WHITE AND GOLD -- JAX

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

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[atrb=background,http://i52.tinypic.com/21ovkeh.jpg] ZARA TALKS "" It had been an entire year and still there had been no progress. It wasn't even like they had properly tried. No, they had tried pathetically to plan out an attempt to rescue her but nothing had ever worked. Everything had failed and instead of continuing to plot the pack had slowly stopped. It had sickened the three year old to the core, she couldn't quite believe it, that they had given up so easily! This was her sister we're talking about, not just any random, her twin who'd always been there for her. Through thick and thin the sisters had grown up side by side, and for Zara losing Estelle was like losing one of her limbs or organs. It hurt like Hell. Zara had left Tempest temporarily. She just couldn't spend one more minute in that Asylum, the Clifftop or the Graveyard. Every location held it's own individual set of memories spent with her beautiful sister, and her absence was tearing Zara apart. The tall slender female just couldn't take it anymore, she had to get out and spend time thinking. The Akita mix thought of all the guys she had ever met, those that flirted with her, made her believe she was something special before disappearing off. Never to be seen or heard of again. Another reason for Zara's need to be alone, even if it was just for a few weeks, she needed some space. Beautiful big black eyes stared up at the ominous-looking security fence, that stretched up several metres high. Though there had been several holes dug underneath the netting, it still appeared as unwelcoming and threatening as it always had. The ivory and gray dog gazed around boredly, and then began to pad alongside the great prison fence, following it along aimlessly. ----------------------- table -- created by Kezzi image -- (c) to Puck90 on flickr

[jax;]

Walking gingerly around shattered neon lights, broken doors, and tattered posters telling of romantic intrigues long since forgotten by the world, Koen had to admit; the remains of what looked like the 'red light' district still had some spooky charm to it. Though with the current season as it was, something in the air left the place feeling dark, almost bitter. Like spurned lovers from ages ago, some buildings loomed. With the prison so nearby, the nip in the air felt vaguely...supernatural.

Stepping on a fragment of glass in the middle of the street, Koen stifled a yelp, his body tensing all at once. The resulting sound that did escape was a mix between a pitiful squeak and a frightened whine. Eyes wide, the young mutt's head whipped around. No one heard that, right? He was alone out here...right?

Sometimes he wondered if that was really a good thing. His lower lip jutting out slightly, Koen pouted as he scraped the shard of glass out of his paw, little drips of blood soaking into the cracked pavement. Just another little imperfection he'd have to hide from the world.

Continuing on, the hulking form of the old prison neared. The tall fences, lined with barb-wire and long since rusted out electrical wires were visible even from a good distance away. A sharp wind cut through the open street, tearing litter and other debris from their resting places and straight towards the gutted jail. Koen frowned slightly, looking about once more. Still alone. Then why did it feel like he was being pulled towards a massive scary building? Sometimes it was better to 'just go with it', for better or for worse.

Still frowning, Koen picked up the pace, padding quickly in the direction the wind dragged him. Leaves, twigs, and dirt galore had found its way well tangled into his silky fur, only deepening his frown. If the wind had led him astray, things would only get worse from there, and with as much pouting as he'd done recently, he was like to get wrinkles. A shiver raced down his spine at the thought; if he got wrinkles now, he'd be better off jumping off a cliff. Yet as he rounded the final building in front of the long fence line, every thought, expression, and emotion he had dissipated.

Walking almost aimlessly along its length, a pale dog, sleek and slender, came into view. In a matter of seconds, Koen's face did a number of acrobatic expressions, before settling on his typical, cocky smirk. Smoothing his fur down, he checked himself out in a nearby puddle. While he looked like he was having some sort of a bad fur day, it only served to make him look more roguish. Or, so he felt. To some, he might look like any other dirty mutt, but to Koen, it was beauty of a degree few could truly understand.

