unique beings took the throne between them. Likely what made the kingdom so adaptable and successful, not stuck in their ways so hard a solid crack to the corner would bring them toppling. The Sohma played a good part in that as well, its roots strong and holding different areas together, along with other powerful families that supported the family, clan, or tribe currently on the throne.
That support is part of why a representative group is here today. Walking into the room as brought by the bear-eared guard. Five people, dressed in nice clothes, the Sohma crest embroidered on the shoulder. Four of them seemed normal enough, upper-class citizens. The fifth, however, not exactly. A simple black tunic and breeches with casual boots suggest a low-class breeding. A far contrast to the young man's fiery orange hair, warm tanned skin, and heated scarlet eyes, expression scowling and not at all looking like he's keen to be here. There's a bristling, hot-headed air about him, challenging despite standing with the rest of the small Sohma entourage.
Twelves zodiac branches are respected in the Sohma family, but the thirteenth one, the cat's branch, is the antithesis, and oft goes unspoken without reference by the family, and they try to keep it out of the kingdom's chatter. It serves as the family "reject" pile, where disappointments and failures go, where those perceived as weak or useless are sequestered to, where those the Sohmas don't want to deal with are placed to eek some good out of their lives without staining the rest of the family image. Sweatshops, workhouses, street cleaners, military, even red-light districts are their ilk. Those born into the cat branch are oft even worse.
But every now and then, a cat can be useful. After all, who wants to serve up a prized family member to something as base as dealing with the king's lupine rut? It can't be any more pleasant for Arawn either. Wouldn't it be better for them all to offer something quiet that would require no real effort, no lengthy documented permits or rulings, nothing that would drag this out even further for the king? Something to be used and done with, then put away silently without fanfare. That said, it's not as if the Sohma are offering a piece of gutter trash (despite how they view those in the cat branch). They took their time culling through the cats, finding one who wasn't badly touched by the low dregs of society, but also had the looks suitable for a rut partner. Kyo was the "lucky" selection.
"Kyo, of the Sohma house, your highness," one of the Sohma representatives offered with a respectful bow and dip of his head. Something the orange-haired teen pointedly did not offer. Rather, he simply crossed his arms in front of his chest, corner of his mouth twitching in a silent snarl. "A soldier prospect."
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"Kyo," he echoes, one brow going up. The golden eyes linger on the orange haired teen, the line of his posture, that twitching mouth. "You didn't bring him here to be a soldier." In most situations, Arawn wouldn't say he picks up on things that aren't obvious, but he's been through enough of this the last few days that he knows exactly why they brought Kyo. The Sohmas are just like everyone else, eager to dump someone in his lap for good favor and perks that come with being able to say, their family has provided the king with someone to slick his lust whenever he needs it. And for the first time, Arawn feels a rush of want that might finally give these sharks what they want.
He breathes out slowly, chest rumbling, as he extends his hand to twitch his fingers expectantly for Kyo to come closer. "Come here," he orders, eyes watching Kyo carefully before they lift to the other men around him. "The rest of you step back." There's a sharpness to his voice when he says that, and a few of the wolves that flank them rise onto all fours, creeping closer to the edge of the carpet the Sohmas stand on. It's every bit a warning that they won't tolerate any push back from any of them.
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His name comes on Arawn's lips and he looks up at the wolfish man in front of him. Fuck, why does the sound of his name on that voice grab his attention so much? Though what he says next earns a heated flare of his eyes, tan lips curling in a snarl as the truth comes out. Or at least the start of it. "You what-?!" Kyo almost rounds on one of the Sohma clansmen beside him, twisting his shoulders and upper body with the intent to land a kick straight across the man's face.
But the sudden sharpness in Arawn's voice and the growling of the wolves on them halts his attempt, leaving Kyo in a strange position as his focus goes from his clansmen to the king and his wolves. Growling at the summons just on the heels of the lie, Kyo faces Arawn again, defiantly refusing to move forward for a few seconds. Not until the wolves actually have his clansmen peeled away from him and backed off. Only then does Kyo bother to move forward, arms by his side as he walks closer to the throne the wolf sits on.
