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[ Word was, a new student was here at Beacon Hills. Sarah heard it through Julian, who heard it through Ileana who saw him when she dropped by administration earlier this morning for something or the other, and now the whole school, particularly his grade was buzzing over it.

Beacon Hills didn't get fresh blood often.

Peter had yet to see the transfer so far, but second period had just started. The day was young. And it was PE, which meant a warmup run, which was a perfectly good time for introductions and gauging what this newcomer was like. Or maybe even a locker room assessment, seeing as how he's fairly sure said transfer just walked in, silence falling briefly over everyone before starting up again with a significant amount of poorly hidden glances thrown towards him.

Then the bell was ringing, and everyone swarmed out into the crisp October day. The air had a bite to it, the brilliant sunlight barely any compensation for it. The new student's hair was buttery gold beneath it, a cautious perimeter of isolation formed around him until Peter sidled over and smiled. ]

The burden of being new and an unknown quantity. Don't worry, they'll get over it soon. [ He held out his hand. ] I'm Peter.

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[ Following along with Peter for some unknown reason, Chris kept a careful eye on those around them. Gerard had a reason for them being there and Chris wanted to figure it out so nothing caught him unaware again. The last time, well, he didn't particularly want to think about it and had sworn to never bother making connections again.

And yet.

His eyes followed Peter's graceful movements, far more fluid than what a basketball player would be capable of. Much more like a dancer or a gymnast. ]

I swim but Ger--my dad would probably find it a waste of time. [ Moving through the stretches, he deliberately made himself appear a little wobbly to again not pull too much attention. He needed to at least appear unassuming and try to fade into the woodwork. ]

[ The preserve caught his attention and he filed it away to look into later. ] Do you hike? [ He already knew the answer before he even asked but he may as well take an interest. ] I did a lot in Colorado. Really gonna miss the snow. Everything looks so new when it's snowing.

Why? Having trouble keeping up with classes?

[ He could feel Chris's eyes on him. Nothing out of the ordinary— he's used to being the center of attention, and the Hales weren't particularly strict on how much or little they should stand out. All they wanted was to live a normal life, and popular teenagers were a dozen a pop. Besides, Peter's never careless. Nothing he did was ever more than on par with a talented human's abilities. ]

Sorry to disappoint, it doesn't snow much around here. But I think the view's nice enough without it. If you ever wanna check it out, I'll take you. I know the trails.

[ Unfortunately for Chris, he'd stand out for a while, at least until the novelty of him and his family wore off, or something else caught Beacon Hills' High's attention. ]

[ The question nearly made Chris laugh out loud because, not even close and as if Gerard would allow for such a thing. Both he and Kate were always at the top of their years, no matter what it took. A feat considering how long he made them train everyday and how often they moved. But if they failed something, they were locked down in the cellar or the attic depending on the house they were currently in. It gave way to Chris' unease with being locked in or closed up. He could handle it as he handled everything else but he did not prefer it. ]

Not at all. I'm actually ahead of where you guys currently are here. He just feels that academics matter more than sports. [ Joining the swim team did appeal to him, though, and he never had anything for himself. ] Maybe I'll try and see if there are any openings. [ It would be his first slight rebellion against Gerard and he kind of liked the thought of it. ]

[ The offer surprised him enough he paused in the stretching for a few whole seconds. Not much and most wouldn't notice such a thing but still the falter in his hands had been there. No one ever took much of an interest in him before and he didn't really know how to have a friend. Gerard kept him fairly isolated other than being around fellow hunters, most of which were much older than him. Most hunter families started out their children older and not at the tender age of seven. ]

That'd be great -- I mean if you have time to. I'd like to see more the town I'll call home for at least a couple months. [ If only he knew the type of beacon for the supernatural the town possessed and how they would stay there for not just a few months but for years. It'd be the place where he finished his high school career and where he'd attempt to build a life for himself. ] Maybe longer. [ He paused for a moment. ] If there's like any kind of odd plant life, herbs or animals. My - dad works with that stuff.

