Dystopian Future

Rivik backed down as well when Zemin did, even if he was on his guard, not trusting the wolf for a second. Jax started to wag his tail instead, glad that he hadn't to fight the other man. Ezra only observed, pleased as well, he didn't wish to fight the other man, especially not in beast mode, knowing it would be far from an easy fight, and he was unsure if he would be able to just hinder the man and not kill him. Something he wasn't to keen on finding out. Zemin had yet to answer him, something Ezra founded odd, but he seemed to be doing better, he didn't scream in pain at least and that was good. But that was also all Ezra could tell, he couldn't say if something was wrong with the man or not, why it all had happened and how it effected the younger one. For a second he almost laughed over the fact that Jax thought he would be able to help Zemin. The wolf seemed to have managed on hos own, and why wouldn't he, it wasn't like Ezra had been in his life all this time, solving every problem the other man had. Ezra was actually pleased by that fact, he wasn't sure if he, no matter if he managed to get close to someone or not, would like if they were dependent on him fixing everything. He was more than sure he would kick that person out of his life. Not that it had ever been a problem, and never would be since he didn't wish to have people close. Yet he had walked back to the man and even offered to help him. Sure he blamed it on the pain, and he didn't like it, and it was true to some extent, it wasn't like he helped everyone out there, who were in pain. Why were Zemin so different from everybody? Because he hadn't exactly done anything to prove he was different and deserved his time. He should actually leave after what happened earlier, yet he did no such thing, instead he stayed where he was sitting.

Rivik followed every step Zemin took and Ezra was pleased by it. Compared to when the spirits were gone before and he couldn't see what Zemin did, most of the fear of what he would do disappeared, and it did help that he was in his wolf form. It was moments like this he got reminded of dependent he was on the spirits, knowing he would be defenseless without them. But he didn't have much choice did he? Because without them he would be left out to the world, and in this town that would lead to his death very fast. If he didn't walk into the closest fog, he would be killed by someone in seconds, so borrowing their eyes was what kept him alive. Ezra could tell that Rivik was unpleased when the wolf placed himself in front of him. Jax was the opposite and he soon placed himself next to the wolf, wagging his tail hoping Zemin wouldn't mind. Rivik walked over, glaring at the wolf, but he hadn't said anything to him, being respectful enough not to do that in this situation. However he didn't stpo glaring as he climbed into Ezra's lap and the Shaman stroke the fox who made himself comfortable and Ezra smiled at him before he looked at the wolfs in front of him, and slowly patted both of them. Jax become even happier, pressing his head against his hand in a gentle way, and Ezra hoped it would give Zemin some comfort in all this. Once again he was surprised by himself, Zemin should't be worthy of that, yet he patted him, but as he did he hopped this wasn't a calculated plan from the wolf, hoping that he would feel sorry for him and give him the contact he longed for. Ezra almost removed his hand, but he kept it at the wolf, more carefully than on Jax, really hoping the wolf didn't had a ulterior motive.

When Zemin had rolled up right in front of Ezras feet, he hadn’t been expecting much. But when the stroking began his heart took a big leap before it started fluttering. This feeling..what was this feeling? Joy? In just a matter of seconds he went from being uncomfortable to relaxing, making the breathing even more stable. For some reason he understood that this was about as good as it’d get, but it was enough. Maybe he could get just a smidge closer? However it wasn’t worth risking it, as he still knew that the shaman didn’t like contact. As he’d stated before, his mind was a total mess and he couldn’t quite seem to grasp just about anything. It was as if someone had gotten hold of him and thrown him into a blender, mixing everything up into some mushy, steaming pile. But somehow it felt nice - nice to be confused and taken cared of by Ezra. And to be fair, the memories and scenes already begun to find their way back. This was most likely due to the other mans company, as he was the other half so to say. He probably didn’t want to be, but Zemin couldn’t exactly do anything to change that. Did he even want to? The mans scent was so nice and welcoming he doubted he’d ever prefer anyone else, no matter how complicated things were between the two.