Waltzing over, trying so very hard to be as cool and intriguing as he possibly could, the young male stopped just a few steps in front of the stranger. Hello, there. He almost cooed, soaking in this loners appearance. Dark eyes like solid jet sat neatly within sharp features. Large, prick ears, a sharp snout, and creamy fur mottled with grizzled gray, and Koen found himself having to resist standing even closer. But if there was one thing he had learned through the years, it was that personal space is a very important thing, especially when dealing with those you don't know.

What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here alone?

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

Golden leaves crunched beneath the Zara's strong paws, releasing a satisfying sound into the silent autumnal air. Her breathing deepened as the athletic female slowed her pace even further, running her lithe body against the sturdy rustic fencing. Pricked ears swerved this way and that, just in case there was the odd creep lurking in the shadows behind. Still, she was distracted by her darkening thoughts. The dual-hued canine wondered whether her family missed her, they must do.. right? No she couldn't start doubting them now, once you went down that road of paranoia and lunacism there was no turning back.

Part of her missed the support and companionship of Tempest, her extended family. In fact it did feel quite bizarre to be separated from them when Zara had been surrounded by them her entire life, since birth. She felt somewhat vulnerable and as though she was entirely alone. Once upon a time, the grey and white girl had known she would always have back up nearby, ready to fight beside her. Paw for paw. Now, everything was different and for the first time ever, Zara stood alone. She had to rely on herself for everything and yet.. there was something liberating and refreshing about this fact. She no longer had to worry about whether she needed to bring food home, nor whether she was on guard duty that night. No, the three year old was utterly independent now.

Zara sensed his presence before she even smelt or heard the newcomer. Her hackles prickled all the way her back, creating an incredibly uncomfortable sensation that caused the sleek yet powerful German Shepherd cross to whirl around, rapidly. Her large eyes, that greatly resembled those of a seal, widened considerably as she consumed the scene before her. A young male canine was approaching her quietly, though from his open body language he did not appear to be hunting her. Zara's startled gaze transformed immediately into a guarded, glacial glare and she curled her lip in a hostile manner. Living on her own had taught the girl not to trust anyone until you had good reason to.

Zara almost scoffed at his overly arrogant lumber, and she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his approach. He looked ruffled, as though he'd just been caught up in hurricane, but despite the self-confidence and the dishevelment, Zara could not deny the male was attractive. It was his fur that demanded her attention, a light coat with handsome markings and it looked incredibly .. soft. On a normal day perhaps the slender dog would have been interested, but not today, not now. The Tempest General's daughter was in no mood for games, especially with this peacock. She sighed, frowning at the male in irritable silence. The words that slipped from his maw however did make the female chuckle under her breath and Zara rolled her eyes. Of course, the sexist assumption that because she was a bitch she could not defend herself.

"Thank you for your concern, buddy, but I can look after myself. I can show you if you like" Her last sentence dripped with a light threat, that if he tried anything funny there would be consequences. Toned, athletic muscles flexed beneath her thick fur as she shifted a little.

ooc ; i got rid of the table because it was so thin and annoying haha!

[jax;]

The reaction he received was not what he had been expecting. All puffed up and a curled lip transformed the beauty into a picture perfect example of someone who was not to be toyed with. Though he would never admit it, Koen's composure was cracked, ever so slightly. Though still trying to keep a sly smirk on his maw, his brows furrowed gently, his light blue eyes darting this way and that, making sure he had exits available should things get ugly. As pretty as she was, he wasn't about to ruin his dashing good looks over one little dove that caught his eye. The defensive, almost criticizing stare she gave him was enough to make his tail twitch.

Yet he had seen worse. This female would not make him tuck tail and run; not now. He heard her sigh, saw the decidedly frustrated look she gave him, and knew he'd have save few chances to turn this around before she snapped his handsome face off and went well on her way. Mustering up his most convincing chuckle, Koen tossed his head over his shoulder only to spy a massive raccoon digging through what appeared to be an abandoned deer carcass. There was still a good bit of meat left; a good snack, for anyone who could chase the irritable beast away from it.