[ Offering Chris a vague shrug and grin, all hey, wasn't it a good guess? Peter dropped the subject. Chris being ahead academically came as no surprise. Beacon Hills didn't exactly have the attendance or the resources necessary for anything exceedingly advanced.

Back then, Peter would've been unable to pinpoint what, exactly, about Chris roused his interest. Maybe it was the undercurrent of shyness about him, the nervousness and how he drew inward like a turtle trying to protect itself from something and his own curiosity prodded him into trying to lure him out through sheer charisma. That, and unrelenting friendliness. ]

They're always looking for people. The chlorine— [ Peter wrinkled his nose in distaste. ] — it makes me sneeze.

[ Somewhere to the left, the teacher's making an attempt to coral them, the sharp blast of the whistle signalling the beginning of their run. Going slowly, he kept up an easy chatter. ] Working it around practice shouldn't be that hard. Just let me know when's good for you. [ Since Chris was fresh arrived and just moved in and all. Eyebrows raised, he hummed. ] This is California, not the Amazon. I don't think there's anything like that. Is he a ranger?

[ For the past couple of years, swimming helped to keep Chris' sanity intact as a way for him to escape his current circumstances. When he moved through the water, he left behind the barked words and the sharp cuts for a little while. Because only the movements mattered, allowing his mind to drift along the rise and fall of the water breaking around him. It pushed him towards one and only goal to focus his entire being on. Leaving the water made everything crash back down around him but for a time at least he grasped onto some sense of freedom. He lived for it, the feeling of weightlessness and to almost not even exist as a singular body.

No one else would understand, though, and certainly not Gerard nor Kate.

With a shy smile, Chris nodded his head, following after the others to prepare to run the lap. Given he ran five miles a day to keep in top form, a few laps were practically nothing. ] I actually love the smell of chlorine. That's probably really weird huh? [ He preferred it over the clinical scents usually surrounding his house and life in general. The smell of bleach lingered nearly all the time and Chris loathed the smell since it reminded him of things he preferred to not dwell on very long. ]

Does the basketball team and swim teams practice at the same times? [ He looked over at Peter as they ran, noting the similar ease. Interesting. ] I'll check my schedule and get back to you. [ Teasing? Chris Argent? It never happened and somehow he felt a little lighter than he usually did.

A ranger; Gerard could only wish. ] Something like that. His job has taken us all over the United States. Few times overseas. I've been to France a lot and Greece a couple of times. [ The Argents were from France, after all, and Chris spoke perfect French. He spoke a few languages and could get by with most others. Having an eidetic memory sure helped with trying to reach Gerard's nearly unreachable expectations. He did a better job intellectually than he did physically. Gerard often yelled he lacked the stomach to be a true hunter and he needed to stop being a baby about blood and killing. ] We were in France not too long ago. I'm sorry if I suddenly slip into French.

Really weird, but then it works out for you, doesn't it? [ Imagine being a swimmer and hating the smell of chlorine.

Settling into the rhythm of the run, the muscles in his body adjusting to the stretch, he ran. Most of his athleticism could be attributed to the work he put into basketball; his genuine enjoyment of it meant he went to every practice and drilled faithfully— that, and being team captain meant setting an example. Hearing the swish of the ball through the hoop without touching the sides was, to this day, still immensely satisfying.

He ducked his head forward in a breathless laugh, veering towards Chris just enough to jostle him with his shoulder playfully. ] I wouldn't know, I'm too busy running the basketball practice.

[ "Something like that" was an ambiguous answer at best, but Peter's unperturbed by it. The nature of Chris's father's job would leak out sooner or later, in a town like Beacon Hills. He put Chris's caginess down to something too difficult to explain in the middle of running, or something he himself didn't fully understand. Besides, his attention's hooked by the mention of travel, of faraway countries and towns he's never been to. ]

What was it like?

