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A Crafty Wolf

Written by Leo_Todrius and Tarus1111

A deep thunder rumbled across the heavens, the cloud ceiling low but strangely dry so far. The air was strangely humid but the grass was dry, blowing in the wind of the strange storm. It was weirdly romantic in its strange way. The Public Library had closed, ushering out all of the patrons. Cars in the parking garage lit up and drove away, but the warm creamy glow of the library itself was like a beacon in the otherwise strange night.

The building was nestled in a hillside, its main entrance flush with the top of the hill, but its backside a three story bank of windows spilling light onto a cement courtyard graced with a large metal sculpture spewing forth waterfalls into a man made pond. The light pollution of the city was reflecting off the low clouds, giving everything a sort of glow.

One figure had remained when all the others had left, the last standing visitor. He was five foot ten, lean. His wavy black hair whipped around in the wind, buffeting against his faintly olive tone skin. His brown eyes were thoughtful, his glasses sitting a bit low on his nose as he moved down the sloped sidewalk, following the spiral path that led to the courtyard below. The electricity in the air danced on his skin, even along the neglected black stubble on his cheeks. A flash of lightning danced through the clouds above, lighting everything up as bright as day, but only for an instant.

Logan paused and turned his head skyward for a moment as it lit up before continuing down the winding path toward the fountain. He had come to the library to apply for a new library card to complete his move to the city. He was a recent college graduate and had been lucky enough to have found a job in the career of his choice, quickly putting his Graphic Design major to use, much to the surprise and happiness of his parents. Finding an apartment in the city had been a challenge, but one of his friend’s had been kind enough to let him crash at their place until he found a place of his own.

He’d made it to the edge of the pond and was looking out across it as the fountain flowed, disrupting the water’s surface and creating ripples that reflected the city lights. Logan stared down into the water, looking over himself in as he stood there in the moonlight. He brought a hand up to rub across the stubble on his face, realizing he’d been too busy and tired from moving and starting his new job that he’d forgotten to shave. He pushed his glasses back up his nose and noticed a glint on the ground next to his foot. He crouched down and picked up a shining nickel that had been dropped by the pond. Turning the small coin in his hand, he stood back up and looked out into the water again.

After a brief pause, he closed his eyes and thought about everything he had done over the last few days, wishing that things would work out for him and that he’d be able to make it on his own in the city. With that, he flipped the coin with his thumb and followed the arcing path as it flew through the air and landed with a tiny splash into the pond. He smiled to himself as he thought about his wish, looking at the ripples in the pond as they grew calm again… and he saw a set of yellow eyes looking back at him from the reflection.

Logan looked up slowly. Perched on the other side of the pond was an impossibly large wolf, silver chested with darker gray back. Its claws were long and yellowed, its ears a bit mangled in spots. It was lapping at the water before it lifted its head, looking at Logan, meeting each other’s gaze. The creature was bigger than anything he’d seen in a zoo, easily two hundred pounds or more.

A heavy crack of lightning snapped through the clouds above the courtyard, making it as bright as day for another instant. The wolf sprung from the fountain and darted away, running up the grassy hillside on the far side of the library before disappearing from view, leaving Logan with the weight of what he had just seen. Logan blinked a few times, looking at the way it had run.

Part of him wanted to play it off as a trick of the light, or rather the lack of it. Surely there wasn’t a wolf that big in the city. Maybe it had just been a loose dog, but… that wasn’t it, he knew what he saw. The beast was huge, fast, and it moved differently than any dog he’d ever seen. Whatever it had been, it was gone now and he had absolutely no evidence.

****

The heavy clouds of the night had thinned out to light overcast the next morning, the morning sun diffused into a dull silver glow that covered the city. It hadn’t rained a drop all night, but no fires had broken out either. The wind was a bit colder, making any sort of shelter inviting. An old fashioned copper bell jangled as Logan stepped over the threshold of the local Craft Corner, finding the interior lit with much warmer tones. The store was full of a rich scent, a blend of wicker and eucalyptus. White christmas lights were spread in a web along the ceiling to give a more peaceful glow. The aisles were long and narrow, stacked with every implement anyone needed for beading, sculpting, or painting. It was a fairly nice store, but there wasn’t a huge draw for crafts so it was especially quiet in the mornings.

