Wild Foxes and Wild Cats

Women and cats will do as they please….- Robert A. Heinlein

Lucy felt the pain in her chest lessen as she danced with Max Alors in a more platonic way than the rest of her 'look a likes' were doing. She noticed that he moved one and was replaced by another, but this new dance partner wasn't moving with her to the rhythm of the music. This partner had a more aggressive hold on her almost possessive. She was not having any of that shit. She was waiting for Erik to get his head of his ass and come back to her. When she turned around to smack the jerk that was being to handsy, she froze. "Erik!" She wrapped her arms around him and held him as tight as he was holding her. She pulled back and planted kisses on him.

Erik blushed a little and he push Tink back a little, "Tink, I missed you, but I can't stand being away from you anymore. I can't stand the pain I'm feeling. Ahhh…I can't think in all this fucking noise!" He growled and grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the guild.

Cana seen Lucy being pulled out by a certain dragon slayer. She howled out, "Wooo! You go Lu-bitch! Go tame that snake!" She realized that her hair was back to its natural brown. She shrugged her shoulders and went back to grinding on the nearest man or men.

The cool night air hit Lucy in the face and sobered her up a little, "Erik let's just go back to my place. It will be quieter and warmer for you." She offered to no longer missing dragon slayer.

He just grunted as he pulled her up against him and continued walking toward her place. He was trying to figure out had to tell her that she was his mate and what that meant. He was also anxious about if she would accept being with him in that capacity. He knew his Tink had forgiven him for all his transgression he done to her and the guild in the past. It was just how she worked. Her soul tinkled like a bright bell. It soothed him and his inner dragon. He left a few months ago to clear his head and figure out what he wanted to do. He fought an internal battle with his dragon until it finally won out over his pigheadedness and fears. He took a deep breath and the strawberries and hints of stardust that was his Tink soothed him. He let her guide them to her condo and just let himself get lost in the smells and sounds of Tink.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Piper had had way too much to drink but she didn't want to leave Gray. They were sitting in a corner booth. She had curled up in his lap. She was nuzzling in her neck. She was enjoying herself. She felt safe tucked against him. His hand was rubbing up and down her back and making her want to go to sleep, but her kitsune soul was fighting sleep like a toddler. She felt torn. She wanted to sleep but she wanted something else. She was losing to the kitsune side of herself as she started placing tiny kisses on Gray's neck. When she heard the soft moans she was eliciting from him, she started nipping at the tender flesh.

Gray watched his guild mates enjoy the music and dancing as he enjoyed hold the curvy soft form in his lap. He knew she had too much to drink and was getting sleepy. He knew he should probably take her home, but her nuzzled changed from innocent nuzzling to light feathery kisses. The contact of her lips to his neck was heated. He couldn't hold back the moan in his throat and he adjusted her in his lap so she wasn't right over his growing erection. Her kisses turned to little nips on his skin as she trailed up to his ear lobe. He heard her making the most erotic sound. It was a mix between a growl and a purr. His brain thought before it shorted out that it had to be a kitsune sound.

Gray pulled her back to see her eyes were glowing a soft golden color. He pupils were dilated and her lips slightly parted. He could she the lust in her eyes. He could see the stars on her cheek glow as well. She leaned up and caught his lips. He sunk into her kiss. He felt her tongue run across his lower lip and he deepened their kiss. Her hands moved up into his raven black hair. He felt her shift to where she was straddling him in the booth. He wasn't sure how he was able to string together a coherent thought, "Mmmm…Piper not here…too public…" was all he managed to get out.

Booze and the heightened senses had lead Piper to forget that she was still in a public place and this was their first date. She broke the kiss off and blushed a little, "I'm sorry. I just felt so overwhelmed by…everything." She pushed a hand through her hair and notice her ears had changed.

Gray smiled "It's ok. Maybe I should walk you home? And is that, going to happen every time?"

Piper squeaked, "Umm I don't want to go home yet and as far as the ears…I don't know. You're the first guy I've been with since I've gotten my kitsune powers. Maybe I should talk to Beck or maybe even Sam."

Gray laughed a little, "Don't be embarrassed about them. I like them. They are cute and the sounds you make…well let's just say I enjoy them. Come on let's get you some water and we'll go outside."

