The Pack
Disclaimer: We all know the drill…
I'm going to have to slow down updates because I'm running out of prewritten chapters... but please don't stop reviewing!
Chapter 11
I was the first one up on the morning of the fourth day.
Only because I was starving!
I got up and put changed my clothes. After that was done, I walked though the forest to get back into the city.
When I got there I walked to The Bakery to get some breakfast. I opened the door and I was greeted with a smiling face.
"Cloud! Long time no see man! You came here for breakfast? What do you want?" Roxas asked.
"A coffee… a bagel with cream cheese, an apple… ummmm… a cranberry muffin… oh! And a ham and cheese croissant." I said as my stomach grumbled.
"Damn! You ordered enough food to feed a fucking army! Fatty!" Seifer yelled from his place cleaning the tables.
I ignored him and paid for my food.
"Is anyone going to help me in the kitchen? I may be beautiful and smart and a fabulous cook, but I do not have two pairs of hands…" Rufus said walking out from the back.
I smiled.
"You know Cloud, you look happier than usual… brighter…" Roxas said as he brought my food over to the table.
"Well… I am really happy." I said and dug in.
"That sounds promising… to me it's pretty obvious. You're now a taken man and you got laid too!" Roxas giggled.
I choked on my bagel. "How did you figure it out so quick!" I yelped.
"Well, only people who really know you would know that you got laid. Other people would just think you were in love…you're shining like a diamond ring, dude!" Roxas explained.
"Why does everyone keep saying that? I really don't see any glowing whatsoever!" I said.
"So when am I gonna meet him? Is he hot? Is he THE one? Tell me!" Roxas babbled.
I blushed. "Ummm… he doesn't get out much. I'll ask if he wants to meet you when I get back… and… I think he's hot… but I mean, I-I well… I am sure he's the one. I'm not leaving unless he wishes me so…"
"THAT'S REALLY GREAT! Why didn't you bring him here!" Roxas asked.
"Well, I was the first to wake up because I was really hungry. Squall has all these acquired tastes that I don't have so the food in his house is stuff that I don't eat. But I'm going back after eating… I don't want him to worry about me being gone." I said.
"He sounds interesting. Tell me more…" Roxas said.
"Actually I want to hear this too." Seifer said and sat next to Roxas.
"Well… Squall has a lot of quirks. He's really possessive. His wardrobe is limited… he has a hat that he wears everyday that has dog-ears on it. At first I thought it was weird, but it's kinda cute on him. He's this big muscular dude but he wears a stupid hat with doggie ears! He can be a real jerk sometimes too! He really only talks to people he's really comfortable with. He and his group of friends are like a family. They sort of adopted me I guess… since my family sucks… It's kind of funny. When I first started hanging with them, it was like I was dating all of them. In order to be close to Squall, I had to be close to everyone else. When I was accepted into the group, they started to egg Squall and I on. He didn't want me at first but I grew on him. Squall has a bit of a responsibility complex. He likes fulfilling duties that he appoints himself for. He doesn't like to show it but he loves kids… I can just tell by the way he looks at Sora and Kairi. I think he would make a really good daddy. He's like a contradiction to me. He's this tough guy and kind of mean… no lie. He'll seriously kick your ass if you piss him off enough, but he's really gentle and kind on the other hand." I blabbered.
"He sounds like a freak." Said Seifer.
"No he doesn't! He sounds perfect for Cloud. I always knew you went for the idiosyncratic ones." Roxas said.
"Wow Roxas. When did you look up that word?" Seifer said.
"Yesterday." He replied.
I laughed and finished my meal. "Well, I'll go back and see if he wants to meet you guys." I said and got up.
"Yeah go do that!" Roxas said and shooed me off after a hug.
I decided I would run back to the clearing. I stayed very mindful of traps. I spotted animal tracks in the dirt and I paused.
I bent down and examined them. They looked like rabbit tracks. I touched the ground. They were pretty shallow but the dirt was still moist from the morning dew. I would say that this rabbit was really close.
I remained very quiet and followed the tacks to a bush. I crouched down and waited.
After two minutes, a rabbit hopped out of the bush.
My heart started to pound. I wanted to catch this rabbit, but I needed a plan. I looked around.
There was a bear trap on the left and a rabbit hole on the right. If I could get him to run towards either of those things I could probably catch it.
