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Pascal showed up early the next morning as promised. He had three hiking packs ready to go for all three of his cabin residents. Elliot wasn't quite sure how to feel about doing this in the nude. He knew he had to embrace the weirdness like he has with everything else. He strapped the pack around his shoulders and buckled the center strap over his chest.

"Lookin' good boys!" Pascal wagged his tail, "You guys ready for adventure?"

"You mean getting drunk and dancing naked in the woods?" Allen smirked.

"You know it!" Pascal chuckled, "Now, the whole camp is going on this trip. If at any point you feel uncomfortable because of someone else, let me know. Sometimes the boys get a little rowdy and handsy when the alcohol flows."

"F...forest fever," Luke chuckled.

"Elliot," said Pascal, "Especially you. I'll stuff you away in a tent if I have to as well."

"I think I can handle myself," Elliot crossed his arms.

"Uh, huh..." Pascal grinned, "We'll see. Alright, let's go guys. We need to gather at the trail."

Elliot walked behind his group trying to hide himself a bit. The whole camp was en route towards the trails leading up into the mountains. The lion blushed as he was crowded by all the naked men in their packs. He could feel how red his cheeks were and concentrated on not popping a boner at this time.

"Now is not the time to be turned on..." Elliot sighed to himself.

This didn't deter a few of the patrons. Elliot wondered if they even had an off switch. Not far ahead the whole camp had gathered in front of a large rock. On top of the rock was Elric and Turbo. The ram looked quite majestic as the sun lit up his tan and gray fur. Turbo stood next to the ram with his eyes forward and hands behind his back. He always seemed to have an air of mystery around him.

Elric lifted up a megaphone, "Good morning campers! It's good to see all of you. Not only is it our yearly nature walk, it's also a group cabin challenge! You'll be filled in tomorrow at ten in the morning! This one is presented by the Prowler team, Benji, Dukagjin, and Takeshi. Get to know your other cabin teams. Prowler, Beast, Inferno, Howler, and Monster. The winning cabin groups will get to stay at the Luxury Cabin, and myself and Turbo will be joining you this time. Now boys, lets get to hiking!"

Elric handed the megaphone to Turbo. The cheetah stowed it away and hopped down with Elric. The two of them started leading them up the trail. Elric soon had a small crowd around him, chatting up a storm. Turbo picked up his speed to be in front of everyone. His tail was swishing side to side as he walked.

"Does Turbo socialize much?" Elliot asked.

"I don't think so," said Allen, "He seems satisfied being the servant to everyone, but he'll never really have a full conversation with anyone."

"It's strange," said Elliot, "Nice guy, but strange."

Elliot blushed as someone came up from behind and put their hand in his. The lion grinned down at Jiro. The bat beamed up at him. Elliot was happy to hold his hand as they hiked. He just hoped his paw wasn't too sweaty.

Elliot listened to the buzz of conversation around him since him and Jiro couldn't converse well without pad and paper. A lot of it was quite perverse. There were some pleasant conversations too. Jules was waiting ahead for Elliot. The kangaroo joined him in his walk.

"Hey El," the kangaroo said, "I wanted to apologize for the other day. I wasn't sure if we all acted appropriately."

"Think nothing of it," said Elliot, "I actually had a lot of fun with you guys. And watching movies together was really nice."

"I wasn't sure if I crossed the line either," said Jules, "I was a little forceful with my flirting. I'm usually not that bad."

Elliot laughed, "Love at first spike."

Jules chuckled, "Oh boy, something like that. Look man, I'll be honest, when I first saw you, I wanted to do bad things to you. You joining me while doing my katas was one of my happiest moments here. I got to spend time with you and get to know you. Not only do I think you're handsome, I think you're a great guy."

"I think you're a great guy too, Jules," Elliot smirked.

Jiro elbowed Elliots side. The bat grinned up at him and nodded his head towards Jules. Elliot guessed that Jiro knew that Jules had a crush on him too. The bat shook Elliots hand in his and nodded over at Jules again. Oh. Elliot figured it out and held his hand out for Jules to take.

The kangaroo blushed at the fact that Jiro was willing to share and that Elliot would take him. The three of them walked hand in hand. Elliot's ears burned. He'd never had so much attention paid to him before. Let alone he's never had two potential lovers at the same time. Or three or four. Elliot wasn't even sure who all wanted in his pants anymore, if he was wearing any. The lion suddenly felt insecure as he remembered he was naked and walking down the trail with two guys hanging on him.

