Flames Reign

Chapter 2

- CHAPTER 2 -

With a sudden jolt, Skarr woke from his slumber in nothing more than his loincloth. The air was calmer than usual - no noise from the armory - though still as choking as ever. He would slowly lift his head, peering to the blurred surroundings; but what caught his attention was his arm threaded protectively around Balthaz' stomach. He must have fallen asleep like this - Hopefully. With his vision clearing he let his eyes  scan around, noting empty bottles of ale and whiskey, his clothes in a scruffy pile.

Skarr shook his head, also shaking off any ideas. His eyes sunk down to Balth' now. Although he remained silent and relatively still, his heart was pounding harshly from beneath his furry hide. His rib cage shuddering with the same feeling from the day before; but even more powerful than previously. He would lower his head, almost planning to resume his sleep when the fur-ends of Balthaz' mane tickle his nose. His nostrils tenced, the scent of Balth' clinging to his mind. A smell of a musky Charr - not pleasent for humans though with a twist, an unusually strong aroma followed. Citrus maybe? He'd never smelt such before; it was simply a guess.

He buried his nose into the sleeping felines mane, taking another long breath, getting a full wiff of what mysterious smell trailed his fur. Above all the sensations he couldn't understand why he was lost to the smell.

"..Having fun?" a weak voice sounded. Skarr withdrew his head in panic. His vision darting about for recognition of where the voice come from.

Balthaz opened his eyes slowly, a fang littered grin worn on him. He would look back to Skarr who now locked eyes with him. "It was you wasn't it?" Skarr asked, he didn't seem too impressed. Balth' let out a deep hum for a low chuckle. "You're too jumpy Skarr. Relax, you'll live longer."

Skarr's expression fell, he definately wasn't impressed now; yet at the same time he simply parted his embarrassment with a smile. "Your cruel Balthaz, you know that?" He sounded - there was a clear humour to his tone. The held charr snorted. "You like it that way."

They lay together for a few moments, time almost at an arkward stand-still with neither making a sound. Skarr piped up to even his own amazement "You know I love yo-". The feline paused; digging his fangs into the tip of his tongue. How could he be so stupid as to say such. His many racing thoughts abruptly kicked aside for Balthaz' responce. "That's.. sweet Skarr, I appreciate that. And I guess I love you too." They fell silent once more, an eerie lack of sound that made Skarr's pulse race; his heart skipping a beat every so often. An undesirable feeling to say the least.

The broad striped charr stood, leaving Balthaz somewhat perplexed on the floor. Skarr knew Balth' had a past with other "male" charr - quite the reputation aswell - what pained him was the idea that he too had fallen victim to the same flamboyant charm. He wasn't, what? Gay as the humans call it? He had no intention of falling for this creature, but as his mind resisted; his heart wanted more.

If he could rip his heart out to break the feeling of lust, he would. But alas, he just had to brave the storm. "Sorry." Balthaz tone was low, as if he senced the trouble caused.

Skarr glanced over his shoulder to Balthaz, trying to put the small creatures mind at rest, he barked "Sorry for what? I said it first." Why, he thought, was he trying to calm him? Why was he trying to sooth Balthaz? Had he grown that weak, or is this a love game? Either way, he bit his tongue once more. Keeping quiet.

Balthaz had other plans, however. He stood and slowly made himself to the hulking male, looping his frail arms around the beasts stomach. Hugging. Skarr allowed himself to drift from Balthaz, taking a hand for his ragged attire and leaving the wall-top. Not daring to look back at his companion.