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Cat was astonished when she saw those bi-colored eyes looking at her and into her soul. He could always do that. When they kissed she felt a puzzle piece being slid into place. She felt places inside her light up that haven't felt this wat since the last time they were together yet the intensity was exponentially more. So much more she wanted him right now in the middle of the dance floor, but she restrained herself remembering that she was NOT in Bosco. She pulled back to arm's length to take in the sight of him. Gone was the gangly teen that moved awkwardly because his body was growing faster than his brain could keep up. Here was a man who had the hardened planes of muscle on his chest and ridges on his abdomen that lead to the his hips that were deliciously wrapped in buckskin pants. She let a hint of her magic to just take a peek because why the hell not she had looked at Vander and Presca already. Her eyes grew wide in surprise when she saw it, a shimmering green string that connected them mid chest.

Cat couldn't believe what she was seeing. She found the one. She wasn't sure what to think. Her brain went into a panic mode. She felt her pulse increase and she started hyperventilating, sweat felt like it coated her in a slick sticky sheen, and nausea waved through her stomach. She did what any panicked creature would have done; she bolted for the back exit doors. She felt the coolness of the night on her skin. It helped the nausea, but she was still in fight or flight mode. She ripped off her shoes and ran to her aunt's home up on the hill next to the guild. She needed to reflect on what she saw and maybe talk to Grammie or better yet Aunt Opal.

Beck was left standing on the dance floor in confusion. He found her danced with her, even kissed her for the first time in over ten long years and now she takes off like something spoked her. He shook his head. He knew she was a flighty creature. He knew she would come around once she worked out whatever it was that was going through her mind. He did know that he felt something different this time than when they were teens. The draw to her felt stronger. He could almost feel her soul. He felt her anxiety. He wanted to help her but knew what happened when you tried to reach out to a cornered scared animal. He had a few scars to show for it. He weaved through the people to the bar and ordered a beer. He heard Vander say something about taking a break and the music switch over to recorded music. He felt the techno beats through the air into his chest.

Shadows swirled on the bar stool next to Beck. "Hey there Grizzly Adams. Where's your wild cat I seen you dancing with?" He winked.

Beck pull a mouthful of amber liquid into his mouth and let the bit of alcohol burn on the way down, "I don't know. One minute we are dancing and kissing then next she's running out of here like her ass is on fire and her hair is catching."

Vander shrugged, "You remember how she was, picky with who she shared pleasure with, a hellion to spar and an awesome partner in crime when it came to fucking with Kaleb." A smiled spread across Van's face with the last part.

Beck let a deep rumble of a laugh, "She is an enigma. It was almost as if she seen something that spooked her. I felt something in me like she may have used her magic to look at my soul, I dunno how to explain it." He rubbed his center chest.

"Mmm, she thinks she's been sly and hiding it, but I've noticed she been looking at people's souls lately. Like a lot. Not in the 'I'm gonna steal your soul, my pretty' way; remember when she did that for Halloween and somehow kept her eyes glowing green; anyway, like she's searching for something. Presca said she's looked at mine a few times and I've seen her look at his. Not sure what her angle is but she's up to something." Vander shared with a concerned look.

"I don't know. You ask Bix what it's about? He has the same magic. I don't think wither of them have ever met though."

"I will when he gets back. It's probably a good thing she never met Bix. Her Grammie trained him before they all had to leave Bosco and Sylvia was over the moon with how adept he was with seith magic. She always stayed at White Sea. Bix would go to Sylvia's and study."

"Yeah she loves her Grammie but it's also a sore spot for her as well. I remember the times she would rant for hours when I was over at their apartment. Lex would just sit there and read a book or just go to her room. I just listened until she calmed down and then she would curl up on me and cry. So what she did tonight…par for the course. I'm gonna head home, man. See ya around. Good show tonight." Beck finished off his mug and headed home.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Lucy pulled out her keys to her condo and let her and Erik in. As soon as she shut the door she was pinned up against the closed door, lips covering hers. She wanted to let herself be drug into the hot fiery passions of a dragon slayer needing to claim his mate but her logic side of her mind but up a cock block. She pulled back from the maddening kiss, "Erik! Stop for a minute. We need to talk first." She pushed him back to get a little space.