Elliot looked around. It was clear he wasn't alone in this venture. He sighed. He was being silly again and he knew it. The lifestyle here was really as loose as everyone made it sound. There was plenty of hand holding around him as the entire camp walked up the trail. Elliot leapt up as a pair of hands squeezed his ass from behind.

"Look at you El!" said Pascal as he bounced around to the front of them, "You stud. Got two handsome boys on your arms. I'm so proud of you."

"Oh hush, wolf," said Jules, "It's rather bold of him to have one, and even more so with two."

"I must admit," said Elliot, "I am a little embarrassed."

"Don't be!" Pascal grinned, "I'm quite jealous." The wolf stumbled as he tripped over a root since he was walking backwards and landed on his ass.

Elliot reached down to pick him up, "And see where jealousy gets you?"

"In your arms," the wolf grinned as he took advantage of the lions arms pulling him up.

Elliot rolled his eyes and patted him on the shoulder, "Alright, you sneak."

Pascal grinned and smooched Elliot on the cheek, "I'll tease you more later, hehe."

Elliot huffed as the wolf bounced away to go tease others. The lion blushed as Jiro and Jules went back to where they were. Elliot had a rush of doubts in his head. He wasn't sure if this was ok or what. The lion had never had so much attention paid to him. Usually it was one on one. Now it seemed like everyone wanted to spend time with Elliot, maybe even more. He wondered if he should make a decision to let it all go, or to give in to one of them, or just be loose. The lion sighed as he held hands with the bat and kangaroo.

"You certainly tolerate a lot," said Jules as he gave the lions hand a firm squeeze, "You sure you're ok with all this?"

Elliot nodded, "Yeah. I'm alright. I've been here for two weeks, and I've already learned a lot about myself. And others. And I've done things that I'm not too sure if I should have or not. I dunno. Like I've said before, I'm just going with the flow now. This is some crazy fantasy and I really don't know what to think anymore."

Jules chuckled, "Well, it is fantasy in the sense of being fantastical, but not a magical dreamland. That's why we have to make the best of the time we have. Two more weeks and we're all back to reality."

"That's depressing," Elliot laughed.

Jules laughed as he leaned his head against Elliots shoulder. The kangaroo sighed as he reached his other hand over to rub along the lions forearm. Jiro too was content as he was hugging around the lion's other arm.

They seemed to have walked for roughly two hours. All the lion knew was his feet were starting to hurt. Elliot was ready to hunker down and get something to eat. Something wet hit his nose. He looked up at a gray sky as some more raindrops hit his face. There were several cheers up ahead as the sky was starting to let loose on them.

They continued to trudge on as the sky drenched them. The rain was rather pleasant to Elliot. He didn't mind getting wet and it was quite relaxing. Each drop pelting his body was like a tiny massage. Up ahead Elliot could see the tops of several large tents.

They blended in with the forest until everyone walked into the clearing. There were at least twenty large tents dotted around the camping area, and five large teepees towering next to the forestside. There was smoke billowing out of the tops of the teepees and the smell of smoked meat graced the air.

Turbo handed Elric his megaphone, "Welcome boys to the campground! Sorry about the rain! I can't control everything. But please, enjoy yourselves. Each tent has your cabin numbers on it. The teepees have food, and fire if you want to dry out a bit. Once the showers clear up, we'll get the bonfires going. The casks of ale are located between the teepees should you want to start celebrating early!"

There were cheers from the crowd. They all dispersed and went from tent to tent to find their numbers. Once everyone unloaded, every single one of them went to the teepees for food. Apparently the chefs and Guardians had been hard at work all day to get food made up for all of them.

Elliot found himself in line for food with Rainier. Elliot wondered if he was ok. The lion tapped the buffalo on his shoulder. He turned around and looked Elliot up and down.

"Oh, hey," he said as he looked at the ground.

"Hey," said Elliot, "You doing alright?"

The buffalo nodded, "Yeah. I think I'm better now." The buffalo looked sullen, "I don't know how we thought we could help. Troy was just too destructive. He may have been nice face to face sometimes, but he sure shit talked a lot. Just took him another night of drinking too much to be stupid again."

