#samirhadji

Carrying on from last chapter, Samir has a voice in his head now that he's a werewolf. When it "speaks" to him, it will be in italics. When he answers back, just in his head, it will be bold.

Kristopher: Hey Samir! How are-

Samir: Fated mates?

Kristopher: *sighs* Wolfgang. He's written too many romances

Samir: Only wolves? Reece can-

Kristopher: Listen kid, and listen properly. Fated mates, by definition, can only be a pair of werewolves. You and your boyfriend may be in love but a fated mate bond is different

Blah blah blah, just because he’s never had a fated mate. That’s not a bad idea.

Samir: Have you ever had one

Kristopher: What?

Samir: A fated mate. Is your wife…

Kristopher shifts uncomfortable, clearly not have anticipated this line of questioning.

Kristopher: We love each other but no. Natalia’s mate was lost decades ago. Each wolf only gets one. When they are gone you do the best with what is left

Samir: Why are you so sure Reece isn’t mine

Kristopher: Have you not been listening? It's simple. He’s a human

Trick him. What? Trick him. Tell him Reece might become a werewolf. Reece won't, and I wouldn't want him to. You know that and I know that but Kristopher doesn't.

Samir: Reece has been thinking of becoming like me. If he does… how would I know if we were fated mates once he turned

Kristopher: *sighs* When the bond is established there are physiological changes beyond the normal feelings of love. I would assume they would start to show up after he shifted for the first time

Samir: Physiological?

Come on, come on, tell us what we want to know. We’re in agreement for once.

Kristopher: Smell is normally the first one. Your mate’s scent becomes irresistible

Reece smells so good I want to eat him whole. Shut up he’s talking.

Kristopher: Reports differ from intoxicating to infatuating. Regardless the scent always invokes the desire to posses and envelop or become one with the mate

Samir: What else

Kristopher: Hearing. Although most werewolves can pick up on the emotional states of those nearby some fated mates are able to sense what their mate is saying without needing the words verbally spoken

Samir: So it affects your senses?

Kristopher: Yes. Of course, touch and taste are the strongest ones. Fated mates become both more sensitive to the touch of their partner, and able to… err… feel things more intensely with their mate

Bless him he doesn’t want to say- Shut up.

Kristopher: Sight is the slowest to kick in but does. Fated mates can see each other’s fury levels. Sort of like a hallucination

Samir: Fury? The thing that makes us turn right?

Kristopher: Oh wow, you really had no werewolf introduction. Fury is the force inside us that forces us to shift into a wolf. With practice we can do it at will but that fury is always there, growing. Mates will see a red haze around their partner when the level is high, and sort of a fire light in their mates eyes when they are close to losing control

Do you think- Maybe. We’d need to check.

Kristopher: Regardless committing to being a werewolf is a serious decision. I would not encourage Reece turning simply to see if you will establish the bond

Samir: Yeah... Ah, this voice I hear...

Kristopher: Getting unbearable is it? Let me see you in wolf form

Again the older werewolf shifts like a ripple in a pond while Samir’s transformation is jagged.

Kristopher: Hmm… yes, your abilities have grown since last we met. The voice will be louder now, it grows as you do

Kristopher: There are many opinions on what it is, but all werewolves have it. You must soothe it, work in harmony with it, bring it to the light. I assume it’s told you things you’d rather not do

Samir: *quietly* Yes

Kristopher: Don't be ashamed, it calls us all. The best way to get it on side is to include it in your mind, give it room. I’d suggest having more time in wolf form than just when your fury forces you to shift. Engage it in conversation and it will demand less of you attention when you want it to be quiet.

Kristopher suggests the pair try some tug of war. He expects the voice will likely give Samir pointers. He advises Samir to reject the worst thoughts but embrace the smaller ones. A way to try train the inner voice if you will.

Kick his knees. It’s tug of war. So? You want to win don’t you. Do you have any useful advice? Notice his jaw. What about it? He’s not gripping as hard on his right side as his left. And what does that mean? Hard to believe you were on a sports team.

Kristopher tugs the rope away and lets out a victory howl.

Damn. It’s not my fault you couldn’t take a hint. I told you. You told me some nonsense about his bite. I was saying that he was weaker on the right side of his jaw. To make use of that you should have given a few tugs to your right, then a sharp yank to your left. Oh. That makes sense.

Kristopher: How’s the voice doing

Samir: Telling me I should listen to it

Kristopher: Mine does that. Taming it is a process. Come, lets spar

The two werewolves clash and Samir again tries to listen to the voice inside him instead of blocking it out. It does give some helpful tips. Things he didn’t notice. Or maybe he did notice and that’s why the voice is saying it? The whole thing is still pretty confusing. When the pair break apart Samir thanks Kristopher for the help and decides to chance heading home in wolf form.

On the way he swings past the plants the collective are cultivating and harvests what is available. Then he can turn for home.

It’s great that our snowpal is still up, but next time we should make a headless one.

Samir remembers what Kristopher said. Engage it in conversation. Don’t treat it like a nuisance.

Yes, it is still there. Reece was so cute about it. He was, wasn’t he. He’s going to be insufferable with kids. Do you mean insufferably cute? Ha, I suppose I do.

So Samir moves about the garden, picking the crops Reece hasn’t had time to harvest and talking to the voice in his head about things other than killing.

When he’s not telling it to shut up the voice is less hostile towards him. It still won’t give away what exactly it is but Samir supposes none of the voices do. If they did werewolves would have a better name for them.