A small yawn escaped the werewolf as he rolled over to the side, letting the head rest on top of the mans thighs. He probably invaded both Rivik and Ezras personal space, but he didn’t care. Right then and there all he wanted to do was cuddle. Plus, the other man was the one who started stroking his fur so technically, he was the one who started it. Hopefully he couldn’t protest against the fact that it was nice having a bunch of fluffy animals all around. Zemins fur was actually really nice, even if it didn’t look as pretty as Jax pelt. But it was extremely soft an likeable. Xayah couldn’t stop touching it, just as an example and Xue was equally as bad. Luckily enough for his older brother, he also had some really soft fur that the other one could cuddle with from time to time. Fur, fur was literally the best thing ever. Not only did it keep the wolves warm, it also made them three hundred times more likeable.

Thank you for looking after me, the wolf began even though the words were weak and almost non hearable. You know, I’d do the same for you if you just let me, he continued and looked up towards Ezra with the amber, almost golden, eyes. After stating that, he fell silent. But that didn’t last very long, now did it? Soon enough he couldn’t keep his mouth shut, or rather his thoughts.
I know im annoying as hell, stupid and careless from time to time, but even you have to admit that I’m a cuddle monster. Zemin snorted and smiled briefly - at least it looked like a smile. It was a good thing he wouldn’t be able to turn for a while as it’d maybe get him somewhat closer to the shaman. Having a wolf in your lap was kind of different from having a human clinging to you, and in this case it was a good thing.
You might think you don’t want to cuddle, but I swear that you do. The younger one rolled over yet another time, so that he laid on his back instead. Mood swings anybody? Yes? The wagging tail didn’t make anything less obvious. Stupid.

For a second he froze, as the wolf got closer, uncertain if the man would try anything else, but he didn't so he slowly continued stroking him. Rivik glared at him, but he was actually more pissed of with having the wolf close to himself than to Ezra at the moment, and it resulted in the fox climbing up to his shoulders, placing himself comfortable there. Ezra patted him and Rivik stroke his face against Ezra's cheeks and the shaman smiled. He never had a problem when Rivik did things like that, but he also knew the fox and that he would never have an ulterior motive.
"I want to be close to" Jax stated as he moved closer as well and placed his head in Ezra's lap. If someone would have seen them, it would have been a strange scene, a blind man sitting with two spirits and a werewolf close, patting them as they weren't dangerous creatures. But even if he was on his guard towards Zemin, he wasn't scared, and he even enjoyed the situation. It maybe because it wasn't different from what he did with the spirits from time to time, or because he was in control. And as he had stated before, he had an easier time dealing with Zemin when he was in his wolf form. Jax was very pleased wagging his tail back and forth, and even if Rivik wasn't as pleased, he relaxed at least, and stayed silent for the moment, almsot surprising Ezra by doing so.

Ezra let the gloved cover fingers go through the wolves furs, feeling how different they were, not only compared to each other, but also compared to Rivik. He preferred the fox's, but maybe it was because he was more used to it, and it gave him a calming feeling. It was true that he patted Jax from time to time, but the wolf often only managed to stay still for a few minutes before he rushed away, only to come back later and demand attention, so he could never get as used to his fur as Rivik's, and Zemin's was totally different, but he still liked it, maybe because it was soft when he could feel it.

"I..." Ezra started unsure of what to answer, well he did look after the wolf at the moment, but he wasn't sure if he deserved any thanks, unsure that he would have been there if it wasn't for Jax, something he didn't want to tell the wolf, seeing it was a chance of upsetting him, and he didn't wish for that now. "You are welcome"
He stroke the wolf some more, once again unsure of what to answer. He had stopped wishing for someone that took care of him years ago, not needing it. It was true that the spirits took care of him, but it was mutual, since he took care of them, and the feeling if someone else taking care of him felt strange. He couldn't even imagine it, not sure how he would react to it.
"That isn't something you shouldn't be needed to do" he finally answered, feeling that he couldn't stay silent and ignoring the mans words.
"Seeing that you almost climbed into my lap the first time I meet you, I agree, you are a cuddling monster" Ezra teased him, surprised by his own tone "Never said I don't like cuddling, wouldn't have carried Rivik in my arms or hug him from time to time, otherwise. Still don't change the fact that I don't like contact. If you were in your human form, you would never have gotten this close"
It was true, he did like having the fox close, and not because he was scarred this days, no he liked to hug him from time to time, and Rivik knew that, that's why he stroke himself against the shaman from time to time. But he was a spirit and it was different, because he didn't react the same to them as to humans. Just like it was different when Zemin was in his wolf form, it really was easier to have him close, or even touch him, mostly because it was harder for the wolf to touch him, and feeling the fur against the few parts of skin it touched, wasn't the same as feeling human skin against his own.

