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angstfactory · 6 months
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Aiden only smiled and nodded agreement to the alpha's words. He felt warm and excited, just to be near him again. Or was that happiness? It was hard to put a finger on just what this was, but either way, it was good and positive and a damned sight better than how he had started this meeting. He would much rather be in this secure, excited feeling than the anguish of his failures. Anyone would.
Grateful. The word came to mind suddenly. He was grateful to have this second chance. Grateful that Jason would give him one. That's what he felt right then.
"Leaning towards that Hawaiian shirt and flops," he joked again, though Aiden had a better idea. He didn't really have much of a wardrobe to work with anyway. He was going to work on that, too. "Hmm," the omega appeared thoughtful as he racked his brain for something, idly covering one of Jason's hands simply to have it to hold. "You know what I haven't had in forever? Soup." He gave a sudden nod. "Like clam chowder or something... Beef stew? Chicken noodle.." he was just listing off favorites that he hasn't had in years. Soup and salad... It just sounded like a nice change from his usual hearty and meaty cuisine preferences like steak and burgers.
angstfactory​:
He could understand the — perhaps he hadn’t quite explained himself clearly. There would always be the concern for losing all of this, anyone who claimed to be free of such things was just trying to sell you something. “I meant I’m not afraid to love you anymore,” Aiden clarified gently, watching the other man. “And to be loved by you.” Before, the omega held himself back and doubted everything — doubted Jason, too. He wallowed in the dark thoughts of how this was all just too good to be true, there was no way he was good enough, that one day this amazing person would realize that and see himself to the door. Aiden had spent their entire relationship until this point simply waiting for that other shoe to drop, not quite giving all of himself to this man so that he could prepare for that fallout and not have it destroy him… Much in the way Jason has been destroyed when he lost his love. And that fear and paranoia and frankly, distrust in the best person in his life, was his biggest fault. It hasn’t been until he connected with his wolf and gained some control of himself that Aiden was able to see so clearly.
He would waste no more time on it.
“You’re damned right it will,” The omega agreed, this time a wolfish grin accompanying these words that harkened back to the same type of look he’d worn in animal form.
“So you’re saying I could come in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, maybe some flops—“ a suspicious snort came from Aiden then, even though he suppressed the smirk at his own joke. Just the thought of himself wearing something like that… Well, actually, he had worn a Hawaiian shirt that one Halloween and it had been rather roomy. But flops? Just saying the word sounded funny and foreign. “What will you make?” It didn’t actually matter, they both knew he would eat practically anything like the human garbage can he was. But.. it was simply an excuse to spend even another few seconds in Jason’s company.
Jason smiled brightly when he heard those words, “Good… we lost a lot of time being afraid of this, we don’t have to anymore, we can just try and be happy. Together,” he grinned licking his lips and keeping himself from smothering Aiden with more kisses.
It was good to see they both seemed to be in the same page at last. They both seemed to have overcome those fears that doomed their relationship last time, “we’ll make it worth it,” he added with a firm nod and a decided look in his eyes. 
The alpha laughed cause he couldn’t care less what Aiden was wearing, “You can wear whatever you want,” he smirked and kept himself from saying that he would make sure of getting rid of those clothes if the mood was right. “Whatever you’re in the mood for. You know I like cooking so you can choose,” he offered.
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angstfactory · 6 months
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As soon as the fork was placed down, Aiden used it to simply stab the meat and start chewing bites from it rather than waste his time cutting it like a normal person. He bothered to shovel a couple spoonfuls of mashed potatoes in-between each bite too as Micah and his chef had a brief back and forth, eating like he hasn't done so in a while. This wasn't unusual for Aiden, though. The man was something of a garbage can when it came to food.
"That sounds miserable," he remarked as Micah shared what his experience was like. He never knew what it was like to be half of something like that, but it didn't sound any better than if he had just fully turned. "Do you miss being human?" He suddenly asked, pausing to grab his drink and chug several sips as he eyed Micah over the lip of the glass. This wasn't something he could ask anyone else he really knew, not even Jason. Jason was born who and what he was. He never knew anything different. But Micah was like him... Micah would remember being human, being himself, and then suddenly... Being different. To this day, Aiden still had to work on accepting that change, accepting who and what he was. Some days were easier than the others.
He offered a puzzled look. "Why not? Didn't you want to see him?" Personally, he would have sought out someone that had clearly meant something to him. Micah was a strange and reclusive sort, though. Not unlike himself and yet, they clearly still had their differences. Though it was questionable if Aiden would have gone the full mile of actually bothering said important person. Maybe he would have checked on them to give himself peace of mind, be sure they were okay. As the other wolf tensed and got defensive, Aiden scooped another bite of food as he sent the bartender a rather pointed but meaningful look. "That," he stated simply, because it should be obvious what he meant. Micah was a difficult, closed off, defensive person most of the time. Surely the man wasn't going to pretend he was a social butterfly.