"What happened?" Elliot asked.

Rainier looked Elliot up and down, "I only know you in passing man. Just don't worry about it. He's gone." The buffalo turned his back on Elliot. The lion hadn't met such a cold conversation since he'd been here. He also knew he was meddling. Elliot got two racks of smoked ribs and tried not to think about it. He carried his food back to his tent.

Allen was out getting him and Luke food. The rat was laying on one of the cots set up in the tent. Elliot set his food down on his cot and started to dig in. Luke sat up and looked over at Elliot.

"Y...you ok El?" the rat asked.

Elliot nodded as he tore at his ribs, "Yeah. Just tired. That hike killed me."

Luke laughed, "Y...yeah. I f...feel you. So I made my b...better half g...get me food."

Elliot chuckled, "You two work really well together."

"T...thanks," Luke grinned, "I love him a lot. H...he's made such a d...difference in my life. Always k...kind, caring, and p...pleasant. We're hoping we c...can p...progress moving in together this year. M...my restaurant makes me enough m...money to support us b...both for awhile. He'd b...be able to search for a job for a f...few m...months."

"I hope it works out for you guys," said Elliot.

Allen came in with a mountain of meat, he set the tray down for Luke, "Bon appetit my handsome man." The wolf grinned as he sat down.

"W...what's got you all s...smiley?" Luke asked.

"I'm just happy I'm here with you guys," Allen chuckled as he ripped a rib off and started to gnaw on it.

Luke smiled as he dug in too. The three of them chatted back and forth as they ate. It was kind of like a camping trip with the family. Elliot didn't realize until this moment the strong bond he had made with Luke and Allen. The two of them made sure the lion was comfortable at all times. They never really pushed anything on him, except Allens nudity but he had gotten used to it quite quick, and they both only teased him a little. He felt safe with them. He really couldn't have asked for better roommates.

"Knock, knock!" Pascal ducked into the tent, "Heya boys. Everything good?"

"Perfect food, perfect shelter," said Allen.

"Since it's raining, I figured I'd come keep you guys company," Pascal sat next to Elliot.

"Any clues for tomorrow's happenings?" Allen asked.

"Naw," Pascal grinned, "Lets just say you'll be in for a whopper of a time."

"Ugh, I don't think I can handle too much more physical stress while I'm here," Elliot laughed.

Pascal put his arm around Elliot and smooched his cheek, "I told you you were my tank this year. Don't let me down."

The lion blushed as Pascal held onto him, "You still haven't elaborated what that even means."

Pascal grinned, "Tomorrow my handsome lion." The wolf tugged at Elliots chin scruff, "You got some sauce on you." The wolf rubbed his thumb over the lions lips and stuck it in his maw.

Elliot blushed, "Thanks..." The lion huffed as he looked down at his feet. Pascal nudged him in the side, "You ok, El?"

"Yeah, I just..." the lion sighed, "I just don't know what I'm ok with anymore. I've been going with the flow, but now I'm getting a lot of attention. I'm just not used to it, you know? I feel like maybe I'm losing control."

Pascals face lowered as he took in a deep breath, "Well Elliot, maybe it's because people like you. I know this is a new environment for you, but you've made a lot of friends in such a short time. I'd say that says a lot about your personality. Kindness goes a long way when most guys that come here are lonely in life." The wolf grinned his cheesy grin as he looked up at the lion, "It doesn't hurt that you're such a cutie either!" The wolf squeezed Elliots cheek.

Elliot laughed as he pushed the wolf away, "You stop that."

"See?" Pascal laughed, "You know you're a good guy. I think everyone flirts with you too cause you get very flustered about it."

The lion huffed, "I just don't know what to do. Like, I'm used to such a stagnant life, and now I have choices."

"Why not all of them?" Allen teased.

Elliot rubbed his face, "Maybe it's too much for me."

"Y...you do you, El," said Luke, "D...don't w...worry so much about w...what others want. Sure there's th...those that want to get close to you, b...but j...just let them know th...that you're not re...ready."

"But I'm a people pleaser," the lion chuckled.

Pascal put his finger up against the lions lips, "Shh... Think about what you want, and how you want to do it. Just because I wanna jump your bones, doesn't mean you should let me. You need to think about your feelings El."