Logan couldn’t sleep the night before with the fleeting image of the large wolf running through his head. He’d gotten up and looked online for the closest craft store to his friend’s apartment, and decided to go grab some supplies after work the next day. He needed to find some things so he could sketch out a version of the image in his head before it was gone for good.

Having done multiple art projects throughout college for his design courses, Logan knew his way around most craft stores. This one, however, was laid out differently and housed two floors worth of products. He was having a tough time finding everything he needed, walking up and down the aisles in search of the items on his list. He gave an exasperated sigh, frustrated that is search was not turning out as well as he’d hoped.

“Hey, are you finding everything alright?” The voice was smooth, a little deep but still a bit young, coming from a tall man with dishwater blonde tousled hair and a short kept, scruffy beard. He had on a black and silver polo underneath a green apron emblazoned with the craft corner logo. Gold rings hung from his ears which were a bit scarred, his right ear missing a small piece out of the top of the lobe. Despite that and a faint scar across the side of his nose, he had a rugged charm about him.

“Oh! Hi! I am having some trouble finding a few things.” Logan said, a bit embarrassed that he was asking for help. “I haven’t been here before, but I needed to grab a sketch pad and some pencils as quickly as possible. Can you help me find those?”

“Of course, right this way sir.” The clerk said with a smile, showing off slightly longer than normal canine teeth. He led to the stairs that moved up to the second floor. Despite his height and fairly built muscles, he moved with a fluid ease that seemed quite natural.

“I appreciate the help,” Lucas said, following closely behind the clerk. He couldn’t help but find the clerk attractive, and the small talk just started spewing from his mouth. “I knew I should have brought my drawing supplies with me when I moved. Now, here I am buying replacements.”

“Well, a good pencil never gets old of course, but there are some strengths to refreshing other supplies. Besides, where else are you going to get a view like this?” The clerk asked, gesturing out over the warm wood guard rails. From above it was possible to see the aisles fanning out like the veins in a leaf, and the floral section was at the top, robust with its foliage and fragrance. The clerk smiled, reaching up to scratch at his beard a little, “Over here you’ve got your paper pads, and then these two aisles are pencils and charcoal supplies.”

“Awesome! Thanks again for your help. And you’re right, that is a pretty great view from up here.” Logan said with a smile. “By the way, you never said what your name was.”

“Austin.” The clerk smiled again, stretching a bit. As he stretched, a remarkable amount of soft chest hair poked up from the collar of his shirt, “If you need anything else, anything at all, I’ll just be downstairs.” he said with a smile. He trotted down the steps and moved over to the water fountain, leaning down to slurp at the stream.

Logan stared at Austin for a few seconds, the image of the handsome clerk cementing in his head, before he was once again reminded of the wolf drinking from the pond. He shook his head and walked down the aisle Austin had shown him to, taking only a few minutes to find the sketch pad and set of pencils he wanted. The air smelled like creativity - or at least fresh wood and pigment.

Logan caught sight of Austin during his descent down the stairs. He wanted to thank him again before he left, but as he came around the corner he saw that the clerk was stretching to lift a box onto a high shelf, revealing a patch of silver hair on his stomach leading down into his pants. Logan quickly averted his eyes, not wanting to be caught staring at Austin’s treasure trail. Austin’s a pretty hairy guy, Logan quickly thought to himself as he reached the bottom floor, glancing back over his shoulder once more. There was just something so familiar about the tall blond, but Logan couldn’t put a finger on exactly what it was.

“Oh, you’re back already. Did you find what you needed?” Austin asked without turning around, finishing placing the box before he tugged his shirt down and turned to smile at Logan.

“Uh, yeah!” Logan replied, holding out the pad and pencil set in his hands. “I found everything just fine because of your help. Thanks, again for that. I must have looked like a lost child searching for their parent when you found me.” Logan chuckled lightly at the jab he had made at himself.

“Oh that’s alright, we’re all lost puppies when it comes down to it.” Austin said with a soft smile. Logan returned the smile and nodded.

“Yeah. You’re not wrong about that,” Logan said, playing into the metaphor. “I’m just glad you came along to help this lone pup find what he was looking for.” He shook his head and then quickly held out a hand. “Oh! Sorry. Where are my manners. You introduced yourself, and I haven’t even told you my name. I’m Logan.”