Koen always tried his best to avoid the creatures. They were mean, that was for certain. A particular kind of nasty that made it unpleasant just to have to walk by them. Once they found something they wanted, they'd guard it ferociously, and from the look of scars mottling this one's striped and splotched body, it was a seasoned veteran. Well then, oh Master of the Streets. He began, rolling his eyes slightly as he motioned over to the beast. This damsel has found himself in a bit of a predicament. That monstrous thing over there has taken all that I have left to my name, but I can't seem to gather the courage to go near it, let alone chase it off. There was much dramatics thrown in, with woeful eyes, whimpering, and longing stares at the rotted carcass.

Glancing back at the strange female, he smiled lightly. It was almost instinctual; a pretty face always put a smile on his. Would you care to show me how it's done? His voice was lower then, almost flirtatious. If this was the kind of game she wanted to play, by all means Koen would play along. But would she accept the challenge?

In the short time he'd been travelling by himself, Koen had met with more disaster than he'd care to remember. More often than not, his big mouth would get him into trouble and some raging bitch would come after him for 'accidentally' insulting her, or 'accidentally' hurting her feelings for going after another female. Yet sometimes they never even gave him a chance, and to Koen, that almost hurt more. Not that he really got his feelings hurt by anyone. His narcissism was like a protective bubble; it didn't matter who hated him or why, so long as he loved himself, that's all that mattered.

So what if this one laughed at him like all the others and walked away? He had himself, the thing he loved more than anything in the world.

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

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The reaction provided to Zara by her new company was most amusing, entertaining even. Almost instantly the smug, self-assured expression on his face flickered minimally to uncertainty though it was indeed still difficult to detect underneath all that pretense he was putting up. Coal black met ice blue, and Zara frowned once more; disliking the eye contact and it seemed that this boy felt somewhat uncomfortable beneath her critical glare. Good, I don't know why he thought he could just come along and ruin my afternoon. Still, it appeared he was determined upon retaining his pride and arrogance. The two-toned female forced herself to relax, it would never to do to come across so uptight and hormonal. No doubt, a dog like this would use such things against her!

Part of her wanted to simply give up on the aimless, time-wasting conversation and walk away. Truthfully there was nothing stopping her, no nothing at all. So why on earth was she still hanging around this creeper, who had popped up out of virtually nowhere to hit on her? Maybe it was because he was the first canine she'd seen in nearly two weeks, or at least conversed with. Perhaps Zara was missing the social life of a pack member more than she had originally thought? It was yet to be seen and all the same, she still hadn't put a foot in the other direction. Her hackles however remained as stiff and intolerant as ever, clearly showing this similar aged, maybe younger dog, that she would not hesitate to attack him. If she was pushed that was.

Suddenly the red and white male was talking again, this time his tone was far less inviting. Now it held a edge of mockery that made Zara's lip curl, repulsed by his cheek. Inky lips peeled back to reveal sharp glinting teeth, and the girl transformed from the pretty to the frightening. His little dialogue caused the bitch's black eyes to flash in growing anger, he was taunting her, challenging her. The female mutt could see the large raccoon in the background, though she had previously ignored the hefty fellow. Zara had no qualms with him, and he had no qualms with her and so they had held a mutual agreement. The Tempest lady was not hungry, being the skilled hunter she had been brought up to be, catching prey often was no difficulty. So instead of bending to the command of this lad before her, the tall strong canine took a step in her companion's direction.

Now she had had enough. Her sister could be dying at the hands of a twisted merciless feline at this very moment, and what was she doing? Wasting her time on a kid who thought it would be funny to wind a random girl up, well you picked the wrong girl buster. An low, rumbling snarl ripped from her larynx as she closed the gap between the Golden Retriever mutt with two strides. "What are you playing at, boy? Do you think life is just one big game huh? Because let me tell you something right now, I don't play games, not any more. Not after-" The volume and intensity of Zara's voice had rocketed and her growling jaws were not far from the male's skull. She'd almost mentioned her lurking depression to a complete stranger! Zara backed up quickly, looking down at her paws in an almost embarrassed manner. She supposed she had got her mothers' temper, but still..

