Welcome to Gaia! ::

Ridley Marlow stared down the ramp bypassing his front steps and the path beyond. He had just finished circling his bedroom for a good half hour, getting used to the feel of the chair and concentrating on anything but the pain radiating down his legs. He felt confident, but there was still some risk in sailing down the ramp and missing the turn in the path that lead to the main road and the cafeteria beyond. He bit the inside of his lip and rolled to the edge of the ramp. This would almost be fun if he didn't have to worry about falling out of the chair and undoing 6 weeks of recovery.

The grips slid through his hands smoothly as he glided down the ramp. The friction burn warming his palms as he eased to a stop reminded him that perhaps some gloves were in order if he planned on traveling much. Nodding in congratulations of his little feat, he wheeled his way down the walkway and towards the commons.

The common area was well landscaped and well let, giving a nice little community feel. The large building in the middle had several doors, clearly marked. A posted sign outside gave a room number listing for all the services/rooms provided, including the cafeteria, exercise room, movie/video game theatre, arcade and game room, and general supply station.

The beach could be seen in the distance beyond the edge of the village. There was a path seemed to lead up from the sand. A figure moved up the path, seemingly just coming back from a swim in the ocean water - the figure was wearing black swim trunks and had a towel draped over his neck and shoulders.

Though it would be hard to tell at a distance, there seemed to be something very...wrong abut the figure. As Marlow would look, and the figure came close, the man that came into better view seemed to be covered in a grey fur!

"Need help?" The man asked the man in the chair, as if nothing was wrong. He ringed water out what appeared to be a tail as he asked, as if it was the most normal thing in the word. His smile might have even been consider dashing had is not been splayed over black lips and sported a glistening white pair of extended canines.

White circled the hazel irises of Marlow's eyes and replaced the color of his face. "What...?"

He was a logical man from a very logical background. He had never in his life seen something so strange that it defied explanation, until now. It had to be makeup... or a costume... that's what his mind tried to tell him anyway, but its voice was so meek he had trouble believing it. He wished he could. On impulse he looked over his shoulder, searching for a guard, someone normal, someone not looking like something you would meet under a full moon in a nightmare.

Vasile tossed some of the wet white hair out of his face, looking at the man more critically now. His fur was still damp from his skin, which begged make Marlow question the idea of a costume. If it was one, it was amazing, for the drying fur was clumping together in little bit, exposing the skin in areas on his face and stomach.

"Need help with the door?" Vasile reached out, releasing his tail, and help the door open for the man, a worried expression crossing his features. Vasile hadn't even considered the man didn't know the deal with the island here... he'd never had to break that news to someone before.

The chair began to drift back and Marlow made no attempt to stop it. "N-no. I-I-I don't." He managed to force out. On his own two legs, he would have been half way back to his room by now... maybe two thirds. As it was, his condition and the fact that the creature had made no move to harm him were the only thing keeping him from crawling over the back of his chair.

Vasile's ears quickly dropped as his smile faded fully into a worried frown. "You're... new here, aren't you?" Vasile released the door and turned to look at the man fully, suddenly looking very sad and a bit embarrassed. "Crap, I've never had to do this.. uh.." he thought for a second. "Uh... I'm not going to hurt you? My name's Vasile. Vasile DiRossi?" He almost winced as he said it, looking for the spark of recognition.

Marlow shook free of his stupor enough to squint at the Vasile's face. He hadn't exactly studied him on the posters or in his films, but under the fur there was something familiar, mostly about the eyes. "DiRossi...Y-you're the actor... this... this is a movie?" That would make sense right? Just like he thought earlier... just a costume. A really good costume... at a hospital, with no cameras or crew in sight.

Vasile couldn't help a smile - a bit- when he was recognized. He certainly didn't get that very often. "Aye. Or, well, I was. Uhm... " the white haired man scratched behind his ear nervously. "You might of heard- or not..." he glanced once again at the chair. The guy could have been in a coma for all he knew, "that I was 'killed' in a helicopter crash. Heh."

He looked around. "This, however, isn't a movie, unfortunately. Nor is this," he motioned to himself, "..a costume."

Marlow laughed nervously, gripping the wheel rungs of his chair so tight his knuckles were white. "That's a good one." He tried to forget that maybe he had heard something in the news about some Hollywood big shot dying in the last year. It must have been Keanu Reeves... not DiRossi. "Now really... "

Vasile looked around, not wanting to cause a scene. "Really. Uh... why do you think you're here? It seems to be different for everyone..." Vasile opened the door again. "Why don't we go in here, get a cup of coffee or a glass of water or something?" Vasile looked at the bars on this chair, where people could push him. "May I?"

Marlow gave a very short nod before leaning his head in his hand. His mind switched to a different tactic. He had fallen asleep in his room... and this was just a bad dream brought on by that shot Dr. Lockheart had given him. Best just go along with it at this point, at least until he woke up. "I'm here because they said they might be able to fix..." He looked at his lap. "...Motorcycle accident... almost two months ago."

Vasile wheeled the man into the building, towards the cafeteria. "Fix you? Oh yeah, I'm sure they can re-grow your legs or something. Just don't expect them to be human legs...." Vasile winced, looking down at the guy. "Er, sorry. That wasn't very tactful. But, uh, yeah. Needless to say, I didn't used to also be like this. Foxy, you know?"

"Wait... What?!" He turned in the chair, ignoring the protest of his limbs. Don't expect them to be human legs? "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"The crazies up in the labs," Vasile gestured, not really knowing if he was pointing in the right direction or not. "They kidnap people... turn them into things. Me? I'm 'lucky'" he spat out bitterly, "I'm turning into a fox. Some of my friends... not so lucky. Snake. Octopus. Iguana." Vasile wheeled him over by a table and quickly ret retrieved two bottles of water, offering the man one.

Marlow reached for the bottle, but his grip was too shaky and it fell to the floor. "But... not everyone right? I mean... they do other types of research?" Moreau wouldn't pull a stunt like this... he wouldn't dare.[/] He was here to get his legs fixed and then go home.

"Uh..." Vasile sat down on a chair next to him. "My friend Ambrose's girlfriend's been here a few months and she still looks completely human. But I don't think anything was wrong with her... and if they're doing anything to her we don't know about it yet." He shuddered, that thought almost more disturbing to him. "But uh.. I think they're messing with out heads... behavior and all. But still turning us into animals as the same time..."

"Dr. Lockheart... didn't say anything about this..." he managed, suddenly becoming very preoccupied with rubbing a spot on his arm.

"Oh? They never tell you right away. And uhm, I wouldn't be surprised if she's not exactly feeling sympathetic to the lab rats right now. One of us, uh, I'm not sure who, tried to kill her not too long ago." Vasile frowned. "I...really don't think you're going home. I'm sorry..."

Marlow dug his thumbnail into the armrest of his chair, staring at the gouge it made as he cut across the leather methodically. "I don't understand why anybody would want to hurt the woman." He hissed bitterly. The notion that this was all a dream had abandoned him. His mind was far to practical to think up something as ******** up as this no matter what drug he was on.

"My name is Ridley... Ridley Marlow."

Vasile nodded, holding out a ... paw.. for him to shake. "Vasile DiRossi."

He looked around the room, not really knowing what to say. "I'm sorry. So far no one that's come here has gone home. Or if they haven't, they didn't send any help. I... wish I knew what else to say..."

He took the offered paw and shook "I have to admit, I'm at a similar loss..." Marlow leaned back in his chair. "How is the fox thing working for you?"

His ears turned red, a bit of embarrassment stinging them. "Oh, well, it was okay at first. I mean... at least considering... but recently I think they're messing with my mind or something. Doesn't quite sit well with me.." He shifted in his chair, looking away. "But you know.. I've given up resisting. I know a hopeless situation when I see one."

Marlow nodded sympathetically, still not quite able to make full eye contact as he mulled everything over in his head. Questions were rising in his mind and getting swift, often brutal answers. Escape? Where would he go? How would he get there? His father coming to the rescue? They had both signed the forms acknowledging the 'risk' of his procedure. It wouldn't be long until he was as dead as DiRossi. As for his fate... "Can I confess something to you, right now, just so I can get it out in the open?"

Vasile blinked. "Of course."

"I..." He gave a sad little smile. "I don't think I'm going to be one of the lucky ones."

Vasile's left ear perked a bit, while his right one dropped further in sympathy. "Don't say that. Not everyone's been getting creepies. My best friend, he's a wolf. And... and a someone else is a dog. Why.. those aren't so bad. Be hopeful? Maybe they'll turn you into... a..." he gestured thinking, "A rabbit or a kangaroo! Yeah! Fix your legs up real nice." Vasile gave an encouraging smile.