The lion blew on the wolfs finger but he kept it there. "See! Everyone makes it hard for me to know what I want to do. I can't even hblhh..." Pascal stuck his finger into the lion's mouth.

"Think about it," Pascal winked as he pulled his finger out of Elliots mouth.

Elliot blushed. The lion was feeling he was getting mixed signals from Pascal. "Are you just teasing me about this?" Elliot crossed his arms.

Pascal huffed, "Maybe a little. I do think you should slow down a bit and think about what you want before you move on. There's also something to think about. You're getting old. We're all getting old. None of us have time to wait around anymore. Once we leave here, we go back to our careers. Our boring old lives. Besides, what you do here never follows you home, unless you want it to." The wolf grinned and wriggled his eyebrows at the lion.

Elliot pushed the wolf and shook his head with a sigh, "I'm not sure I'm gonna talk to you anymore for advice."

The wolf smirked, "You woulda gone home without me."

The lion chuckled, "Yeah, yeah. I know. I also wouldn't be conflicted with having to figure things out."

"I say do everything," said Allen as he stood up and stretched, "That's what me and Luke do. Luke used to be nervous at first too. Now look at him. He's a freak."

"H...hey!" Luke blushed, "I'm j...just more open to interests."

Allen sat down on the other side of Elliot, "Haven't you ever wanted to do anything wild, but you don't because you're old and you think you'd be embarrassed?"

"Well, sure," said Elliot, "Kara makes fun of me all the time at home when I try something out. Getting me a smartphone was a blast for her."

Allen chuckled, "I mean more than that you goof. I know you have it in you to be wild and open. I caught you red handed once."

Elliot blushed, "Is that really being wild though?"

"Well, I mean," Allen chuckled, "It was pleasantly unexpected from you."

Elliot huffed, "So, just do it all, huh?"

Allen smirked and nodded, "Don't worry about a damn thing."

The lion buried his head into his hands, "It's so hard not to worry. I don't even know what to do anymore. I feel like my tail is getting chased every few minutes. I think I'm having a hard time adapting."

"Maybe we can help give you relief," Allen teased.

Elliot sighed, "Ok, fine." The lion decided he just had to give in. He's been going with the flow so far, why stop? They do have a point about the time, the age, and no one he knows is here. He can experience some freedom.

"What?!" Allen blushed.

"You told me not to worry," Elliot flashed a grin at the wolf.

Allen narrowed his eyes, "I can't tell if you're serious or not..."

The lion stood up with his plate of bones, "We'll find out, won't we." The lion winked as he went to go throw his trash out at one of the teepees. Allen, Luke, and Pascal followed. The lion knew he was in for it now. He fired back.

Allen smacked Elliots ass as he dropped his plate of bones into the trash can, "You can't tease like that and walk away."

"What're you gonna do about it?" Elliot smirked.

Allen laughed as he covered Elliots pecs in his hands, causing the lion to blush as a few onlookers passed by. "Tease you back."

Elliot laughed, "Just go easy on me. I'm old. Pascal told me so."

Pascal wagged his tail, "Don't bring me into this. You made your bed, now get laid in it."

Elliot rolled his eyes, "You're so cheesy."

"The boys like me cheesy," Pascal chuckled.

Elliot looked down at Allens hand, "You gonna let go?"

"Nope," said Allen, "I'm gonna stay like this for the rest of the day until you cave."

"What?" Elliot huffed, "You can't just walk around all day holding my chest."

Allen gave the lions nipple rings a tug before letting them go, "Yeah. My arms might get tired holding all that meat."

Elliot stuck his tongue out. Allen chuckled as he winked at Elliot. Pascal did the same as they both turned away from the lion. The two of them started to tease each other. It did run rampant around here. The both of them got into a flex off. Luke tugged on Elliot's hand.

"You too?" Elliot chuckled.

"I...I just wanted t...to make sure you're ok," said Luke, "G...genuinely this t...time."

"I'm fine," said Elliot.

Luke gave the lion a soft smile, "Y...you always s...say that. We...we're not dumb. We c...can s...see it on your f...face sometimes. Almost like y...you want to c...cry for help or you just want to run away."

Elliot sighed with a frown as he looked at the ground, "I've just been alone for so long. I don't know how to love anymore I think. Everything's been fun and crazy, but the more I think about it, the more I'm scared about opening up anymore."