"What the fuck am I really hear for?" he snaps, white teeth showing in that glaring expression. "Spit it out." He's not some damn coward that can't take the truth, unlike these assholes who brought him here under pretense.
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His lips part just the slightest when Kyo approaches, a slight bear of his teeth in response to the other's attitude. There's a low, steady rumble that builds in his chest in warning as the other draws closer - the closest thing to a warning Kyo will get from the wolf that's wound tight and ready to snap. He reaches out once Kyo is within reach, closing a hand around his bicep to haul him closer. Close enough that he can lean in and tuck his face against the curve of his neck.
He draws in a deep breath, his other hand grabbing at Kyo's hip. This far gone, his claws are out, dark nails that dig into the other's hip and bicep to still him, and that grip is tight, enough that it will likely bruise. "You're here," he manages to get out in a low growl, giving into that urge to drag his tongue slowly over the flutter of Kyo's pulse, tracing the line of his jugular vein. "Because you're mine." Those words are rough, the sound of an animal on the verge of losing himself to instincts.
There's no warning when he pulls Kyo further, down onto his lap. And no sooner than his weight lands there, Arawn's teeth take hold, digging into soft, warm skin. He doesn't break skin - there will be time for that later - but the intent is there. A show of force so Kyo knows who is in control here, what Arawn could do with such little effort. It should be obvious now what he wants. On his lap, the red head will feel how he's already half hard. How hot the air around them is, the scent of need strong in the air.
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Doesn't help matters that Arawn looks like he's having trouble breathing. Not from illness, but from restraint. Barely-held restraint. Kyo may have just walked into a wolf's den, but he refuses to back down despite his own hackles rising. Unlike his damn clansmen, he won't approach this with some cowardly substitute. He was brought here for a reason, and has no intention of leaving without knowing what the hell it is. Seeing the king's sliver of white teeth between his lips at his defiance is encouragement to him and Kyo smirks dangerous at the sound of that soft growl. Warning? Bring it on. He's not-
"Huh?!" Until Arawn abruptly grabs his arm. Shit! He thought he was going to pounce! Instead, he's grappled and hauled forward, almost stumbling on his feet, though surprising reflexes quickly catch the motion before he can trip. Kyo tenses up when the wolf suddenly shoves his face against his neck, eyes widening at the inhale. "Hey! What the hell are you doing?!" There's a big different between attacking him and doing... well... that!
Kyo arches slightly when that hand grapples with his hip, skin shivering when the prick of claws dig into his pelvis and upper arm. His bicep hardens under his sleeve and Kyo jerks his hips backwards against Arawn's grab. Feels a damn bruise starting up. "HEY!!" He's licking him?! Kyo tilts his head to the side, trying to avoid that hot tongue running up the length of his neck, right up his jugular. "I'm no one's!" If this guy thinks he can claim him just because he's the damn king, then Arawn's got another thing coming! Even if he does sound like a fucking animal in heat...
Kyo slams both hands onto the wolf's shoulders, tightening them and pressing as he's hauled onto his lap, one knee wedging between Arawn's hip and the throne arm, the other leg still extended to press to the ground in front of it. Teeth sink into his neck and Kyo yells in surprise, anger, and slight alarm. It's not piercing his skin yet, no blood, but the intent... fuck. He shudders against himself, fingers kneading at Arawn's shoulder. That show of dominance and force isn't easy to ignore. And neither's the prominent rising hardness between the wolf's legs.
Oh. Fuck. The pieces click into place. "Fuck. You."