Marlow ran a hand though his hair and stared at the ceiling. "Yeah... fix me up good." Though he appreciated the effort he wasn't entirely convinced. He doubted that Moreau had gone through all this trouble to just turn around and start doing him a favor. But despite it all, Marlow confessed that he was rather impressed. This was one of the greatest abductions he had ever heard of. When Moreau got around to telling his parents, they would tearfully thank him for trying his hardest to help their poor, crippled, foolish son.

Vasile frowned. "Sorry... but uhm.. you know? For the most part every where is really supportive. No matter they pull." For the first time, Vasile caught himself looking over the man, and wondering just how immobile he was...

"Well that's a grand thing." Marlow sighed, still arched over the back of his chair, now with his arms dangling limp at his sides. "I imagine if nobody's going anywhere it helps to be on friendly terms." He was a fairly social, empathetic kinda guy... when it served him best to be so.

Vasile curled his still slightly damp tail in his lap and began to comb his fingers though it - his nervous habit. "Can... I get you anything, I guess. I'm sorry, I've never had to do this to someone. Give 'em the bad news and all. I'm sure it can't be easy..."

Marlow waved his hand. "No, no. You did great. Saying it's not much easier than hearing it, I bet." He swallowed dryly. "Do you have anything to drink here? I mean... drink. I haven't had something to drink in a really long time and now seems just perfect."

Vasile perked a bit. "Aye! There's an open bar on the beach!" He jumped up, grabbing the chair by the handles. "Its not all bad here, at least. They'll virtually give you anything you want... that doesn't involve you leaving the island."

He gave his paw a pat with his hand "You're a good man, Vasile."

Behind his chair, Vasile grinned like the Chesire cat. "I try" He wheeled him back out
towards the beach. It was actually quite a stunning sight. The beach and the jungle... the island was beautiful. It was almost a shame.

The bar was a covered hut along the path. It was a bit bumpy over the pebbled, sandy path, but Vasile tried his best to keep the chair steady.

Marlow was along for the ride, physically and mentally. It was too surreal to even reflect back upon properly. He was on a tropical island, being whisked away to a white sand beach by fur-covered action star Vasile DiRossi where, when the setting sun set the beach a blaze with orange and red, he hoped to have the stiffest drink he ever held to his lips.
Vasile was a bit concerned how quiet Marlow was, but he figured he needed the time.

Once at the bar, Vasile made sure he made sure he had a nice view of the ocean. Vasile crawled behind the bar. "What can I get you, Ridley?"

"Marlow." He corrected on instinct before shaking his head at his own rudeness and explaining. "Ridley's one of those family curses that gets passed on every other generation." He straightened himself up and tried his hardest to look over the edge of the bar from his low seat. "Are there good things back there? I can't tell... better just surprise me."

"Okay, Marlow then...." Vasile looked around. "We have about everything you could imagine...." Vasile grabbed the drink mixer book and started to mix a cocktail for him.
"You don't have a nickname or something you go by? Just going by your last name would seem like it would feel so... impersonal." He shrugged, mostly curious than correcting.

Marlow lifted his shoulders and dropped them. "Nobody's ever managed to come up with something better and I've never minded it much, but if you think of something let me know." Wasn't like the Marlow name was going to be getting him much further anymore anyway. "What about you? Your friends all call you Vas... or Veal... or something?"

"Just Vasile. Unless you want to get on my nerves on call me Sily." Vasile slid the glass over to him. "Only my brother calls me that. My parents still call me Victor." He winced and laughed. "Wow, I don't think I've told anyone that. Vasile DiRossi is my legally changed stage name."

"Your secret's safe with me." He grabbed the glass and gulped down half without even pausing. "That's got to be a relief, right? No more tabloids? No paparazzi. That's why I never dated people in that business." And then the other half as well.

Vasile's eyebrow arched. "But you had the opportunity?" he asked with a smirk. I mean, that wasn't a statement most people would pop off. Most guys would give their left nut for a chance to date Angelina Jolie, paparazzi be damned.

"But, yeah, I guess if you were looking for a silver learning, the illusion of privacy is nice. 'Cept Moreau watches every move we make. Hidden cameras are everywhere."

"Augh." He tossed his head back again and thunked the glass back on the counter. "You didn't need to tell me that. I could have been happily buzzed for at least another 10 minutes without that knowledge." He inched the empty glass back towards Vasile.

Vasile quickly went to refill his drink. "I'm sorry." He frowned. "You learn not to care after a while. I wouldn't worry too much about it."

"I suppose it's minor compared to the prime concern. Thanks" He took the refilled cocktail and drank, this time in smaller increments. "So I guess that leaves only one question: What the hell does one do on an island while they wait to turn into... whatever the hell it is they turn into?"

"Well..." Vasile leaned over the bar a bit. "Watch movies. Work out. Enjoy the beach, Get drunk. Have sex. And b***h. A lot." He smirked, trying to keep the atmosphere as light as possible.

"So it's like college then?" He laughed, finally making eye contact.

Vasile met his gaze right back, giving his best smile. "Exactly. Just less classes and more fur." His tail waved behind him happily. "Though... you can learn a few things if you know where to look." He perked his eyebrows and fished popped a maraschino cheery in his mouth as he fiddled around with making his own drink.

"Well, they say you never stop learning" He waited until Vasile was finished mixing his drink and then raised his glass. "Cheers."

Vasile's drink looked fruity and tropical, and he clinked it to Marlow's with a smile. Vasile came back around and sat on a barstool. "Motorcycle accident, you say?" He looked at his chair with a sympathetic wince. "Must have been bad. But I once heard that any motorcycle accident you walk away from at all is a lucky one."

"Windy road, missed a turn and went over an incline. Bike landed on my legs." He made a chopping motion along his shins. "Wanted to cut them off, but I woke up before they could grab the saw. Wasn't really willing to accept the idea of losing my legs." He chuckled, trying to keep a good mood even as he stated the obvious. "Kinda rethinking that decision now."

Vasile chuckled as well. "Yeah well. I think the reason I got here is even dumber. I slept with this one big-time director's daughter. Found out later she was fifteen." Vasile winced. "Anyway, he had some really high-brow friends, if you know what I mean. I don't think I landed here by mistake."

"That's... really bad luck. And kinda dumb" Marlow agreed. "But it's going to make one hell of an E! Hollywood special."

"Damn straight it will," Vasile said with a grimace. "I think that's half of why they did it. A fallen star in his prime is a multi-million dollar commodity." He shook his head. "Not like I'll ever be sleeping with any 15year old girls again..." me mumbled into his drink before going bottoms-up. "What duplex are you in?"

Marlow look into the bottom of his drink, realizing he had finished the rest without realizing. He had to think about the question for a second. "47... bottom floor obviously. You?"

Vasile was quick to give in a third. The guy needed it. And Vasile definitely didn't mind. "Fourteen. Means I've been here a while."

"You seem to be doing okay... other than the head messing thing you were talking about earlier..." Marlow sniffed and started in on the most recent beverage. He hoped he would be so level headed when his time came.

"Yeah, I'm doing pretty okay. Its been hard to adjust, but if you don't let it get to you..." He smiled. "I've actually made some friends. Real friends. Not like I've ever had before, ya know?"

"I suppose you have too..." Marlow mused, leaning his chin on his hand and watching the sun melt into the horizon. He found himself wondering how many real friends he had made in his life. None were coming to mind.

It was almost romantic. That is...if Marlow wasn't, chances were at least, straight. And he just hadn't been told the worst news of his life. "Leave anyone behind? Wife? Girlfriend.?" Vasile glanced over, trying to be nonchalant. "Boyfriend?"

Marlow shook his head. "No wife, no girl, no... boyfriend." He narrowed his eyes slightly but tried to play it as cool as Vasile.

"That surprises me," Vasile said, looking at him. "You're young, handsome. Some how I'm getting the vibes that you had money..."

"Bad priorities on my part." Marlow cleared his throat, setting down his glass. "I'm hard to impress."

"So...what does it take to impress you, then?"

Marlow straightened his shoulders. He wasn't exactly comfortable with where this conversation was headed, regardless of the three drinks in his stomach sloshing about with a regaling chorus of 'just roooooooll with it Ridley! "A lot." A hell of a lot.

Vasile decided to let it drop for now, trying to play it cool. "I used to be like that," he admitted. "I think I've grown." Images of the other night flashed through his mind, with Tim and Avery. He averted his eyes. "A little, at least."

"This seems to be the place to do it." He moved his hand and released the brake on his wheels. "But I just got here."

Vasile nodded. "Some people handle it well. Others... not so much. But there are people here who will do their best to help." He gave a small smile and looked down at his empty glass. "Heh. We should slow down. Don't want to spend your first day here with a hangover, huh?"