Had Ezra actually admitted that Zemin was a cuddle monster? Was that a compliment? Because it could just be his personal wishing that turned it into that. Nevertheless, he was not going to ask the other man for an answer. Nope, that wasn’t going to happen. Plus, the shaman already knew how stupid and desperate the wolf had become, so maybe that’d only make everything between them a lot worse. Obviously the younger one didn’t want that, as he was currently given some sort of chance to improve things between him and his mate.
Damn, it felt so weird to both think and say it..his mate. He’d always thought he wouldn’t be given the chance to ever experience that, but here he was. Only now, that Ezra stroke his fur without being uncomfortable, did he understand what all the fuss had been about. It was amazing, maybe even more than amazing. Euphoric? He certainly felt it, even if he was probably mistaken as usual. His father had often spoken about the feeling of being mated, but it had been hard to understand for the brothers as they couldn’t fully imagine. This was the absolute first time that the oldest son understood the full impact, and to be honest he really liked it.
You know, it’s your own fault that you even agreed to cuddle with me, Zemin stated and stuck out his tongue, trying to be equally as teasing. Of course he didn’t stand a chance against someone like Ezra, but why should that have stopped him? He was as stubborn as one of those donkeys that refused to move.
And I wouldn’t even consider getting this close in my human for..luckily enough for me, it’s kind of broken for the time being, he thereafter explained and studied the mans face from down below. How did it come it only seemed to grow more and more beautiful for every day that passed? It had almost gotten to the point where he beat the vampire - the one they had to kill somehow. That being was some pure, unbeatable looks though. His hair had been as black as the night, the eyes red as blood and the lips plump and inviting. No wonder why so many people died because blood loss.

I just have to ask, Zemin mumbled and finally gave up the eye contact. Can you touch me without the gloves? I mean, it’s okay if you really don’t want to because it brings back stuff, but you’ve barely even touched me. How can you ever be allured by my charms if you’ve not even let your skin touch my fur for real? I promise you’ll want me as your head pillow for the rest of your life after you’ve tried. How many times hadn’t Xue used him as a pillow? And Xayah and Alec. It only proved how much of a giant baby he actually was. Not only that, as he’d often end up grooming his cuddling victims, just as a mother kitty.
Zemin liked to keep things nice and clean, which included the people who fell victim to his snuggles. Well too bad for them, that got to curl up against the most sweet werewolf ever! That was undoubtedly sarcastic. For real, who wouldn’t want that for themselves? If Xue ever wanted to cuddle, his older brother would never ever had said no. Sadly Xue wasn’t the type to actually cuddle, but rather play.

Ezra raised an eyebrow at the wolf.
"Can't remember ever agreeing to cuddle with you, especially not the first time. As I recall it you said I smelled like your mother and you almost ended up in my lap" he stated with Rivik nodding next to him, earning another pat from the Shaman. Rivik even closed his eyes, relaxing further, leaving Ezra in the dark, but he wasn't worried at the moment, knowing that the fox would open them if he felt any danger. Ezra leaned towards the wall behind him, trying to make himself as comfortable as he could without making Rivik uncomfortable, but the fox didn't say anything, and accepted the position Ezra chose.
"Good to know that you wouldn't come crawling as a human demanding to rest your head in my lap"
"I would kill him if he even tried" Rivik stated without opening his eyes, and for once not being as hostile as normally. He wasn't friendly, but at least he wasn't mocking of threatening the wolf.
"How did it even became broken?" Ezra couldn't hinder himself from wondering, hoping that the other one wouldn't be offended. He didn't even thought it was possible. He had understood that a werewolf could get lost in his beast mode, forgetting his human side, but broken? Well once again he was pleased he wasn't a werewolf, having to deal with all their shit.