"I- I'm s- Look, whatever your name is, there is no way in Hell that I'm going to run prancing over to that raccoon just because you told me too. Clearly, you have no idea how the world works because to risk injury on both myself and the creature is foolish and senseless. I'm not having the best of times right now and I certainly don't need you stressing me out even further." She sighed, sat down on her haunches and her hackles completely flattened. Glancing upwards now, her expression clear but guarded once more Zara rose. "If that is all, I will let you continue with your day."

[jax;]

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[bg=000000][atrb=background,http://oi45.tinypic.com/33degeh.jpg] Koen took the snarling as a good sign to stop dicking around. She marched quickly and effortlessly up to him, her teeth glinting every now and then. The mutt couldn't help but cringe slightly, his eyes wide, his head bobbing frantically to show the crazy one he understood, he was listening, there was no need to bite his face off just yet. Talking a half step back, his head already leaning uncomfortably far away, it was now that he realized that she was just a small bit taller than him. Almost tuning out her harsh words, his face went blank, save for his knotted brow. She was graceful, even in her rage, something that caught him off guard. What nearly blew him off his feet, however, was what came next. Just as it seemed she had neared her breaking point, the moment at which Koen typically ran for the hills, she pulled back. Half expecting it to be a trick, the young dog gave the stranger a questioning look. What was wrong? This wasn't how this song and dance went. Where was the flash of teeth? The snapping at his face? The threats against his life? Easing his poised muscles, the merle mutt gave an irritated snap of his tail. No. He began, his tone, remarkably quite serious. You don't get to just apologize for that and then walk away. I might not know how your world works, but I know how mine does. I'm not done here! A wide, dorky grin spread across his face, his body suddenly taking up it's typical prideful stance. You say you don't play games? Well maybe that's the problem! Why bother living your life if you don't enjoy it? Dropping to his belly for a moment, Koen danced around the grey female. Always playing with fire, sometimes he didn't know when to stop. Why don't you play with me? I don't bite. An almost childish giggle bubbled out of his throat as he spoke. Unless you ask nicely, of course. Whatever Koen had stepped into, it lead to a dark, dangerous place within the one before him. He was curious, as always, but not stupid enough to try to stamp much further on that wound. She was hiding something that was trying it's damnedest to get out. Everyone had skeletons in their closets, but she had something much more deeply rooted. She had more than enough power to kill him; something that made it all the more exciting. She still retained an aura of beauty, even with the foul mood she was in. Imagine what she'll look like with a smile. What have you got to lose?