"A little late for that I think... for me. I'm still a little done over from the trip." He nodded again. "It's been a hell of a day."

Vasile patted him on his shoulder. "I can imagine. I wish I could give you some good news." He thought for a moment, but drew a blank. "You seem pretty high profile? Maybe someone will break their cover. Almost happened with me. Some paparazzi chick didn't believe that I was dead. Course she came alone...now she's here..."

A slight shudder ran through his body. If anybody were to come looking for him, it would be family... and he wasn't bitter enough to wish his fate on them just yet. "Yeah... maybe." He placed his hands on the wheels. "Thanks... for everything. I'll be seeing you around, right?"

"Mind if I walk you back?" Vasile didn't know if that was the right phrasing, but it sounded a hell of a lot better than 'push you home'

Marlow looked up the incline. It was a long ways, and he was exhausted. He couldn't imagine making it very far before he started drifting back down the hill. "That'd be fine. 'Preciate it"

Vasile took hold of the handles and headed the way back up to the village. He didn't know what to say. Small talk was hard in a place like that. And he obviously didn't want to talk about the labs or Moreau.

"It was nice talking," he said as they got to his door. "Look me up if you need me. Hope you don't feel too bad tomorrow. Drink water."

"Thanks again. You were really helpful..." He turned around inside the room so he could face Vasile. "We'll talk again, I'm sure."

"Hope so." With a charming smile he waved again and turned to leave, his tail waving happily behind him.

Marlow watched him go, seeing past the silhouette of fur and tail with ease now that he had talked with the man... or maybe it was just the three strong drinks. Either way, he imagined things would be much harder in the morning.

Vasile spent an extra hour or so in front of the mirror that morning, making sure each hair on his body was brushed and bathed, conditioned, and positioned. After fussing with his hair, and dressing as snazzy as his now-meager wardrobe could manage, Vasile headed down to the cafeteria. He raided the selection of sushi offered, picking out every piece that looked questionable at all. Sure it wasn't Benihana's, but it was a fresh and its not like cooking style came into factor with sushi. Leaving the cafeteria with more fish than the two of them could possibly eat (and not feeling at all sorry for the actual fish eaters who would be going without the rest of the day) Vasile headed over to Marlow's place with a definitely spring in his step

Marlow's preparations were less elaborate through little fault of his own. Firstly, the only clothes he possessed were standard patient issue complete with obvious Feral Lab logos. He didn't even have the comfort of his own underwear (and as a result had taken to not wearing any at all.) Secondly, he wasn't exactly sure what it was he was preparing for. Surreal life had given way to surreal sleep and even though he felt quite lucid at present, he couldn't completely separate what was said or done and what had been only imagined... if indeed anything was dreamed. He had to face that possibility as well. The snail thing, that he knew was real. The morphine had been real too, thank god.

But the talk with Vasile... who had been indulging who? Had he been toying with Vasile because it amused him to watch the vixen... or had Vasile simply played along with the banter out of pity for a man strung out on the most painful night of his life? Was this lunch... or a lunch date? Marlow groaned slightly in front of the bathroom mirror as he ran his fingers through his hair. Best just let things play out as he had been doing from the start...

He gave himself a final once over. There was one outcome of the conversation that was evident. He had finally snapped out of his self-pity long enough to fix himself up a bit. He was scrubbed clean with his hair hanging soft and loose. His chosen outfit, though still courtesy of the lab's supply, was the most casual of the set. He was ready.

Vasile's pleasant smile took on a seductive up-curl when he saw Marlow, not bothered to let his eyes hungrily take in the 'dressed up' version of the man that already drew Vasile crazy for some reason. "Good afternoon," he purred, lifting the covered plate to indicate his 'catch.' "You're looking well." He stepped forward, held open the door and offered to help him out. "How have you been feeling?"

"Well enough," Marlow replied as he wheeled through the room towards the open door, "thanks to you and your assistance. I doubt I'd be looking so well if you hadn't been able to come."

"I'm just glad I could help," he said with a genuine smile. He handed the platter to Marlow, asking him to hold it in his lap so Vasile could push him from behind. "Its a lovely day, don't you think? I really hope they have sake at the beach bar. Would make one hell of a picnic, aye?"

Marlow stared at the platter in his lap, only slightly begrudging the fact that he was being used as a cart or worse, was getting the invalid treatment. He swallowed it quickly because what Vasile said was true. It was a fine day. "A hell of a picnic..."

Vasile pushed Marlow towards the beach bar, already enjoying the company and still proud of his idea. The trail to the bar was a bit bumpy, as always, but Vasile really did do his best to make sure it was as smooth as possible given the circumstances.

Vasile parked him near the bar and then immediately rushed behind the counter to check the heavily stocked cabinets for the sake.

He had been thinking about it since they started down the trail. There was really no dignified way he was making it out to the sand, was there? The chair would be useless on the dunes and he was in no mood to be carried. His legs were certainly not up to the task, which left dragging himself on his belly, which was just as absurd as all the rest. But just as before, he couldn't summon the will to disappoint Vasile. "Any luck back there or do we need to leave a note in the suggestion box?"

Vasile moved around a few bottle, but a triumphant "ah-ha!" from behind the bar seemed to answer his question. He popped up, bottle in one hand and a few saucers in the other. "Bingo. Tell you want, these crazy docs know how to drink, that's for sure."

He smirked as he glanced over the bar. "Or they know how to pick a poison. This place is just full of temptation."

Vasile met Marlow eyes and curled a grin over one of his long canines. "Yeah... it is." He came around the other side of the bar and looked at the sand, the chair, and back to the sand... obviously having the same realization that Marlow did earlier. But he was determined not to spoil the evening, so, after a few annoyed flicks of the ear, Vasile took the blanket he brought with them and began to spread it over the sand, just a few paces beyond the beach bar. It faced the ocean, and while not quite as close as he would have liked...it was still a good view.

With a nearly audible sigh of relief, Marlow set the sushi on a stool, backed his chair against the bar, and began the careful process of slipping to ground. It took a few minutes, but with calculated shifts of his weight and the strength of his arms, he managed to reach the blanket with pride intact. It was warm and pleasant on the sand and once he brushed himself off he smoothed the fabric for Vasile to sit.

Vasile waited patiently for Marlow, took the platter and the sake and sat next to him on the blanket. He was far enough away not to be considered too forward, but definitely closer than any proud heterosexual male would sit to another.

"So... now I feel kind of pressured," he said, taking the cover off the plate of fish. "You built it up so much last time... what if this doesn't measure up?"

"I'm not worried." He assured him. "It might not be the same thrill, but I don't think there was ever a better day for eating sushi."

Vasile held out the platter to him then, leaning a bit closer and gesturing to the wares as if a he was a model on a game show. "Indeed, I can't get over the view," he said, staring directly at Marlow.

He wasn't going to falter, though in the middle of his mind a miniature representation of himself was jumping up and down, flailing his arms as if trying to wave off oncoming traffic. A second representation, this one only a voice, was clucking its tongue shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the road in the first place. He smiled back, still cool as ever. "The variety is a little daunting though... I might need some advice."

Vasile nodded and scooted a bit closer to the man. "Well..." he purred, wiggling his fingers over the plate as he decided, "Yellowtail is most people's general favorite. Its mild with a very. firm. texture." Vasile emphasized each word then paused. He picked up the piece with his long fingers, holding out to him... it was ambiguous as to whether he was motioning for him to take it from him with his own hands, or if he was asking permission to place it in his mouth himself.

He tilted his head to the side, stalling as he stared at hand and sushi both. "Old reservations... not always easy to ignore" he tried to explain.

"Maybe it would help if you just closed your eyes and opened your mouth," he said playfully, holding it out further. "Remember what it was like the first time."

Marlow chuckled in spite of himself, leaning back on his hands. "It's worth a try." He let his eyes close with a flutter and his lips part.

Vaile's tail twitched behind him, so tempted to do something...very forward. But he just shook his head and took a breath, reaching forward and placing the piece of yellowtail sushi on the man's tongue, watching intently.

Marlow closed his mouth over the offering, savoring it with a satisfied sigh. It was as good as he remembered. Maybe even better....

Vasile let a sigh escape from his own lips, leaning back on his own arms, watching with a wistful smile. "See? Good, yes?"

"Exquisite." Marlow agreed, still not opening his eyes as he swallowed. He was... amazingly content. A startling concept given the situation he found himself in both now and in general. Maybe it was easier to forget than he realized.

Vasile crawled even closer to him, bringing the sushi along with him. "More?" he asked softly, near his ear.