Do you think I’ve been in this form long enough? Who knows, why are we even listening to Kristopher? I bet his bones have rings in them like old trees do. He knows a lot about werewolves. Well I don’t care what he says. Reece is ours. Do you think? I mean if there’s never been a werewolf human fated mates pairing… More like there hasn’t been one recorded yet. As much as I'm not talking to mr "it's an infection"... you should talk to Reece about it. Yeah, I should do that. Then go kill something. Okay, I think we’ve done enough bonding. I'm going to shift back to human form. Suit yourself.

Samir finds it easier to slip back to his human skin. There’s still the feeling of resistance but it is less than the last time he went from wolf to human.

Semir gets busy trying to decipher the markings on various bits and bobs he found during the full moon. Reece gets home and he moves towards the table with the magazine he found.

Reece: Hey boss. I did good in class, I got all the notes

Samir: You did?

Reece: Mmhmm, and I’m going to do my homework now so we have plenty of time later for us

Samir: You are pretty focused right now

Reece: Thanks! I can’t wait to hear all about what the other werewolves said. You did talk to them right?

Samir: I did. Just like I promised

Reece: I can tell you’re happy about it

Samir: You can?

Reece: Yeah. It’s like a happy calm. Motivates me to do my work so we can have fun

Samir: Good. I’m glad you think I’m a good influence

Reece: You are to me, you help me be better, because I want to be good for you

Samir: I want to be good for you to blondie… I’m just going for a run while you finish that then

Reece: Okay boss, be safe

As soon as school was over Carson sped to the art room where Ariadne had been for the afternoon.

Ariadne: YES!

Scarlett: I knew it

Roger: Hey Carson

Ariadne and Scarlett broke apart and Ariadne turned to him beaming.

Ariadne: All set to go?

Carson: Yep, just need my date?

Ariadne stood giggling and went to follow him out of the room. Looking back Scarlett mouthed for her to text her afterwards and Ariadne nodded.

The pair walked through the centre of town catching up on the day and their classes. When they got to the shop snow began to fall and Carson began to laugh.

Ariadne: What’s so funny

Carson: I guess I'm just wondering if this is our first or second date. I'm a bit nervous

Ariadne: Hey don’t be nervous

She took his hands and Carson felt himself flush.

Ariadne: We’re just going to chat like we’ve done dozens of times via text. It’s in person sure but that’s great, I’m really glad you asked me. How about we say it's our second date, would that make it easier? Less worry?

Carson nodded and smiled.

The pair sat down and talked. Ariadne told Carson more about her life growing up. Since her parents left it was just her and her grandmother. Then of course her grandmother got arrested and she got put in the foster system. She’d bounced around many places but after meeting Alexander and James it felt like she had a place to belong again.

Ariadne: I keep wanting to say, thanks dad, but I’m worried James would have a heart attack

Carson: I’m sure they’d love to hear how you feel

Ariadne: Maybe. I’m worried they’ll just think I’m conning them like my grandmother did to... well... everybody

Carson: We’re more than our family right? We’re individuals

Ariadne: That’s true, we’re us

The afternoon sped along and before Carson knew it it was time to catch the ferry home.

Carson: See you tomorrow. I might be a bit in my head before the exams but-

Ariadne: Take me home at the end of the day then? We can chat when you’re not trying to remember ten dozen answers

Carson: Sounds perfect

Charlie: Don’t be so worried dad, he’s probably just on a date

Harvey: Isn’t he young for a date

Samir: I dated Reece when he was 15

Harvey: Yeah and then you- *eyes widen* oh... Kayleigh and I need to give him the woohoo talk

Charlie: Calm down dad. From the conversation this morning he’s clearly not there yet

Samir: We didn’t woohoo while he was here sir

Harvey: Sure you didn’t

Charlie: Dad, go fish or something. We’ll text when he’s back so you know he's alive

A little after 8 Carson made it back and headed straight for the fridge. Looking around for somewhere to eat he decided the safest bet was Samir, he was bound not to ask him probing questions. As he walked in the lounge Samir nodded his acknowledgement but didn’t stop eating, perfect. Siting on the couch he noticed for the first time how quickly Samir really ate, he’d finished half his plate before Carson had more than a couple of bites.

Reece came in just as he was finishing.

Reece: Hey loser, did you get lucky or what

Carson: *scoffs* None of your business moron, I’m going to my room

As he left and the sounds of guitar floated from his room Samir looked accusingly at Reece.

Reece: What?

Samir: *growls* You said you’d be on good behaviour

Reece: Now now, if I was well behaved all the time there would be no need for your special brand of discipline *kisses cheek* I’ll be a good boy tomorrow. Are you doing okay away from home lover? If you're too stressed we can-

Samir: If you’re with me, I'm more than okay

The next day was bright and sunny! The guests would be heading home while Carson was at school.

Kayleigh: I’m thinking best man, maid of honour, and four others in the wedding party

Samir: Shh, he could hear. Carson, change topics, please

Carson could see Samir was uncomfortable with whatever his mum was saying so figured why not?

Carson: Burgers for breakfast?

Samir: Reece made them

Carson: He’s awake this early?

Kayleigh: We’re taking a family picture before your ferry, you bet I’ve told him he has to be awake by now

*phone beeps*

Carson: Oh it’s a text, sorry

Charlie: How’d your date go then

Carson: Fine I think

Kayleigh: So she’s your girlfriend now? My youngest baby in a relationship?

Carson: I don’t know, is she? Is that how it works?

Charlie: If you’re not sure you should talk about it. You may not want to but trust me, she will. Don’t be an arse who strings her along okay?