"I mean, that's nothing to be ashamed of," Aiden said, not that Micah was saying he was ashamed. He was just commenting. "Content isn't terrible- sometimes it's nice just being somewhere in the middle like that." If anyone asked Aiden, he probably would have said something similar. He was content. Not sad, not happy- surviving, and wanting to thrive. There was potential for things to get better, potential for things to get worse... It all depended on him and what he did with that potential. As Micah brought up his ranch, Aiden felt a pang of homesickness. He hadn't really been on that kind of land in so long, mostly because it would remind him of home and everything he lost. But lately, the omega found himself wanting to reclaim all of that and bring himself closer to the memories and people he had buried away. "You got horses on this ranch, right?"
angstfactory​:
The omega pulled a quiet face, only because he couldn’t offer any defense of himself with that accusation. Micah was absolutely right- Aiden would feed himself, but nothing decent. “Thanks,” he moved his arms out of the way as the bar owner sat a drink and plate before him. “Looks good,” he complimented, happy to see the meat was left bloodier than what a normal patron would prefer. Ever since Aiden had begun to embrace his wolf rather than fight it, his tastes had begun to change. He liked his food rarer, he liked to be outside more, he liked to be more active… Small nuances of change. And just in general, he had begun to take better physical care of himself. Even where his clothes were concerned. It was a slow going adaptation, but one that was taking place nevertheless.
Aiden listened as Micah opened up more than he had in some time, quietly tearing into the food with little regard to manners right then. He was actually pretty hungry– he’d not eaten since than morning. Every now and then, he would even rip a small piece off and pass it to the dog, something he would do with Charlie. “You were pretty young,” Aiden commented, offering Micah a look of empathy. He’d been much younger than Aiden, even. He could only imagine how a teenage boy would have had to navigate puberty and the sudden changes of becoming something else. “Sounds like this guy was like a father figure for you,” he observed. “Where’s he at now?” Maybe he shouldn’t have asked that- what if the guy was dead? He didn’t want to bring up a sore spot. “Hearing all that, I see why you are the way you are,” he remarked, swallowing a bite and chasing it with a sip. “Couldn’t have been easy.. but you’re still standing.” Said a lot about the guy’s toughness.
“It belongs to you,” he told the man. “But I get what you mean.” He truly did- Aiden had taken a long time to feel like he was himself again, in control of himself. “You should think about it, though. What you want to do. You’ll feel better.” He only suggested it because that’s what was happening with him. He had started to open up and accept himself and honestly relearned who he was and what he liked all over again. The changes and what stayed the same… All of it.
Micah laughed when he saw Aiden’s face, shaking his head a little as he grabbed the cutlery and placed it next to Aiden before he leaned back on the bench and crossed his arms, happily watching Aiden tuck into his food. He enjoyed looking after others, making sure they were being well feed. That they were safe.  “Hope you enjoy it, probably not as good as my cooking. But he tries.” Micah laughed as he heard a grunt behind him, Micah glanced back at Markus..  “I haven’t fired you yet, that must say something.” Micah teased as he shifted slightly. “Love you too, Micah.” Markus rolled his eyes as he went back to cleaning. Micah laughed again as he looked back at Aiden.
Micah glanced down at Kevin, watching as Aiden feed him some of his meat. “You are a very spoiled dog, Kevin.” Micah said as he grabbed himself a glass and stepped back and grabbed the whiskey. Micah shrugged a little as he filled up his glass. “I guess, but I mean I was only a half wolf. So I didn’t shift. I just got sore bones.” Micah pushed the bottle aside, as he brought his glass to his lips and took a mouthful. “I got the strength, hearing, all that stuff. But just pain every full moon.” Micah said as he looked down at his drink, swirling it a little. Micah shrugged a little at the next question. “Yeah, I guess he was.” Micah glanced down at Kevin again, as he half shrugged. “I don’t know, I didn’t seek him out when I was in New Orleans last time.” Micah sighed as he licked his lips. Micah didn’t want it to be known he was back in town, people didn’t need to know he was there. He only had one thing on his mind, and well that almost killed him.  Micah frowned deeply as his eyes flicked back to Aiden. “What’s that meant to mean?”  Micah said, his tone becoming defensive. His eyes narrowed slightly as he ran his eyes over Aiden for a moment. 
Micah took a breath before he took another mouthful of his drink. “I guess, it does now.” Micah said softly as he glanced over at pub, checking too see how many people were left. “I don’t think it matters now.  I have this and the ranch, I’m happy with what I have.  I’m content…I guess.” Micah said as he fiddled with his glass he shifted again.  Micah was doing better, than how he use to be. Being a full wolf now, was an adjustment, something he is still working on. But he also started therapy, and talking about everything seemed to really help. Micah felt happier, more relaxed than he had in a long time. 
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angstfactory · 6 months
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Aiden's behavior was certainly different. Two years ago, his guard would have been up and he'd have started off any interaction with aggression and quiet anger, and for no good reason either other than the fact he wanted to be left alone. It was easier to get left alone if you behaved like a momentous asshole. Nowadays though, he was calmer and more rational, and didn't immediately wall off to strangers anymore.
He still felt awkward and put on the spot, though. Aiden wasn't the most experienced conversationalist. Never had been.