“Nice to meet you Logan.” Austin smirked, grabbing the hand and shaking it, “I’m just glad I could help you find what you needed. Feel free to stop by anytime, there’s never much going on here.” he smirked.

“I probably will! I love just walking around art stores and thinking about the projects I could make with all of the things in here.” Logan said, looking around at the stocked shelves. “What about you? Are you an artistic person, yourself?”

“Well, I like carving but I’m not any good at it. I love sculpting with clay. Sculpey, fimo, that sort of stuff. The rich colors, being able to blend them together or keep them apart, having it go from so fragile to so tough. I really love it.” Austin smiled.

“Oh! That’s really neat!” Logan said, his eyes lighting up with interest. “I’ve never really been all that good with clay or sculpting materials in general. I mostly stick to two-dimensional art: paper crafts, watercolors, the occasional drawing or sketch. But, if you’re ever willing to show me, I’d love to see you sculpting and maybe learn a bit in the process!”

“Maybe we can teach each other. You can help me try to get a handle on 2D, and I can show you how to make your ideas a reality with clay.” Austin said, “They have some workshop space at the Public Library if you’re interested.”

“I’d like that a lot!” Logan answered with a grin. “Want to meet there later this week? I could stop by here on Friday after work, and we could walk over to the library together. Sound good to you?”

“Sounds perfect, it’s a date.” Austin grinned before blushing, scratching at his beard, “I mean, that’s a date we’ll meet?” he smirked. Logan’s face also began to grow red as he smiled, nodding.

“Looks like I’ll be back on Friday, then.” Logan said, holding out his hand again. “It was nice meeting you, Austin. I’m looking forward to our...erm...date, at the Public Library. It sounds like it’s going to be a fun time!”

“I can’t wait.” Austin said with a smile, watching Logan take his purchase up to the front registers.

****

The horrible grinding noise of the blender filled the old fashioned restaurant, loud enough to make Austin clench his eyes shut, but when the noise came to an end, the reward was well worth it. The waiter poured the rich, creamy, frothy liquid into the tall clear glass, leaving a little bit of extra in the metal tin to the side. It was a rich amber brown, full of tiny bits of chocolate and other exotic ingredients. Austin’s jaw dropped as he leaned in.

“Oh my god, what kind is that?!” He asked, his eyes almost glittering. Their outing had gone well and they had sculpted, of all things, several clay frogs in various colors. Their creations had cured and were now rock hard, sitting on the counter in front of the two. Austin still had flecks of clay in his beard, but his apron had kept most of it from getting on his shirt.

“It’s a custom one that I asked the waiter to make - peanut butter and crushed up Oreos mixed together.” Logan placed his straw into the glass and slid it closer to Austin. “Want a taste?”

“Sure, though chocolate makes me really hyper, just a warning.” Austin grinned, leaning in. He wrapped his lips around the wide straw and drew in, getting a swig. He murmured at that and groaned, “That is so good... This place has a lot of flavors other places don’t have, so I always try to get one no one else has. Mine’s Root beer flavored.” Austin said, sliding his over to Logan. Logan placed his lips on the straw and drew in a large gulp of the shake.

“Mmm. That is really good!” Logan said, licking his lips as he slid the glass back over to Austin. “How’d you come across such a cool place? I bet it took awhile for you to find it in a city as big as this one.”

“I really like trying new things. And I either like ‘em, or I don’t and I move on.” Austin said, “But dude, we shared milkshakes, we gotta share numbers.” he said, reaching into his pocket to pull out a cracked ivory colored cell phone. He held it up and took a surprise picture of Logan before he took it to the contacts screen.

“Sure!” Logan smiled as he pulled his smartphone out of his pants pocket. He navigated to the contacts application and opened a new contact, typing in Austin’s name before sliding it across the counter. Austin added his digits before smiling, looking into Logan’s eyes, taking a deep breath before he grabbed his milkshake and enjoyed a big slurp.

“I’m surprised someone still has one of these models.” Logan said, slowly punching his number into Austin’s phone. “I bet it keeps costs down not having to pay for all the extra features and internet service. Seems more simple to only have to worry about texts and phone calls.” He typed the final digit into the phone and hit save before closing the phone and handing it back over to Austin. Austin smirked a bit through his nose.

