TAMED

Just a walk in the park

Ares emerged from the bathroom, a somewhat annoyed look on his young features, but clean nonetheless. His brown hair was clean finally and flipped in odd directions. Vince realize that when he was actually clean and his hair was washed, "Chess" had wavy and perhaps even somewhat curly hair.

Vince smiled as he looked upon his acquaintance from his seat on the couch. He couldn't help but notice how unnatural this guy looked in comfy clothes. A pair of gray sweats and a basic blue t-shirt made him look a bit like a sleepy highschool student.

"I'm glad they fit, even if they're a little big. Ares made his way to the man and stuck out an expectant hand. The waiter cracked a laugh and sighed.

"Alright, alright. A deal is a deal. Even though my arm is going to be sore for the next week. Here you go..." He said as he handed the kid a whole king size chocolate bar. "You're like a child sometimes you know.

Ares sat down on the couch and Vince was surprised when the teen snuggled into his side.

"Uh-" The older of the two let out as he raised his arm while the Hound pressed firmly into his warm side. He gave a half smile and lowered his arm around the soldier. After all, why not? "I'm glad you're comfortable. How about a movie? Theres a stupidly long DC film we could watch, it just came out recently. You into super hero's?"

The boy said nothing, as usual, but remained snuggled up against his friend as the man used his remote to turn on his paid streaming app.

For the next four hours, the two watched the TV. Vince had made some popcorn, which Ares apparently loved and would fight (bite?) for. The man had to get a bandage after the kid had snapped a little too hastily at a piece of popcorn he'd offered up. Like a dog learning to be gentle, Vince brushed it off as a learning experience.

Ares growled occasionally at the tv, especially during suspenseful moments. Vince concluded that he was no mere mental patient, and must have come from strange circumstances.

Gently he brushed the boy's somewhat fluffy hair out of his eyes, admiring the feeling of companionship. While it was super awkward to think about, this boy gave him the same vibe as a cuddly family dog.

....

That evening the two decided to eat out, there was a nice bar and grill that Vince had wanted to check out for a while now, plus an old friend of his worked there. He had given Ares a simple pair of jeans to wear, some basic sneakers, and a white hoodie to borrow.

"You know..." The man said a bit speculatively. He raised a brow and brought a hand to his chin. "Shit. You're hot." He cursed as he took in the handsome Egyptian. "Can't have you stealing the stage if a girl comes by. Sorry but thats the rules." He said as he ruffled up the kids hair, messing it up enough to make him a bit less put together. The blonde stood back and groaned. "Crap...that made it worse." Sigh. "I guess there's no helping it. You desert types always steal the ladies."

He gave in and looked around the room, scanning it for some hidden item.

"I guess...it wouldn't be ethical to connect a lead to your collar." Pause. "Hm...just don't wander off okay? You don't exactly seem very street-wise."

With that the two left the house, locking the door behind them.

During the walk, Ares stayed right at Vince's side. He looked around curiously, and followed the man down the streets.

"Its not the best place on earth, but I've gotten used to it." The man commented as he moved along, ignoring the occasional piece of trash on the street or sidewalk. "Its affordable for me at least, and that's what matters."