Luke laid his ears flat, "D...don't say that. Y...you've shown love without having to s...say it. T..that's w...why m...me and Allen like you so m...much. Y...you care so m...much about others, and that's why we m...make sure y...you're ok all the t...time. We knew you w...weren't p...prepared for this. J...just know y...you're n...no longer alone. Y...you have all of us."

Elliot rubbed his eyes on his forearm, "Thanks Luke. I'm gonna go for a walk and clear my mind."

Luke nodded as he understood, "Ok."

The lion stopped by his tent to grab his smokes and took off. He strolled through the rain for a bit until he found a relatively dry area to sit. He settled in under a tree as he stuffed his smoke between his lips. He lit up and sighed out the first exhale. He looked up to watch the rainfall.

He closed his eyes as tiny droplets misted his whole body. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to choose someone to be with or if he should just have fun. Maybe he was just holding onto the past too much. The lion sat there for a long time burning through a few cigarettes as the rain slowly died down. Alone with his thoughts he had to make a decision.

He stood up and dusted his rump off after what seemed to be a little over an hour. He wandered back to the camp as the ground sunk beneath his feet, getting them all muddied up. Elliot went into his tent. Luke and Allen were both there flirting with each other.

"Elliot!" Allen stood up with a half chub, "You ok?"

"Yeah, I'm good," said Elliot as he sat down on his cot.

"Sorry if I pushed any buttons earlier," the wolf lowered his ears.

"It's ok," said Elliot as he laid back on his cot.

Allen looked over to Luke. The wolf was struggling trying to find words and needed help. Luke looked over to Elliot and saw the corners of his lips up. Elliot was teasing Allen! Luke looked innocently up at Allen and shrugged.

"El, look, I know you were reaching out to us for help," said Allen as he knelt next to the lion, "We're just trying to give you a push is all."

Elliot looked over at the wolf, "Allen."

"Elliot?" the wolf raised an eyebrow.

"Since you're on your knees, make yourself useful," the lion smirked.

Allen huffed and shoved the lion, "You ass! You had me worried!"

Elliot laughed as he put his arms behind his head, "I just needed to go think about things for awhile."

"You had me worried," the wolf jumped on top of the lion with a playful growl. The cot let out a startling crack as it could not hold that weight. Elliot landed on the ground with the wolf on top of him. Allen was open mouthed as he looked down at the lion, "Oh shit! I'm so sorry!"

Elliot however was laughing. The wolf's overreaction was enough to set him off. Allen and Luke laughed with him. Allen squeezed the lions nipples as he was straddled over the lions waist. Elliot huffed and batted his paws away.

"Damn wolf," Elliot just laid there, "Where am I supposed to sleep now?"

The lion blushed as the wolf's tail wags tickled over his thighs, "You shoulda thought of that before teasing me."

"Y...you can have Allens," said Luke, "I'll j...just lay on top of him a...all n...night."

"You were gonna do that anyway," Allen chuckled. "But Elliot," the wolf grabbed the lion by his mane, "Please, make up your mind. You're starting to stress me out."

Elliot chuckled, "I just spent an hour alone with no one around. I was able to clear my mind and think hard about what I wanted."

The wolf leaned down, almost touching noses with the lion, "Which is?"

"I'm just going to do whatever," Elliot huffed, "Maybe it's something I've gotta do. I just need to get out of this funk that I've been stuck in for so long. I need to be bold and stop worrying about every little thing."

Allen pressed his nose against the lions, "I'm happy to hear that." The wolf gave him a smooch before hopping up. He reached his hand down to help pull the lion up. Elliot latched onto the wolf as he got helped to his feet.

Elliot gave them both a sheepish look, "Sorry I'm a pain."

"It's alright El," said Allen as he sat down with Luke, hugging the rat against himself, "We just want you to be happy. We've been worried about ye since you got here. I know I'm a little overbearing, and naked, but I have paid attention to how you react. You're reserved. Shy. Really nervous about everything."

"Yeah, I know," said Elliot, "Everything just feels so new. It doesn't help that everyone here wants in my pants either. I think I've just been overwhelmed by the hospitality and kindness. It's also weird here. I think my emotions have just really gotten away from me, and I'm full of mixed feelings and signals."