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][bg=dbb781] Walk the walk Talk the talk Zara knew she shouldn't have been mildly surprised when the male quickly changed his demeanor. I suppose she had thought that maybe, despite her assumption that he wasn't quite as hard as he was making out to be, there was some true courage beneath the show. She sighed again, though this time it was almost inaudible, more private. Jet black eyes surveyed him in silence, as the merle boy spied something however that she wasn't entirely sure about. It was as though he was... admiring her? Though she knew that many girls would kill for a youngster as handsome as him to fawn over them, Zara knew that it was just physical attraction. There would never be any depth to it, and it was for this reason that Zara put herself down about relationships. It wasn't like she hadn't talked to male canines before, like she hadn't had attention from them but she'd never been in a relationship before. Most weren't looking for something serious with such a pretty face, no they were more interested in either bedding her or showing her off to their mates. So instead of feeling flattered, the ashen girl was overcome with deflation and disappointment in her life. No doubt she would live a long lonely life, and it wasn't unlikely that she would die alone. Maybe because Zara would never let anyone close until she was completely sure they were for real, and they likelihood of that being possible was incredibly slim. She brought her focus back onto the red and white canine before her, who now stood with an almost irritated expression on his face. As though he had been expecting more, expecting violence and fury, as though he was let down when she had given him a second chance. When she had checked herself. It caused a fleeting frown to pass across her previously calm face, but she shook it off almost instantly. The bitch thought he would have been relieved she hadn't ripped the skin from his attractive face. Then he spoke, and this time his tone was completely different. For a moment her acquaintance seemed genuine, serious not to mention thoughtful. It threw Zara a little, and now he truly had her attention. Her ears pricked forward and her gaze softened slightly as he mentioned the point that if she didn't enjoy her life, why was she living it? It chilled her blood. The three year old hadn't considered that way out of this grief, this never-ending pain. If Estelle had been ... murdered by those demons, maybe this was the only way to be with her again. To listen to her voice, to feel her fur brush against her own as they ran through the night, laughing. The female felt slightly ill, if only her parents knew what kind of a state she was in. No, she couldn't think of that option yet, she was young and heaven knows what effect it would have on her existing family. Plus who said Estelle was dead? There had to be a way out of this self-destructive pit, surely. The female had tried everything she could possibly think of, but nothing had remotely worked. Zara's eyes widened a little as she watched the loner drop lower and prance about like a puppy. For a moment, she was slightly unsure as of how to react. She sat down, curling her tail self-consciously round her paws as she recoiled from him; surprised by this sudden outburst of laughter and happiness. It made the girl feel somewhat jealous of this stranger, this boy who didn't seem to carry a care in the world and troubled by nothing. Envy clouded her gentled gaze, but she did not have the energy to fend him off anymore. Zara didn't want to fight, not really, she just wanted peace; inside and out. Why wasn't her life as simple as his? Though his playfulness did strike up a question in her mind, what on earth had happened to her over the past twelve months? There would have been a time when to pass the opportunity to dance and flirt with a gorgeous unknown male was a crime! When she would have grinned and laughed, and let herself live openly and freely. His liberty made Zara feel sickeningly nostalgic, where had all all her beautiful spirit gone? She remained silent as his final question came, and suddenly she cocked her slender muzzle in thought. It was these words that made up her mind, because in reality what on earth did she have to lose? She didn't have a family to protect, a pack's honour and secrets to uphold and guard, or any kind of responsibility. There were no consequences, no tomorrows, no worries. Zara's mind was filled with what a wise lady had once told her, something that made her heart swell; "freedom's just another word for nothing left to loose, live for today because tomorrow is a privilege and don't ever let anyone say you can't.". Sometimes you have to loose it all to find it all, sometimes the greatest things come from the darkest places. A great weight seemed to lift from her shoulders, even if it wasn't permanent.. it was beautifully liberating. And so she smiled. It was small but heartbreakingly pure, as though she were releasing her soul from all the devastating agony that had cracked her heart for all these months and setting it free to fly as high as the birds. Zara rose slowly to her paws, "Zara. You can call me Zara." She glanced down at the ground, swallowing her sweet awkwardness and meeting his eyes for the first time as an equal.

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[jax;]