I waited for the rabbit to turn around before pouncing.
The rabbit's ears perked in alarm and it began to run.
To the right.
I smiled and as it ran instinctively to its den, I ran straight to the hole in the ground instead of actually chasing after the rodent.
I managed to catch it by its hind leg when it was halfway into the den. When I pulled it out I quickly, without any regrets, grabbed its head and snapped its neck.
'Rabbit, I'm sending you off. I pray that you return to the cycle of the earth to fulfill duties that help this forest prosper. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to feed my mate. It is something that I wish to do for the rest of my life and it makes me very happy to provide for him. So you're importance is not something that will slip past me. Please rest in piece until our next encounter in different circumstances.' I finished my prayer and then continued my way to the clearing.
Some of the members of the other pack were awake.
Axel was leaning against a tree, humming softly and picking dirt from under his nails. Xion was sitting quietly, petting Zexion's sleeping head.
'Good morning.' I thought.
Did you catch that? Axel asked, referring to the rabbit I was holding by the ears.
'Yeah…'
So they taught you how to hunt, I assume? He asked.
I nodded and walked over to Squall. I petted his head and his tail swished.
That feels good. He said.
'Are you hungry?' I asked.
His ears perked at that and he lifted his head.
He looked at me. You caught me a rabbit?
'Yep. Is that bad?' I asked feeling nervous suddenly.
No, of course not! I'm really proud of you. Thank you very much. Squall said and sniffed my face with a wet nose before licking me.
I giggled before wrapping my arms around his furry wolf form.
Did you go to the city? And who is this person I smell on you? Squall asked.
I smiled. 'I was hungry so I walked to the city to get some food. I saw my friend Roxas at the bakery and it had been a long time since we last saw each other so we hugged. He and Siefer want to meet you. Will you come with me so I can introduce them?' I asked.
I don't know if that's a good idea. He said.
'Please? I really want you to meet them. They're really happy that I found someone. Please?' I begged and whimpered for god measure.
Squall growled before standing and changing into human form.
I blushed. I was used to the nakedness, I just didn't expect him to change so suddenly.
"We're only meeting your friends?" he asked.
"Did you want to do something else after?" I asked, surprised.
He shook his head before taking the rabbit and moving to go eat it somewhere I couldn't see.
I smiled as he walked away and moved to see if the kids were awake.
I awed quietly when I saw them.
A large blonde colored wolf, which I was pretty sure was Demyx, was curled around the two pups who were snuggled warmly into his fur.
They're cute right? Axel's voice rang in my head.
'Yeah, all three of them…' I smiled.
Demyx always loved kids. I feel bad for him. There just aren't enough females around anymore.
'What do you mean?' I asked.
It's a shame, but most females die right after birthing a child or two. And for some reason… boys are more likely to be born. There are some things we have to face, all of us do, and that's death. Death in massive supply. We're a dying race, as much as I try to deny it.
'T-that's… that can't happen!' I yelped.
It can and it will, unless we figure something out.
'I don't like this. I don't like it at all! Kairi…' I thought. I was very distressed now. Why did he tell me that!
You have a right to know… Axel said.
I crouched down and pet Kairi's and Sora's heads. I smiled at Demyx and petted his head too.
His ears twitched and I pulled back.
Are you ready to go? I turned to see Squall dressed and ready.
I nodded and we made our way out of the forest.
Are you okay? You smell upset. Squall asked and wrapped his arm around my waist.
'I'm fine. I just had a strange conversation with Axel.' I said.
"What did that dog say?" Squall said aloud.
I smiled. "He only told me that there aren't enough female Loup Garou and that if something doesn't happen soon. Your race will die off. It upset me." I said.
Squall growled. "It's true. But if it's what nature intends, we must follow the cycle. Just enjoy the time we have." He said.
I nodded and leaned closer to him as we walked out of the forest and towards the bakery.
When we entered, there were two customers sitting down eating their food. I turned to the cash register to look for Roxas.
"Holy shit! Is this him? I was not expecting this! Dude, he's fuckin' ripped! Cloud… I am so proud of you!" Roxas suddenly appeared.
"Uhhh, thanks. Squall, this is my friend Roxas. Roxas, this is Squall." I said and smiled.
Squall held out a hand. "Pleasure."
Roxas shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you too."
"So this is the guy… not bad. I'm Seifer." Seifer introduced himself as he exited the kitchen.