"Yeah," he confirmed, with a nod. Not too surprised that this man would know what he referenced if he was who he claimed to be. Which, since he did know, Aiden was now inclined to trust. "I don't know if anything has gone on recently but I'm sure you guys have your hands full still," he commented, wiping another bit of sweat from the side of his face. He took a moment to shut off the audio book and wrap up the ear phones as he is listened to the other man speak, figuring he wasn't going to get back to what he was doing now since this person had pretty much taken up residence for the next however long on the ground. "They sent you here for a break?" Aiden questioned, doubtfully. "No offense but- they don't sound like they're in for your best interest." Considering they had just been discussing some of the colorful things going on in Hollows Creek recently.
angstfactory​:
“You might be surprised,” Aiden muttered with a quiet frown of worry that creased his brow. “Things are fine right now but now that people can come and go as they please again, never know what might show up these days. And there’s been some growing tension with the vampires and wolves, more so than usual. Better keep your senses up.” He hadn’t forgotten about the kidnappings, or the fever dream, or those random attacks and killings… There was a lot of dangerous stuff actually, that this little city had put up with over the past several years. “I didn’t like it,” Aiden answered quickly– perhaps too quickly. It wasn’t exactly a lie – he didn’t like being a cop – but it wasn’t the truth either. He wasn’t about to tell a damn detective of all people about how his past was left too vulnerable to risk being so close to the law anymore. He once again looked down at himself and what he was doing, it taking a moment before the words sunk in and he recognized this man must be hitting on him. That’s how it felt, anyway. “They’d get a boring show,” he insisted, still not quite sure as he laid the axe down. “You’re new to the area,” Aiden assumed then, because he knew that he’d never seen or smelled this wolf before. And come to think of it… Maybe he should be a little more wary of the man. Why WAS he here? Not looking for a specific person was he? Aiden’s paranoia kicked in a bit as he tried to ask as nonchalantly as possible, “What brings you here anyway? Hollows Creek ain’t exactly on the typical person’s road map.”
“You mean the kidnappings?” Charlie questioned, eyebrow raised slightly as he watched Aiden, watching for a reaction that he is sure would come. Hollow’s creek may be a small town, but for such a small town a lot of this have happened here. A lot of things the police can’t explain, at least not those that aren’t apart of the supernatural world.  Charlie nodded his head at Aiden’s answer. “Yeah, I get that. It’s not for everyone.  Especially if you want to try and make your way through the ranks.  It can be tiresome work.” Charlie smiled softly as he watched Aiden lay the axe down, before he let out soft laugh, shaking his head. “I don’t know, I’m sure it could be rather entertaining.” Charlie teased as he shifted slightly as he crossed his legs, sitting forward a little. He nodded his head slightly. “Yeah, been here for a month or so.” Charlie said, an easy smile falling on lips as he brought his hands together again, and started to fiddle with his wedding band again. Charlie ran his eyes Aiden for a moment, noting the smallest shift in his body language, as if he suddenly realized that Charlie was in fact a stranger to him, and in-turn could be a danger.  That was interesting, considering how long they have been talking. How easy Charlie could of hurt of him, if he really wanted too. Aiden’s guard didn’t seem to be up much, if at all when they first started to talk. Was that normal for him? Being so accepting to a stray wolf. Charlie made a small noise in agreement at the question, before he shrugged. “My bosses wanted me to look into a few unsolved cases that have popped up. The kidnappings for one.” Charlie kept his eyes fixed on Aiden, being sure to watch him for any other change in his body language, or if his wolf senses would pick up on a shift of his heart beat. “But really, I think they just want to get me out of under foot. Give me some kind of break, because I refuse to take any kind leave to deal with….Well the downsides of this job.” Charlie said with another shrug. Charlie only took a two weeks off, after his husband was killed. Two weeks, which the department deemed wasn’t enough to deal, and process the trauma of not only having your husband being killed in action, but witnessing it happened.  So after months of fighting and pushing Charlie, they found it was just easier to send him to a smaller town, to solve the unsolvable. An unofficial break.  
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angstfactory · 7 months
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"You might be surprised," Aiden muttered with a quiet frown of worry that creased his brow. "Things are fine right now but now that people can come and go as they please again, never know what might show up these days. And there's been some growing tension with the vampires and wolves, more so than usual. Better keep your senses up." He hadn't forgotten about the kidnappings, or the fever dream, or those random attacks and killings... There was a lot of dangerous stuff actually, that this little city had put up with over the past several years. "I didn't like it," Aiden answered quickly-- perhaps too quickly. It wasn't exactly a lie -- he didn't like being a cop -- but it wasn't the truth either. He wasn't about to tell a damn detective of all people about how his past was left too vulnerable to risk being so close to the law anymore. He once again looked down at himself and what he was doing, it taking a moment before the words sunk in and he recognized this man must be hitting on him. That's how it felt, anyway. "They'd get a boring show," he insisted, still not quite sure as he laid the axe down. "You're new to the area," Aiden assumed then, because he knew that he'd never seen or smelled this wolf before. And come to think of it... Maybe he should be a little more wary of the man. Why WAS he here? Not looking for a specific person was he? Aiden's paranoia kicked in a bit as he tried to ask as nonchalantly as possible, "What brings you here anyway? Hollows Creek ain't exactly on the typical person's road map."
angstfactory​:
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Aiden suddenly found himself staring down at the jogger after he plopped on the forest ground for… Well, he wasn’t sure what for- a rest, maybe, as he could smell and see how sweaty the other was. No telling how long he’d been running himself today. Aiden himself had taken up regular exercise which included a couple miles run at least twice in a week. “Oh,” the omega said, some of those defenses going down once the other spoke about being a detective. Call it a hazard leftover from his police days- detectives and cops were hand-in-hand, they didn’t fear one another. Actually, they were more likely to butt heads or be best friends. “I’m not a lumberjack,” Aiden stated. “I’m not currently anything, I guess,” he went on, shifting weight from foot-to-foot briefly. “I quit my job about a year ago now- I was a cop,” Aiden supplied, “but I wasn’t much of one. This–” he gestured towards what he was working on. “It’s just a– hobby..” At least, that’s all it had really been up to until now. It was only recently that Aiden had begun to think about how he would need to get another source of income soon. That money he’d been stockpiling wasn’t going to last him forever. Maybe another year, possibly two?, if he really skimped on things. “What?” he asked, confused. “I’m not performing theater here.” 