His stomach tightened, the hot breath on his neck telling him exactly how close Vasile was, but he found himself nodding. "Surprise me."

Oh... the temptation. Vasile swallowed and took another piece from the platter. Tuna. Tuna was always good. He placed the palette of rice on his tongue slowly.
He thought about how easy it would have been for him to just eat his lunch, shake Vasile's hand, and wish him well. But no matter how many chances had availed themselves he had always chosen the more difficult route. Why? His tongue arched to meet the food, just faintly brushing against Vasile's fingertips as it took the sushi gratefully.

Vasile tried to keep the murmur to himself, wondering if Marlow was actually being as flirtatious and inviting as he seemed to be... or if he was just interpreting it that way. One thing Vasile was -not- used to in relationships was uncertainty or insecurity...two things that were killing him here. Never had he ever hit on a girl and embarrassed himself because she ended up being lesbian - part of that being dumb luck. But the chances of a fan girl being lesbian were far fewer than rich pretty boy being gay. All statistics and logic would indicate Marlow was nothing but a straight man... but Vasile was NOT being subtle in his flirting...and he hadn't told him to stop?

That meant something, didn't it? Or was Marlow just teasing him because he could?

Or was Vasile just horny and reading too much into everything? He reached for another piece of sushi and placed it on his tongue, letting his finger linger there longer than before... just to see what he did.

His subconscious was ready with a hundred justifications, some vague some complex. There was the strain of the island, the grieving for his lost life, the knowledge of what was to come. How could one show restraint in the face of that? As for Vasile... a man. Well. Vasile's gender had never been the most striking of his features. Even beyond the white hair and subtle grace, it was the kind face, the only one he had found in this dark time, that had mattered most in his eyes. He also couldn't help but note that Vasile did not act like any man he had even known... gay or straight.

Again he found his lips rising towards the food, sucking into his mouth, only this time his eyes opened just slightly to peer at Vasile.

Vasile was leaning in close, his green eyes burning into his as he watched his expression closely. His own mouth was slightly open, his canines resting ever so gently on his bottom lip. "Good?" he breathed, barely above a whisper.

He nodded firmly, one of his hands unconsciously pushing the plate out of the distance between them "Good."
Vasile let the air linger between them for minute. Once again, Vasile saw nothing but a blaring green light... but why didn't he just go for it then? After a moment, Vasile lets his claws trail down the side of his face, just barely touching him, but watching for his reaction. "So what now?"

He did not pull away, bearing the shiver that tickled the back of his neck as Vasile's finger's slid down his cheek. "I wish I could tell you..."

Vasile swallowed, leaning in a bit closer. "You probably think me...rather forward..."

Marlow breathed steadily, still not moving away. "I think I'm through thinking..."

"Are you now?" Vasile smiled, almost relieved. He had given his last warning. "That's... good..." Vasile's claws reached back into his hair, gently pulling him towards his face as he leaned in, catching his lips with his mouth. The kiss was chaste, for the most part - tentative at first as Vasile waited for his reaction.

He was calm and gentle at first as the sting of shock dulled but by the time his hand rose to cup Vasile's jaw his confidence had swelled. It was a kiss that Vasile had started, but he was the one that deepened it.

Vasile felt the chill rush down his spine, the hairs on his tail and ears pricked and sensitive. Vasile returned the kiss passionately, a low growl-like sound of approval in his throat as Marlow deepened it. He moved in, pressing his body close.

Marlow wasn't startled by the fervor. He reveled in it, enjoying the first bit of exhilaration he had known in many months. It was new, it was close, and it wasn't going anywhere until he let go.

Vasile held the kiss for many moments, exploring this new territory gently. His hands slide out of his hair and wrapped around his shoulders to better hold the man to him. Finally, breathing deeply, Vasile pulled away...just far enough to look him in the eyes.
Marlow's eyes smiled warmly as he hid his breathlessness effortlessly. You could have blamed it on the sake if you waited, said the voice in his head, or the morphine if you just went for it last night. But no... in broad, sober daylight. How are you going to explain this one to the country club? His inner reply was a firm, mental <******** off. The voice went quiet again.

Vasile nuzzled his neck gently, trailing feather-like kisses down it as he made a happy purr-like sound. He reached around and pulled the sake bottle over. "That...was nice," he whispered as he poured a saucer out for the pair of them.

"It was" Marlow agreed in an affable manner, staring out to the ocean as he stretched his neck. "It certainly was..."

Vasile sat flush next to him, his tail wrapped behind him and curling up his thigh on the opposite side. He offered the saucer to Marlow, looking about on cloud nine. He could have easily just pounced him right then a there, but Vasile did his best to maintain a bit of class. He seemed like a generally classy guy.

Marlow took the small dish and held it to his lips, taking a proper sip at first, but then dropping all pretenses and tossing back the full shot. He needed it. But he knew when and how to cover his rudeness. Before Vasile could give him a disapproving look he took the bottle, refilled the cup, and offered it to Vasile.

Vasile nodded and sipped, doing his best to look seductive in the process. "Whatcha think'n" he said, then finished off the saucer, refilling it and offering it back to him on an open palm.

Marlow chewed the inside of his lip as he tried to think up the most appropriate response... one that wasn't an outright lie but that wouldn't kill the mood entirely. It was a tricky scenario that had to be handled with tact and poise. "I'm trying not to think, actually. Thinking creates problems."

"I see." Vasile trailed his claws over Marlow's neck and jaws. "Ironically that's exactly how I lived my life before I came here." Vasile learned forward and ran his lips over the trail his claws were making, dipping his hands down to slide over his torso. "So I can definitely see the appeal...."

"It's certainly helping me over look a rather large problem at the moment" He watched Vasile's hands with piqued interest.

Vasile's hands trailed over the buttons of his shirt, undoing the top two. Just enough that he could slip his hands to run over his collarbone. "What problem would that be?" Vasile asked in his ear before laving his tongue over it. Vasile silently prayed it wasn't him (or his gender) he was referring to.

"It really..." he shivered at the wet kiss though he felt oddly warm "...really doesn't matter at the moment."

Vasile's fingers trailed to undo some more buttons. "Aye... but will it matter in the morning.." Vasile leaned down and trailed kisses over his collar bone, letting his teeth graze ever-sp-lightly over his heated skin.

Though it pained him to stop Vasile's attention, Marlow caught him by the chin and tilted his head to look into his eyes. "That's really going to depend on you." Though his face remained kind and optimistic, there was a certain seriousness. "I might be fine with it tomorrow, the day after that, maybe as long as I stay here. But."

Vasile nuzzled his palm then caught a finger between his lips, sucking just -slightly- for a moment. "But..?"

Marlow felt his resolve weaken. Was it so wrong to just savor what he had left and not think about what would happen when everything changed... when he changed. He had no reason to believe that Vasile was interested in anything but what he saw, and the painful truth was that what he saw was not going to last. He was quiet for a long while as he rested his thumb on Vasile's lips.

Vasile crawled closer, straddling his lap, looking down and him with his charming smile, hands going to run through his hair again. "I just don't want to be thrown out of your duplex tomorrow morning. Its not a nice way to wake up."

Marlow shook his head with a chuckle. "I can promise that won't happen, but is that really where you want to be tonight? In my duplex? Seems a little rushed."

Vasile chuckled back. "Perhaps I am getting a bit ahead of myself," he said, shaking his head. "Good things come to those who wait...so they say." Vasile leaned down and trapped him in another long, deep kiss.

It was a well timed kiss too, because Marlow wasn't sure he would have been able to mask the look of nervous doubt at what could have been worst possible idiom that Vasile could have uttered. Thus it was with gratitude that he returned the embrace and let all his questions fade away once again.

Vasile was expertly skilled at the game of romance and love-making, and fortunately for Marlow, most of it was rather gender-nonspecific. He had spent years learning how to kiss perfectly, tease relentlessly. Not breaking the kiss, Vasile continued to undo the buttons of his shirt, letting his hands explore over his chest and stomach, taking his time. Vasile had also learned to take his changing anatomy into consideration...his long deft fingers and hands now equipped with fur, rough pads, and pointed tips that he didn't hesitate to experiment with.

Whoa Marlow closed his eyes, his face contorting between a pleasured hiss and emotional wince. It felt good... wonderful even. But Vasile was the only person he could call friend on this island and he knew that this could very well ******** that up. He was fast approaching the point where he would ******** it up no matter what he did. He stroked a hand down Vasile's back, running his fingers through his tail fur before locking his arm around his waist and rolling them over, pinning Vasile beneath his stomach as he tried to ignore the pain that shot up his legs. He smiled down at him and laid a kiss on the hollow of his collar bone. "You are ahead of yourself... and you should wait. I'm not going anywhere"

Vasile wrapped his hands around his shoulders and nuzzled. "I'm sorry," he breathed. "I'll be a good boy I promise."