Erik growled a little. His dragon rumbled at him. It didn't want to talk, it want to claim her and mate. He took a deep breath a pushed the scaly bastard down a bit, "I know Tink. I'm sorry. I'm sorry about the text and leaving for so long." He sighed.

Lucy lead him over to the overstuffed tan couch. "Erik, first off I'm not angry with you. At first I was hurt, I mean getting a text, really a fucking text? Instead of talking to me about whatever what bothering you, you took a long fucking job. I had no idea what was going on. All I knew is that I was hurting, here," she pointed to her chest, "It took Natsu, Natsu of all people, to tell me what was going on. Now that you're back, the pain is gone, but I want to hear it from you. Tell me what you want and what is going on." She finished her tirade on a calm forgiving tone.

Erik sat on the couch with his head in his hands like a small child who was being scolded. In a way what he did was childish, breaking up with his mate in a text message. That was cowardly, and not telling her why, even worst. But the cherry on top of this shit show was Natsu told her what was going on with her.

He needed to tell her why he left for such a long time. He pulled his head up and look into her big brown doe eyes that were glassy from tears she was holding back, "Tink…Lucy, I'm sorry I broke up with you over a text message. It was a gutless move on my part. I was scared, sacred that you would reject me as…as a…my mate. You know that we would be mated until one of dies. I know you want children and…and I can't give you them…b-because of what that stupid fucker, Brain, did to me," He took a deep breath and look up from the spot on the carpet he had been staring. Lucy didn't say anything, but her eyes spoke volumes. They gave him the courage to keep going and reminded him why he loved her so much, "I just didn't want you to be stuck with a sterile sometimes snarky but always handsome poison dragon slayer, but I know now that it your choice if you want me or not."

Lucy cocked an eyebrow, "Sometimes snarky, huh? What would you call the rest of the times then?" she said as s mile drifted up her lips.

Erik saw the twinkle in her eyes return, "I'm always effervescent and charming, tch."

"You know you're an idiot right? Trying to make or take my choice away from me." She pushed at him with a little hint of anger in her voice.

"Yeah I'm a huge idiot that loves his Tink a lot and will get on bended knees for forgiveness, but please don't make me beg Lucy." He pleaded.

Lucy looked over at the maroon haired man. She knew Erik was like any other dragon slayer, even Natsu; they had their pride of being strong and vibrant. She knew making him beg would tear him up but she had already forgiven him. She just had a wicked idea though. She had already knew she wanted to be his mate and didn't care that he was sterile. They could adopt.

Erik watched her. He heard the tone in her soul change to something different. It had a more lascivious tone to it. He moaned lightly at the sound of her soul.

Lucy looked at him with longing in her eyes, "Hmmm, since you offered get on your knees and come 'beg' for it right now." She said with promises of more wickedness later.

"Oh Tink you're gonna be the one begging before I'm through…" Erik said as he moved to the floor on his knees. He flipped her legs over his shoulders and pushed her dress up past her hips. He growled at the pathetic satin fabric between him and where he wanted to be. Her ripped the panties out of his way and inhaled the tantalizing scent of her arousal. His inner dragon roared. He purred as he teased her with one long teasing lick from the entrance to her channel to the apex where her sensitive pearl sat. It elicited a long moan of ecstasy from her that sounded perfect to his sensitive hearing. It spurred him on as he started a long torturous pleading for forgiveness.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Cat sat outside in the backyard overlooking the large lake. She felt her onyx beads warm on her bracelet so she released her souls. She felt Tito presence envelop her like a hug then dissipate as if her were hugging her. She felt Riko hovering beside her. She could feel his confusion over what was happening. Tito has been with her since she was 6 years old and refuses to move on. He's told her over and over he swore and oath to the Lady herself he would protect her until Cat's final days.

Tito wavered in front of the confused blonde sitting on the grass with her knees drawn up against her chest and her chin perched on them. He sighed as well as a spirit could then manifested into a spectral green body with no defined features. He crossed his arms, "Catrina, why are you sulking out here? I know you found the one you've been searching for. I felt the change in your magic and a pull to another soul." Tito asked in a haunting voice.