Charlie shifted slightly, stretching his legs out as he leaned back on his hands. Charlie had a habit in recent years, of overdoing it. Especially when it came to running, it always helped to clear his mind. Pull himself out of himself. Charlie nodded his head at Aiden’s soft response. “Yeah, not that there is much detecting to do around here.” Charlie looked up at Aiden, shrugging slightly. Charlie raised an eyebrow when Aiden said he was a cop, at one time. “Well I don’t believe that for a second.” Charlie replied when Aiden said he wasn’t much of a cop. Sure Charlie just meet this guy, but Charlie was good on picking up on who people were. It’s what made him a good detective.  “What made you leave? If you don’t mind me asking.” Charlie smiled again before he looked back to the tree again, nodding again. “Well as long as you are only cutting down trees.” Charlie teased as he laughed again. Aiden wasn’t really making himself a good case of not being a lumberjack. He fitted in the box, rather well. Not that Charlie had many encounters with lumberjacks. Charlie tilted his head back slightly, squinting his eyes as the sun the flittered through the trees hit his eyes. “Maybe not. But I’m sure people would pay good money to watch you cut down a tree.”
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angstfactory · 7 months
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He could understand the — perhaps he hadn’t quite explained himself clearly. There would always be the concern for losing all of this, anyone who claimed to be free of such things was just trying to sell you something. “I meant I’m not afraid to love you anymore,” Aiden clarified gently, watching the other man. “And to be loved by you.” Before, the omega held himself back and doubted everything — doubted Jason, too. He wallowed in the dark thoughts of how this was all just too good to be true, there was no way he was good enough, that one day this amazing person would realize that and see himself to the door. Aiden had spent their entire relationship until this point simply waiting for that other shoe to drop, not quite giving all of himself to this man so that he could prepare for that fallout and not have it destroy him… Much in the way Jason has been destroyed when he lost his love. And that fear and paranoia and frankly, distrust in the best person in his life, was his biggest fault. It hasn’t been until he connected with his wolf and gained some control of himself that Aiden was able to see so clearly.
He would waste no more time on it.
“You’re damned right it will,” The omega agreed, this time a wolfish grin accompanying these words that harkened back to the same type of look he’d worn in animal form.
“So you’re saying I could come in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, maybe some flops—“ a suspicious snort came from Aiden then, even though he suppressed the smirk at his own joke. Just the thought of himself wearing something like that… Well, actually, he had worn a Hawaiian shirt that one Halloween and it had been rather roomy. But flops? Just saying the word sounded funny and foreign. “What will you make?” It didn’t actually matter, they both knew he would eat practically anything like the human garbage can he was. But.. it was simply an excuse to spend even another few seconds in Jason’s company.
angstfactory​:
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It never failed to send a delicious lick through Aiden whenever Jason looked at him like that. It was a certain type of look– indeed, a dangerous look– that said very much the alpha wanted to devour him. A look that could have overwhelmed someone else. But the omega relished in it and the warmth it spread throughout to know how much this person wanted him. His fingers came to grip the alpha’s chin lightly so he could stare directly into his eyes as he murmured, “I’m not afraid anymore.” He used to be scared– scared of losing it all. So wrapped up and obsessed in overanalyzing their relationship on how not to fuck it up that he wound up doing just that: fucking it up. Because he hadn’t been able to trust that he deserved to be happy, deserved to have someone good like Jason. Or that Jason actually loved and wanted him in return because why would he want such damaged goods? Especially when they both knew the absolute perfection the alpha once had. 
But Aiden had learned since then that he couldn’t exist within that comparison anymore. It would only keep him with that fear.
“That’s right,” he confirmed with a quiet nod as his touch fell off, “you did.” Aiden didn’t look as if he was sorry for having the man come out here, either. Jason had needed to be somewhere new, where he could start over fresh. 
The omega shook his head. “That wasn’t your fault,” he told the man, sitting back some. “We can’t keep blaming ourselves..” Aiden looked down a moment as he took in another breath, trying to keep those emotions in check. “We just–” His shoulders lifted into a helpless motion. “We didn’t know what we were doing,” he admitted, finally looking back up. “I think we need to be easier on us,” he continued, “cause we’ve both gone through a lot. Can’t expect us to do everything perfect.” His hand covered over the other man’s, his thumb idly stroking Jason’s palm. “Perfect sounds nice n’ all but… I’d rather have this, whatever this is.” This non-perfect, up-and-down, trials-and-tribulations… As long as it was with Jason, he didn’t care what it was.
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Aiden could have stayed tangled up in Jason forever, honestly. He’d missed him far too much. As much as he hated the break and distance, he knew it’d been necessary. And now that they were here, that spark between them as alive as ever, with both of them so willing to jump right back into the fire together… Aiden could hardly help the well of emotion that came upon him as his kiss turned tender– reverent– until Jason was the first to exert control. The omega was certainly lost in feelings of relief and happiness, reflected in the way those blue eyes shone a little too brightly and he had to wipe at them quickly to keep from doing something silly. Like cry. Maybe it could look like he just had something in his eye but the alpha would probably know why he was emotional and that was fine. “Is that a date?” he asked even as Aiden nodded agreement, voice tight and hoarse. 