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When he feels those hands on his shoulders, there's the slightest shift back with the force of it, a brief flash of discomfort that fades quickly. Kyo is strong, fit, that much is clear, but Arawn is much more solid in comparison. An animal built to fight and endure wrapped in a human skin. There isn't much Kyo could do right now that would hurt him, let alone stop him. And in the state of mind he's in, Arawn can't even spare the thought to try and humor him.
Instead, his other hand is moving, landing on the opposite hip and sliding down it and over his thigh. There, he tugs, hoping to stop Kyo from bracing himself so he can pull him down properly onto his lap, tugging at the hip in his grip. He can't help but laugh at the other's words, teeth relinquishing their hold in favor of letting his lips and teeth catch his ear lobe with a sharp tug. His own skin feels hot and almost unbearable with Kyo's scent mingling with his own.
"Come on," he urges, voice low and rumbling as his hand moves from Kyo's hip and instead to slide under his shirt. The rough fingertips glide over the younger's skin, nails dragging bright red lines in their wake. "You'll just be mine," he promises against the other's ear, mouthing along the line of his jaw. "I'll give you the world." He promises, but the more he speaks, the more his words drag into growls. Another flicker of humanity in him dimming.
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His hands stay locked onto Arawn's shoulders, shoving backwards as best he can to try and put some distance between them. His biceps harden under his shirt and his torso flexes hard from the effort to keep himself leaning back so he's not shoved up against his bastard! The worst part is, he can feel just how solid Arawn is compared to him. Kyo's lithe and muscular, but the werewolf is built like a statue, as strong as an animal and obviously just as driven by instinct. Any thought of getting out of here is pretty easily quashed.
That doesn't mean he's going to give in so readily. Kyo snarls as that other hand grabs onto his thigh, pulling at the muscle and all but dragging Kyo's leg up onto the throne as well. He tries to haul back, but that catch on the back of his knee leaves him essentially kneeling over Arawn's lap with both legs. Only to tense up hard when he's hauled down and ends up properly sitting on the king's lap. Kneeling, but yeah. A hard gulp drags down the tan column of his throat. Fuck... big. That's the only thought in his mind before teeth catch at his ear and pull.
"HEY!" It sounds pathetic compared to what's going on right now, but Kyo quickly claps a hand over his ear, glaring daggers at the werewolf in front of him. He sucks in his breath when a strong hand pushes under his shirt, stomach muscles hardening as the older youth's fingertips skim across his flesh, white teeth baring in a hiss as Arawn scratches at him lightly. "The world's a big place," he growls, already feeling some heat in his voice despite himself. It's not like the werewolf isn't attractive. And he doubts he has much of a choice...
"I'm not gonna make it easy on you, bastard." Though that's more a challenge than outright defiance.
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The amber gaze flicks up and to the other's face when Kyo speaks, watching the way his lips form that snarl. Kyo will notice how wide his pupil against the amber irises, the way the corner of his lips quirk upwards in amusement at the continued show of resistance. Arawn isn't the type of person to flaunt what he can or has done - your actions should always speak louder than your words - and now is no exception. If Kyo wants the world, he'll give it to him, and he won't let that bristling attitude stop him from doing it.
His lips spread into a smirk, flashing his own teeth again, a flash of teeth that's more a promise of what's to come than a threat. "I'll like a challenge," he replies as he leans forward again. His mouth his back on Kyo's skin, pressing open mouthed kisses to the curve of Kyo's shoulder and neck, letting his teeth catch and press against skin in a way that will bruise - one of many marks the other will wear on his skin after this encounter. He wants that more than anything, for Kyo and everyone else to know who the cat belongs to, and he plans to make sure there are plenty for only Kyo to see so he can remember what they've down here. What else they will do in the future.