[ Chris enjoyed running for the burn and pull of his muscles. It grounded him in a way and made him feel, which he always appreciated over the general numbness he tended to experience in most cases. Feeling reflected poorly in his family and emotions were to be kept under lock and key. Only a few certain things were acceptable to express and Chris knew well enough to keep himself as muted as possible. How, then, did Peter manage to engage him beyond simple pleasantries? Perhaps, the new day and school rattled his defences a little more than he believed originally. ]

Don't you have a smell or something you associate with basketball? Something that takes you right there? [ He couldn't help but to ask, looking over at Peter for a moment. ] Uh - leather - or something? [ Look at how much he knew about basketball. ]

[ Running basketball practice huh? The captain then, which made sense with the air Peter had about him. It didn't turn him off as much as it would have on someone else. ] Maybe I'll come to a practice.

[ What? Why did he even say such a thing? He never willingly offered to spend time with anyone. It made him more than a little odder than most his age but everything about his life made him different. Most people just didn't know about all the whys and hows. ]

France? [ A faint smile filled his face for a brief moment. ] I loved it and really miss the country. Everything felt like - it had so much life there. So much to do and see. I loved the outdoor cafes and would read there and drink tea. [ He shook his head slightly. ] Probably not the most exciting thing. My France experiences would probably bore you. [ While the others in the class gawked, no one approached them or moved too close. ] Where have you always wanted to go? I might have been there. We've been in the US most of the time but we've gone overseas a lot.

[ After a thoughtful pause, he came up with a shortlist. ]

The sound, maybe. How your shoes squeak when you're playing. [ Basketballs smelled nothing like leather, and he cocked an eyebrow at Chris, the smirk playing around the edges of his mouth. ] Basketballs smell like rubber.

[ Smirk smoothing out into an honest smile, he nodded. ] Sure. Maybe seeing it will lure you over to the dark side.

[ If Peter thought the offer odd, nothing of it showed. As far as he was concerned, there wasn't anything particularly out of ordinary about the conversation at all, other than how well Chris was keeping it up despite the run. Granted, their pace wasn't extraordinarily fast, but nonetheless, it was impressive. He wasn't kidding about stealing him away from the swim team. ]

Come on, I told you I've never gone out of the country, and you think hearing about far far away would be boring? [ Far from it. ] If it's France, then to the Louvre. Otherwise, maybe there's this library in England. The British Museum Reading Room. I'd like to go there.

[ And possibly live there until he'd read everything in it. An impossible dream. ]

[ The way Peter talked about basketball made Chris feel less weird about how much swimming meant to him. He always worried about being abnormal, especially awith snide comments Gerard sent his way everyday, making him doubt himself. Broken down people were easier to mold and turn into something else. Gerard just didn't anticipate the strength of Chris' spirit and how much he took after his mother. ]

I'll confess I've watched like a grand total of fifteen minutes of basketball in my entire life. [ A nearly sheepish look crossed his face for a moment but disappeared as quickly as it came. Usually, he maintained a rather passive look, nearly stoic on his face. It made it harder for people to read him or to judge what he could be all about, both benefits in the long run.

Peter not turning him down for some reason meant a lot when he never put himself out there. This happened to be the most he connected with a non-hunter in years. ]

Well, more like what I'm usually into no one else is. [ Such as old books, ancient weaponry and the like. He took up archery at the age of twelve and knew how to wield a sword and shoot a gun. He also found jousting fascinating and always wanted to learn to fence.

He made a note to remember Peter enjoyed books as well. ] Any specific topics interest you most? I went to a lot of museums all the places we went. By myself because Kate found them dull and said they smell weird. The artwork was something else. [ He nearly confessed he wished he knew how to paint but swallowed it down. Confessing too much gave leverage to others and Chris couldn't afford to expose anything. Opening himself up even a little meant letting a lot of other things out into the sunlight.

The whistle blew to signal everyone to break into stations for the rest of the class. They could pick the weight room, continue walking around the mile or participating in the game of baseball. Chris hesitated in his choice to see what Peter wanted to pick.

Well.

Damn.