"All right." Marlow replied, immensely relieved as he rolled onto his back, keeping Vasile trapped in crook of his arm so the fox understood that this was not the end of it.
Vasile rolled onto his side so that he could press himself to the curve of Marlow's body. His tail curled around his hips possessively and he seemed content at the moment to rest his head on his hand, and play with Marlow's locks with his free fingers. "So...have I outdone your previous sushi experience at least?"

"There was a previous sushi experience?" He teased "I wouldn't have remembered it if you hadn't brought it up."

Vasile covered his face, a subtle giggle...regardless it was a very feminine gesture. "You're going to give me a big head," he said, learning in closer. Vasile reached for the plate and settled back beside Marlow, popping a piece into his own mouth before holding out his offering.

"I'll give you what you deserve, Vasile." He took the sushi into his mouth with a smirk "No more, no less."

Vasile and Marlow had agreed to meet sometime that afternoon in the lake. Vasile figured some activity besides drinking and eating carbs might be good for the two of them, regardless of Marlow's disability. The islander's didn't have a pool... though swimming seemed like a very intriguing idea.

Vasile was aware the trip would be hard for Marlow on the trail... but down inside he had a feeling he didn't want to be overly coddled. It he wasn't there by nightfall, he would go looking for him.

In the meantime he stripped down to his swim trunks and swam a few 'laps' around the inside of the body of water. It very good... like a good swim always was... and didn't make his fur feel horrible like the ocean water did.

The journey was trying indeed. By the time the lake was even in sight, Marlow had already suffered tumbling out of the chair entirely as it slipped down the trail and struck a ditch not to mention the soreness of his arms and the layer of sweat that clung to his body. He was beyond grateful that cool, refreshing waters lay ahead. He looked forward to testing his limits. Perhaps he would be able to float where his toes just barely scraped the rocks below. That would almost be like standing again...

With a grunt he braced himself against the grips of his wheels and pushed himself up the remainder of the incline, giving a whoop of triumph as he clattered onto the shoreline. "Hah! Bet you thought I wouldn't make it!" He scanned the surface for Vasile, trying to pick out the head of white amidst the sunlight's reflections.

The white mop dipped under the surface as he appeared, then resurfacing a few moments later near the surface. He bopped up out the water, tossing his wet mane of hair and flashing a large, happy smile to Marlow. "I had faith in you," he called, making his way out, dripping wet, to lend a hand if needed.

"Well... I suppose you were at least hoping I'd make it. That's about the same thing." Marlow gave a wink as he stripped of his shirt in an effort to catch up with Vasile. The skin underneath was sickly pale from lack of light, but the flesh underneath bore no similar stigma. The weeks of forcing himself to move about the island on his own steam had kept the muscles of his chest and arms trim and there was some evidence that suggested he had taken some extra care to keep his stomach in line with the rest.

Vasile didn't bother to hide the fact that he was staring...or admiring. "If you say so. You're here now, that's what's important." He let a cool, moist claw tip run over the curve of his shoulder. "Need any help with anything?"

"I think I took care of the hardest part" He laughed, gesturing at the path behind him. "Now is the time for fun." He looped his thumb into the waist of his pants, shifting his weight back and forth as he pulled until he was able to shimmy the garment to the ground.

Vasile swallowed and watched, his tail twitching behind him as he tried to stop the assault of very...very pleasing thoughts that started to run through his head. "Fun indeed..." he allowed himself to purr, backing slowly into the water, never letting his eyes off his skin.

Marlow gave Vasile a teasing tut-tut for his obvious show of prurient approval but it was clear the constant attention was growing on him. He locked his chair into place and eased himself to the ground, hiding his pain as he "walked" over pebbles and stones on his palms and hips. A pair of canvas boxers would have come in handy at this moment, but he had to settle for the basic black that had arrived that morning as part of his first 'supply request.'

Vasile watched him maneuver with a mixed look of curiosity and desire to help... but there wasn't anything he could do...really. Vasile figured the guy was still getting used to his limited mobility. But Vasile stood ready to help incase he needed it... he hoped Marlow knew that. "So how was your day>" he asked, squatting in the water so the surface broke around his chest.

"Alright" Marlow breathed with a sigh as his toes finally touched water. He had to pause for a moment just to enjoy the simple sensation. "Been moving about. Finding new places, new people. Informative, but not particularly 'interesting.' " He put a heavy emphasis on the last word as he crept further into the water, his waist disappearing under the surface.

"That's a shame. I guess that's why you have me, huh?" Vasile hovered close, watching, interested. He we was mostly in, and Vasile was fairly sure he wouldn't hurt him some how (Vasile's instinct was to treat Marlow as if he were made of glass... something his rational mind told him was not only untrue, but would probably irk Marlow to know he felt that way) he breezed behind him, laying a wet kiss where the his neck met his shoulder.

"You've caught my attention, that's for sure." Marlow let his kiss linger for a spell before coyly tapping the water for a well-aimed splash. "Though wrestled it down and pinned it might be a bit more accurate. I don't think anybody has ever put quite so much... effort into me before."

Vasile yelped quietly at the splash, back up and sticking his tongue out at Marlow briefly, his ears flat against his head.

Vasile let a look of uncertainty tinge his features for a moment. "To be honest that surprises me..." he said, swimming out a bit deeper, but stayed close enough so he didn't have to raise his voice too much. "But I think you're worth it." His tail padded the water behind him. "And have I really done that much? Besides crave your attention?"

"You're still around" Marlow shrugged, finally reaching the point where the water held him aloft. He floated, eyes closed in momentary bliss before the heavy tone of the conversation weighed him back down. "Usually, at the point, I've either given somebody what they were after, whatever that was, or they had given up. I don't think either of those things have happened... so the fact that you are still here means something to me."

Vasile grinned and swam around him in long, loose circles. "What makes you so sure you know what I want?" he said, flashing a fang.

"I'm not sure." He admitted as he watched Vasile out of the corners of his eyes, his hair spreading out in a dark nimbus as he drifted into deeper waters. "Another thing I'm not used to."

Vasile swam closer slowly, coming close to him at watching his expression carefully. "Perhaps that makes two of us," he said softly. "What about you, though?" Vasile let his tail brushed over the tops of his thighs, then over his stomach under the water. "Do you want... or expect anything out of me...?"

Marlow turned his head, studying Vasile out of one eye as the other dipped under the water. "Everybody wants something. Some want several things. But I try to expect nothing... I don't think its fair when so much is uncertain."

Vasile shook his head and chuckled slightly. "Did either of us actually succeed in actually saying...well, anything?" He wrapped his arms loosely around him, pulling him close. "There are some things I want. But I don't think they are all what you think. And... I'm willing to work for them."

Marlow let his head lean against Vasile's shoulder, his arms stroking lazily through the water to keep him balanced as he took in the words just spoken. They were comforting, but to Marlow alone there was a tragic foreboding edging them. Vasile had no idea how hard he would have to work... and against himself. Marlow was no master of foresight, but with the knowledge he carried he didn't have to be. A shallow part of him wanted to give Vasile the one thing he knew he wanted while he still had it to give, but the more sentimental part warned him that he might never know what else Vasile wanted if he did.

"You never gave me the chance to worry that I'd never have another friend in my life. You were there right when I learned what life would mean for me from now on." both times Marlow added in his thoughts. "That's valuable to me."

Vasile watched his face, while his expression was a bit surprised, he looked... honestly touched. "That... means a lot to me, too. I guess... well," he leaned forward and nuzzled his neck. "I don't know. I was instantly attracted to you, that's for sure. But beyond that... I just find myself wanting to be around you." He ran a hand though his soft wet hair. "I'm not used to having... friend. Like, real friends. That probably sounds really lame, but..." Vasile shrugged. "You don't have to ever worry about not having a friend.. I guess that's what I'm trying to say."

Marlow reached his arm under Vasile's neck, his fingers finding rest in the slight ruff of white fur on his chest. "That's promising. The friend thing, that is... and the other thing." He cleared his throat, as if having a clear voice would help his words have clearer meaning. "The wanting to be around me part. I want you to want to be around me." That wasn't so hard to say, now was it?

Vasile swallowed and pulled back to look at him. "Good. So there you have it. That's what I want from you. And so... in a way you have already given it to me. And I'm still here, yes?"

"You are still here." Marlow agreed, as if Vasile needed the reassurance. It was amazing to think that he had started this conversation because he had wanted to give Vasile the chance to explain what Antony had insinuated the afternoon before... but in the end a few carefully chosen words had given him all the answers and peace he needed... for now.