Family photo!

Top row left to right: Samir Hadji, Reece Foster, Kayleigh Foster, Harvey Foster, Kaori Nishidake, Charlie Nishidake

Bottom row: Keira Romero, Carson Foster, Marta Romero

And of course we couldn’t say bye for now to guests Reece and Samir without them autonomously kissing like there’s no tomorrow.

For the first time in years all the Fosters had lain down to sleep under one roof. Harvey and Kayleigh enjoyed having a large family. For the most part everyone got along well, the girls were especially close. Carson and Reece liked to get on each others nerves of course but at the end of the day they were family. Kill each other, kill for each other, it was a narrow line.

Marta: Buenos Diaz

Reece: Morning Marta

Marta: You cooking?

Reece: For Samir, he likes meat in the mornings

Marta: I saw him eating veges Harvey prepped

Reece: Yeah he’s also a fan of seconds, and thirds. He's a bit of a glutton but I love him

Inside Harvey and Kayleigh were trying to talk to Samir but despite his conversation the previous evening Samir still wasn’t much of a talker, choosing to nod and murmur most of the time.

Keira: Why did you cook if you’re having sushi?

Reece: I look after my partner, but we hardly ever eat the same thing

Keira: Because of... him being a werewolf?

Samir: I like meat

Reece: Yeah he’s a big fan of fresh meat, the hunting is pretty good in Moonwood Mill

Harvey: Do you get much trouble when you run in to bears and what not?

Reece: *sighs dramatically* Do I have to tell you all a thousand times? There are NO BEARS in Moonwood Mill

*phone noise*

Reece: Ohhh, texting someone before school?

Carson: None of your business

Reece: That's what I said about my journal, didn't stop you. Who is it? It’s Deanna’s little sister isn’t it? *singing* Carson and Emi sitting in a tree

Carson: What? No!

Reece: But it is someone you like? Knew it

Carson: I didn’t say that

Charlie: Reece leave him be if he doesn’t want to talk about it

Keira: But if you want to brainstorm we’re here

Carson: Fine. She’s a girl from school, Ariadne. The blonde one you teased me about on the beach idiot

Keira: Wait wait wait- Alexander’s kid? Omg he’s gonna flip if she's dating already

Carson: Thanks

Reece: To think, Keira and I were at his wedding a few years ago and now you’re dating his daughter

Carson: Can you not? We’re not dating

Reece: Well do you want to date her

Carson: Yeah but it’s hard

Reece: If you like her you gotta ask her on a date, let her know you’re interested

Carson: I mean I think she’s flirted back... but what if she rejects me

Reece: Then you cry and you move on to someone else

Charlie: Look at him trying to be all wise when he was in knots about his crush

Reece: I wasn’t in knots!

Keira: Sure you weren’t, you were just moping around the house for fun. You’re together now so it’s fine. Carson, I do have to agree with Reece

Reece: Because I’m a genius

Keira: Because he’s right about taking the plunge. If you have feelings you’ve got to let her know. Who knows, maybe she has feelings and is waiting for you to make the first move. I was afraid to let Marta know how I felt before she made it clear she was attracted to me

Charlie: Ask her out, today. And if you strike out come home after school and we’ll have a water balloon fight. You can throw the whole bucket at Reece's head

Reece: HEY

Carson decided to listen to his siblings, but maybe not right away. At school he worked on the mural before class while Ariadne took time skating. Sure Carson could have joined her but he’d promised himself the next time he saw her he’d ask her out properly, and he really didn’t want to do that while flailing about on ice. He got to class early and composed a text to her before Mrs H could yell at them about phones.

Hey Ariadne, sorry I didn’t catch you this morning but I’d like to chat at lunch? I’ll be upstairs if you want to chat but no pressure. Enjoy gym class

When the time came he raced upstairs. She wasn’t there so he sat and tried to remember a breathing exercise Chad had taught him.

Ariadne: Carson?

Carson: Hi! Oh you look really nice

As she thanked him he reached for her hands again, happy that she didn’t pull back.

Carson: So I was thinking about when we went swimming together and I had a really good time

Ariadne: So did I

Carson: Would you like to do it again? Not like swimming but there’s stuff in town here

Ariadne: Like a... date?

Carson: Yes. Yes, I’m trying to ask you on a date

Ariadne: Hmm, let me check my schedule

Carson felt his chest tighten as she pulled out her phone and flicked through it. This was it. She was going to reveal she'd been recording him and his awful attempt at romance would be uploaded and go viral and then he'd die of embarrassment-

Ariadne: Ah, just like I thought. I’m completely free anytime

She burst in to giggles and Carson let out some nervous laughter.

Carson: Was that completely necessary

Ariadne: I’m sorry, you just looked so serious

Carson: I- I just get worried

Ariadne pulls him in for a hug and he likes how it feels. Maybe hugging could be okay.

Ariadne: I didn’t meant to make you worry. I’d like to go on a date with you Carson. What did you have in mind

She pulls out of the hug but takes hold of his hand, giving a reassuring squeeze.

Carson: Well we could check out that shop in town that’s like a bubble tea place and a clothes place

Ariadne: Sure. Collect me after class okay?

Carson: Yeah, I’m looking forward to it

Carson’s afternoon class went by slowly, he was busy thinking about the date. A proper date! And she’d said yes. Now, how to not stuff it up...