So much for not opening himself up at all. ]

Only fifteen? Well, I'll have to fix that, won't I? You won't be able to take your eyes off me for at least half an hour. [ Teasing. But he couldn't resist throwing in that last part more or less for the sole purpose of seeing what kind of reaction it'd garner him from Chris, whose every expression thus far has been small and secretive.

In any case, he's used to having eyes on him. His mask was different from Chris's though— less self defense and completely meant for the benefit of charming people to his own end. Not that it was all an act. He liked figuring people's buttons out, and high school politics, while similar to pack politics, was an entirely different beast of its own. It was fascinating. ]

Everything. [ Knowledge was power, but beyond that, there was a pure pleasure to be found in learning something new. Even if it was the truth, it was an unsatisfying answer, so he tacked on: ] I have a soft spot for mythology. What about you?

[ Museums were an unusual place of interest for a teenage boy, and Peter didn't need to be human to know that. But Chris was shaping up to be an anomaly in the best way possible. ]

Kate's your sister?

[ There's a moment of suspension— Peter looking at Chris looking at him, and then his face relaxed into a smile. He slowed down to a walk, glancing at Chris. ]

The weight room's stuffy this time of year.

Edited 2017-05-22 19:38 (UTC)

[ The quip rolled over in his mind a few times, a thin smile pulling at Chris' lips for a brief moment. Normally, others never took the time to joke with him and certain not to vaguely flirt with him. He doubted Peter meant it as actual flirting, the guy seemed to enjoy having attention as far as he could tell so far. Being 'charming' and 'friendly' would be tools to make it happen. It made him wonder what the overly charming ways hid because everyone put on a mask for some reason.

Everyone had something to hide. ]

You'd have to really work to keep my eyes on you. My eyes are known to wander if something doesn't really interest me. [ His very, very poor attempt to 'charm' and 'flirt' back but he didn't have a lot of practice! He only attempted 'extra friendliness' once while they were in Chicago and the disaster kind of sworn him off other attempts. ]

[ Mythology actually made a lot of sense with the details Chris already gathered about the guy. He wondered if Peter believed in any of the tales to apply to his own life? If only he knew the actual truth behind some of the creatures. The darkest things to crawl along the earth. ] Ancient history. Knights. Medieval weaponry. That kind of thing. I've always found Ancient Rome really fascinating. [ In some ways, he lived the life of a gladiator. ]

[ He nodded slowly. ] Yeah, Kate's my usually annoying little sister. Just us and - my dad. [ The label sending bitterness continuously into his mouth. ]

Walking it is, then. I prefer being outdoors if I can help it.

I like a challenge. [ And he could say the same of himself. Wouldn't most people? But the turtle was drawing itself out of its shell, seemed like.

It's knowing that there was more to mythology than them being mere stories which made them fascinating to him; the grain of truth hidden in each one, the tales of monsters and supernatural that were more real than anyone suspected. The irony of it was rich. But with Beacon Hills' history, he had a feeling all of his reading would come in handy one day. ]

Fighting and slaying monsters. A fan of epics? Or just action and adventure?

[ There was no shortage of any of those in Chris's particular scope of interest. Nothing too weird about it either. Plenty of people liked history and a little bit of escapism.

He kicked the grass absently. A three person family. Small, by his own standards. What was it like to live in a house where pockets of quiet were common? Peter wouldn't know.

Bitterness smelled exactly like it sounded, and not even the crisp breeze in the air could snatch it away entirely from Chris every time he mentioned his family. He laughs. ] Is she that bad? What's it like? I have a big family, and there's always someone hanging around the house.