Vasile just looked at him for a few moments, just... looking at him. He pulled him in for a tender kiss. Not only for Vasile benefit (but indeed, it was the only thing in the world he wanted to do at that moment), but to subtly remind Marlow that his intentions were not merely platonic. Despite what they had, and taking into account what they hadn't, Vasile couldn't get rid of the little nagging feeling in his gut that Marlow was hiding insecurities.

There was a slight protest as Marlow struggled to stay afloat, but as the pair drifted into a the shadow of a half submerged boulder he found the leverage he needed to bring Vasile flush against his stomach and return the kiss, this time with his arm tight about his waist. There was something more sure in his embrace than there had ever been before, and as one of his legs sought to twine with Vasile's there was certainly something more passionate as well.

Vasile returned the kiss passionately, mumbling something unintelligible into his mouth. He help the kiss of several long minutes, clinging to him, only finally breaking it when the need to breath became too much to ignore. Being in a water-filled environment added a few inconveniences to this kind of thing, but in general, especially with Marlow's condition, Vasile liked the benefits far more. His breath was hot and heavy on his neck, as Vasile tried to keep his restraint. This was the closest thing to a perfect evening he could remember since, well okay hot pockets... but the point was he sure as hell didn't want to negate anything by doing something... stupid.

Marlow kept his arms locked, even as Vasile paused to catch his breath. He wanted Vasile to feel him being strong, to feel him being energetic and in control. He wanted to use the moment to show him something other than the body trapped in a chair or on a bed.

Vasile watched him, obviously a desire in his eyes. He didn't struggle at all from Marlow's embrace. In fact, he managed to give him a look that was almost a mix between curiosity and a challenge. Vasile wouldn't push, but he certainly wasn't going to push a away.

With his back leaning against the rock behind him, Marlow was able to stretch out his leg enough to perch Vasile upon his thigh. He practically worshipped the freedom that the water gave him now that Vasile was balanced enough to let one of his hands curl over the back of his neck. Another kiss followed.

Vasile murmured his approval, curling his hands on Marlow's hips and pressing himself very close to him. His tail curls around his thigh under the water, the fur dancing in the agitation of the flow. Vasile let himself get lost in the kiss, his hands eventually leaving Marlow's hips to explore the muscles of his back and shoulders.

Marlow allowed the modest pursuits, finding no harm in them. His own touch was more purposeful, the fingers of one hand disappearing into tangles of wet hair while the others stroked at the small of Vasile's back.

Vasile kept the kissing going for a very long time, his hands very slowly getting more and more daring in their explorations. There was a hunger burning very hotly inside Vasile, despite his best efforts to stay calm. He was not used to taking anything slow in the life... especially this kind of activity. Such passionate kissing he was not used to be so much a bonding activity, but merely foreplay. Despite his best efforts, or intentions,

Vasile's hands eventually dipped lower, past the small of his back, this thumbs catching on the waistband of his boxers for just a feather of an instant, before continuing on their journal over the fabric.

The kiss broke with a breathy gasp and a smile from Marlow. His hand slid out from under Vasile's hair so he could brush the backs of his fingers over his cheek.

Vasile's eyes jerked open with a start, his face soon catching up with a hand-caught-in-the-cookie-jar expression, his ears dropping low. His hands slid back up to rest on his hips and he gave him a small, apologetic smile.

Marlow gave a dismissive shake of the head, assuring Vasile that he had done nothing wrong. It just... couldn't happen. Yet.

Vasile's smile turned happier and he nuzzled his cheek with his own quickly before capturing him in a quicker, more tender kiss. "I like this" he murmured by his mouth.

Marlow leaned his temple against Vasile's as he pushed off the rock and floated both of them back into the open water. "So do I."

"I'm glad," Vasile said with a nod. "I'm still new to this... and terrified that you would find me offensive." Though the moment it was out of his mouth, Vasile winced slightly, realizing Marlow didn't know what 'this' he was exactly 'new' to. It obviously wasn't sex, or kissing, or dating in general.

And Marlow's brow did rise in question, but he could think of no polite way to ask Vasile to elaborate. "I don't know what you would think I would find offensive..." What more he thought he had been pretty open minded all this while.

Vasile shrugged sheepishly. "I kind of got the impression that you were... how to say, well, uhm... Straight? Yeah, that mostly. I've never found myself so... inexplicably or deeply," he reached up to cup Marlow's face in his hand, "attracted to a straight man before." There, that was true. "So either I was wrong, or I'm a lot better than even I thought I was," he gave a teasing smile. "Or... I should worship you for your open-mindedness."

Marlow reflected awhile on Vasile's words. Inexplicably or deeply attracted wasn't exactly something one usually heard in casual flirting, not that he held any illusions that they were still in the 'flirty' stage of whatever it was they were doing. Beyond that, Vasile had assumed correct. While relationships and intimacy had never been a high priority in his life, his brief encounters with the phenomenon had always been strictly heterosexual. Be it a habit nurtured by his culture or his personal tastes, men had never been able to catch the interest that the occasional woman had managed to snare. Somehow, Vasile had earned an exception to this rule.

"The latter." Marlow replied after a pensive pause. "And I wish I could make you admire me more by going on about the sacrifices and struggles I've endured, but the truth is - if you can keep it from going to your head - you just might be that good as well."

Vasile's hands slid to push the hair out his Marlow's face and tuck it behind his ears, his claws lightly scritching the scalp underneath lovingly, and elated smile coming over his own face. "Then we're both lucky," he said, pulling him forward to kiss him again, finding himself almost addicted to the sensation and closeness it made him feel. He pulled a way for a moment to trail a few kisses over his jaw line, pausing near his ear. "Do you ... I mean, just for the record... should I be... discreet, about us?"

Marlow bit the inside of his cheek as he swallowed. His reservations up until now had always been more for Vasile's benefit than his own. He had kept the eager fox at a distance so, if what he feared came to pass, they could both save a little face. Abandoning discretion would not only defeat his purpose, it had the potential to make things exponentially worse. But then, there was also the small chance that it could prove a saving grace... it really all depended on what Marlow really wanted from Vasile in the end.

"I would say," he started, very slow and with obvious care in his choice of words, "that if there is an 'us,' that is nothing I'm ashamed of."

Vasile's tail curled around Marlow's thigh thumbed happily against it. "Is there an ... 'us'?" he asked with a small hopeful, teasing little grin.

"Define 'us'" he countered, keeping the mood light with a soft smirk and his eyes shining with a businessman's cunning.

"Well...." he started thoughtfully, tapping his chin. "A beautiful woman comes along... offers you a drink... starts making her... intents known. She asked if you're available... what would you say?"

"Are you asking what I would say if this happened from this point on, or should I mention a incident that happened just yesterday?"

"This point on," Vasile claws drug lightly over the skin of his neck with a grin.

"I would say..." He gave his best look of mock deep thought. "That my 'interests' are engaged elsewhere."

Vasile nodded, a small, satisfied smile on his face. "Okay." He rested his head in the crook of his neck and gave him a good nuzzle. "I will do my best to keep them so," he said with a quick kiss to the shoulder.

Marlow gave his hair a stroke, mildly curious as to what Vasile would say in the same situation but not daring to ask. "And I'll do my part."

Vasile chuckled. "I don't think you'd have to do much." He flashed him a playful grin. "Especially if you keep being such an insufferable tease." He ran a tipped finger down the middle his torso from his collarbone to the waistline of his boxes under his belly button. "I think a part of you likes watching me squirm."

Muscles tensed in excitement at the touch, rather against the will of their owner. "Maybe... a little bit" An unexpected fringe benefit of nobility.

Vasile chuckled again and flung his arms around his shoulders. "Can I come home with you tonight?" he asked. With his ears pricked and his fluffy tail trailing back and forth behind him now, he looked rather like a sad, abandoned puppy asking if Marlow could be his new owner.

"Well. You have been very well behaved..." At this point he didn't see how he could say no... and he craved the company just as much as he imagined Vasile did. "But dinner is on you this time."

Vasile kissed him on his cheek as a thank you. "I should insist they install an elevator up to my room. I want you to meet my precious," Vasile had briefly mentioned his dog the last time he stayed over, having to leave before breakfast the next morning to let him out, "but... yes. I think I can scrounge up something."

Marlow chuckled, trying not to focus on the frighteningly domestic turn their conversation had taken. "Whatever you devise, I'm sure it will be a sight better than my culinary masterpieces. Now." He unfurled his arms and gave Marlow a gentle push on his white ruff. "Time for swimming."

Vasile nodded, a sly smile curling on his lips. He gave Marlow a good, hearty splash then dived under the surface. Time for a slightly biased game of cat-and-mouse.