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[bg=000000][atrb=background,http://oi45.tinypic.com/33degeh.jpg] That sweet little smile could have brought light back into anyone's world. It sent warmth rippling through the young dog's body, sending shivers down his spine as he couldn't help but give her a goofy, lopsided grin in return. He listened intently as she spoke, his tail wagging gently behind him. He liked her like. He liked her lots. He had even gotten her to smile and tell him her name. Zara. He repeated, enjoying how the word felt on his lips. I'm Koen. For the first time since they had met moments ago, she made full eye contact with him, an almost adolescent nervous tension to her. Koen stayed quiet for a time, his eyes delving into hers, as if he could see everything splayed out for him to see; her wants, her fears, the past she tried to hide. The eyes were the very portal to the soul, weren't they? But he knew it wouldn't be that easy. It was why he loved this game so dearly; it was a challenge to get close to them, to learn who they were and why. It took time and patience, something Koen had a decided lack of. Yet when it came to toying with the hearts of the young and vulnerable, he had all the time in the world. Well, now that that's out of the way, He began, his voice a bit breathless, flashing Zara another playful smile. Shall we dance? He was still taken aback by everything that had happened in such a short while. Bounding off a small ways, his gait bouncy and carefree, he turned to half stare at her again. A beautiful creature set against an abysmal backdrop. She didn't belong here, Koen decided. She belonged somewhere as pretty as she was, with plenty of space to run and be free. No dark buildings hovering over her shoulder, the sun shining on her pale fur, a sweet wind running through it. The thought to take her to such a place ran through his head, but he quickly pushed it aside. No. You know that won't happen. A bitter voice he often chose to ignore took lead of his mind for a moment, his eyes turning cold as his eyes ripped away from Zara, focusing more on the ground in front of her. Shaking it off as best he could, he smiled sweetly at her. Some part of him, that harsh, bitter voice, felt sorry for her. She had already given him a second chance, and let him in to her small broken world. Though just a foothold, it was all Koen needed. It was all he ever needed. Just enough to slowly get more and more out of them. To gain their trust, learn their secrets, perhaps even bask in the light of their love. Like a cancer, Koen found his way into the smallest of cracks, slowly but surely growing bigger and stronger of a presence. When he had what he wanted, whether it be to lay with them, simply to flaunt them, to take something from them, or for reasons unexplained even to him, he would leave. Vanishing almost into thin air, before leaving for Hexasol, he had heard tale of one scorned lover of his taking her own life. But things like that never bothered the young male much. Better she be dead than he be a dad. The mere suggestion left a horrible taste in his mouth. The idea that he'd have to face commitment someday terrified him. Not now, not ever. It was more often than not why he ran. Life was a game to him, and settling down was no fun at all. He'd stay as long as it pleased him, but the moment she spoke of 'having some little ones' around, he'd high tail it. He'd been lucky, thus far. No one had followed him here, and he hadn't enough time to set up the same long list of people to avoid. Already knowing a small piece of Zara, he knew she'd be a challenge to get and a challenge to lose, and yet...he didn't want to think of the future. He knew himself. He knew the chances of his will being able to keep him around were slim. Yet, for a moment, he entertained the idea of it. Just as that sad, harsh voice echoed in his head before, one he had never heard before swelled up from the bottom of his heart. The words were foreign, and for a moment, he didn't understand what his brain was trying to tell him. Yet as he pushed the doubts and the fears away, it became clearer. In his father's booming voice, it said ,'If it is meant to be, it will always find a way' As if waking from a light doze, his expression softened. Those on the outside might take him for daydreaming, which wasn't altogether untrue. Smiling gently at Zara, Koen made a mental note; this one wouldn't be so easy.

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][bg=dbb781] Walk the walk Talk the talk As she stood opposite him, with her soot-black locking with his own bright blue, the idea that he could be playing her for a fool crossed her mind. It pierced her thoughts like a fiery arrow to the heart, perhaps she should be more careful? What did she really know about this merle mutt, other than he had prompted something from deep within her. He'd said words that had triggered a feeling of liberation, a feeling that had spread throughout her entire body. However, from prior experience Zara knew that the men that made you feel a million dollars where the ones who most had to watch. They knew all the right things to say, all the right moves to make and they knew how to ignite sparklers in the very pit of your stomach. The white and gray bitch frowned for a moment, though it was miniscule, it broke their eye contact and her new-found confidence stumbled once more. Then again, would she get anywhere in life with that guarded, paranoid attitude? Nikita and Hueso had taught her to stand up for herself but never to block out the entire world, never isolate yourself from love. Zara knew first hand what it was like to have your heart crushed into a thousand shattered fragments, though she'd never truly been in love, it often felt as though the crushes she'd had on certain guys had been love. One particular male, a handsome chocolate labrador, had hit her hard. He'd led her on, seduced her, and Zara had fallen head over heels for him and his provocations. He'd always been full of promises, of what their future would entail. For a brief time she had wondered whether he was the one, until that fateful morning when she awoke to find an empty place beside her. The chocolate labrador was never to be seen again. She was a hopeless romantic and had been even since she was a tiny puppy. Not that Zara would ever admit this to anybody, not even her sister, though she didn't doubt Estelle had figured this out herself. It seemed that the two-toned three year old constantly chose the wrong partners, as though she were drawn to those that would use and abuse her. Maybe it was their dashing looks, or their perfect speeches. Who knew? Her attention was suddenly brought back to real life, as the canine spoke once more. Koen, a unique name, not one she'd heard before. Zara smiled slowly at him, batting her tail ever so gently against the floor as she sat down again. The female was slightly taken aback by his next words. Dancing, well that was something new! A soft chuckle fluttered from her maw, "Well Koen, it's not quite as simple as that. I'm not as simple as that." Zara frowned a little, if he wanted to get to know her and stick around he was going to have to work a bit harder than that. No way, was she allowing herself to make the same mistakes once more! The female knew that if she let him in, if she let him flirt and seduce her there would be no turning back. "I'm surprised you haven't made a run for it already after my erratic behaviour. Why? What is so special about me, or are you just bored of solitude." She trotted forward now, to stand beside him as he glanced backwards. Zara paused at his shoulder, raising an eyebrow before stalking on past.