[ The phrase nearly sounded like a promise and it interested Chris more than he wanted to admit to. Attaching himself to anything or anyone would only hurt in the end, especially with how much he had to hide. He couldn't exactly tell normal people what his family did for a living and how they were training him to do the same. How could he explain the supernatural and not seem completely insane? No, he needed to drift in and out of things without leaving a strong enough impression for anyone to remember later. ]

Both. When I was younger, my mom read a lot about dragons and I guess my interest started there. [ The earlier bitterness didn't translate to mentioning his mother at all. Only wistfulness lingered and more than a little longing. He missed her so badly everyday and sometimes her loss made him so angry at the supernatural world. Without it, she would still be alive. Until his last breath, he'd blame Gerard for what happened to her. ]

She's just a lot. She talks a lot and has so much energy. [ He shook his head. ] She's also really, really bossy, demanding and always gets her way. [ Daddy's little princess. ] Do you have a lot of siblings? I don't have a big immediate family but in Paris I've got a pretty big extended one. [ Each one more bloodthirsty than the last minus his mother's side of the family. They were outside of the hunter organization and it always surprised him how Gerard married her in the first place. ] If I randomly slip into French, I'm sorry.

[ Mother: no longer in the picture, but missed. That much was obvious. Dearly departed, maybe? Peter could only imagine the loss. He's heard before that losing a pack member was like losing a part of yourself, and his pack was his family. It would be a blow to everyone to lose anyone, but the good thing about pack was that those left behind had each other. A lone wolf was a lost wolf.

Humans understood the idea of pack to an extent, something of its structure reflected in the support of a family, but they had no idea what it was truly like. ]

Isn't that because she's the youngest? I get it. I don't have a younger sister, but I have a younger brother, and an older sister. A ton of cousins— and my niece and nephew. [ Talia's kids. ] But they don't all live with us.

[ He smiled at Chris. ] I won't make fun of you too much for it. Are you going to take French? It should be an easy pass for you.

[ The Argents weren't something Chris divulged too much about and he already said more to Peter than he had with anyone else. It confused him why he wanted to talk to the guy at all, let alone about more personal subjects. Okay, family typically didn't exist as personal but the Argents were a very different breed to say the least. ] Possibly. She takes full advantage of being the youngest. [ It afforded her a little less harshness, something he made sure of. He made sure to keep most of Gerard's focus and demands because he could take them. The wounds eventually healed and they were worth it if he spared his sister from facing the same. ]

[ Niece and nephew? ] Your older sister must be a lot older huh? [ How would it be to have such a big family? A close one by the sounds of it. ] Must not be a lot of quiet.

Would kind of be cheating, wouldn't it? I mean, I'm fluent in French. [ He gave a slight shrug as the whistle for the class blew and everyone started rushing towards the doors to get back inside within the locker rooms. ] What's your next class? [ Why did he even care? Nothing about Peter made any kind of sense and a danger rested with his interest. A very, very toxic danger. ]

Ah. [ Peter's smile was knowing. Daddy's little girl, from the sound of it. Like how Derek was Talia's darling, precious boy. Derek was sweet rather than spoiled, but who knew if that would change? And Laura was already a bossy handful. She was going to be a terror one day.

It might sound overwhelming to anyone not used to it, to someone like Chris, with his small family, but Peter loved it. Loved everyone in his family, even if everyone got on each other's nerves sometimes and fights broke out over the pettiest of things, because at the end of the day, they were still family. Pack.

A little privacy would be nice though. ] A decade or so older, give or take. And no, it's always busy. But you get used to it.

[ He winked at Chris. ] I'd call it playing to your strengths. I have English next, what about you? Do you have your schedule in your bag?

[ He could look it over, see which classes they shared. ]

[ If Chris didn't know any better he might believe some of Peter's friendliness to be downright flirting. But why would he flirt with him? Chris didn't really consider himself anything too remarkable and not being the most open person only made it more difficult for anyone to connect with him. At least, on a deeper level beyond just the baser aspects of looks and attractiveness.