It had required a plan. Marlow knew where his strengths lay, and unfortunately, regardless of how skilled he used to be, stealth and haste were just not his forte. Maybe with a little bit of practice, he would develop new ways of sneaking and speeding. However for the time being he had to do the best he could with a set of wheels, the cover of dusk, and the knowledge that Vasile customarily gave himself at least a couple hours of time at home after his final 'no, really, I'm leaving now honest!'

And he used that time to his full advantage. There was the grooming first, which required some adjustments from his usual routine to account for his changes... and he wanted to look his best. He dressed well: slacks, belt, shirt and even shoes to fancy up his no longer bandaged legs. Next was a series of stops that send him zigzagging across village proper and slightly beyond. If someone had spotted him, they didn't take note. As usual he was quite skilled at masking his true intentions... not that anybody was so bored that they would take interest in his plans. Or maybe they were. That crowd at the lunch table certainly seemed starved for entertainment.

The final leg of the journey was by far the most difficult, but then also the most impressive. A good three hours after Vasile had left Marlow's to return home, there was a knock on his door.

Marlow was greeted by a chorus of what seemed like multiple dogs barking (yipping, actually) from the other side. Over the assault, Vasile could be heard yelling for them to settle down. Vasile was just finishing up his daily grooming regiment...something that now took him hours to complete thanks to all his...fur. Every inch of him got the same attention his head hair did... brushed, groomed, and even moussed and primped where needed. He had grown overly fond of his big fluffy tail, his dirty little secret, and always paid extra close attention to it.

He set down the brush and grabbed a shirt on his way to the door, slipping it on but keeping it open. "Coming," he called, scooping up his little deformed dog under one arm before opening the door.

Marlow smiled up from the landing, presenting a very modest but elegant bouquet of flowers no larger than hand that held them. "Surprise." He grinned, holding it higher. "I only ate two of them, promise."

Vasile blinked, Marlow being the last person he expected to see at his door. "Marlow?!" Vasile dropped to his haunches, a huge smile on his face. "For me?" He felt his ears burn a bit, dangerously close to a blush. No one had ever given him flowers before, of course, he wasn't used to being the 'girl' in the relationship. On that note, Vasile surprised himself with how much he found himself... liking the gesture. He was happy to see Marlow, and he looked so nice, and it was a surprise... and coming bearing gifts... well, no one could complain about that.

He took the flowers from him and gave them the customary sniff. He had a dumb smile of his face that wouldn't wash away, which was really killing his attempt to look suave. He looked down at flight of stairs and back to the unchaired Marlow. "Did you?"

Brutus shifted in Vasile arms and gave a series of grunty growls and whines, stretching all three of his necks forward and trying to sniff at this new person.

Marlow gave a wary glance at the squirming dog—ses, "Yeah. I did. How else was I going to surprise you? But ah!" He held up one hand in pause and reached behind him where a supply bag dangled from the strap slung over his shoulder. "There is more." He paused dramatically with hand poised over the satchel, as if carefully planning his next move. In the end he retreated, staring past the flushed Vasile to the room beyond. "But, that can wait until I'm no longer sitting on cold concrete. Think your body guard there is going to let me in?"

Vasile's tail wagged happily behind him, eyes sparkling with the anticipation already. “Oh, of course!” Vasile backed away from the door and motioned for Marlow to come in? “Do you... need any help?” he asked hesitantly. He gave a supportive smile and then rushed back towards the bathroom, grabbing a glass and filling it with water for the flowers, and unceremoniously dumping his dog critter into the room and shutting the door behind him. He placed the makeshift vase on the bedside table before returning to Marlow's side.

In that short time, Marlow had managed to slip into the room and close the door behind him. Well, that had been a rather successful trip in his mind. He did a quick job of brushing off the bits of dirt and grit that had clung to his clothing, hoping to erase the evidence of the step by step trek up the stairs to Vasile's second story suite. It was better for Vasile to focus on the ends, not the means. He was quite relieved that Vasile seemed genuinely happy to see him. He wasn't sure about the flowers... but if there ever was a time for flowers it was now. A fragrant bouquet of 'sorry I kinda lead you around all these weeks and boy you sure were swell for not slapping your tail in my face on the way out the door like I deserved.' It was the little orange and white flowers that really brought out that sentiment. The little red stars hinted at something entirely different, but he wasn't going to go there just yet. The night was young.

Vasile's curiosity was getting the better of him, his large green eyes darting from Marlow's face to the bag every couple of seconds, though he tried to cover for it. He learned forward for a quick canine peck on his cheek as he sat down next to him. “Can I offer you a chair or anything?”

Marlow made a sour face. "Tired of chairs. I think I can do without them for a night." He stretched his limbs out on the floor before him, letting the pack fall off his shoulders. "I propose a picnic."

Vasile leaned back on his haunches until he landed on his rear, curling his tail around him as a makeshift cushion. “Sounds excellent,” he said, eying the bag again. He motioned towards it with his paw. “So, what else?” he teased, tail twitching.

Marlow tutted him for his impatience, pulling the bag around until it landed in his lap. "The best I could manage of course." He pulled out carefully towel-wrapped bundle. "Did you know that while the beach bar has over a dozen each of glasses for martinis, scotch, and margaritas, I could find only two," he pulled back a corner of the cloth, revealing a pair of special, long stemmed glasses, "champagne flutes."

Vasile sat back, wiggling in excitement but almost giddy in the presentation. His smile broke into a toothy grin at the glasses. “How convenient for us, then.”

"I promise you there was nothing convenient about carrying both the champagne and the ice" he pulled a dripping wastebasket liner filled with ice and, yes, the frosted black neck of a bottle of champagne peeked out like the stamen of a bizarre plastic flower . "But well worth the effort when it means it comes to you already chilled." He set the towel and bottle-pouch down and pulled out one last surprise; several napkins packed with strawberries and a Hershey's chocolate bar. "Now this..." he gestured with the candy towards the microwave. "I don't know if this is going to work but... you know. Worth a shot."

Vasile was blown away at the gesture, and in truth, very touched. “You didn't have to do all this...” he said, though the excited and happy expression on his face implied otherwise. He looked curiously at the candy and the strawberries, taking him a moment to connect the dots. But recognition flashed across his eyes and he gave a wry grin. “So clever...”

He gave a humble shrug. "Well I figured if I was going to be rude enough to barge in without announcing myself, I had better come bearing presents." Vasile was glowing, even under the thick coat of fur, and this pleased Marlow greatly. Making up for past mistakes was proving to be rather liberating as well. The change had crumbled the final barrier he had erected between them, and at last he felt the freedom talk with Vasile as he wished, share with Vasile as he wished, and do with Vasile as he wished.

“Well,” Vasile said, still grinning, “You're forgiven. Feel free to barge in anytime with presents, though, you certainly won't hear my complaining.” Vasile reached and ran a claw down his jaw line. “You dressed up, too,” he noticed, eyes dropping down over him. “You look nice. Well, you always do, but you know what I mean.”

"Because I thought you'd like it..." he smiled, straightening his shirt collar and stealing a touch as his thumb passed Vasile's hand.

Vasile's gaze turned more serious for a moment. "I do like it," he confirmed, scooting closer, watching. "This..." he motioned to the set up, "this is really nice."

"It was nothing..." Marlow assured him, far more modest than his usual self. "Just wanted to... you know." There were actually several things he ended the whole scene to express, however, he would let Vasile decide exactly what it was Marlow was trying to say.

Vasile gave his answer by stealing a quick, soft kiss. "So ... where do we begin?" he inquired, looking over the spread.

Marlow stopped himself as he felt his shoulders lean forward, trying to follow the brief peck as it withdrew. With a slight cough he straightened his back and took the bottle into his hands. "With a toast" he suggested, switching modes with ease. "Not sure what too, but it's just not the same if you don't clink some glasses together." With some swift handwork and a satisfying pop, a stream of white foam burst from the top of the bottle. He offered the first glass to Vasile.

Vasile took the glass and nodded his thanks, waiting to drink until Marlow had his glass ready for the toast. “Let's see... “ Vasile thought, looking quickly around the room. “How about... 'to making the best of it.'?” He gave a significant look to his partner, hoping it came across as romantic without being sappy or overbearing. Vasile certain had learned to enjoy himself where he could, and hoped Marlow could take comfort in him, and perhaps try to do the same.

Marlow tilted his glass, striking Vasile's with a soft and pleasant chime. "To making the best... and to the best of everything." He added with certain admiring shimmer in his eyes.