“Yeah, I guess. I’ve had it since high school. I guess I just never wanted to give it up. And with my roommate moving out, I can’t be splurging on too much more than some milkshakes and clay.” Austin said, “I’ll be alright for a month or two though, don’t worry.”

“Oh. That doesn’t sound like the greatest news.” Logan said, slowly slurping on his milkshake. “I appreciate you spending your extra money hanging out with me, tonight. Have you already started looking for someone to move in with you? Any friends in the city that might be able to help out?”

“Oh, I’m a bit of a loner in that regard I guess. You’re my best friend right now.” Austin grinned, drinking more of his milkshake. Logan was a bit taken aback by that remark.

“I’m your best friend, and we’ve only known each other for a few days?” Logan asked, sitting back in his seat. “I must really know how to make a good first impression!” His mouth drew into a slight smirk before he continued. “But, seriously, you don’t know anyone else in the city? Just me?”

“I know a few people… I mean, I’m not some cave dwelling hermit. I was just trying to be romantic.” Austin chuckled. Logan smiled at Austin’s honesty.

“I knew it was too good to be true!” Logan said dramatically, before chuckling himself. “You’re actually the first person I’ve hung out with in the city since I moved here. Well, besides the friend whose couch I’m sleeping on, but I guess they don’t really count.”

“If… you wanted, I could offer you a bed over a couch.” Austin said gently, looking up at Logan with a shy glance. Logan met Austin’s gaze as his cheeks started to get red.

“I… would like that very much.” Logan replied, smiling softly. “I was hoping to eventually find a place to move into, and it just so happens that the first person I meet has an open space.”

“You don’t have to commit to staying, you should try it out and make it a good fit. The last guy left ‘cause I can get noisy sometimes, but I’m trying to get better at that.” Austin said with a blush.

“I think I’d take a bit of noise over an old, lumpy couch any day.” Logan replied, his smile growing wider. “How soon could I take you up on that offer?”

“Is tonight too soon?” Austin grinned, showing off his teeth.

****

The two heavy locks on the door begrudgingly released with the jangle of keys on the other side before the door lurched opened. Austin blushed a bit. It wasn’t the best first impression, but he still hoped he could win Logan over. He opened the door wide, revealing a brick walled apartment with wood panel floors. There were two large windows across from the door and one on an angle in the corner of the apartment, lacking much security given that they were on the third floor. An old style radiator was mounted to the wall, the white paint chipped and scraped off in several spots. Austin dropped his keys into a bowl on a night stand by the door and moved on, gesturing to the left.

“This is the kitchen area. Stove, microwave sort of thing.” Austin said, gesturing to the right, “And here I’ve got a big old bed, and then in the far end there’s the couch and tv and stuff. I’ve got the password to the wifi for the convenience store next door.” Austin said sheepishly.

“You shared this place with another guy?” Logan asked as he looked around the small apartment, eyes landing on the lone bed. “I had been picturing at least a bedroom for each of you. Were you guys a “thing” before he left?”

“Nah, he wasn’t into dudes, especially fuzzy dudes. I slept on the couch so he could have the bed.” Austin said with a smile, “I could axe the big bed and get some twins if you wanted, or whatever.” He said, scratching the back of his head, “I know it isn’t… that great.” Logan turned to look at him, his mouth turned up in a slight smirk.

“It’s not much, but at least you have a place of your own.” Logan said as he walked toward the couch at the other side of the apartment. “You were really being noisy here, with the other guy sleeping only a few feet away?” Logan asked with a knowing grin on his face.

“I’m trying to get better at it.” Austin smirked with a shrug, “I want to be a good boy.” he chuckled. Logan laughed a bit at the response, tilting his head a bit.

“Trying to get better, you say. Is this a new thing or have you always been particularly ‘noisy’?” Logan asked as he sat down on the couch.

“It’s an ongoing process…” Austin said, “You want a beer or tea or anything?” he asked, moving over to the fridge, opening it up. There were several normal items in the fridge from an array of drinks to yogurt, but it seemed quite well stocked with steak, ribs and other meats.

“I could go for a tea,” Logan answered, standing up and walking over to the small kitchen. “What kind do you have? Anything without too much caffeine?”

“You like Vanilla Chai? I have decaf.” Austin offered, looking Logan over with an appreciative smile. Logan nodded.

“That sounds great,” Logan smiled, moving further into the kitchen. He sat down at the small dining table and watched Austin as he prepared his drink.