Digging through his bag once they reached the lockers again, Chris handed off the schedule. Why did he keep seeking Peter out? It made little sense and he knew the underlining dangers with the kind of lifestyle surrounding him. Getting anyone else involved would be reckless, even in just a distant sort of way. If nothing else, there would be too many excuses offered and lies to weave in and out of everything. ]

I'm still trying to figure out where everything is. The school isn't that big but new places -- [ He gave a half shrug and it only faintly occurred to him how his remark sounded like an invitation. ]

[ There's a whiff of something around Chris that Peter couldn't quite pinpoint, first with colliding mess of body sprays and deodorant in the change room, then outdoors with the wind snatching away Chris's scent at every turn. It sent a thrill down his spine, but short of pinning Chris against the locker and taking a deep whiff of his neck, he might not figure it out for a couple days yet.

Peter did enjoy a mystery.

He took the schedule, running his finger down the page. ]

We don't have English together, but I'm in both of your classes after lunch. [ New places were confusing. Chris didn't need to follow that up for Peter to take the unspoken, unextended invitation. He smiled, and handed the schedule back to Chris. ] I'll find you later in the cafeteria, and I can walk you to the rooms? Since we'll be going the same way.

[ The heart pounding anticipation curling around him didn't make any sense, neither did the relief from Peter's remarks. Why did he want to spend more time around him in the first place? Chris never cared about 'making connections', beyond the necessary ones for the hunting organization. Involving outsiders only led to pain, which he knew from two schools ago and the mistakes he made there. He couldn't be normal and if he didn't watch out, Gerard would decide to pull him from school completely. Could he survive being around the man constantly?

He knew he couldn't.

Taking the schedule back with a shy smile, Chris nodded his head.

What in the hell? ]

I'll see you at lunch then? I probably should have brought something. Cafeterias are never known for five star meals. [ He shoved the schedule into his bag, taking a few steps back but not leaving just yet. ]

[ It was endlessly, relentlessly endearing, the shy curve of Chris Argent's smile, how he reeked of nerves and uncertainty at complete odds with his appearance. His stride and the graceful lines of it, coupled with how he always seemed to think before he spoke. And those eyes. Peter was charmed despite himself. The wolf in him completely agreed. It wanted to rub itself all over Chris and drench him thoroughly in their scent until there was no mistaking—

And that wasn't happening. He marshaled himself and grinned at Chris. ]

Don't worry. It isn't Monday, remember?

[ No Monday Mystery Meat to contend with, just the typical cafeteria hash. Peter jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. ] Gotta run. My locker's back there, and I need to grab my books for next class. I'll see you later, Chris.

[ With his heart still pounding, Chris nodded his head, trying to not look too disappointed. Why did he even care? He never bonded or attached himself to others and he certainly never 'crushed' on anyone. The one time he attempted it turned into a disaster and besides Gerard would line someone up for him.

Someone respectful and from a prominent hunting family. A practical arranged marriage rested on the horizon for him. The very same for Katie but she'd have more of a selection than he would since the women were the leaders. ]

I'll be seeing you, Peter. [ To spare himself anymore embarrassment, he took off in the direction of his next class, counting down the minutes until lunch. The fluttery anticipation didn't make any sense either.

When he entered the lunchroom, he felt too many eyes on him and whispers followed his trek towards an empty table. He didn't make friends easily at all and most tended to find his temperament odd for one his age.

He set the tray onto the table, looking down at it with barely veiled disgust. It didn't look good at all and he really should have brought a book or something with him.

The eyes were still on him and he felt like leaving but Peter said he'd see him at lunch.

Pathetic. ]

[ Peter ran late, caught up in a conversation about the upcoming basketball match and their opponents on the way to the cafeteria. He hadn't forgotten his promise, he was just distracted, the usual wash of gossip in the cafeteria filtering through to his senses, mostly ignored until he heard:

Is that the new kid? Over there, by the window— You go talk to him. No, you do it.

Chris.

He was easy to pick out, at the empty table by the window, the set of his shoulders uncomfortable and screaming that he'd rather be anywhere than here. Peter lit up, and headed towards him. He slid into the seat opposite of Chris, dropping his lunch down on the table. ]

You're the talk of the school. [ Said teasingly, ignoring the uptick in the buzz of conversation after he sat down in favour of pulling out his lunch: a massive club sandwich on sourdough, an apple, several pieces of Reese's, and juice. The cafeteria food was typical, he told Chris. Typical meaning shitty, which was why Peter packed his own lunch. ]

Nobody here bites. Well, not hard, anyway. They [ he nodded his head towards them, one of whom waved at Peter before they withdrew into a giggling gaggle ] would've made room for you. Are you just shy?