Onyx: Where were you before school

Carson: Trying out the skating with Ariadne

Onyx: Have you talked to her yet

Carson: Yeah we text before school and after dinner

Onyx: I meant about if your meet up was a date

Carson: Why do I have to talk about that

Onyx: By all means, don’t talk about it and let her think you’re not interested, or that you want to date Artemisia

Carson knew Onyx was right, but he wasn’t up to risking Ariadne making fun of him just yet. Instead he did his normal work on the mural while sneaking glances at Ariadne from afar.

Mrs T: Great job Carson

Carson: Oh, thanks. I’m still not sure what I want it to be yet though

Mrs T: That’s fine, it’ll tell you as you go. Did I hear the radio right this morning? Your mum is getting a star on the walk of fame?

Carson: Yeah

Mrs T: Well tell her we're all very impressed

Mrs T: Okay everyone, settle down. Phones away

Zhafira: But if it’s computer science why can’t we? Are phones not just small computers?

Mrs T: Everyone put them on silent! We need to focus. The topic we discuss today will be on the exams

Carson pulled his from his pocket to double check and saw he’d got a text at the end of lunch from Ariadne.

Ariadne: I didn’t want to interrupt you, you looked so focused! But good luck for the ceremony

She’d remembered! Although he supposed someone’s parent getting a walk of fame star was memorable. It didn’t mean she liked him. He didn’t have time to reply now but he made a mental note to send a text of thanks after class.

So all the Foster extended family traveled to Del Sol Valley for the afternoon. They watched with excitement as Kayleigh became the second active sim of mine to get the honour. First recipient was Mortimer Goth, let’s hope she has a brighter future than the now dead author.

Back in Sulani everyone and their suitcases pile in. Charlie and her wife Kaori with their dog Clover. Keira and her wife Marta. Reece and his partner Samir. Kayleigh and Carson welcome everyone while Harvey gets a head start on cooking. While Reece is playing guitar outside Samir asks Kayleigh if he can have a word with her and Harvey. Keira really hopes it’s about what she thinks it is.

Samir: Thanks. Reece and I have talked. After he finishes his degree he’d like to get engaged but, well, I’d like your permission to propose to him. And marry him. Please. I would like to marry him.

Kayleigh: Absolutely!

Harvey: Hmm

Kayleigh: Harvey that’s the most words we’ve heard Samir say at once. I think he deserves a response

Harvey: Are you going to give me grandbabies?

Kayleigh: Harvey!

Harvey: Because if you will then obviously yes

Kayleigh: Harvey!

Harvey: I’m kidding. Of course you can. We’d love you to keep him happy

Samir: *sighs in relief* Thank you

Harvey: When you told Kayleigh you could probably get him pregnant because you’re a werewolf was that like a throw away comment or?

Samir: *chuckles* I don’t think I could. Plus, imagine him pregnant

Kayleigh: *laughs* Oh he’d be too dramatic for anyone to handle

Harvey: But you will have kids right

Kayleigh: *sighs* I’m leaving before you embarrass yourself even more

Samir: We do want kids

Harvey: Good, good. Now what are your proposal plans

Samir: Big? Flashy?

Harvey: Oh he'd love that. Make sure it’s well lit and get someone to record

Samir: I will. Deanna probably

Harvey: We best get back out there before he gets suspicious. Oh I hope this means we can expect more talking from you. Not that silence isn’t golden of course but you probably need to rest your vocal chords after such a long discussion. I can say things like that you see because you’re going to be my son in law

Harvey walks out chuckling.

Samir *under his breath in confusion* white people

Carson: Hey Reece. Do you need help with your bags?

Reece: Do I need help? What’s with you?

Carson: Mum said that Samir really is a werewolf. I’m sorry for being mean on the phone about it

Reece: It’s fine, I didn’t expect you to believe me. Hey, hey, remember that time I convinced you raisins were actually dead flies? *laughing* Classic

Carson: *sarcastically* Yes, hilarious to put me off the only breakfast cereal we had

Reece: Don’t worry, seriously, it's all good

Carson: I kind of can’t help worrying. I’ve got OCD actually

Reece: Like real OCD or-

Carson: Real OCD

Reece: Oh man that must be tough

Carson: Excuse me? You’re giving me sympathy?

Reece: I did psychology last term, it’s a requisite for a bio major. OCD sounded intense

Carson: Yeah... it can be

Reece: Are you getting help with it

Carson: Yeah, I’m on some meds and have a counsellor

Reece: That’s cool. I tell Samir he should see a counsellor but he insists I’m enough. Which I love but I’m not trained. How’s the asthma

Carson: I have less symptoms but that’s because I don’t push myself to exercise

Reece: Exercise is really healthy though

Carson: I don’t need it, look at these guns

Reece: Woah, don’t hurt yourself there

Carrying on from last chapter, Samir has a voice in his head now that he's a werewolf. When it "speaks" to him, it will be in italics. When he answers back, just in his head, it will be bold.

Samir cleans up his excessive territory marking and then sets about scrubbing the shower where he spooks Reece who walks in to use the toilet still half asleep.

Reece: What are you doing in there

Samir: Cleaning it

Reece: But I clean stuff for you

Samir: Yeah well you have study. Don’t worry, I can punish you for not doing it anyway if you want

Reece: *smiles* yeah. Are you okay? Was the full moon tough?

Samir: *doesn’t answer*

Reece: Hey, lover, don’t do that. You know you can ignore everyone else but you talk to me, please

Samir: I’ve been having some trouble with the voice in my head again. I thought it’d shut up as I grew my skills but it’s almost… getting louder

Reece: Lover… I know you don’t like talking to people

Samir: I don’t

Reece: But I think this is something you need to talk to the other werewolves about

Samir: But I only like talking to you

Reece: Flattering, but I can’t help you with stuff I don’t know about. Kristopher has clearly been alive for decades if not centuries. He’ll have some idea what to do

They head out of the bathroom and Reece puts his arms around Samir, nuzzling into his neck.