It felt like it’d taken them forever to get here.
Jason smiled at Aiden’s answer but it faltered for a moment cause even if he was glad to hear the omega wasn’t afraid anymore, he was. He probably would never stop fearing losing someone he loved, “I hope one day I can say the same thig…” he admitted as he squeezed Aiden’s hand. A long time ago he had felt that unafraid and free but life gave him a hard lesson. One that had stuck with him.
He sighed and nodded cause Aiden was right. They were too hard on themselves. They wanted to have perfection because they were to scared to hurt each other and they ended up just doing that. Maybe it would be better if they move done day at the time. Really enjoying the time they spend together without overthinking it all. “Yeah… maybe we need to accept it’s not gonna be good all the time but I’m damn sure it’s gonna be worth it,” he smiled and nodded.
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He could feel the surge of emotion on the omega and he only waited until Aiden said something even if he could already guess the answer. He was definitively gonna need to stop wanting to pace things between them. There wasn’t a pace they had to follow. They had already lost enough time so whatever happened later, he was not gonna do anything to stop it or rush it, Jason was decided to just enjoy every moment he got to share with Aiden from now on. “Yes, it can definitively be a date,” he grinned and nodded, “Don’t worry about dressing up tho,” he joked, “it’ll be just a nice cozy dinner at my place…. I’m still planning to take you on a proper date another time,” he cleared it out.
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angstfactory · 8 months
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The omega pulled a quiet face, only because he couldn't offer any defense of himself with that accusation. Micah was absolutely right- Aiden would feed himself, but nothing decent. "Thanks," he moved his arms out of the way as the bar owner sat a drink and plate before him. "Looks good," he complimented, happy to see the meat was left bloodier than what a normal patron would prefer. Ever since Aiden had begun to embrace his wolf rather than fight it, his tastes had begun to change. He liked his food rarer, he liked to be outside more, he liked to be more active... Small nuances of change. And just in general, he had begun to take better physical care of himself. Even where his clothes were concerned. It was a slow going adaptation, but one that was taking place nevertheless.
Aiden listened as Micah opened up more than he had in some time, quietly tearing into the food with little regard to manners right then. He was actually pretty hungry-- he'd not eaten since than morning. Every now and then, he would even rip a small piece off and pass it to the dog, something he would do with Charlie. "You were pretty young," Aiden commented, offering Micah a look of empathy. He'd been much younger than Aiden, even. He could only imagine how a teenage boy would have had to navigate puberty and the sudden changes of becoming something else. "Sounds like this guy was like a father figure for you," he observed. "Where's he at now?" Maybe he shouldn't have asked that- what if the guy was dead? He didn't want to bring up a sore spot. "Hearing all that, I see why you are the way you are," he remarked, swallowing a bite and chasing it with a sip. "Couldn't have been easy.. but you're still standing." Said a lot about the guy's toughness.
"It belongs to you," he told the man. "But I get what you mean." He truly did- Aiden had taken a long time to feel like he was himself again, in control of himself. "You should think about it, though. What you want to do. You'll feel better." He only suggested it because that's what was happening with him. He had started to open up and accept himself and honestly relearned who he was and what he liked all over again. The changes and what stayed the same... All of it.
angstfactory​:
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“Starting to think you don’t trust that I’ll feed myself,” Aiden considered as he sat away from the counter so a drink could be sat before him. “Didn’t know you were so soft on folks.” It was a casual tease as the man wasted no time taking a healthy sip. Even though it was a joke, Aiden meant it seriously. Micah was very much like himself- someone who tried to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself, and not let it slip that anyone else is important to him (because bad things tended to happen). Their similarity meant it was easier for the omega to see these things in the other man and to know actions spoke louder than words. Some days when Aiden didn’t make it in, Micah would show up himself with the dinner that got left behind. It meant the guy had come to concern himself about Aiden and in a way, that made him feel good. Kind of nice to know that someone had his back. Though he wondered if Micah knew the sentiment was returned. “So you had a plan?” he asked, unsure if the fellow wolf was implying he did have ideas that didn’t pan out or if he never considered any of it before. “Ah,” he mumbled as Micah confirmed the latter. “Why not?” he asked, taking another drink and looking down when he felt something in his lap– it was the wolf’s dog Kevin, so Aiden gave him an idle pat on the head. It wasn’t his business and the two didn’t always have these deep meaningful talks, but there’d been a couple. And they’d become friendly enough now that it didn’t feel weird or out of line to ask.
“I trust that you will feed yourself, just not proper food.” Micah said as he placed a drink in front of the man as he half shrugged when Aiden said he was soft on folks. “Only a select few.” Micah smiled as he stepped over to the order window and grabbed the plate the had been dished up before he moved back to Aiden and place the plate in front of him. Micah stepped back a little as he ran his eyes over Aiden for a moment, just watching him. Micah always tried to close himself off, keep to himself. But there were always a few that seem to wiggle their way in, Aiden in recent time became one of these people. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but he came to care for the older wolf. It was bright spot of his day to see the sourwolf in his bar, even if it was for a quick chat before Aiden headed off to do whatever he does with his life. Micah cleared his throat when Aiden threw another question his way. “With the way I lived, the way I was brought up.  Survival of the fittest. I joined a gang when I was fourteen, sixteen when I got attacked, and was turned, which in some ways I’m grateful for. But in other ways, it put be a bigger target on my back.” Micah watched Kevin as he enjoyed the attention Aiden was giving him. “I did have one person, when I was still a kid and living in New Orleans. He was this guy who owned this restaurant, he caught me one day looking for scraps in the rubbish out back. And rather than turning me over to the cops or tossing me aside, he kind of took me in. Showed me how to cook, and helped me other things. And I don’t know, maybe seeing him and the way he was his customers. The smiles that people wore when they ate his food, or just talked to him. Maybe in a way it stuck with me, but….” Micah shrugged slightly as he looked around his bar again. “I don’t think I ever consider what I really wanted to do with my life, you know. Because it never really belonged to me.”