Vasile nodded and clinked his glass, finally delighting himself with a small sip. His eyes didn't break from Marlow's the whole time, his tail swishing behind him a slow, deliberate manner. One of his hands slid up from the floor to rest on Marlow's leg, just above the knee, and he leaned against him, wanting the closeness and enjoying the moment. It was certainly the most romantic situation he ever found himself in. Sure, he had champagne before and all. But, besides the fact that he was usually the one brining the bubbly, the whole feel was difference. It wasn't practiced or rehearsed. There was a spontaneity and sincerity to the whole thing that really struck a chord with him. On an island where you're cut off from everything, it brings new meaning to the words 'its the thought that counts'.

Marlow let his arm wander until it found itself hooked about Vasile's waist, his hand resting contently at his hip as they leaned into each other. It had been a well-executed plan, the food and the drink. But that wasn't what had made the evening. It was just the natural flow of 'them,' something he had come to trust more and more as the days passed. He had a feeling that even if they were denied another bottle of champagne or if strawberries disappeared from the menu forever... they would always be able to find moments like these... opportunities. Marlow set down his glass and raised his hand to brush away some of the long strands of white hair from Vasile's neck, his warm breath filling the fur underneath as he drew closer.

Vasile let his eyes flutter closed and craned his neck subtly, giving Marlow better access. His own hand farther up his leg, gently sliding over his hip and looping around his waist as well so he was holding him loosely.

The pressing of his lips against Vasile's skin was more urgent than Marlow's cool demeanor let on. Direct and purposeful, a non-verbal segue into an issue that had been dwelling in Vasile's consciousness for about as long as he known Marlow. Almost exactly as long as he had known Marlow in fact. Marlow nipped lightly, the small tentacles framing his mouth brushing against Vasile's fur with a pleasant chill that rather surprised their once entirely ungrateful owner.

Vasile let out a shuddering breath as Marlow nipped at his flesh, a shaking hand quickly setting his flute down so he could fully wrap both his arms around him, one of his hands reaching up into his hair to cradle his head at the bend of his neck. Vasile breathed out something that was probably Marlow's name, though it was quiet and exhaled rather than spoken. Not quite a question, but more than a statement, more like an inquiry of confirmation of where this was heading. Vasile had reigned in his more carnal desires for Marlow for a while now. Not that that was a bad thing... he had grown so fond of the man due to the bonding they had shared because of it. But there was a built up passion within him that was very quickly bubbling to the surface.

Once folded in Vasile's arms, his embrace tightened. Reservations had given way to eagerness, but he was by no means rushed or naive. Vasile's sigh was met with an affirming hum, slipped into his mouth directly as Marlow abruptly broke from his course to press lips against lips.

Vasile returned the kiss as deeply as he could. Unfortunately, he wasn't as proficient with his new muzzle as he would like to have been, but he managed. He pressed Marlow close to him, his hands slowly sliding down to his hips, his fingertips pressed over him with purpose. Vasile's tail swept around to include Marlow in its embrace.

It should have been awkward. Marlow had expected it to be very awkward. Vasile's fur and other animalistic features had helped Marlow see past the fact that he was a man, but there had been nothing to distract from the distraction itself. He anticipated the logic that he had used to come this far would fail him... but it was quite the opposite. He had abandoned the logic in favor of the more chaotic whims of passion.

Vasile held the kiss for a long time. His fingers pressed into his hips as he flexed them, his hands eager to roam over his body. But Vasile kept them still for the time being. He was determined to take this slow. Marlow wasn't going anywhere... and maybe if Vasile played his cards right, he wouldn't be going anywhere for a while. When the kiss finally broke, Vasile took a few hot breaths against Marlow's neck to catch his breath, then took his turn nipping and licking at the soft skin there

Marlow tilted his head towards the display, flinching only slightly as Vasile passed over the dark fringe of skin that had formed during his transformation. Vasile had gone through far more than he, but he never wavered when Marlow touched his fur or face. As if testing this concept, Marlow let his hand fall to the small of his back until two of his fingers rested at the place where spine became tail.

Vasile made a purr like sound, arching his back into Marlow's hands as he continued his attention. His lips came up from his neck to his jaw line, laying a trail of kisses there before coming back to his lips for a moment. His hands finally left their place from his hips, gently sliding over the fabric of his shirt, running up his sides, then over his chest and shoulders.

He pressed against that spot as Vasile's shoulders feel back, a massaging caress following down that line through the thick fur of his tail and back again. He was pulling him in, so far that they began to occupy the same place on the floor. Limbs parted to make way for other limbs until Vasile straddled Marlow's thigh. Vasile didn't even need to put down any cards. Marlow had his hand showing.

*******
redface

*******

Vasile body went limp as the shuddering sensation slowly faded away, leaving Vasile's mind and body in a happy, warm, tingly sense of ecstasy. Panting for breath in large gasps, his tongue lolled out happy as he leaned back against Marlow and nuzzled at his neck, hand reaching up behind him to run through his hair lovingly.

Marlow hummed through a blissful smile as he made himself comfortable, keeping Vasile nestled in the curve of his body. He whispered into the furred shell of his ear "It was a good surprise?"

"Best surprise ever," he purred, as he opened an eye to peer back at him with a smile. "That was amazing."

"And worth the wait?" He replied with a hint of hope in his voice.

"Definitely," he said with a nuzzle. His ears dropped curiously. "And for you?"

Marlow smirked into Vasile's hair. "Hard to believe I used to think this was boring. I must have been insane then... and insane again for making us wait so long." He gave his puffed tail a languid stroke "I promise I'll be more sensible in the future."

"Maybe if was a good thing in the long run," he admitted to Marlow quietly. "I've enjoyed our time together. Sex or not." He tilted his head back. "Not that I'm complaining. And yes, you must have been insane. But I've been known to do that to people," he said with a teasing grin playing on his lips. He gently pulled away and shifted, wanting to be face to face with Marlow again.

Marlow gave him a kiss on the forehead when he came to rest again, giving into more affectionate displays than he usually allowed himself. "Maybe better, yes." He leaned his head on one of his arms and let the other trace along the underside of Vasile's muzzle. "I suppose we have more than just a 'thing' going here... don't we?"

Vasile's face broke into happy smile, his tail swaying contentedly behind him now. "I hope we do," he said, eyes warm and sincere.

He nodded in agreement. "I... didn't really think it was possible in a place like this. I'm glad I was proven wrong."

"Well," Vasile said, stifling a yawn as the post-coital snuggle/sleep response tried to kick in. "We're all still people here, regardless how much they try to change it. I think it's expected that people don't want to go through this alone." He smiled softly at Marlow and ran a hand over his cheek. "It strips your life down to the bare essentials. It opens your mind up to what really matters and how you really feel about things. Coming here made me totally reexamine how I was living my life and why. And you're forced to make adjustments and changes. Perhaps a part of it is denial... but in the end there's an acceptance that, good or bad aside, things are different. And you have to react." Vasile shrugged, slightly embarrassed. He was never the philosophical type until he came here, either. "And if you managed to find someone in the process, then I suppose you can consider yourself lucky in some degree. I know I do."

Marlow reflected on his words. His good fortune was his own, and he refused to give Moreau any credit for what happiness he had found in his living experiment. The madman had not intended for this to happen, and the threat of what he might do should the whim take him was very real to Marlow, so real it squashed what thoughts of rebellion dwelled in the back of his mind. He had done the doctor a favor, finding something it would hurt to lose so early in his stay. Neither of them might ever know what sort of troubles he could have caused if he was still without will or hope. Or perhaps he was being paranoid... Moreau's choice of a snail seemed indicative of just how insignificant he considered Marlow to be in the grand scheme of things.

Eventually his thoughts turned away from himself and back to the heart of Vasile's message. He gave it careful consideration, and then spoke. "I would think that if, by being here, I could help someone else be a better person, my life can still have a worthwhile purpose." It wasn't CEO or President of the United States, for certain, but if left with only most basic elements of human nature, it was as good as it got.

Vasile nodded. "You should base your own worth on someone else..." he looked him in the eye before continuing with a trailing, "but on that note... I don't know how significant I am, but you certainly give me reason to want to get up in the morning."

Vasile cleared his throat gently, suddenly realizing how on the verge of sappy that sounded. "m'sorry," he mumbled, covering, waving his hands dismissively. "I'm going to go wash up... care to join me?"

The look in Marlow's eyes warmed as Vasile spoke, but he said nothing more on the subject. Perhaps he was worried about falling into the same sappy trap that Vasile had found himself in. "I think these tubs are too small for us both to sit." he complained over dramatically before breaking into his first lecherous grin, "but I'll certainly watch as I wait my turn."

Vasile matched his grin, leaning forward to touch his nose to his. "Sounds good to me."