Reece: Promise me you’ll talk to them *kisses* please *nips* please *kisses* please

Samir: *chuckling* Okay, okay, you win. I’ll do it for you

Reece: Good. I missed you in bed last night

Samir: Well we can’t get up to any fun now. You’ve just said I have to go talk to people

Reece: *pouts* I didn’t mean this second

Samir: Okay *kisses* I’ll have breakfast before I go

Reece: *sighs* You’re such a tease

Samir: And you’re needy

Reece: But you wouldn’t have me any other way

Samir: That is true. Ah, this steak looks good

Reece: I was thinking, if you get werebies from a bite then maybe it’s an infection

Samir: You’ve lost me

Reece: You got bit right. Then you got werebies. Then you became a werewolf. So maybe the voice in your head is an infection

What a jerk, how rude.

Samir: *chuckles* It doesn’t like that idea but it makes sense to me

Now you’re both uninvited to my birthday party.

Reece: Because like- hear me out

Samir: When do I not hear you out

If anything you listen to him too much. No one asked you.

Reece: Most infections are dealt with by antibodies but the werebies stayed in your system right? Because you’re a werewolf

Do you follow half the nonsense he comes out with. Shut up, he’s a genius.

Reece: So maybe as you develop your werewolf abilities the werebies is getting stronger. If it is, and the voice was a symptom, it would make sense that it’s only getting louder

Samir: That makes sense. I’ll ask them about it

Samir heads out and is happy to find it still snowing. He used to not like the snow. It was cold and wet and ruined his hair. But now his temperature ran hot. The chill of the snow was soothing if anything, and he had time to admire how beautiful the outdoors looked under a blanket of white. Inside Reece practiced some yoga before class. He wanted to do it outside but Samir told him he wasn’t to even think about being barefoot outside in this weather.

Sniffing the air reveals the strongest scent of Wolfgang and Kristopher seem to be coming from a large decorated tree. Approaching it Samir find the werewolf he’s looking for underneath.

Samir: Hi

Wolfgang: Oh hey there Samir! Nice to see you

Samir: Hmm

Wolfgang: Is there anything I can help you with today? I’ve not been up long enough to grill anything but I’m always good for a chat

Samir: I … hmm… help?

Wolfgang: Depends what you need help with

Samir: *sighs* a voice?

Wolfgang: The voice in your head? Oh yeah, we all get that after turning

Samir: We... all have it?

Wolfgang: Oh you bet! Mine was a hassle for the longest time before I found this place

Samir: Can we get rid of it

Wolfgang: Oh heavens no! Not without giving up being a werewolf. I may not know much about it, you’re better off talking to Kristopher, but I do know that

Samir sighs and feels downcast.

Cheer up chum, we’re besties. Shut up already.

Wolfgang: Is there anything else I can help with

Samir: Yeah. Fated mates

Wolfgang: *chuckles awkwardly* Kristopher doesn’t like me speculating-

Samir: Tell me

Wolfgang: I suppose I could… basics… can’t kick me out for that

Samir: Please

Shouldn't have said please, should have ripped his throat out. He can't talk without his throat now can he. Shut up, you're letting boy toy's logic rub off on you.

Wolfgang: Through the centuries our kind has found the ability to connect on… a deeper level. Humans talk of soul mates and that’s close… But fated mates are wolves that are destined to be together

Samir: Like... love?

Wolfgang: Precisely. They form an unbreakable pairing

Samir: Why wouldn’t Kristopher-

Wolfgang: *sighs* Ignorance. Sometimes age brings wisdom but it can also bring narrow mindedness. A unflinching belief in what is or is not possible. The fated mates bond has only ever been established between werewolves. I proposed that it could exist between werewolf and human

Samir: Why

Wolfgang: I’ve met many fated mates, I know what the bond is like. Anyway Kristopher disagrees with my theory. I’ve tried the black swan argument on him-

Samir: The what?

Wolfgang: Well... swans were always white, the idea of them being any other colour was absurd. However, when Europeans reached Australia they discovered swans with black feathers. In a nutshell, just because something has never happened before does not mean that it will not happen in the future. Oh, there’s Kristopher. You better talk to him

Wolfgang wanders off quickly and Samir’s head is spinning as he heads towards Kristopher.

Carrying on from last chapter, Samir has a voice in his head now that he's a werewolf. When it "speaks" to him, it will be in italics. When he answers back, just in his head, it will be bold.

Samir jogged and wondered. Wondered how Reece would take the news, if he would even believe it. Wondered how he was going to cope with letting this voice in to more of his life. If he could keep it from bringing out the worst in him. When he got back home Reece was just closing his book up. Samir sat and relayed both of the conversations he had had with Wolfgang and Kristopher. The conversations about the voice. The ones about what a fated mate was. When he was finished Reece stood there open mouthed and Samir knew his partner's mind was racing.

Reece: We should experiment

Samir: What

Reece pulls Samir up and towards the bathroom.

Reece: Let’s go in the shower, you need it after your jog, and we wont talk

Samir: You, not talk?

Reece: And you. Just think about what you want me to do, I’ll do the same. We’ll see if we’re in sync or not

Samir really didn’t like the idea of woohooing without hearing Reece’s voice but the younger man was so excited by the idea he couldn’t say no.