"Hello." Squall said.
"I don't think Rufus is going to leave the kitchen. He's making quiche and you know how he is about unfinished products." Roxas said.
I nodded with a smile.
"The blueberry pie is burning…" Squall said simply.
"Huh?" I asked.
"SHIT MY PIE!" Siefer yelled and ran back into the kitchen.
"Whoa, how did you know that?" Roxas said.
"Lucky guess…" Squall said.
After about a minute, Seifer walks out of the kitchen with a look of relief on his face. "Saved it at the last minute. That's amazing, did you like smell it all the way from here?" Seifer said.
Squall shrugged then suddenly looked unsettled. He turned around.
"Well hello beautiful! I think this is fate telling you that you belong with me!" Reno said and walked over to me.
Reno… you have the worst timing on the planet. 'Squall… it's okay. I'll take care of this.' I thought to him.
He sent me a look.
"Reno… I want you to meet my boyfriend Squall." I said with a smile.
"You're joking right? That's just too cruel!" Reno said and took my hand.
I pulled away and smiled politely. "I would appreciate it if you would refrain form hitting on me." I said.
"C'mon babe! You know I can't do that! You're probably lying anyway, you wouldn't date a freak like that." He said and grabbed my waist.
Now I was straight up mad. I pushed him off me and he fell to the ground. "Don't touch me." I said angrily.
"Damn, you are so hot when you're angry." He said and stood. He walked towards me again.
I was tempted to kick his ass and be on my way but Squall stood in front of me.
I could feel the anger and menace radiating from his skin. "Get. Lost." He growled.
Reno's face drained of color and he scrambled out of the bakery.
I sighed and relaxed. "Thanks." I said.
"Dude. That. Was. So. COOL! SEIFER DID YOU SEE THAT! I MEAN THAT LOOK WAS TERRIFYING! I THOUGHT HE WAS GONNA RIP HIM TO SHREDS!" Roxas said excitedly.
"I have to admit, that was really badass." Seifer said.
"I'm just glad Reno will leave me alone now." I said and buried my face in Squall's shirt.
"You two are cute." Roxas said.
"Cloud." Squall started.
"Hm?"
"Rain." I looked out the window to see the clouds gray with moisture ready to be released.
"Should we go back?" I asked.
"It's not going to storm… just gentle rain."
"So do you want to stay here?" I asked.
Come with me.
"Well, I gotta go know. I'll see you guys later. Come by this weekend, we'll talk." I said before leaving with Squall.
'I'm really happy my friends approve of you. I hope Naminé and Tidus will like you to.' I thought.
Squall grunted.
'Where are we going?' I thought.
I… well… even though you're part of the pack…you're still human… and I thought that because you're human, I should court you like one.
"You're… you're taking me on a date?" I asked.
Squall grunted again.
I smiled. 'Squall slow down.'
He slowed his walking and loosened his hold on my wrist. I took his arm and moved closer to him.
We started to walk together leisurely.
"See? Isn't this better?" I asked.
Squall looked at me and nodded.
"Let's go to the mall. I don't really want anything but it's always fun to look around." I said.
When we got to the mall I smiled and walked faster. "You know… I always wanted to dress you in leather."
Squall gave me a strange look. I laughed.
"I only want to see! I won't make you wear it for long!"
Squall growled a little under his breath.
"Do you want to dress me up Squall?" I asked.
Squall shook his head. I want to undress you. I like you best in your natural state.
I blushed and pulled Squall through the doors. I knew exactly what store to go to.
I pulled him inside and Squall winced.
'You okay?' I asked.
Leather is quite a pungent smell.
"We're not gonna be in here for long. I know exactly what I want to dress you in." I said and moved to the pants rack and pulled out a pair of pants. I walked over and took out some belts and then looked around for the final touch.
I found it up on the wall. I walked to an employee and asked for the jacket that was really high up on the wall.
He took a rod and hooked the hanged and pulled it down. "Here you go." He said.
"Thanks! Oh! I'm so excited Squall! You are going to look so hot!" I babbled happily.
"You're dressing him in leather?" the employee pointed to Squall, who was looking off into space.
I nodded and grinned. "He's perfect for it right?" I said.
"Can I see the finished product?" the employee asked.
"Yeah. It would be a shame if only I saw it." I said. 'Squall, let's go to the dressing room.' I looked at Squall.