He doesn't bother with holding onto Kyo's hips now, instead pushing his hands up and along the line of Kyo's torso. The top arcs of his palms are rough from time, an animals paws used against the ground and other surfaces, hardened with new callouses from learning to use and master weapons. He lets them glide over Kyo's skin, keeping one on his back, the other sweeping over his side and up his chest to let his fingers brush one nipple before he pulls back from where he'd been kissing and biting against the other's neck. His attention is instead on pulling that shirt up and over Kyo's head, prepared to maneuver his arms if they get in the way. There's no concern for the fact that they're still being watched - not only by his pack and advisor but the Sohmas who had accompanied Kyo here. Arawn doesn't pay them any mind, letting them fade into the background in favor of continuing to focus entirely on Kyo.
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Now Arawn is touching him, way more than anyone's ever done, his hand spreading over his stomach and chest and causing Kyo's abs and pectorals to harden beneath the wandering combo of fingers and palm. Even with just his hand on him, Kyo can tell Arawn's strong; he's drawn to strength, both presence and physical, both which the werewolf exudes despite the heat coursing through him. He doesn't rescind his words either, glaring right into the topaz eyes with his own flashing scarlet. Vertical pupils blown wide, lips showing amusement at his defiance, Kyo takes all those reactions in Arawn gives him and flares back at him.
"I'm more a challenge than you've ever had before," he snaps back, snarling at the wolf's smirk. Lips draw back from his teeth, sharper canines baring when Arawn's mouth returns to his tan skin. Kyo tugs his head to the side when the man starts to mouth over his shoulder and neck, gritting his teeth and cussing under his breath when the werewolf's mouth starts working to bruise him. Bastard! He's going to be showing that shit tomorrow! Kyo wants to grab his shirt and pull it to cover up the area Arawn's making a saliva-spotted mess. But he also doesn't want to show any sign of weakness, embarrassment, or vulnerability in front of anyone else in this room. So he stays his hand and instead fists his grip on the king's bicep and shoulder, deliberately lifting up on his knees to be "taller" than the wolf and keep his hips and ass off the man's lap on purpose.
Kyo arches into the hands shoving up over his torso, lithe body and athletic muscle hardening beneath his skin as those rough palms map out his upper body. His hand remind him briefly of canine paws, for obvious reasons, and Kyo glares off to the side as one catches him round the back to trap him there while the other starts messing with a dusky nipple. It makes him bite his lower lip to keep the sharp sound from escaping as the sensitive bud gets flicked and brushed, then breathes out when Arawn leaves it alone and draws back. His chest feels hot, his neck feels like a damn molten patch of sun's been plastered to it. Probably has saliva gleaming and hickey marks there already-
"Like hell!" Kyo immediately yanks his arms down, fighting against the removal of his shirt. If it were just Arawn (and his pack, whatever) maybe he wouldn't fight it as much, but the fact his own damn family members are still here, watching him, Kyo flat out refuses the attempt. He's not going to let those bastards watch him get bred or whatever right here on the damn throne! "Tell them to get lost!" That one's more a growl, quieter, but still emphatic.
Maybe even a trade...
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Still, he can feel his own frustration at Kyo's resistance. Arawn's too far into his rut now to want to drag things out. All he wants is to feel some kind of relief, and touching more of that warm skin, tasting it, is giving it to him. His teeth relent only for a few seconds, long enough to drag his tongue slowly over the indent of teeth there, feeling the heat of a mark forming. Imagining what it'll be like to sink his teeth into the other's skin, how it'll break under his teeth and give way to a mark that Kyo and everyone else will see and know who the other belongs to. But if he has his way, Kyo won't need a mark to remind him.
Before he can give into the urge to bite down again, he's interrupted by the way those arms are yanked down, stopping him from removing the shirt. It earns a sharp, aggravated growl and a flash of teeth as Arawn lifts his head, ears and tail erect as one hand reaches back, grabbing the back of Kyo's neck to keep him still. There's a press of his claws in warning. "They don't matter." The words come out as a low rumble Kyo can likely feel being so close to Arawn. "Show them what they're losing." He can't articulate fully what he means. It's hard for him to find the right words. But he does know that this is the Sohmas lost. They served Kyo up to him on a platter without telling Kyo why, and that doesn't sit well with him. They've ruined what grace he might have given them.