****

One tea had turned into two, then three, then a hearty dinner of barbecue ribs on rice. Before they knew it, night had fallen, the streets were empty and Logan felt the odd sense of exhaustion that permeated his brain and made him think it’d be safer not to risk going home. After a matter of much debate, Austin had relented to Logan’s wishes regarding the bed arrangements. Austin brought Logan his most comfortable pillow, though, and an incredibly smooth, weighty blanket that just felt good.

“Are you sure I can’t convince you?” Austin tried one more time, “The bed’s mighty comfy.” he said with a grin as he moved around the studio apartment, turning off lights until only a pair of lamps were left, reflecting light off of the white ceiling.

“Yes, Austin. I’m sure,” Logan answered, shaking his head. “I guess I forgot to mention how stubborn I am; once I’ve made a decision it’s hard to get me to change my mind!” He sat down on the couch and fluffed the borrowed pillow. “Besides, if I’m going to seriously try out this place, I have to experience it at its worst. Hence, me sleeping on the couch. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“It’d be hard not to after a confession like that.” Austin smirked, scratching his beard a little, “Alright. It makes sense to me. And having a strong will like that… can be a very good thing.” Austin said, turning off the second to last lamp. Plunged into near darkness, there was something about the apartment that seemed cozier. It was quiet, quieter even than Logan’s current accommodations… and it smelled oddly earthy, homey, not bad or sour or artificial.

“Hmm. I think I’m finally starting to feel the charm in this place,” Logan said as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. “I might just decide to move in, after all. That is, if I can survive the night.” He added with a light chuckle. Austin moved over and leaned against the couch.

“Want me to tuck you in?” He grinned, his eyes catching what little light was left in the room, looking as if they were deep pools of honey.

“If you insist,” Logan said, playfully. “I can’t say no to some generous hospitality.” He unbuckled his belt and removed his jeans, leaving him in only his t-shirt and underwear. Logan quickly looked around and tossed the jeans onto an extra chair in the corner. He slid his legs under the thick blanket and placed his head upon the pillow, turning to look up at Austin.

Austin looked down at Logan for a long moment, feeling a fluttering in his heart. He knew things could go wrong very fast, he knew that he’d probably ruin things, but at that moment there was a handsome young man he successfully wooed sleeping on his couch. Austin smiled warmly as he leaned down and brought the blanket up, getting it adjusted just right so Logan would be comfortable.

“Goodnight, Logan.” Austin said gently.

Logan looked up into Austin’s golden-honey eyes and felt his heart almost skip a beat. He knew that, before coming to the city, he would have been too scared to even hang out with a guy he thought was hot, let alone spend the night in their apartment. Now, laying on Austin’s couch, it just felt right. He’d had so many crushes that he’d never followed, letting them get away before he could even say how he felt. But this thing with Austin, this immediate connection, had come out of nowhere and taken root so suddenly. Before he knew it, he was staying over and considering moving in with a guy he had only met earlier that week. But… there was an instinctual emotion he hadn’t felt for anyone before, and he had to follow it.

“Goodnight, Austin.” Logan answered softly. “See you in the morning.” Austin grinned at that and nodded, moving over to turn out the last lamp, plunging the apartment into darkness. Austin took a few breaths as his vision shifted and he glanced back at Logan before he started to undress. He slipped off his shirt, revealing a tank top beneath that barely kept a thick pelt of silver fur at bay. His jeans came off next, revealing his very packed boxers. Austin carried his clothes to the foot of his bed and dropped them in easy reach on the floor before he slipped under his own covers.

The smell of his last roommate had thankfully faded away, leaving the apartment marked with just Austin’s own scent… and the growing scent of his couch surfer. Austin inhaled the scent into his lungs deeper and deeper. He could feel the beast stirring within him. He slowly arched his back, his mouth slipping open as his fangs grew longer and sharper, his ears stretching to points. He shuddered as his beard started growing out centimeter by centimeter, taking on volume.