Squall looked back at me and started to move to the side of the store.
We made it to the dressing room and I pulled Squall into a stall.
'Thanks for letting me do this…' I thought and kissed him.
I pulled away after a second and started to undo Squall's pants.
I'm capable of putting on pants myself.
'I said I wanted to dress you in leather, not just see you in it.' I thought slyly.
Squall grunted and stepped out of his jeans when I pulled them down.
I grabbed the leather pants and opened them. Squall stepped in obediently.
I slowly pulled them up making sure to take my time caressing the muscles on Squall's legs.
I buttoned the pants and zipped them up. I grabbed the belts and kneeled to put them on him.
Slowly, I pulled the first belt through all the loops. I took the second and third and simply buckled them around his waist.
I smirked before planting a kiss on his hip bone. After that I nipped at the skin and he grunted.
Cloud… behave.
I pouted and stood. I grabbed the jacket and put it on him. When that was done I opened the stall door and motioned for him to step out.
Squall walked out of the dressing stall and I moved away from him so I could get a good look.
"Squall, I'm starting to believe that you just look sexy in anything you wear." I said and licked my lips.
"That's definitely a keeper. Are you buying?" the employee asked.
I looked at the employee and shook my head. "We just wanted to see… Actually… I really want to buy that jacket but it's probably too expensive." I said.
"Well, you're right… it's about two hundred dollars but if you are willing to pay half… I'll give you my employee discount. It's worth it, I promise." The employee said.
I thought… if I spent one hundred dollars here, I won't be able to buy food for two weeks…but… If I told Roxas about the situation, he would feed me… he would understand.
"Okay I'll b-"
"Cloud." Squall interrupted.
I turned to him.
Absolutely not. I will not have you starve because you bought me a jacket that I don't even need. That's dangerous, how do you know Roxas will understand? And I know that eating forest fruits for two weeks can make you sick. I won't allow it.
'But it looks so good on you…' I thought.
It doesn't matter. I don't care about that. I just want you to stay well.
'Squall…' I whined.
He grunted. The case was closed.
"That's like… really cool." The employee said.
I turned to him and gave him a puzzled look. "What?"
"You were talking to each other without actually talking. It was like telepathy. You guys must be really close." He said.
I smiled. "Yeah. I'm really sorry about this, but were not going to buy anything." I said with a reluctant tone.
"That's too bad. Maybe one day you can come back?" the employee asked.
"Yeah…" I said and Squall moved back to the dressing room to change.
I sat on the small bench in the dressing room and waited for Squall to come back out.
Squall walked over to me and offered his hand. I took it and smiled. "I have one more trip." I said and we walked out of the store.
Where are we going?
'You'll see…' I thought and walked towards our destination.
"You're taking me to the pet shop?' Squall asked.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"I can smell the dogs." Squall said.
"I'm just doing this out of mild curiosity. I wonder how the animals will react to you." I said.
When we turned the corner, the pet shop came into view and we walked inside.
The animals quieted. It was like all on the animals were on television and someone clicked the mute button.
The customers looked puzzled as the animals remained still. I looked around. The rabbits, gerbils, and hamsters trembled as Squall and I passed them to get to the dogs.
The cats hissed and moved into a corners of their cages.
'Seems like you're the wolf in charge.' I though.
Squall smirked but paused suddenly.
"What?" I said aloud.
Something's not right. He walked over to the dog cages.
I watched as Squall leaned forward in front of the dogs in the cage. Most of them whimpered and moved away.
Except for a small dog that simply moved forward to the front of the cage. I moved closer to get a better look.
The dog looked less pampered than the others. It was completely white but when it looked at me I was captivated by his eyes.
One was a bright gold, the other baby blue.
That's not a dog. That's Loup Garou and I want to know why the hell he's in a cage.
I walked over to one of the workers and asked about the dog.
"Oh… we think he's a wolfhound. The supplier said that he couldn't identify exactly what breed of dog he was. But don't let that discourage you. He's really a sweet boy. Everyone seems to want the other dogs. He's been here for two months and we might have to send him back if someone doesn't buy him soon." The girl said.
"How much is he?" I asked.
"Well… we really wanted him to get him into a good home so we put a 75% discount on him. He was originally four hundred but if you can take good care of him we'll give him to you for one." She said.