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angstfactory · 8 months
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jaylydecker​:
Jason smirked at Aiden’s words, “That’s a dangerous thing to say,” he teased with clear expression of what he meant as he looked into those blue eyes. He had always been touchy, and Aiden had never complained but he just didn’t want to cross any lines. Everything felt so delicate and fragile that he didn’t want to ruin it. He remembered how Aiden had backed off their first time thinking he only wanted sex cause he couldn’t believe he wanted him. All of him.
He rolled his eyes fondly, “I was sure you knew I never wanted to keep you away… I came to this stupid town because of you. Even before us,” he reminded the omega cause the only reason he had chosen to move to a closed town that you weren’t supposed to leave was cause his best friend was there. Maybe his feelings for Aiden were there already but it had taken him a while to realize.
“I know… I don’t regret it. None of it or what came later, I just think that maybe I could have been clearer back then,” he shrugged trying not to feel like an idiot for how things turned put right after and the situations they had to face.
Jay chuckled against Aiden’s lips when the omega kept taking between kisses, “they I guess I’ll have to kiss you more so you get it,” he teased back before kissing him deeply again, tempted to pull him into his lap but already knowing how that would turn out. He pulled away reluctantly when they both needed to catch their breath, “Come over tonight. I’ll make dinner, we’ll watch a movie and I’ll try to be a gentleman,” he said with a smile, still licking his lips, chasing the taste of Aiden’s kisses on them.
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It never failed to send a delicious lick through Aiden whenever Jason looked at him like that. It was a certain type of look-- indeed, a dangerous look-- that said very much the alpha wanted to devour him. A look that could have overwhelmed someone else. But the omega relished in it and the warmth it spread throughout to know how much this person wanted him. His fingers came to grip the alpha’s chin lightly so he could stare directly into his eyes as he murmured, “I’m not afraid anymore.” He used to be scared-- scared of losing it all. So wrapped up and obsessed in overanalyzing their relationship on how not to fuck it up that he wound up doing just that: fucking it up. Because he hadn’t been able to trust that he deserved to be happy, deserved to have someone good like Jason. Or that Jason actually loved and wanted him in return because why would he want such damaged goods? Especially when they both knew the absolute perfection the alpha once had. 
But Aiden had learned since then that he couldn’t exist within that comparison anymore. It would only keep him with that fear.
“That’s right,” he confirmed with a quiet nod as his touch fell off, “you did.” Aiden didn’t look as if he was sorry for having the man come out here, either. Jason had needed to be somewhere new, where he could start over fresh. 
The omega shook his head. “That wasn’t your fault,” he told the man, sitting back some. “We can’t keep blaming ourselves..” Aiden looked down a moment as he took in another breath, trying to keep those emotions in check. “We just--” His shoulders lifted into a helpless motion. “We didn’t know what we were doing,” he admitted, finally looking back up. “I think we need to be easier on us,” he continued, “cause we’ve both gone through a lot. Can’t expect us to do everything perfect.” His hand covered over the other man’s, his thumb idly stroking Jason’s palm. “Perfect sounds nice n’ all but... I’d rather have this, whatever this is.” This non-perfect, up-and-down, trials-and-tribulations... As long as it was with Jason, he didn’t care what it was.
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Aiden could have stayed tangled up in Jason forever, honestly. He’d missed him far too much. As much as he hated the break and distance, he knew it’d been necessary. And now that they were here, that spark between them as alive as ever, with both of them so willing to jump right back into the fire together... Aiden could hardly help the well of emotion that came upon him as his kiss turned tender-- reverent-- until Jason was the first to exert control. The omega was certainly lost in feelings of relief and happiness, reflected in the way those blue eyes shone a little too brightly and he had to wipe at them quickly to keep from doing something silly. Like cry. Maybe it could look like he just had something in his eye but the alpha would probably know why he was emotional and that was fine. “Is that a date?” he asked even as Aiden nodded agreement, voice tight and hoarse. 
It felt like it’d taken them forever to get here.
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angstfactory · 8 months
Note
😡(for both your boys)
😡: what makes you angry?
AIDEN: "How much time I've wasted and all the ways I've held myself back. The way I can't like, express myself well. Frustrates me. I'm doing better, I think. I don't feel so angry anymore.."
AUGUSTUS: "My age. Don't ask me what it is, that's rude."
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angstfactory · 8 months
Note
Morpheus (for both your boys)
Morpheus: Do you daydream often? Of what?
AIDEN: "I--... Pass." Marriage and, recently, fatherhood.
AUGUSTUS: "My name in big, bright lights! Walking down the street where everyone knows who I am and my accomplishments. Having the respect of my peers. Need I say more?"
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angstfactory · 8 months
Note
✈️ (for both your boys)
✈️: what’s the last place you traveled to?
AIDEN: "I haven't recently been too far from Hollow's Creek. Maybe less than a 200-mile radius."