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[jax;]

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[bg=000000][atrb=background,http://oi45.tinypic.com/33degeh.jpg] Now, things were getting interesting. Was she testing him? Asking questions to judge his character, or his wit? Some females did this more for show, to try to hide the fact that they were that easy to get. Yet somehow it felt different with Zara. Her tone was genuine, playful but still cautious. She was being careful; had she been hurt by someone like himself before? Koen's mind turned over the thought like a well rounded stone. That would make things difficult. No prize is worth claiming without effort. I highly doubt many things with you are ever really 'simple'. He teased, hearing the gentle swish of her tail against the ground. Watching her every graceful step as she came to stand side by side with him, Koen felt a hitch in his breath. She really was something. He knew he'd have to stop getting caught up if he was going to ever get away. What isn't special about you? He asked, a flirtatious smile flashing at the pretty female. Maybe I didn't run because I like the abuse. He began, trotting a pace behind Zara as she took off before him. Maybe I could see the charming young thing you are beneath the snarling and the teeth. Prickles ran down his body in little waves as he thought back to the threat he faced earlier. Maybe I just like a girl who can hold her own. His voice lowered as he finished, his gaze turning to stare longingly at her behind, and the way it swayed to and fro when she walked. Shaking his head vigorously, Koen tried to keep his head faced forward, though he still glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. But truth be told? His voice was wispy, a gentle breeze of sound. I didn't run because you held back. You didn't chase me off. You apologized. I don't get that mercy often. Sighing gently, his focus turned down towards his front paws as he walked alongside her. He often over-exaggerated his 'successes', usually covering up any word of his defeats. Or maybe I am just bored of being alone! He burst out laughing at the idea. When Koen was done being by himself, he wasn't bored, he was attention starved. While it had been some time since he had seen someone else, he hadn't gotten quite to that breaking point. Koen was a different creature when he was left to his own devices for too long; one that even he himself didn't like. It was at times what got him into the most trouble, so the young male always made it a point to socialize when he got the chance. So what about you? He blurted, his pace suddenly goofy, lackadaisical almost. Why give me that second chance in the first place? You could have just snapped my face off and gone on your merry way. Hell, you still can, if you really want. The offer's open. He leaned his head slightly in her direction, a dumb grin spread from ear to ear. Though he sincerely hoped she wouldn't take him up on that.