"I'll take him." I said.
"Really?" she asked incredulously.
"Yes, I don't want him to be in a cage anymore…" I said.
"Thank you so much. Would you like to take him out and get to know him a little?" she asked.
"I'm sure my boyfriend would. He was the one who seemed really attached to the dog." I said.
"Alright then." She said and moved to open the dog cage. She opened it and pulled out the small white dog.
She handed the dog to me and Squall and I walked over to one of the small rooms meant for meeting the dogs.
We walked inside and closed the door.
"Is this dog really a Loup Garou?" I asked.
"Put him down." Squall said.
I placed the dog on the floor and he walked over to Squall and snuggled into his leg.
I looked at Squall, I could tell he was angry. I scooted a little closer to him.
He's like a common house dog… it's disgusting. How… could they just… Squall growled.
"Maybe… he got lost from his pack and someone found him?" I supplied.
They should have gotten him back! I don't care how but they should have done it! To abandon your own kind… it's sickening!
"Does he have a name?" I asked.
"He should but I don't think he does." Squall said.
The little white dog turned to me and sniffed my hand. After a couple of seconds, he enthusiastically jumped into my lap and yipped.
I giggle. "He's a zealous little guy, huh?" I said and he started to lick my face.
Squall growled at the dog and he stopped. He slowly moved back over to Squall and laid on his back.
I smiled and petted his tummy. "Zell." I said.
"Hm?"
"It sounds like the first half of the word zealous. Zell." I said.
Zell yipped happily.
"That works." Squall said.
"Let's get him out of here and bring him back to the park." I said.
Squall nodded and gave Zell a look. Zell stood and followed closely behind Squall.
I smiled and walked over to the cashier.
"Do you guys want to buy any accessories?" the girl asked.
I shook my head.
"Alright, your total is 110 dollars." She said.
I pulled five twenties and a ten from my wallet. I only had five dollars left to my name.
"Alright, here's a dog carrier." She handed it to me.
"Oh, we don't need that." I said.
"It's required that all dogs remain in a carrier until outside the mall." She said.
Squall growled and pulled Zell up by the scruff and placed him in the box carrier.
I frowned. I knew that Squall hated doing this.
We walked out of the store and turned the corner. Squall pulled the dog out of the box and threw it away. He gave Zell another look that said, Follow me or else.
Zell simply followed us as we walked to the exit.
As we left the mall someone stopped us.
"Your dog is well trained. How did you get it to follow you like that?" a man asked.
Squall glared angrily at the man and continued to walk towards the park.
"He follows him by his own free will. We don't train him." I said before running up to Squall again.
Squall seemed to be explaining the situation to Xemnas as we walked. I looked over to the small Loup garou on my left.
'Don't ever suppress who you are, Zell." I thought to him. I doubted he could understand but it was worth a try.
Zell stopped and looked at me.
Maybe it did work. 'You don't have to be afraid anymore. You're safe with us." I thought.
Zell's head cocked to the side in question.
I kneeled and looked him in the eye. 'Follow us and you'll see.' I thought.
I got up and started to walk.
After a second of simply standing, Zell yipped and ran after us.
-The Pack-
When we got to the clearing, Xemnas and the rest of the pack were waiting for us.
You found him in a pet store in the mall? Xemnas asked as we entered the clearing.
Squall nodded and turned to Zell. Zell simply stood at the edge of the clearing.
He was afraid.
I walked over and gave Zell a nudge. 'Go, no one's going to hurt you." I said.
He pattered in slowly, ears down and a tail between his legs.
The large white wolf moved closer to the pup. With a low growl he inspected the little white puppy. After a few seconds, Xemnas looked up at us.
He isn't just ordinary Loup Garou, he's going to keep his tail when he gains his human form
'When will that happen?' I asked.
Not until he reaches a year old. Squall answered for me.
'So our pack is going to take him in right? The poor thing was all alone in that cage for two months. It's not right.' I thought.
We are going to adopt him into the pack, and you two are specifically going to take care of him. Xemnas said.
I looked at Squall who looked at me and we nodded together. But then I paused. 'Tomorrow is my last day here. I have to return to work and I have school on Monday… I'll come after school and on my free time but I feel like a really shitty caretaker.' I thought.
It's alright, he wont forget about you or anything. Just come and bond with him when you can. Squall said.
I nodded.