AUGUSTUS: "I'd say Hollow's Creek counts. I just arrived the other day. Seems a quaint place."
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angstfactory · 8 months
Note
🥕 (for both your boys)
🥕: what’s your favorite vegetable?
AIDEN: "I probably don't eat enough vegetables. I guess broccoli? And corn. If you smother it with cheese, I'll pretty much eat anything, though."
AUGUSTUS: "Lettuce. I do enjoy a good salad."
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angstfactory · 8 months
Note
Poseidon (For Augustus)
Poseidon: Are you a moody person?
"Not particularly? Unless you've given me reason to be. Like most, I am a creature that responds to the stimuli of my surroundings."
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angstfactory · 8 months
Note
Proserpine (For Aiden)
Proserpine: Have you ever felt trapped?
"That's all I used to feel every day since I got bitten. I felt like I'd become a monster and there was no escape from that. I thought I should rot in hell for what I'd done, what I'd become- didn't matter if it was my fault. I didn't feel like myself anymore. I was so angry because my entire life had been taken from me in every way. It's taken a long time to come to terms with the fact I can't change what happened or what I am. I won't pretend it's still not a struggle, either. But I don't feel caged up now. I can see a future for myself that I didn't before."
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angstfactory · 8 months
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📱(For Aiden)
📱: show your home/lockscreen!
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angstfactory · 8 months
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jaylydecker​:
Jason chuckled, “Good point,” he agreed and caressed Aiden’s scruffy cheek before pulling his hand away before he got too touchy. “Then you don’t have to,” he sighed glad to hear that Aiden was ready to stop punishing himself. That was something that took a long time to accept so the alpha was very proud of that.
He smiled a bit, “yeah it really works like that but it didn’t work with you…. maybe it only works with those who you mean it to,” he added so it was clear for Aiden that Jason had never tried to kept him away.  
Jay closed his eyes at the touch and took a deep breath. He had missed Aiden’s touch and even now it was so different from before. Surer. Softer and he wasn’t sure how to handle that yet other than just melting into his touch, “we did rush it a bit… we should’ve talked it out before I practically ripped your clothes off,” he said with a small smile and another uncommon blush, “meeting in the middle sounds like the perfect way to go with this” he opened his eyes and swallowed hard, at the closeness. He could just lean a bit closer and he would be kissing the omega but he still held back a bit longer. He didn’t answer anything but instead broke the distance and crashed their lips together in a slow kiss. Wanting to enjoy every single second of it. He smiled when they broke apart but kept their foreheads pressed together, “I guess that answers your question right?” he asked against Aiden’s lips before kissing him again, still holding back from going too far in the public space. Aiden had been smart to visit him here and not at his place… things would have ended very differently there.
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Aiden had to stop a decidedly animalistic whine from coming out when Jason let his touch fall away- he was disappointed at how fleeting it’d bee but knew it had more to do with the two of them trying to play it safe. Neither of them, really, knew how to act with each other right now because this was uncharted territory. They cared so much that it had them both terrified they might say or do the wrong thing. Aiden hoped one day they would be comfortable and sure of each other and what they had again. He wanted his best friend back. He wanted his love back. He didn’t want all of this tiptoeing around. “You can touch me,” the omega suddenly said, meeting Jason’s eyes. Maybe the alpha just needed to know it was okay if he did. And maybe Jason could alleviate those same concerns in him, too. 
“Oh it would never work with me, I know too much,” he said, though his smile was a bit sad. This wasn’t an easy topic, particularly for Jason. “But good to know you didn’t want to keep me away... not sure I could stay away even if I tried.” He inhaled deeply before sighing. “I would try if you told me I had to, though.” He just wanted the other man to know, bottom line, Aiden would do what was best for Jason. And if Jason decided he never needed to see him again... Well- he didn’t even want to consider that.
Aiden shook his head. “No-- no,” the word was practically a growl as he crowded into the man’s space even further, apparently forgetting about any kind of boundaries between them, “it was perfect the way it was. It was us.” They were stumbling through everything, together. That’s just what they did. They just had to remember to keep a hold of each other’s hand so they didn’t get lost. Communication had always been Aiden’s biggest fault and ultimately, a massive reason their relationship had suffered so much already. But he preferred to think of it all as their battle scars- things that might have hurt then healed, and now had meaning and story behind it and would lead them into their future. 
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There wasn’t any time to prepare before Jason kissed him and, honestly, took his breath away. Of course Aiden kissed him in return, having to bat down that animalistic urge to let it all turn hungry and desperate simply because they’d been so starved of each other. If they’d been somewhere more private, he might have taken full advantage of this man and not felt any shame for it, either. But, damn himself, he’d been so prudent in choosing this venue because he’d known that instinct would be there. “Sorry,” Aiden managed to get out, just as unwilling to take his mouth off Jason’s, “but-” kisses kept happening between words, “this is really-” several more, “-unclear-” a deeper kiss now, “-what?” It was crystal clear, Aiden certainly did have his answer. Yet he couldn’t help to tease the alpha, because maybe he’d get even more attention like this from him. 
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angstfactory · 8 months
Text
cosmicxpetals​:
“ I already did, I’m not sure if he knows that he stole my heart but I don’t plan on asking for it back. ” His relationship with Trev was still unknown, he was hoping now that he was back that they could finally talk about it and see where they stood, if anything Irvin was still very much in love with the nephilim.