[ The way he lit up at the sight of Peter probably screamed pathetic but he felt too relieved to try and hide his reaction as he normally would. Typically, he kept a very firm grasp on his emotions, skilled to an extreme with compartmentalizing, something even Gerard felt pride over. To think of a father feeling proud over being emotionless and void of anything real when the time called for it, which tended to be often. Training his emotions meant keeping an edge over others who could use the feelings against him. There were so many ways to overcome someone but emotional manipulation just so happened to be the strongest and most lethal. ]

Must be a slow day. [ Chris remarked as he slid the glop on his plate from one side to the other. Disgusting. On the way home, he would need to grab something to eat since he lost dinner privileges for the next week and a half. He refused to 'put down' an omega and Gerard punished him dearly for it. The punishment would continue but he could deal with it.

Shy, right. Better Peter believe him to be shy than to know the actual truth. The awkwardness also didn't help him much. ]

Yeah - I'm not really good at -- [ He waved his hand out, offering a shrug of his shoulder. ] I move a lot. Never really get the chance. [ The fear over involving anyone in his life always lingered as well. ] I never know what to say. [ What if someone asked what are your weekend plans?

'Oh, I'll be performing drills and if I miss anything I'll be locked in the attic for a few hours in the dark hearing the mice scatter around me. Then after that, I'll sit in a forest waiting for something to come and if anything does, I'll have to try and not die because my dad would be really mad to lose his soldier.'

Yep, let him get right on that. ]

No, take it from me. [ He smiled at Chris, languid and with just a flash of white teeth. ] It's a very special day, and all because of you.

[ An unrepentant flirt, one of his closer friends had called him once. Peter didn't deny it. There was power in attraction, and it was easy to get what he wanted when people liked him. Of course, people always liked a pretty face, and he knew his was right in that range.

He wrinkled his nose at the garbage masquerading as food Chris was toying with, and took pity. It wasn't like him, but something about Chris reminded him of a kicked puppy. Plus, he could hear his stomach rumbling. He split his sandwich in two, tearing off half the parchment paper it was wrapped in, and slid it over to Chris's side of the table. ] My treat, since no one should have to eat what's on your plate unless they want food poisoning.

[ It was impossible for him to understand Chris's plight, but he made the appropriate noises, nodding. True, actual wolves had nomadic tendencies, but Peter couldn't imagine being constantly on the move, without a place to return to and call home. ]

You don't seem that bad to me. I'll let you in on a little secret— if you can't think of anything to say, just smile. That, and a face like yours> It'll win anyone over.

[ Most people preferred to do the talking anyway. He cocked his head at Chris. ] Does that mean you won't be here long?

[ A thin blush stained his cheeks at the remark and just the attention in general. He really didn't know what to do with it but he didn't want to push past it, at least. Somewhat progress to how he normally dwelt with things and it would have made his mother proud. She always wanted him to involve himself more with others to keep his heart purer than other hunters.

'A caring heart is a greater weapon than anything you load with bullets.'

He looked down at the sandwich half in surprise for a moment before he schooled his features again. It was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for him and he felt a lump in his throat, stupidly enough. He stopped having someone care for him when his mother passed and since then he took care of himself. ]

You don't have -- thank you. [ A shy smile pulled at his lips and he took a grateful bite of it. ] I'm not sure about all that but I'll try it. [ To prove his point, he smiled softly but it looked a bit sad almost. Chris really didn't smile much. What did he usually have to grin about? ]

[ He took another bite, fingers curling around his tiny bottle of water to take a sip. ] Usually, no, but it kind of sounds like we'll be here for awhile. Ge-dad was happy about something here. I don't know what but I've never seen him look so pleased.