"Tito I'm not acting like I'm 13 again and I'm not sulking. You know what the problem is, Grammie. I'm so full of joy that it's Beck. I can't tell you in words how I feel about it. It's just that…that she isn't going to be happy about it. She isn't going to think he's good enough because he isn't a seith mage. She wants me to find a nice seith mage and settle down." Cat snorted, "Could you see me 'settled' down with another seith? I'd always feel inadequate or like they were judging me or just…you know all the things she does to me." She threw her hands up in the air with frustration.

Tito thought about what his mistress said. He knew she was right Sylvia was one tough cookie. She ruled the house with an iron fist. She was why the girls stayed at White Seas until they had to fled the country, but Cat got pulled right back into the Blood Hunters soon after they left. "She just want what's best for you and your sister, you know that right?" He tried to rationalize.

"Please Tito don't try that shit with me. We know who's was her favorite. It wasn't me that's for damn sure. Would you like to be reminded about the little wooden totems?" She spat out. When she saw the spirit waver a bit, "I didn't think so. You like your freedom too. I keep you in the beads to move freely into places then let your roam freely. You know that's how we work. You know what needs done and it's translating to Riko."

Tito thought about what she said and knew she was right. Cat hated the little wooden dolls. She felt they were confining and it was easier to let him pass into items she needed and then out. She was a hand to hand combat mage and Sylvia was a range fighter. Two very different styles. Sylvia always chastised her about how she utilized her magic but also praised her on it as well. Cat just could see the positive in it most of the time. "Catrina, do what makes you happy. You deserve to be happy. You have lived under the thumb of someone for way too long. Go to that man and tell him what is happening. He has always been a calming spirit to your raging one." Tito said finally. His form dispersed as he went back to his little bead. She felt Riko return as well.

Cat sat there and thought about what Tito said. She thought about her time she spent with Beck. She was high strung and was always into mischief and Vander didn't help. She wouldn't have changed that for the world though. Beck waited out her little tirades about stupid shit. He let her rage about Grammie and how she chastise her performance then let her curl up and cry on his shoulder. After she cried it all out he would kiss her senseless until they were naked. He didn't care about her magic. His magic was similar to hers. His complimented hers. They would argue about it. She would throw and fit, cool down and go back to him. She let out a growl of frustration. She got up and left her little spot on the grass.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"Gray? I don't want to go to my place. I…I want to go home with you." Piper said in a nervous tone. Not sure what her handsome escort home would say.

"Uh…Piper are you sure? I mean…I'm not sure…if we were to do anything what would happen." Gray said as he scratched the back of his neck.

They stopped at the halfway point between where she lived and he did. Piper was tired and a little drunk still, but she wasn't feeling like she was earlier. She knew she didn't want to be separated from Gray. "I know but tonight I just want to snuggle. I'm tired and still drunk. I want to curl up sleep…just sleep with you. I'll keep my kitsune self a bay for the night. Just don't make me go home alone." She pouted.

Gray could see the glossy look in the yellow eyes that told him she was exhausted was on the verge of passing out to alcohol induced slumber. Her flushed cheeks and wobbly gait also told him she was losing a battle to the drinks she had. He picked her up arm under knees and around her back. Piper slung her arms around his neck, buried her face in his neck, and sighed a happy sigh.

"You're a lightweight with alcohol, you know that foxy?" Gray laughed.

Piper muttered something that sounded like a uh-huh, agreeing with Gray. She was feeling the heaviness of alcohol and the tiredness of dancing on top of soaking up the body heat of Gray. She was welcoming sleep.

Gray shook his head and started walking to his place. Deep down he was elated that she chose to come home with him. He had been waiting for this for what seemed like forever. He knew nothing was going to happen and they needed to talk to some people before they started having a physical relationship but right now he'd take what every he was granted to have more time with Piper.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Vander was dancing with several different partners to the recorded music that took over for him and his brothers. He felt something tug at his magic. It was a miniscule tug. It bothered him. There was nothing that he knew of that could tug on his magic. He was the only shadowquip to make to adulthood. The pull was so small he would let it go for the night and look into it tomorrow.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Astrid was in her apartment in West Nitespring in a meditative state. She was trying to get through to the human shadowquip. She needed help. Darkness had settled over the city, but her pleas were going unanswered tonight. She got up from her pillow and left her apartment out into the chaos what was now West Nitespring.