Allen chuckled, "Yeah, it's like that. You just gotta shake it off and enjoy your time here. Hell, look at Keller. He dove right into the deep end and you've both been here the same amount of time."

"Yeah, but Keller's crazy," Elliot laughed.

Allen smirked, "Yeah, he is a nut. But really though, don't worry too much about anything. We're all comfortable with anything. We've been through enough in life that we came here to just not care and live free. Me and Luke would love to see you just open up and do what you want to do."

"Y...yeah," said Luke, "Y...you're t...too nice to not get w...what you want. D...do what you think will m...make you happy."

"I'm still figuring that out," said Elliot, "I've always been one to commit to a thing and stick with it. Now I have all these options before me, and I'm confused. I've never lived open and carefree. And I'm not one to rush a decision."

"M...maybe that's a change y...you'll have to make," Luke suggested.

"It's no pressure Elliot," said Allen, "Just know a lot of these guys want to get to know you and get close with you. It's not just about the sex. Hell, it took me and Luke awhile to actually saddle up and get together. It's been years of back and forth, online chatting and such. We both had our fair share of sleeping around here, and we still do because it's fun. But, at the end of the day, we know who we are, and we know our love is ever giving not just for each other, but for everyone else here as well."

"Hehe, you guys make it sound so easy," said Elliot, "Maybe it is, and I'm just stubborn. But I'll work on it."

"Work on what?" asked Pascal as he ducked into their tent.

"Being a dirty perv like you," said Elliot.

Pascal laughed, "Oh Elliot, you'll never be as bad as me. You boys ready to meet the rest of your team for tomorrow?"

"Sure thing," said Allen, "Are you guys giving us hints?"

Pascal smirked as he held the tent door open for them, "Naw. Just know you guys have to work together."

Pascal led them over to a fire pit. Roger the gecko was busy trying to get it lit while Red the meerkat was entertaining the other campers. Pascal went around and introduced everyone.

From Reds team, there was Wilfred, or Wilf for short. He was a rotund donkey, he had piercings all along his ears and a prince Albert. He also had piercings on his nipples like Elliot did. He wasn't really in shape at all. He looked just like a guy who loved to eat and work his desk job.

Next was Felix. A chubby hedgehog that looked like he loved to eat too. He was very jovial and friendly towards everyone. He looked like a throwback from time forgotten as he puffed away on a long stemmed pipe. He also talked with his hands a little too much.

Last from Reds team was the complete opposite of those two. He was tall and very skinny. Almost like those ghostly guys from a horror film. The gazelle seemed to have his head in space, and he had a most cutting english accent. He of course immediately revealed he was the renowned author known as Javier Morallis. He looked appalled when Elliot said he never heard of him.

"He's got a bit of an ego," Pascal whispered to the lion, "But he's a good guy once he warms up to you."

Pascal went around to Roger's team. There was only two of them. Pascal admitted that Troy was their third. "We may be at a bit of a disadvantage tomorrow because of that, but I think we'll be ok. Sven there is actually really fast on his feet, and Sergei is a real ninja."

Sven had the most beautiful coat Elliot had even seen on a feline. He was a snow leopard that had a positively shining attitude. Of course, he was a lawyer. He playfully jested that he used his good looks to captivate a jury and pull them into his favor.

Sergei was a fox. His red fur looked very unkempt and he was rather scrawny. He shied away from Elliot and bashfully shook hands with him. The fox was making it too obvious though that he was checking the lion out from head to toe.

They all sat around the campfire and chatted. Elliot was the only new guy so most of the attention was focused on him. He felt very put on the spot but Pascal brought him a tankard of ale to help him ease into the conversations. Elliot was appreciative as he liked social drinking. It helped at home in the bars and it was sure to help here. He had to be sure not to drink too much this time. Pascals ale had snuck up on him the other night which he ended up forgetting most of what happened.

"Do tell Elliot," said Sven as he set his own tankard down, leaning closer to the lion, "How did a small town guy like you end up here? Most of us here are well connected and from larger cities. And you, no offense, are easily a cowboy mechanic that looks like he took a wrong turn."

Elliot laughed, "Well, my daughter Kara was trying to find a retreat for me. She wanted me to get out of the house, and she said she randomly found this place. So, she sat down with me and pointed out all the fun things to do. To make her happy I bought a pass on the spot. I tried to avoid coming on the day of, but she hounded me and made me come."