Austin knew he could control himself enough not to go wolf in front of his guest, but having him so close was too exhilarating to not indulge a little. He bit his lower lip and rested a clawed hand on his groin, closing his eyes, listening to Logan, hoping to hear him drift off to sleep, his heart beat slow, his breathing become regular. Austin had to hold on, to wait just long enough…

Logan had snuggled into his place on the couch, turning his head to face the wall. As he closed his eyes and slowly breathed in, he could smell Austin’s earthy scent on the pillow he was sleeping on. He turned his nose toward the pillow and breathed in deeper, comforted by the scent and the images it brought to mind: a quiet forest, a rushing stream, a calm night staring up at the stars and moon in the night sky. It was the perfect scent, and he dozed of within a few minutes, a serene smile on his face.

Austin bit his lip harder, feeling so relieved that Logan had fallen asleep. He slowly pulled his cover back down, running his clawed hand through his carpet of fur, scratching at how thick it was around his navel before his fingers dragged across his swollen, puffy, engorged red canine shaft. Even the base had expanded already, something that surprised Austin. He took a shuddering breath and ran a claw up the underside of his cock, causing him to shudder.

A flow of clear precum leaked out of the pointed tip and the blond bearded man caught the seed with his fingers, working it around his shaft to lubricate it all before his fingers curled tight and he started drawing his hand up and down the wet shaft. The pressure was incredible and soon he couldn’t help but thrust up into his hand, letting off muffled grunts as the wet, sloppy hand made the tiniest of squelching noises with each movement.

Logan shifted under the covers, pulled out of his light slumber only minutes after falling asleep. He wondered what had woken him, before he heard movement coming from Austin’s bed. His eyes suddenly opened wide as he realized what Austin was doing. Immediately, his cheeks were flushed and burning red, embarrassed that he was listening to Austin jerk off across the room. He figured that Austin had probably waited for him to fall asleep before deciding to masturbate, but he’d been woken up in the process.

Logan tried not to move or make a sound, knowing Austin had at least been considerate enough to wait for him to fall asleep. After listening for a minute, Logan knew there was no possibility of getting back to sleep while Austin was making noise. It also didn’t help that he could only picture Austin, hairy chest and all, jerking off only a few feet from him, which was causing his own dick to harden in his boxer briefs. He reached a hand under the covers to grope at his member, not sure if he was willing to go as far as Austin, tonight.

Austin’s muffled moans were barely constrained, his bed shuddering under the impacts of his hips. It seemed like it went on for an eternity, but after several minutes Logan heard Austin’s breathing spasm, shudder, inhale, and then slowly exhale as the thumping and the slurping sounds came to an abrupt end.

Logan breathed a quiet sigh of relief, knowing he’d soon be able to fall asleep, again. He moved his hand away from his groin, where a few drops of precum had made the fabric wet in some spots. The potent scent of Austin’s spent cum hit Logan’s nostrils after a few breaths, and he turned his head into the pillow, trying to block it out with the earthy scent. With his dick falling limp in his underwear and the earthy scent from the pillow filling his mind, once again, Logan slowly drifted back to sleep as the quiet darkness enveloped him.

****

While Austin had showed Logan the merits of polymer clay, their crafting time had grown to experience the classic form. Austin sat in front of a table, an apron stretched down across his torso. Despite his best efforts to stay clean, he had flecks of the canvas colored substance in his beard and all over his wrists. Still, he had managed to work the clay into a fluid shape using ample amounts of water. It almost looked like some sort of Jackal from Egypt, standing alert, guarding something.

Austin smiled at his success, the warm afternoon light hitting the trees outside and turning the leaves shades of gold and green even as a few darker rain clouds rolled in, contrasting the light show. It was a wonderful afternoon, and a great release after work. Logan had a bit of trouble following Austin’s deft handiwork during the lesson. His clay figure looked more like a muscled bear than the slim jackal Austin had created. Nevertheless, he was proud of the work he had done. Austin was proud, too, grinning ear to ear.

“Doesn’t it feel great? It’s so different to other art styles… You can add to it and let it grow, you can take away and let it shrink, it’s pure creation in your hands…” Austin said happily, “And that piece is all you, all your imagination and handiwork.”

“It’s definitely a different experience than painting a picture or gluing paper together.” Logan answered, looking over his creation. “I guess it feels like I’m putting more of myself into the sculpture, since it’s so hands on.” He looked up at Austin and smiled. “Not to mention a lot more messy. You’ve got quite a bit of the clay stuck in your beard.”

“Clay, food, I guess I’m a bit helpless in that regard… I hope you don’t mind.” Austin grinned, looking at Logan. Logan laughed.