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“ It’s nice seeing you too Aiden. ” The demon wasn’t expecting the hug but it was a welcome change, laughing as he warped his arms around his friend.“ I will try to keep to my plan and stay this time. I think these old demon bones of mine need a place to call home.” Irvin gives the werewolf a squeeze before letting go.“ Awn, you missed little old me? Aiden Morgan you make this silly demons heart melt.” He couldn’t help but tease, it was how their dynamic went ever since they had met, a roller-coaster of a relationship. “ So, how have you been? I want to know everything.”
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His eyes narrowed a bit on the florist’s face. “You’re not talking about that one ass, are you?” he questioned, clearly still not the biggest fan of Trevor. Oh yes, he remembered the being’s name perfectly fine now, but they had come to blows once over this small, distinguished man. Mostly because Aiden had known at the time he was in a losing battle and Irvin had been a brief flashing of him going after something-- someone-- he had wanted in however long. Even Irvin had known that ultimately, Aiden was only a pit stop and couldn’t actually give him everything he wanted. Everything that Irvin certainly deserved, too. Like love and happiness and a real relationship. The omega had been nothing but sheer toxicity back then, only confusing the demon with those whiplash emotions of whether he hated or wanted him.
Both. It’d been both. Irvin deserved better than that. Still, though. Aiden wasn’t sure what to think of Trevor yet and whether or not he felt he was worthy of Irvin just yet. And he didn’t particularly care if he had any right to have an opinion in the matter or not. Irvin was his friend and they’d once been romantically linked-- he could make it his business. The last thing he wanted to see was this florist having his heart broken yet again.
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“Where do you keep going anyway?” he couldn’t help to ask. “There’s nothing any better out there that you can’t find here.” But then, Aiden had the luxury of saying that, he knew. Because everything he wanted was here in Hollow’s Creek. There was no need to go anywhere else. “Don’t get used to it,” he mumbled a bit gruffly, a bit embarrassed by his show of affection and how Irvin had poked some fun about it. Aiden was trying, but he wasn’t perfect. Sometimes those insecurities couldn’t always be drowned out. “A lot’s happened since you’ve been gone,” he let the florist know as he carried his work and dropped it at the side of the trailer. “You want a beer or something?”
“Not me,” Aiden piqued, holding out his hands in a helpless manner, “I don’t got a green thumb in my body.” In fact, he’d probably argue he had whatever the opposite of that was, considering he spent his time chopping things down so much. It was only recently that he started making sure they were trees nearing the end of their cycles. 
Amazingly, Irvin managed to bring a small blaze of heat to Aiden’s cheeks and he looked away briefly, embarrassed. “You’ll flatter the wrong person one day, Bloom,” he told the florist then, looking back at him. “They’ll steal your heart off once you’ve given them the open door.” The two had their own history. There was once a time when this strange, quirky demon had inspired a certain lust and interest in the omega-- two monsters, as he’d once considered it. But their time had been just as fleeting as it had been hot, and distance had all but simmered them. Irvin had given him a brief feeling of youth again. Like the time he’d run around with that stable boy who just couldn’t leave him alone. Irvin had been just as persistent. 
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“I heard no lies,” he humored the other man with a wane smile. Aiden reached out to rest a hand on the demon’s shoulder lightly. “It’s good to see you,” he told him, genuinely, the urge to give him a few hearty pats there. Instead, he stepped forward to give him a swift hug and intentional rough squeeze. “Stick around this time, huh?” he muttered at his ear, “I’m tired of missin’ you.” 
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angstfactory · 8 months
Text
a-small-drop-in-a-big-pond​:
Charlie let out a laugh when Aiden expression changed, he could only imagine what was going on inside the other wolf’s mind at Charlie’s statement.  Charlie shook his head when Aiden why so many were trying to hurt him. “Nothing sinister, well maybe a little.” Charlie said as he shifted backwards before he sat down on the forest floor and looked up at Aiden. “I’m a detective. So it’s a hazard of the job.” Charlie shrugged, pulling his knees to his chest, before he draped his arms over his bent knees. Charlie looked back at the tree that Aiden had started to cut at, he let a small noise as he nodded his head. “So town lumberjack it is.” Charlie smiled again as he moved his right hand and gripped his left, before he started to fiddled with his wedding band. A habit that had started recently, Charlie couldn’t be sure if it was out of nerves, boredom or some other under lining factor.  “Well don’t stop on my account, I’m happy to watch.” 
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Aiden suddenly found himself staring down at the jogger after he plopped on the forest ground for... Well, he wasn’t sure what for- a rest, maybe, as he could smell and see how sweaty the other was. No telling how long he’d been running himself today. Aiden himself had taken up regular exercise which included a couple miles run at least twice in a week. “Oh,” the omega said, some of those defenses going down once the other spoke about being a detective. Call it a hazard leftover from his police days- detectives and cops were hand-in-hand, they didn’t fear one another. Actually, they were more likely to butt heads or be best friends. “I’m not a lumberjack,” Aiden stated. “I’m not currently anything, I guess,” he went on, shifting weight from foot-to-foot briefly. “I quit my job about a year ago now- I was a cop,” Aiden supplied, “but I wasn’t much of one. This--” he gestured towards what he was working on. “It’s just a-- hobby..” At least, that’s all it had really been up to until now. It was only recently that Aiden had begun to think about how he would need to get another source of income soon. That money he’d been stockpiling wasn’t going to last him forever. Maybe another year, possibly two?, if he really skimped on things. “What?” he asked, confused. “I’m not performing theater here.” 
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