"Well aren't you full of yourself?" Ezra asked, wondering who had filled the wolf with those thoughts, that he would want him as a pillow for the rest of his life? "And charms? Well if you need people to touch your fur for them to work, well then it seems kind of shitty"
"I am always pleased when you say what I think, so I don't need to say it" Rivik teased and Ezra stroke him once more. He had only teased the wolf to by himself some time. Or okay, he didn't bought the things he said, that was true but he still needed time. He touched the spirits without gloves from time to time, often when he was at home, getting ready for bed since he didn't slept with them on, but Zemin wasn't a spirit. It wasn't like he was scared of the feeling, knowing it would be fur he touched, and he wouldn't be able to see himself since Rivik had closed his eyes for the moments, no it was rather that even if he was a wolf, it became kind of intimate for him. He guessed it was mostly because how the wolf felt, but also because he never touched anyone besides the spirits without his gloves. He wondered what would happen if he did, how would the other one even react? Because he didn't want him to do something that ruined the moment, because if he knew it wasn't a chance of that happening, he could most likely do it. On the other hand, he liked the feeling of fur against his skin, and he was still in control and he decided to at least try, knowing as long as the wolf didn't do anything it wouldn't wake any memories, seeing he was an animal, not a human. Slowly he took of the gloves, seeing he could pet Jax without them as well. Rivik opened his eyes, looking at him with a worried look, but he patted the fox, letting him know that he was okay, and the spirit closed the eyes again. Slowly he let his scared hand touch the wolves furs.

No matter how out of control Zemin became, he’d never rest his head in Ezras lap as a human. That would’ve just been way too strange and weird. He was even so sure of it, he promised himself it would never get to that.
I am full of myself, but that’s only because I know that you can’t deny the fact that I’m freaking adorable right now, the wolf cooed, before he fell silent. Even though Rivik almost managed to destroy the entire feeling, he didn’t quite manage to.
With a whimper, the wolf closed both eyes shut and started blushing. Praise that wonderful fur for being in the way of his rosy cheeks! The fluttering heartbeat has jumped a couple of times, before they calmed down and everything turned quiet. Zemin carefully climbed further up the shamans thighs, resting his entire upper body across the other ones legs. It almost came to the point where he accidentally pushed Jax down.
I'm sorry Jax! The werewolf exclaimed and gave the spirit a sweet little kiss, right on top of his nose. Immediately thereafter, he fell back against Ezra with the fluffy tail whisking like crazy behind him.
To answer your question from before.., he slowly began after some questions. Before my father was killed by the government, he told both me and my brother about what being a wolf actually means. The human skin that I usually wear is just a mask, and so is the entire form. When that form becomes wounded or dangerously hurt, the smartest thing to do is just rip it right off. I know it sounds brutal, and it kind of is, but it allows the wolf to heal and force its way out, Zemin explained, as the wagging of the tail ceased. I think he knew that he was going to die, so that’s the only reason he told us to begin with. This is the first time I’ve ever gone through with it, so I guess my other form has to rebuild itself before I have any chance to transform back.

Once again, he closed his eyes and sighed, enjoying the fingers stroking through his pelt. Having Ezra actually touch him was nice and it just felt so right. He couldn’t hinder himself from wondering how the other man experienced it. Was it any different from touching one of the spirits? For some reason he hoped that it was - that is was something more intimate and deep than just a simple pat.
Ezra..do you like me? Not as a human, but as a wolf, he quietly asked and started grooming Jax.
The white strands of hair were just so pretty and looked extremely soft, so he just had to help him clean it. Plus, the spirit was probably his only friend of all of the three beings in the room and he actually cared about Zemin. That’s why he felt an urge to show a ton of affection towards the white wolf, not considering the fact that the spirit might’ve thought of it as gross and weird. But he couldn’t help himself! The wolf instincts mixed with the human ones, whom were weaker after the transformation, as a matter of fact. It basically meant that he just had to act like an actual animal, not being able to hindee himself. Because of the spirits loyal ways, he’d almost become a part of the pack.