“I think I would have stopped hanging out with you already if I had a problem with your messiness.” Logan said, smiling. “It’s a good thing that there’s a lot more about you to like.” He thought a bit before continuing. “Austin, I know we’ve only known each other for two weeks, but I can’t imagine what it would be like if we hadn’t randomly met and become friends. Thanks for teaching me how to sculpt and for letting me stay over a few nights. I appreciate all of your generosity.” The words were touching, and Austin looked like he got a bit misty eyed.

“I knew I liked you from the first moment I saw you.” Austin said softly, “And it’s my great fortune that you took a chance and got to know me too, and… you are the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”

“Oh… uh, wow.” Logan mumbled, caught off guard by Austin’s sincere response. He stared into Austin’s eyes for a bit, his feelings for the man in front of him coalescing, until he reached across the table and put his hand on top of Austin’s. “I… I think you’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met, too.” Austin grinned at that, showing off his abnormally sharp canine teeth before he leaned over the clay and brought his lips to Logan’s, sharing an embrace with the fullness in his fluttering heart.

Logan had felt the kiss coming on before Austin had moved. As soon as Austin’s warm lips were on his, Logan melted into the kiss. All of the feelings and emotions that had been building inside him over the past weeks came pouring out as Logan brought a hand up to Austin’s face, caressing the bearded cheek as he kissed the man before him. A tear ran down his cheek, and he smiled, knowing they both felt the same way. Logan suddenly moved out of the kiss and caught his breath before he said, “I guess this is me also letting you know that I want to move in. You can’t believe how much I’m looking forward to living with you.”

“Really? You mean it? I… was getting worried.” Austin said with a smile, “I’m so happy.”

“I’m happy, too.” Logan grinned, still holding Austin’s cheek in his hand. “And I don’t think you have anything to worry about, now. I’m not going anywhere.” He placed his lips on Austin’s again and resumed their kiss, all the nervous tension gone. It was Austin’s turn to melt into the kiss, feeling that at long last he had finally been accepted, and his love for Logan had been fully returned.

****

The door to the apartment shuddered as it hit the wall, but it swung wide enough for Austin to carry the hamper full of clothes in triumphantly like a war trophy, swinging around to look back across the threshold with a grin to where Logan was catching up. Logan was a few feet behind Austin trudging slowly as he carried a large box filled with his belongings down the hall.

“Hold up! I could use a little help here.” Logan called out, clearly out of breath and struggling to carry the heavy box. Austin set the hamper down and moved back, ducking under the box before lifting it up to shoulder height and carrying it into the apartment. He felt bad that he’d still failed Logan in helping him move in, but he had to try and do his best to make him feel at home. “Phew. Thanks for that.” Logan said as he walked into the apartment. “Luckily I didn’t have much with me. Just one trip and we’re done. I’m officially moved in.”

“I’m so happy. I’m sorry I didn’t do better helping you carry things.” Austin grinned.

“Are you kidding?” Logan asked, laughing. “It would have been impossible for me to carry that huge hamper of clothes. I didn’t realize how strong you are. And you didn’t even break a sweat! You did more than help, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

“There’s still one important thing to do. Now that you’re officially my roommate, we have to figure out the sleeping arrangements.” Austin said, moving over to get two cans of soda, bringing onto to Logan, “We could axe the big bed and get two smaller ones, or…” Austin trailed off.

“Or we could just use the bed you already have.” Logan said, blushing a bit as he grabbed the extra can of soda that Austin offered. “If.. if you’d be okay with that. We don’t have-”

Once more Austin’s lips met Logan’s as he leaned in for a kiss, embracing fully. He loved the scent of his roommate, his feel, his personality, the sound of his voice… and how despite all his anxiety, he kept taking leaps forward in their relationship. A strong arm wrapped around Logan’s waist, pulling him close until they were groin to groin, the groin that Logan had heard in use so many times as they went to sleep.

Logan hugged Austin as he returned the kiss, feeling the lean muscles in Austin’s back move as he leaned down to kiss Logan. Everything was perfect; their love, moving in together, being so close. Logan wished he could live in this moment forever, but he knew there were more amazing times to come with Austin, his boyfriend. Logan pulled away slowly, placing a few small pecks on Austin’s lips as he moved back. “I’ll take that as a yes,” Logan said as he stared into Austin’s eyes. “I love you.” He said softly as he hugged Austin tighter and placed his head on Austin’s shoulder.