It went better than Samir thought. He may not have been verbally giving commands but Reece seemed to pick up what he wanted him to do, even when he changed his mind. He tried his best not to give physical clues and found that he could follow when Reece wanted to do particular things to. By the time they clambered out of the shower the bathroom was full of steam.

Reece: I did miss hearing your voice but I felt like I still had you in my head

Samir: Yeah, you did follow my thoughts pretty well

Reece: So either I did really good at that or….

Samir: Or?

Reece: You have me well trained

Samir: *chuckles* Can we eat? I’m starving

They get dressed and head back out to the kitchen.

Reece: So what was that one meant to be? Hearing?

Samir: I guess that’s what he said

Reece: It’s not like I can hear your voice saying sentences in my head or anything but I think I can feel your ideas or feelings… if that makes sense

Samir: None of this makes sense gorgeous, you’re human

Reece: Then tell me there has never been a time when you’ve known what I wanted to say without me saying it

Samir: That’s called being in a loving relationship where you know each other

Reece: And you said I smell delicious now that you’re a werewolf

It’s true. If you won’t eat him I will. Shu- No. You’re right. I do like tasting him.

Samir: That is true

Reece: And I know your sense of touch has gotten more fine tuned since you first turned. You said the pleasure radiates through you more. But… when you touch me it’s like… my body…

Samir reaches across and takes Reece’s hand, stroking his fingers gently.

Reece: *sighs* I don’t have the right words but it’s definitely more intense. Plus, sight. I saw you in a red haze the other day. And when I got back to the rec centre after classes your eyes glowed red even though you were in human form, and your wolf eyes are golden anyway

Samir: Golden like your heart

Reece: So if there are to be teams then I’m team Wolfgang. I think we have that connection

Samir: Fated mates?

Still in though Reece tidies the dishes and Samir grabs another wolf book from the shelf.

Reece writes down what he can in his journal to try keep track of the arguments for or against. In the end there’s only one against that can’t be overruled, he’s a human.

Samir: You’re happy being human right

Reece: I am. I feel like it’s me

Samir: So maybe the bond knows that. It knows you’re never going to be a werewolf so it activated while you’re still human

Reece: Maybe…

Samir: Hey why do you sound sad

Reece: I’m not sad

Samir: I can feel it. Come on, let’s go to bed and you’ll tell me what’s wrong

They climb on the bed and Samir pulls Reece into his arms.

Samir: Talk to me. My hearing or whatever it’s called isn’t as good as yours yet

Reece: If we are fated mates then… you didn’t choose me

Samir: What do you mean

Reece: Some cosmic space gods chose me for you, and you just have to go along with it

Samir: Do you know what I think

Reece: It’s not like I hear sentences-

Samir: I think that everyone has a soulmate out there. Humans, werewolves, whatever other occults exist. I think that werewolf abilities just allow them to feel the connection more clearly, to know they’ve made the right choice, but blondie I have made the right choice

Reece: When

Samir: When a cute blonde asked me to skip prom with him, I chose to. When that beautiful soul asked me to be his boyfriend, despite my reservations, I chose to say yes. I chose to tell you... I played ping pong thinking of you

Reece: *giggles* And you said it was good

Samir: I chose to put you on the lease for our house. I chose to ask you to move in. I chose to put up with large family gatherings and awkward conversations. Every step of the way Reece, I swear, I have chosen you. Deliberately. Me becoming a werewolf, and us being fated mates, is simply the way of the… what did you call it? Cosmic space gods

Reece: *sniffles* I believe in the watcher but... yeah

Samir: Right. It’s the way that the watcher is letting us know I’ve made the right choices.

Samir: You and I are meant for each other. I know it. And I can feel you know it to

Reece: I’ve chosen you to, I promise

Samir: Will you chose me again

Reece: What do you mean

Samir: Marry me blondie

Reece leans in and kisses him deeply. But before things can go further he pulls back.

Reece: No

Samir: No? You’ve been wanting to get engaged for-

Reece: Forever, I know

Samir: Then why not

Reece: Because I believe you. You’ve chosen me. And you’ve chosen that the right thing for us is to wait. To get engaged and married after my degree. I can see it your way, that this bond is confirmation not command

Samir: *smiles* At the end of the day we still make our own choices

Reece: Exactly, look at you all reading my thoughts like the fated mates we are. Plus I’ve kind of fallen in love with a glamorous proposal

Samir: More than this intimate one?

Reece: Samir, this one will always be my favourite. Because I know you mean it with your whole heart *kisses* but a man does like to be courted

Samir: Whatever you desire blondie, I’ll give it to you. Forever

Carrying on from last chapter, Samir has a voice in his head now that he's a werewolf. When it "speaks" to him, it will be in italics. When he answers back, just in his head, it will be bold.

When Samir finished his run he swung by the rec centre to switch the laundry over to the dryer. He’d just finished when Reece returned from campus for the day. Reece was rather shocked at Samir’s appearance. The glow he saw earlier may have been a trick of the mind but now it seemed like the red light was paired with a fiery glow from his partner’s eyes. Pushing it to the back of his mind as a likely headache symptom from a fast paced lecture he embraced Samir who sent him to do homework while the werewolf continued searching books for lore.

Reece sat out the back and reviewed the notes he did in class. It was like Keira had said, logical. Flourishing off some answers he heard the beep of the dryer. He went inside but when he opened it the clothes still felt damp. Holding his breath and hoping not to start a fire he sent the dryer on another cycle. He went back to his board right beside the dryer so that if anything caught flame he would be able to react.