Rivik opened one eye, looking at the wolf before he looked at Ezra, resulting in both of them laughing.
"Well it's adorable that he thinks he is adorable" Rivik stated, smiling towards the shaman who patted him, before Rivik closed his eye once more and Ezra returned to patting Zemin.
"Don't press your luck Zemin, there is only so much I will admit" he warned him, but truth be told he wasn't sure of what to think. The wolf acted more lika a dog than anything else, with an almost childish behaviour, maybe it was adorable. Ezra really didn't know, rarely thinking of things as adorable. Maybe he would have thought of it as adorable if he could see the wolf, or was fully relaxed, because even if he wasn't tensed and enjoyed the situation, he was aware that the wolf wasn't one of the spirits, and that their was a difference. He was also aware that he needed to be careful what he said and did towards the man. Once again he became stiff when Zemin moved, placing more of his body over him. Rivik opened his eyes and gave the wolf a warning look before he turned towards Ezra who took a deep breath, trying to get his pulse under control, from having the wolf so close.
"It's fine" Jax rolled around on the floor after getting the kiss before he placed himself back in Ezra's lap, and over the lower part of his legs.
"Your race is really messed up" he stated, wondering if people really liked being werewolves? "But I guess it's similar to how shamans can use the spirit world to heal"
He continued to petting the wolf, still a bit careful.
"But you are going to be alright in time?"

Ezra stopped in the middle of his movement, turning his head towards the wolf, even if he couldn't see him.
"I prefer you as a wolf, I admit that" he started, something the man probably already know, since he got closer to him as a wolf than he did as a human. "But I am unsure if I should use the world like. You are still you, no matter form, so can't say I like one part, and dislike another. It's not like you are different people, just because you are in different forms"
He started stroking the wolf once more, feeling that the hate he felt earlier was more or less gone, but it was far from replaced by likeness. If Zemin would act like this all the time he would most likely start to be accepted by the shaman, which was a huge step for him.
"I like him! he is really nice" Jax wagged his tail when the other wolf started helping him clean his fur, it wasn't needed seeing he was a spirit, and even if the fur could become dirty, he could only use some magic to clean it. And the fur could never be destroyed or messed up in the same ways as normal wolves, but he liked the gesture and he started doing the same towards Zemin.

But Zemin really wanted to press his luck this time, as he felt as if he was actually on to something. He didn’t mean that in any bad way, and was actually more after some form of twisted friendship instead of something more intimate. That could wait and he’d finally understood that he had to take baby steps. Even this, having the wolf across his lap, was probably a huge step for the man.
Werewolves are pretty messed up creatures, yes, he agreed and frowned. Maybe that’s why I tend to be so disgusted by myself? Because I actually am gross and disgusting and nothing more than an animal? But I don’t really care, since you obviously think that I’m adorable. Those last words had been nothing else but teasing, but he still hoped he was correct. If it ended up being true, it would be the same thing as a compliment from the man - something that the little wolf deeply longed for.
However he almost immediately pushed that thought aside, as he continued stroking his tongue across Jax's fur. For now it was essential for the werewolf to keep himself under a tight leash and not step over any unbreakable boundaries. He could maybe get a compliment from Ezra in the future if he was especially lucky.

So you’re basically saying that there are some things about me that you like? Well, don’t be shy and spit it out! Zemin urged the other man as the tail started wagging yet another time. It swiftly went from side to side, while the touch from the slim fingers gave the rest of the body goosebumps - very pleasing, nice goosebumps. He was barely even doing anything, but it still made the wolf go right through the roof.
The last times he’d done so, everything had just ended badly so this time around he tried really hard to control himself and his stupid feelings. They might’ve been all over the place, jumping and waving and dancing like maniacs, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t be maintained and controlled strictly. Zemin hadn’t gained so much power and respect in the underworld because of his poor self control. Back then he’d been very composed, calculating and smart about almost every single decision. And then he’d ended up inside Ezras office and that was when everything started to go downhill. First it had been nothing: he’d liked the homey scent of the man and approves of his kindness, but that was it. Then it’d progressed into something more, wanting to touch the shaman and stroke his hair. Now he was at a whole different stage that he didn’t even dare to think of.
Being unable to shift for a couple days could only do him good. If he concentrated really hard, maybe he’d even manage to come up with a plan for the vampire? That’d actually be both great and useful. The sooner they dealt with that whole ordeal, the sooner they could sleep without any fear.