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=cellpadding,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][bg=dbb781] Walk the walk Talk the talk Zara enjoyed the way the soft breeze ruffled her thick sleek pelt. She lifted her slender muzzle to the gentle gust of wind that swept past the decrepit prison, toying with the couple's downy fur. Brown eyes cast sideways as she heard pawsteps approach, hearing his voice behind. A small laugh fell from her jaws, tail swishing from left to right in quiet amusement. Ah, well aren't you the intuitive one Koen. Though if dogs could blush, Zara would have found her cheeks colouring crimson at his second 'special' comment, which to be honest was quite unusual for her. She was relatively used to compliments, especially around males when they came thick and fast. So why was she so fazed by this guy and his smooth lines? Shaking her head a little, the dual-toned girl brushed away these distracting thoughts. She couldn't help but throw him a dashing beam in reply to his gleaming smile, matching him paw for paw now. He truly was handsome wasn't he, with a gorgeous unique coat, and electrifying blue eyes. "Oh my, you aren't some kind masochist are you?" She exclaimed in an overly-dramatic, playful tone; this also surprised her. Zara could feel herself physically loosening up around the carefree male, how bizarre that a stranger could transform her mood completely and revert her back to the sweet, flirtatious young lady she truly was! "And maybe I just like a boy who won't cower before me." She threw a nonchalant, questioning glance in his direction; supplemented by a raised eyebrow. Zara couldn't help but remember the fear blazing boldly in Koen's eyes as she released her anger upon him. Still, she shouldn't blame him for recoiling a little, it was natural. The light female slowed her pace as she locked visual contact with her companion once more, her heart skipping a beat involuntarily. Seriously, Zara, get a grip. He's just some random kid. Though she couldn't deny the fact that his soft, liquid tone rolled off of his tongue like honey. Her brow knitted together briefly as she listened silently, so he was given the cold shoulder by most? Rejected? Despite his brusque, cheeky manner Zara sensed he had a good heart. Maybe it was his flirtatious manner but still she knew she was warming to him. The girl brushed against his shoulder gently, "Well, I'm glad I did Koen and because I suppose you're not too bad. It's their loss anyway." The female gazed into his eyes and once more her heart palpated, her cheeks warming. Tensing slightly as she felt the atmosphere heat up several degrees, she lifted her head and elevated into a faster pace. Shaking her head and rolling her eyes at his next comment, as if dealing with a mischievous over-confident pup. Zara wagged her tail, forcing herself to relax a little as he enquired about herself. The slender female cocked her head and thought for a moment or two. "Me? My father always taught me to be fair, that everyone makes mistakes and they should be punished for it. But they should be forgiven, and offered a second chance. None of us are perfect.." She glanced downwards, closing her eyes momentarily; enveloped in thought of her lost sister. Once more she shook it all off and smiled at Koen, "And maybe I'm just bored of being alone too." Zara laughed kindly, padding along mildly.

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[bg=000000][atrb=background,http://oi45.tinypic.com/33degeh.jpg] Hearing her talk of her father made Koen feel...jealous, almost. There were no second chances in his family. His father was a stern character with high expectations of his children. While his double merle son held a striking resemblance of him, his father could not hide his disappointment and contempt towards Koen. Since he was born, he expected the small pup to follow in his footsteps. Yet as he grew, one screw up led to another, and the distance grew between his father and himself to where their moments together were short and awkward. His mother was how most mothers were; supportive in an almost smothering way. Thinking back, he could still remember the sound of her crying when he left. He pitied her more than he loved her. His siblings held little love for him either; not quite mean, but not close to him at all. If anything, they were disinterested. In short, Koen had been the black sheep. He never amounted to anything his family wanted, was thought to be useless, and told so on a regular basis. At times he wondered if he would really have turned out so different if things weren't as they had been. Looking at Zara, he returned the gentle smile she threw at him. So stay with me. He almost whispered. Even if only for a little while. It had only been just then that he thought of what kind of life she might have had. Was she from a pack? Where was her family now? He shuddered at the thought of her trying to get him to meet them. He never did well with families; they reminded him too much of what he wanted when he was growing up, and hated to think of what they would do if he screwed up again. I don't want to be alone anymore. He breathed, his words almost pained, but still holding some shred of hope. Coming to an abrupt stop, Koen's gaze still followed Zara. Forgetting the future, he absorbed everything that happened now. The memories made now would never be lost. (kind of running out of steam for this thread lol, maybe we wrap it up soon and head on to the next one?)