Outside Samir felt the wolf within him stir, forcing him to his knees and shifting him. Growling he pushed himself back up, feeling his view become tinged with red.

Cute partner you got yourself. Shut up. I’d really like to take him to bed. Bet I could make him cum faster than you. But you are me… aren’t you? And I’ve already- Am I you? That is the million dollar question. Now, shall we go track down a killer. No! Why not? Are you scared? I’m not ready. I’d hurt myself. What’s wrong with dying trying? It would hurt Reece. Now get… out of… my HEAD!

Samir let lose a violent howl that caused some snow to fall of the branches of nearby trees. Clutching his head he felt that he had turned back in to his human form. The wolf was gone for now. Yeah he should talk to people who could explain...

Collecting Reece and the dried laundry he headed home. Reece had work to do on his presentations, so Samir left him to it in the spare room and turned his attention to the piece of bone he found earlier. It seemed to be a jaw that could fit on to the top part of the skull he had found ages ago. He remembered what Kristopher said about his eyes developing. Focusing he writes down what he can see on the pieces, part of the time his hand seems to move by itself.

Reece: Can I have a favour please boss

Samir: Huh? What’s up blondie

Reece: I finished collecting all that info for my presentations and I think my brain has turned to mush

Samir: Beautiful brain like yours couldn’t

Reece: I was hoping a little, or a lot, of you in me might put the pep back in my step? I still need to do my homework

Samir: *chuckles* Work, work, work

After their fun Reece planted one of the chrysanthemums inside, hoping the grafting wouldn’t be far off. Samir went back to the tunnels. He ran across a strong lockbox but it was wedged under too much debris to try shifting. Although he never clapped eyes on the wolf who had attacked him down here before he did feel like he was being watched.

Heading home Samir spotted Reece’s mum at their door and invited her in.

Samir: Blondie, your mum is here

Kayleigh: Hi ya honey

Reece: Hmm? Oh hi mum

Kayleigh: You busy studying

Reece: Basically

Samir left to go do some carving and Kayleigh waited until he was out of earshot. Well, it was human earshot.

Kayleigh: So tell me, when can I start planning a wedding

Reece: What are you talking about?

Kayleigh: You’ve been together, what? Four years

Reece: Yeah and?

Kayleigh: Oh honey you don’t have to get married if you don’t want to. But you know… some grandkids would be nice

Reece: Watcher! Keira has already said she's thinking of it, we don't all need to reproduce at once. Mum, I’m trying to study

Kayleigh: Yes but with my income I can support you. You don’t need to go to university

Reece: Maybe not, but mum I want to. I enjoy learning, using my brain.

Kayleigh: Hmm… Would you at least let me increase your allowance so you can expand this house

Reece: Mum! I’m capable of doing things myself

Outside Samir can hear the whole conversation and can feel Reece’s anxiety increasing. Time to swoop in and be distracting. What should- oh well there was one thing that was bound to distract her. Squaring his shoulders he goes back inside.

Samir: Kayleigh? Reece and I have been wanting to tell you...

Kayleigh: Have you impregnated him already

Reece: *wishing the ground would swallow him* MUM

Samir: No. Probably could if I tried though. I’m a werewolf

Kayleigh: Three sentences ! That's a- you’re a werewolf? But... they’re fictional

She looks at Reece in confusion.

Reece: He is a werewolf mum. They exist…

A silence descends and Samir can feel Reece’s joy that the spotlight is off his choices coupled with worry about how Samir was doing. Samir didn't like talking to anyone but Reece but he could do it. He'd do whatever he needed to look after Reece.

Samir: I made a sculpture for you... and Harvey

Kayleigh: Oh, thank you. So… werewolf… have you always been…

Reece: No not always but he is now

Kayleigh: And you are still happy together

Samir: Being with Reece is the best part of my life

Kayleigh: Well then who cares what species you are! Thanks for telling me. Can I tell your dad? He’ll have so many questions!

Reece convinces her the best thing to do is leave and brainstorm a list of questions with Harvey.

Reece: I am so sorry, she must have eaten the wrong kind of mushroom or been working with strong paints or-

Samir silences him with a kiss. Sometimes humans are just weird.

Outside the moon rises high, illuminating everything below.

Reece: I guess this means we won’t be sleeping together tonight

Samir: Not with this moon. Get in our room and lock it properly. I’ll see you in the morning *kisses* I love you

Reece: I love you to

Samir heads for the bathroom to try cool down. The full moon can’t be ignored though and he is forced to shift.

Did you miss me already. Hardly, you’re in my head all the time. Yeah but you ignore me unless it’s like this. Because I like to appear sane. Boring. So, who we going to hunt? No one. I am going to look for artifacts. I need to learn more about being a werewolf.

Samir stomps outside, the voice in his head continuing to protest.

I pissed you off talking about the boy toy didn’t I. I love him. Of course we do. That's exactly why we need to track down who killed your parents. No. Kristopher says I’m not ready. He’s a weakling who wouldn’t say boo to a goose. We need to find the killer and- NO. I just want answers. I’m not a killer. But maybe I am. What do you mean? Oh now you’re quiet. Fantastic.

Samir sniffs around for things buried beneath the ground, he finds a few of them to.

He continues through the night with the voice in his head providing unhelpful commentary every so often.

We should take him in the snow, that'd get him moaning. What? The hot, the cold, the sensations would be incredible. I’m not risking my partner getting frostbite. I suppose you’re right. Would be a shame for his pixel parts to fall off. No one asked you. I know you’ve thought about it. I’m in here remember. So what? When someone is turned on they think a lot of things, doesn’t mean they intend to follow through with them all.