"People like them get nothing." His eyes flick briefly from Kyo to instead fix a hard stare on the Sohmas, one ear swiveling forward to hear whatever they might have to say. But then his gaze is back on Kyo, one hand moving to pull the shirt off Kyo again. "Take it off."
JUST A BUNCH OF WHORES 🐈 for 'veronian'
~ 0 ~
[One week. That's all it'd taken. A week since his family decided Kyo had to "do something useful" with his life and opted to sell him to a damn whorehouse rather than keep him around the Sohma estate. He doesn't know what kind of stipulations they'd added to the sale, but it was safe to say he no longer "owned" his own damn life. Like hell he was fine with this! It's not like he chose to be born like this, or that his mother couldn't handle the extra baggage that came with Kyo, or that his father wanted nothing to do with him thanks to his mother's...
He should stop thinking about that. It's not going to make his life any easier. Right. If anything, he should be grateful he got away from those idiots. Didn't have to stay walled in and face their disgusted eyes or hear them constantly run his mouth about him. So long as he stayed away from certain triggers, he'd be fine. That's what Kyo told himself. And he managed to make it one week in that place. It wasn't bad, actually. The whorehouse was neat enough, wasn't cramped, the people there were marginally better than his family because they didn't have a real reason to pester him.
But... the week leading up to his first client stressed Kyo the hell out. Expectations, questions, a certain big damn truth his family never BOTHERED to mention, and he was terrified to getting found out, all of that came to a head in the final day before the visitation and...
Well let's just say Kyo's not there when the door opened that morning. The window was open, but no sign of him. And everything was left as well. Clothes, wallet, money, anything he'd been given in the week, all still around the room. Just Kyo was gone.
And that's not at all surprising because HOW THE HELL IS HE SUPPOSED TO LET THEM SEE HIM LIKE THIS?! Perched atop a trash can in an alley way, ears perked forward, tail draped down behind him, paws braced on the lid as his red eyes watch the marketplace hustle and bustle. What's the owner going to say when he finds out the whore the Sohmas sold him is cursed? He can fucking guess what others in the whorehouse are going to say... and he doesn't want to deal with it.
That said... Kyo's currently watching a few of them in the marketplace, not sure if they're looking for him or just out shopping because what's a whore gone missing? Wouldn't surprise him if they didn't give him a second thought.]
let's go with early into his Teahouse days, before he's top-earner
Axis isn't the newest courtesan for long before he's also replaced in his slot as the youngest, too. Practically a kid, even though Axis figures Kyo is probably around the same age Axis was when he ran away from Verone, so Axis barely blinks twice at the part – the difference, however, is that this whole life was Axis's own plan. His family sucked, but the closest they would have ever gotten to selling him off would have been a political marriage; it's a hell of a different thing to dump an inconvenient child at such an exploitative doorstep.
So maybe Axis feels a little bad for him. He has no fucking clue how to express it other than checking in on Kyo sometimes, making sure he knows where the food is at or giving him tips on clients to watch out for – which is the same as taking care of someone, right? Not that it's easy, by any stretch of the imagination, because Kyo is about as approachable as a feral tiger and Axis is a man who takes the path of least resistance. So the kid wants to be a prick? Axis will let him and fuck right off. Not like he doesn't have actual shit to do.
And it's sure as hell unsurprising when the kid disappears, too. Vanishes before he even sees a single client, and hey, Axis thinks that's a good move. Kyo doesn't want to be there, so why should he stay put? There's other options in the world, and Kyo might as well go find them. Especially because no one for the Teahouse is bothering to look for him. Too much effort for an investment that really was a shockingly good price, and Atros doesn't want to waste the time hunting down a teenager who clearly has enough shit on his plate. (Xanthe is a jerk, not evil.)
