OTA

[hollow_moon]

He liked spring. There was still a chill to the air most days at the moment, but you could see nature slowly waking from its slumber, even here in the heart of the city.  It brought the wolf inside him nothing but joy, and left him with an itch to be outside in the sunlight, roaming and exploring. He'd have to plan a trip to the country soon, somewhere he could really roam wild...

For now, however, a jog through the park would have to do.

Dressed in running shorts and a t-shirt, Valentine alternated between jogging and sprinting. Moving slower where there were crowds, then taking off at top speed along empty stretches of the path, the man didn't stop until his heart was pounding hard and he knew he needed a break. Slowing to a stop, he stretched out and caught his breath, before drinking from the water bottle that he had strapped to his hip.

"Sorry, didn't mean to stop in the centre of the path," he said, stepping out the way when he realised someone was attempting to get past him.

Comments

[hollow_moon]

"Oh, I run a museum of rarities and oddities," Val replied pleasantly. "Obscure medical devices, rare tarot decks... That sort of thing."

[just_hex]

"Really? That's pure boss! I'd love to see that," he replied. Hex was terminally cheerful and smiled brightly as they headed for the nearby gym to clean up.

[hollow_moon]

"You should. Perhaps you'd like to come after hours- I could offer a private tour," Val flirted playfully, grabbing the door for both of them.

[just_hex]

He caught the drift of that and his own smile softened and became a bit flirtatious as well.

"A private tour, eh?" he asked lightly. "I'd go for that."

[hollow_moon]

"Then we'll have to make it happen," Val grinned, heading for the showers to get washed up.

[just_hex]

Hex went to fetch his bag and then slipped into the showers as well. He had no shame and didn't hesitate at all. Between school, the army, and the gym to him showering was just one of those things you did. Not time to pull. Though he couldn't help but notice. He was only human.

But he didn't want to make anything awkward so he only flashed Val a brief smile then got to washing up.

[hollow_moon]

Val was less subtle, looking hex over slowly before starting to wash up. He then loitered for slightly longer than necessary before grabbing a towel and headed off to his locker to change his clothes.

Dressed and dry, he waited outside for Hex. The wolf was pleased with this development though, he could feel it. It was eager for more than just lunch.

[just_hex]

Hex, too, washed and dressed and he used the blower provided to dry his blonde hair a bit. Just enough to keep it tidy. Too much and it would be nothing but fluff on his head.

"I'm always famished after a work out," he said as he joined Val.

[hollow_moon]

"I'm just always famished," Val laughed. "I could eat all day."

[just_hex]

"You'd burst," he laughed, sure Val was just exaggerating. "Where's this cafe you're talking about?"

[hollow_moon]

"You've never been? It's right behind the juice bar," Val replied, catching Hex's arm and pulling him along gently.

"You'll love it. Everything's organic and fresh... I love it."

[just_hex]

"No, I've never been..." Hex replied, trailing off as he was pulled along.

[hollow_moon]

The cafe was small and intimate, and nearly no one was there.

"Hey, can we get two of the specials?" he called out to the man at the counter, who simply nodded and gestured for them to sit. Val paused to grab two bottles of juice and water, then handed one of each to Hex before picking a table and sitting down.

[just_hex]

Hex joined him and gave a good stretch before cracking a cap to take a drink.

"I'm glad to have met you today, Val," he said, smiling and leaning closer.

[hollow_moon]

"Yeah? You sure of that? We just met, I might be nothing but trouble," he grinned, leaning forward slightly as well.

[just_hex]

"I have a feeling," he replied with a chuckle. "You look like a good enough bloke. I see enough nutters and violent people at the hospital...you're not that."

[hollow_moon]

"Don't have to be a nutter or violent to be trouble," Val countered, opening he water and taking a swig. "Trouble comes in all sorts of forms."

[just_hex]

Hex thought instantly of Ace and he smiled more broadly.

"I can handle a bit of trouble. More than a bit, actually."

[hollow_moon]

"Yeah? You think you can handle me?" Val asked, tilting his chin up and offering a little smirk. "I've been told I can be a real handful."

He cocked his head then, taking another sip of his drink before nodding at Hex. "So you're a nurse, former military... What else? Tell me something about yourself that you wouldn't usually tell someone you just met."

[just_hex]

"Something I wouldn't tell just anyone?" he paused and thought for a moment, then decided to take a real chance.

"I'm an alcoholic."

[hollow_moon]

"I was hoping for cannibalism, or a dungeon in the basement, something exciting. Brave though, telling me that. You look well for one though, you must be in recovery," he guessed, nothing judgemental in his tone as he spoke.

[just_hex]

"I am. For almost two years now," he replied, blushing at the mention of a dungeon in his basement. It wasn't in his basement at all.

Hex cleared his throat.

"I think I'm lucky not being a cannibal," he said softly...specifically avoiding the idea of BDSM

[hollow_moon]

"Mmm, perhaps. Though that could have been an exciting confession to hear- And who hasn't wondered what people taste like?" Val quipped happily.

He smiled brightly then, leaning back in his seat. "Good on you for getting straight and sober though."

[just_hex]

"Thanks," he said awkwardly. He didn't like thinking of things like cannibalism- Colony 34 had killed that curiosity.

"SO what about you? Tell me something you don't just tell everyone."

[hollow_moon]

Val considered Hex for a long moment, then wet his lips before leaning in close.

"I'm a wolf," he whispered. "Whenever the moon is full, I turn."

He leaned back then, watching the other man with a smile, wondering if the man would think he was a joker, or simply mad."