Finally the moon loosens its grip and Samir can bring himself to shift back to being human. The voice is still there, obviously, but it’s quieter. Easier to ignore.

Samir and Reece are curled up in bed while the snow falls heavily outside.

Samir: *whispering* Time to get up

Reece: No *yawns* You’re warm and cozy

Samir: You were keen to wake-

Reece: I like the way you smell

Samir: *chuckles* Come on, you’ve got coursework and it’s Snow Day

Reece: *slurred* Slow day

Samir: Let’s go gorgeous. If you get all your uni work done early we’ll make a snowpal, huh?

Samir gets up and Reece reluctantly follows. The thermostat was installed so he’s able to stay warm inside even if it’s not in Samir’s arms.

Reece eats his breakfast as Samir marks his territory and he’s busy with his coursework when Samir comes to eat some meat.

Samir: What’s this one called

Reece: Building with cells, I can kind of understand it

Samir: By the time you’re done with it, you’ll understand it all

Reece: Thanks. What will you be doing while I’m slaving here

Samir: Just see if I can find anything around the place, and go for a jog. If you get cold, please put a shirt on

Reece: I’ll have a hot shower just as soon as I finish this…

In the garden, despite the cold, the chrysanthemums and roses are growing side by side. Samir smiles at them as he heads out. He still can’t help thinking of them as symbolism for him and Reece. One bright sunny and uplifting. One deep, passionate and thorny. After a shower Reece heads to tend the garden and picks the flowers happily. He still wants to graft them together, but he has to get a bit more knowledgeable about gardening first.

Samir gets back and picks one of the books of the shelf to try reading while Reece does more coursework. They’re supposed to be focusing. But, as often happens, their thoughts end up being about each other.

Reece: When can we get married

Samir: We’ve talked about this

Reece: Yes but snatches of conversation after woohoo are not the same as an actual sit down conversation

Samir: *sighs* We should be focusing

Reece: *pouts*

Samir: Blondie... It's like I've said. I’m not proposing until you’ve got your degree

Reece: What if I proposed

Samir: *scratches* I wouldn’t accept. I’ve told you, when I think the time is right, I’ll ask

Reece: Do you need to know who killed your parents first

Samir: No. They’re separate to us

Reece: I just… I want the world to know you've picked me

Samir: Is the hickey you’re always getting me to make on your neck not enough

Reece: I love it, and I love you but…

Reece looks sadly at his coursework and Samir feels bad. He doesn’t want Reece upset but he knows once they get married Reece will be obsessed with the idea of kids. He loves Reece being a genius and knows that long term Reece will be happiest having at least a part time job where he can use his brain. He needs to finish his degree before they "settle down". Then he's happy for him to have as many kids as will keep him smiling.

Samir: How about a compromise

Reece: Like a woohoo compromise

Samir: No. Like a… be my partner compromise

Reece: Huh?

Samir reaches over and grabs Reece's hand. He's thought of him as his partner since they moved in but they've only ever referred to each other as boyfriends. Maybe an upgrade will help Reece see he's invested in him.

Samir: A step up from boyfriend but still no ring. That’s what I can propose for now. Think about it while I shower okay?

As Samir showers his mind drifts back to what Kristopher mentioned about mates… Reece would probably have some idea since he was reading all of Wolfgangs books but how could he ask without relaying the conversation? He didn’t want Reece to feel like he had to be with him. Selfishly he wanted Reece to choose to be with him. Shaking off excess water he gets dressed and heads back to the table.

Samir: Do we have a verdict

Reece: *smiling* You bet partner. Do you wanna build a snowman?

Samir: *chuckles* Snowpal. You finished the work then?

Reece: Yes

Samir: Good boy. Let’s go

They head outside where the sky has started to darken, in winter the sun sets early.

Samir: Have you read any more of Wolfgang’s books?

Reece: Bits. You know I like my werewolf romance

Samir: I do know that very well. Is it weird reading the steamy bits now you know he wrote them

Reece: No. I mean he’s not the characters he writes about. Like I’m not reading a scene where I picture that he’s woohooing himself. Plus I already substitute the characters for us in the love scenes anyway

Samir: *chuckles* Of course you do

Reece: Thanks for earlier. It means a lot. I know you just want what's best for me I'm just... not good at being patient

Samir: Hey, it means the world to me you want to get married. You know that right?

Reece nods and Samir pulls him in for a serious of gentle kisses that leave the blonde boy giggling.

Samir: Trust me, my proposal will be worth waiting for. Now, what shall we name this monstrosity?

Reece: Monstrosity? Lover that’s our child! I even gave them a headscarf to keep warm, see

Samir: How about… Scarf-face?

Reece: *sighs* You better upskill your imagination before we have our kids, that’s all I’m saying to that

While it was a bit late for a dinner date Samir invited Reece to come with him to the onsen to rest. He knows that when Reece does a lot of writing he tends to get cramps in his muscles and he hasn’t had time for yoga with the coursework. Soaking in the onsen is something they can do together. The warm water does Reece good as he’s soon flirting up a storm.

Samir: Can I interest my partner in a massage

Reece: *chuckles* Anytime you want to put your hands on me just do it

Samir: Your shoulders are tight. Did you take a break between sections of writing?

Reece: I… wanted to get it done so we could build a snowpal

Samir: Blondie you’ve got to take better care of yourself

Reece: I’d rather have you take care of me. Shall we go home?

Samir: Soon. I just want to be gentle with you a bit more first