So when Axis and a few other house members are out at the market, they're all shopping for their usual weekly supplies. Axis breaks off from the little group of Claret, Argent, and Lilith, hands stuffed in his pockets as he debates on whether or not he's going to snag an apple or other snack with the five-finger-discount. He's wandering amidst stalls when he catches sight of the vividly orange color of— well, at first, he thinks it's Kyo, but a double-take reveals a cat instead.
Oh. Actually, Axis is way happier to see a cat than a teenager.
He doesn't make any sudden movements, but he's incredibly smooth about the small roll he slides off a tray of baked goods. His stolen treat vanishes up his sleeve as he weaves through the throng of market-goers, slowing when he's near the mouth of the alley before he even gets near the cat. Instead, he clicks his tongue, pausing his approach when he's no longer in the middle of the street. ]
Hey, little guy. Whatcha doin' over there?
*thumbs up*
First meeting Axis had been the spark on the bonfire. Already a ball of anger from the realization of what happened when Atros was handed the signed contract, but the way the man talked to him and the sheer emotional shock of everything meant Kyo was a hair's breadth from snapping by the time Axis popped in. Of course he raged at him. It wasn't like Kyo was used to someone bothering to look out for him. They checked on him to make sure he wasn't polluting their lives with his presence. His mother checked on him multiple times a day because she was scared of what he really was. His cousins checked on him to tease him and egg him into fights or piss him off with their "attempts" to be nice. Anytime someone wanted to be "nice" to him, it was always a fucking lie.
It's no wonder the stress finally took its toll.
But... what other option did he have? It's not like Kyo could return to the Sohma estate. They'd stick him right back at the whorehouse. Or figure he's too much trouble for what he's worth and the Cat's Room wouldn't wait for the summer. His life would end then and there. Running away from the Teahouse completely is an idea, but being reduced to a beggar, or a thief even, is just... At least there he had someone who tried to be nice. (Now that he can look back on it, it' obvious Axis was just... trying to help.) Ugh, and he yelled at the man for it. Real shitty, Kyo.
Only to break from his thoughts when a shadow approaches. Red eyes flick upward and the cat jerks to attention, tail lifting and body tensing in instinct to flee. Why? Because it's Axis. How the hell out of everyone in the market did it have to be Axis?! ... And yet he's not running either. He could run. Put it all behind him. But... Kyo stays where he is, watching the other courtesan. Did he really just click his tongue like that? Don't tell him Axis is actually nice to animals.
If his ears flatten a little when Axis calls him "little guy" then that's why. At least he didn't straight up call him "puss puss" or something. What's it look like he's doing over here? Sitting on a trashcan! He's a cat!]
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I'm not gonna hurt ya. Mind if I come say hi?
[ He's... so nice... to the cat...
Now that he's left the cart behind, he slips the bread out of his sleeve, holding it up in his other hand. ]
You hungry?
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The cat leans in slightly towards the offered hand, though Kyo instantly finds the usual combination of smoke and cologne Axis normally has around him to be very strong as a cat. Sheesh. Makes him twitch his head back instinctively to avoid an overload.
Still can't believe he's hearing these kind of words from Axis. Kyo never thought the guy had it in him. But despite one part of him saying he should run, the other part... apparently stays right where he is. Bread? He even brought food?!
WHO IS THIS PERSON?! ... and why does he think cats eat bread? Whatever. Kyo glances at the roll regardless. Couldn't hurt to have a bite?]
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It's pretty good.
[ And as if to prove it's not poison, he takes his own bite out of the roll, chomping inelegantly and saying around an open mouth, ]
See?
[ This is why Axis likes being around animals more than people: he's about as domesticated as a feral badger and his table manners reflect it. (Which is probably reflexive and intentional after his upbringing, but Axis doesn't have a shred of self-reflection to examine those particular habits or rejection of them.) ]
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But his stomach is already clenching and he leans down to nip at the bread once or twice before grabbing the entire thing in his mouth. Gnaw gnaw chew chew before getting it down with a swallow, tongue flipping across his jowls in usual post-eat cat fashion. Okay, that wasn't bad.