“I love you too.” Austin said, holding Logan close, enjoying the position, “You don’t mind that I’m noisy.” he grinned.

“No. I don’t mind.” Logan answered quietly. “Maybe… we can be noisy together? I… haven’t done anything like that with someone before.”

“Wait, like that? So… you heard?” Austin asked, blushing. Logan loosened his hold on Austin and looked into his eyes again.

“Yeah. I heard you… every night.” Logan said, smiling shily. “I didn’t mean to, but it was hard not to once you started. It’s not easy sleeping through that kind of noise.”

“I’m sorry, I guess I really am an animal, but… you want to be noisy… with me?” Austin grinned wider.

“I don’t want you to go through that alone.” Logan said. “You get so into it that I feel like you need help, sometimes. And… maybe I want to feel what you do.”

“Well... “ Austin said, “If you don’t mind, I’m a bit weird.” Austin smirked, “But I think we could have some amazing times together.” he said, sliding a hand down to grope Logan gently.

“Mmm…” Logan moaned as he placed his head on Austin’s shoulder, again. “All I want is to have amazing times with you. And, I can get used to whatever weirdness you might be into. As long as it’s legal.”

“Legal, yes… But I’m still wagering there will be plenty of surprises.” Austin said, half letting go of Logan long enough to shut and bolt the door, but keeping one hand with his roommate.

“Then surprise me!” Logan said, grinning widely. “Now that we’re roommates, we’re going to have a lot of time for whatever surprises this relationship might hold.”

“You sure? You promise?” Austin asked anxiously, looking into Logan’s eyes.

“Austin, I promise. I’m with you through it all.” Logan replied, pulling Austin toward him and catching him in another kiss. Austin let the kiss linger for a long moment before he took a half step back, inhaled, exhaled slow, and then started removing his shirt. As it came off, he revealed he was wearing a tank top beneath, but silvery blond hairs were sticking up around the collar, the sleeves, even the rim underneath.

Slowly, Austin slipped off the tank top, balling it up in his hand, revealing that his chest and stomach were covered with a soft fur like coating of hair, and his back was quite hirsute as well, almost like an animal. Logan reached a hand out and placed it on Austin’s furry chest. He looked up into Austin’s eyes and smiled.

“Were you worried that I’d mind if you were this hairy?” Logan asked, running his fingers through Austin’s thick hair. “I think it’s cute. And at least it’s soft, like a warm, fluffy pillow.”

“Really? You don’t think I’m a freak?” Austin asked, reaching up to scratch at his beard with a mixture of confusion and relief.

“Of course not!” Logan answered, a look of concern on his face. “It’s just hair!” He moved closer to Austin and hugged him tightly. “I hope you don’t think of yourself as a freak. Being hairy doesn’t change anything about you. You’re still the person I love.”

“Maybe, knowing that you still like me, I can become the good kind of freak.” Austin grinned, moving to sit on the bed, “Although right now I just want to let you rest after all that stress of moving.”

“That sounds like a good idea to me.” Logan said, suddenly realizing how tired he was. He quickly finished his half-finished can of soda, throwing the empty can into a nearby trash can. He removed his jeans and dropped them on the floor at the end of the bed, sitting down next to Austin. “I can’t believe I’m dating a guy and that I’m going to be sleeping in the same bed as him. This is a new one for me.” Logan said, leaning his head on Austin’s shoulder. Austin reached up, ruffling Logan’s hair.

“It might be hard to adjust to, but I think you’ll like it.” Austin smiled, “I’m a very loyal person.” he said, slipping across the bed, pulling the covers back and laying down, “And a good pillow.” he added, reaching out for Logan. Logan grabbed Austin’s hand and pushed himself up the bed, tucking his legs under the warm covers. He laid down and placed his head on Austin’s furry chest, snuggling into the other man and enjoying the warm, earthy scent that emanated from his body.

“You sure do make the perfect pillow.” Logan said, yawning. He placed a hand on Austin’s stomach and started running his fingers through the thick hair there. “I can get used to this really quickly. I hope you don’t mind.” Austin was too busy moaning gently, his head tipped back, slowly drawing the covers over them both.

“Don’t ever stop.” he pleaded with a deep grin, his eyes rolling into the back of his head.