Sven smirked, "Sounds like she wears the pants in the family."

Elliot nodded, "Yeah. She got tired of me moping and sitting around all the time. Even my employees take her orders. She never gives up. I'd probably be nothing without her."

Sven patted Elliots leg, "Well, cowboy mechanic, I think you're something. You look good for having been such a mopey lion. I have also enjoyed your company thus far. You have a charm about you."

"Charm, huh?" Elliot shook his head, "I'm just being who I am."

"And that's charming," said Sven, "Most people try to be more impressive than they actually are to call attention to themselves. You just say how it is. You didn't come here to impress anyone at all. You came here to relax and get away from life. The luxuries and friendships you've made here are bonuses to you. You never expected to be the center of anyone's attention. You probably expected to just sit at a campfire every night and drink your life away, but you've been disallowed that. You've been dunked into a weird fantasy being run by everyone else here."

"A worthwhile fantasy," said Javier, "Our generosity knows no end as we have no bonds. We all came to escape the realities of life. We've made a whole new reality to unchain our burdens. Live it to the fullest Mr. Elliot. Don't even let this reality end. Don't ever forget it. When you walked into that lodge door, you were presented with an opportunity to change your whole life. Accept that change. Rewrite your reality Mr. Elliot."

Sven snorted as he held in a laugh, "Alright Mr. Dramatic. I'm sure he'll work it out."

"Don't you sass me," said Javier as he shook his tankard at the snow leopard, "You know I'm right. A lot of us here have had similar experiences. We've all lived the shock of our first days here. Never did we know we'd end up being sex driven fuckers in an impure world of debauchery with an endless yield of fruits and passion, catered on day and night. All the games we play and the events we do, those are just how we meet. But we all know in the end, we fall into the deep end of sexual pleasure. A filthy display of the animals we are. And we hunger for it. We thrive off the enjoyment of a man's company. The sensual touch. The knowing of another's desires. We satiate our mind and body like the whimsy of a teenage boy."

Elliot exchanged glances with Sven. The snow leopard had his hand turned up around his muzzle as he stifled his enjoyment of Javier's breakdown of the camp.

"That's quite a description," Elliot smiled as he too was very amused by the gazelle, "I'm sure there's more to it than all that though."

"Mmm," Javier took a long swig from his tankard, "You'd like to think that, wouldn't you? But no, our walls are torn down when we pull into this place. You can act all shy and docile all you like. You can tell us what your limits are, and that you're not interested. We're not fucking stupid mate. You know you feel the pressure of that beast inside. Wanting to break down your cute little walls you've made to protect your fragility. Your pulse pounds through your veins. You can feel that fire bursting from you. That's not blushing, that's desire. You ache for the touch of anyone. You want companionship. I can see the longing on your face for something more than what you've been served. Feed that appetite. Fuel that fire. Let it rage out of control." Javier stood up and grabbed Elliot by the shoulders, "Let it rage!"

Pascal grappled Javier around his midsection and pulled him away. "Come on now, Javi. Let's go play." The wolf started to walk him away.

"Tell that lion, even though he's never heard of me, to listen to me," Javier was quite blitzed from the alcohol, "His stupidly adorable face shouldn't be wasted!"

"I know, baby," Pascal laughed as he carried Javier to his tent.

"Sorry about him," said Sven, "He gets more and more dramatic the more he drinks. Shamefully it takes one or two when it hits him."

Elliot chuckled, "Happens to the best of us sometimes."

Sven raised his tankard up, "To the best of us then."

Elliot raised his and drank longly from it. The evening settled in quietly without Javier, which Pascal had yet to return. The lion was enjoying himself with his new friends. The rest of the camp patrons started to wander around as well. Everyone seemed to know each other except for Elliot. He's the only one that seemed to not be making the most of being here.

He soon found himself the center of attention though. Nearly everyone he'd made friends with came to hang out with him. He felt embarrassed when several of them sat with him by the fire. He'd never had so many bodies piled against him. He was also comfortable though. So many of his new found friends enjoyed being around him.

Elliot teared up a little as he found that spark of happiness stirring inside of him. All he needed this whole time were friends that provided him his needs and desires. He'd shut himself away from the world. These guys were here to help him tug the door open. Javier was mostly right. Elliot needed companionship. This is exactly what was missing from his life.