It's kind of funny Axis would be trying to "convince" a cat to eat the bread. But there he goes, taking a bite and mouth-full talking like it'd help sway his actions. Kyo bets no one in the world has seen Axis act like this. Wow.]
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He looks so pleased when the bread is demolished, and he just pulls off another chunk, tossing it to Kyo again – and taking one more step closer, within petting range. ]
I'd grab you some meat or somethin', but that's a little harder to get away with.
[ He doesn't expect the cat to understand or reply, obviously, but that doesn't stop him from speaking to Kyo in a soft, gentle tone. ]
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Axis looks happy though, and Kyo finds that expression stupidly attractive. This dumbass shouldn't look that good! But another piece of bread and he leans down to grab it in his mouth. Okay, he is hungry. The bread's not going to do him any damage; he'll change back and it'll be fine.
Whenever that happens... Oh, Axis is closer. Kyo looks up at him, tail flicking once or twice at the mention of meat. Not going to lie, that sounds really good right now. But he'd rather Axis not steal it?
Not that he can communicate any of that to Axis without, what, biting him if he tries to yoink a sausage?]
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Not gonna hurt ya, bud.
[ He holds his hand out to Kyo again for another sniff once he's had the next bit of bread, then moves to pet the top of his head and gently between his ears. So slow! So careful! He's ready to pull his hand back at a second's notice or a displeased ear twitch. ]
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Kyo perks his ears up at the promise. Oh it's tempting to just bite him right on the finger. What's he going to do, smack a cat? Even though Axis totally looks like the kind of punk who would smack a cat... Kyo he doesn't. Meaning a second or two later, he's getting that strong hand rubbing at the top of his head and it's really annoying because it feels good.
Despite himself, Kyo leans into it. An affectionate touch is practically unknown to him. He'll take what he can get. Not like Axis would touch him if he knew the truth. It's deception but whatever.]
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Yeah, see? I'm not so scary, huh?
[ He keeps using that warm, soft voice that he fully and intentionally pretends he isn't capable of (unless he's wooing particular clients, but). ]
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No, Axis. You're always scary. You look like a thug. But Kyo can't say that as he is, so he just... is going to indulge in this for a few more minutes until Axis is inevitably called away or something. Then it'll all be done and over and he'll have to figure out what to do from there.]
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[ Purring? Score! Axis looks terribly accomplished – triumphant rather than smug. He continues scritching under Kyo's chin, showing no inclination to break away.
Until—
The flash of lightning and following crack of thunder in the near distance makes Axis's head jerk up, getting an eyeful of the gloomy grey clouds overhead. Well fuck. ]
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At least until the sky decides it wants to rip itself open with a crash of lightning and thunder. Kyo spazzes immediately, jumping clear up into the air, fur poofed and tail on end, arched up on all fours as soon as he lands. Dammit! Why's it gotta rain now?!]
shows up 15 minutes late with starbucks MY BAD
Shit.
[ He glares at the sky, then looks back at the very alarmed cat. Fuck, it's gonna suck to stay out during the storm... and Axis hates to see such a helpless animal left out in the cold...
Gnawing on his lip ring, he hesitates before taking a step closer to Kyo. ]
C'mere, bud, don't run, okay?
[ Just gonna... try to pick up the cat... ]
Sirrah, the Coffee, Tis cold.
Kyo's still alert, ears up and swiveling a bit as he looks around as thunder rumbles again. It didn't look like rain earlier... but that was earlier. Axis' curse draws his attention again and he watches the guy bite down at his lip. What's he thinking abou-
... oh.
Well, on the one hand, that's really sweet, and really embarrassing. On the other hand, Kyo had been thinking about going back.
Stuck in indecision, it means Axis gets to pick the orange kitty up. Oof.]