"Well you are a bit messed up, but to be fair most races are" he started as he had his eyes looking straight forward. "However I would say you are neither of those things, and there shouldn't be any reason for you to feel that way. Can't say you are either gross or disgusting, and an animal, well you are behaving like a puppy, but Jax's the same way, and he's a spirit, so I think it's because you are wolves"
He could tell that Jax wagged his tail even more when his name got mentioned, but he didn't say anything.
"However, adorable, not so much. You are heavy tho, just like Jax's" he teased the wolf, it wasn't really a bother having the wolves placed over him, even if they were heavy, at least they weren't bony, and he guessed the fur made it easier to have them over him.

"Are we demanding answers now as well? Maybe he is more like a child than a puppy" he stated and Rivik opened one eye once more.
"He is behaving similar if nothing else, and he is just as annoying" he closed the eye again, trying to relax more and stayed away from the wolves and licking, he would never have another creature lick his perfect fur!
"As you would know, having taken cared of so many children" Ezra teased the fox.
"I remember meeting a scarred little demanding and challenging kid"
"Pfft, you loved me from the beginning" he answered, knowing it wasn't true, neither of them had any love for the other at the beginning, they didn't hate each other, they just didn't trust one and other.
"Well who aren't full of themselves now?" Rivik only answered and Ezra smiled before he scratched the fox behind his ears and the spirit stroke his head against his cheek. "Also, I think he want's an answer" Ezra returned to the man, and thought of what to answer. Well if the man behaved and didn't overstepped Ezra thought of him as alright, and didn't disliked him.
"You are one of few I find it worth speaking to, since you don't bore me to death. Is that a good enough answer for you?" he asked the man, almost teasing, wondering what he expected him to answer.

At least there seemed to be something Ezra liked about the wolf, even if it wasn’t anything much. But it made Zemin happy, almost to the point where he didn’t care about the comment of him being heavy. Mostly because he actually was, however he didn’t like to admit it. And he certainly wasn’t to give up on the adorable part either. He just really wanted to hear the shaman say those words - that he was as cute as a baby bunny. Okay, not true, but he still wanted to hear it from the other man.
But I am a puppy! So there should be nothing wrong with me acting like one, Zemin pointed out as he started to nibble at the mans legs instead, tasting the fabric of his pants. This sort of behaviour was all but normal and something that usually never happened. Werewolf or not, the young lad never went over board with the whole beast thing, keeping as much to his human side as possible. But that seemed to have slowly changed, didn’t it? Just a couple of weeks ago he hadn’t shifted in months and now he casually did it multiple times a day. Was something wrong with him? How could being mated have changed everything so extremely? He was the same person, with the exact same traits and thoughts but it didn’t seem to matter due to the current context. The worst thing of all was that he couldn’t decide wether it was a good or a bad thing.

The wolf finally returned to the real world, distancing himself from all the millions of questions that were bouncing around in his head.
Yes, yes that answer is more than enough for me, he assured the shaman and curled up even further up in his lap. What a lapdog. It was barely even a joke any longer, as he fully acted like one even without putting any of his mind to it. Many, many years ago that had been a real thing - owning werewolves as pets. Or not so much as pets, but rather guard dogs. Once they got attached to someone, they were loyal until the end. Zemin should’ve behaved in that manor towards Ezra actually, however he was on a whole different level when it came to keeping up the wolf image. To say it plain out easily; he really sucked at it. Like so bad it wasn’t even supposed to be possible to be so out of line.
But don’t think for one second that I’m satisfied with you not admitting that I’m adorable. You know I won’t stop bothering you until you say it out loud, he said and pouted, which made him look like an angry kid. More like an angry puppy, but well well.
Even the vampire thinks I’m cute, so just stop pretending that you don’t share the same opinion!