Silvertip Mountain Gotta let go sometime

@Ezekiel

Steady had felt bad about snipping at Ezekiel about being close to the den. In all reality, he was just trying to bring food for the pups, and Steady should have appreciated that more in the moment. After speaking with Zaria, Steady made a note to seek him out, and now he was. 

He didn't really feel like howling for him, as it wasn't super important, but Steady was looking for him. He caught a scent trail, and began to follow it, keeping his eyes peeled for the gray and white male. 

His opinion of Ezekiel was still up in the air. On the plus, he was helping out, and doing his part to contribute to the pack. But, then there were moments, like at that bear hunt, where he could have been more helpful when Steady was trying to make a deal. But, maybe he just wasn't accustomed to those kinds of situations. They didn't come along every day, after all. 

Every wolf needed time to adjust to a new pack, and Steady just needed to be patient and helpful. Instead of prickly and snarly.

Ezekiel was still a little bitter about earlier. He of course wasn't angry at anyone, it was only his fault that he'd been too close. But it had still sort of blown his day. He was going to go back to his own den, when he decided he should probably go find Steady and apologize. Ugh he hated apologizing. It felt demeaning, and he never had to do it in his old pack. But he didn't mind, this wasn't his old pack. This pack was better, kinder, so he too would be kinder. He quickly caught on to his beta's scent trail, it was distinct and for an adept tracker like Zeke, not hard to find.

He followed it for a bit, and seemed to be going in circles. He had no idea that Steady was also looking for him. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the large shale colored male found Steady. Breathing a little chopped after running, Ezekiel gave a friendly bark to get Steady's attention. Steady. I was looking for you, I thought I ought to apologize for earlier. I wasn't thinking straight and I promise it won't happen again. Please forgive my actions. He bowed his head slightly, feeling ashamed and looking a bit pitiful.

Steady had no idea that Ezekiel was looking for him, either. The scent was always strong, but he never seemed to catch up with the elusive male. Surely he wasn't avoiding Steady- how would he even know the Beta was looking for him? Steady paused, getting a little frustrated. 

Hearing a bark behind him, he turned, only to see the one he was looking for coming up behind him. How had Ezekiel gotten behind him? Shaking his head, dismissing the whole ordeal, he turned to face the Zeta. Before he could speak, he found the other male apologizing. Well, he had beat Steady to it. The dark male couldn't help but chuckle. I was looking for you to apologize, too, he said, a laugh in his voice. I'm sorry I was snippy at you earlier. Zaria is just particular, and she'll tear your head off long before you ever realize it, and I want to make her happy, so... he trailed off, not really sure why he had gone in to all that. Anyways, I'm sorry, too. He stepped forward, his intent to give the male a nudge to show that there were no hard feelings on his side, and Steady hoped none on Ezekiel's either.

Ezekiel was filled with relief when Steady chuckled. The other male had been looking for him? Well that explained his puzzling search for the beta. He soon found Steady apologizing as well, everything worked out alright. Zaria. Oh right the alpha! The big dummy hadn't even realized she was the alpha. He would keep that embarrassing revelation to himself. He would take Steady's advice with her though, for he wasn't too keen on getting his head bitten off. No worries, I will be more careful. Then the beta moved forwards to give him a nudge. Eh. Zeke did not like touching. He did not like hugs, he did not like nudges, licks, he did not like other people being close to his body. It was unfamiliar and strange. But like both Krypton and Steady said, this pack was a family, and apparently families loved physical contact.

Ezekiel accepted Steady's nudge, and returned the gesture in a very stiff and awkward way. He blushed a bit, it felt weird to him. Sorry, I'm not used to this kind of family stuff. He chuckled a little, supposing he looked a little silly.

Steady was glad the whole situation turned to water under the bridge quickly. He wasn't one to hold grudges on small things, and apparently Ezekiel wasn't, either. He accepted Steady's nudge, though the return gesture was a bit awkward. Was it forced? Then the other male admitted he wasn't used to such familiarities. 

Steady nodded, understanding. No worries, he replied easily. I grew up with a lot of nudging, and touching, and playing, so it comes natural to me. But, if you ever don't want someone in your personal space, just say so. If they get offended, then they're not understanding, he explained. He would most likely forego getting physically close to Ezekiel like that again, unless the other male initiated it. He didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. But, that didn't mean they couldn't be emotionally close. 

So, he began, changing the subject. How are you liking it here so far? He had asked Phocion the same, but now he wanted to know from Ezekiel. It was really pivotal that their new members liked it here so they would stay. Their larger numbers had brought Steady out of his grim mood, and it seemed like everyone was happier. Well, he wasn't quite sure about Krypton. They had been so busy in their personal efforts to patrol and feed the pups that they hadn't run into each other lately.

Ezekiel was glad that Steady understood, and too his delight didn't need an explanation. He liked the other male, he was a good guy. He was accepting of it seemed everyone, which was a good attribute for a leader. He could make a great alpha someday. Thank you. He said, dipping his head respectfully. Then Steady changed the subject to something more simple. Zeke smiled at his question and cocked his head teasingly. Eh. He gave a chuckle, finding it easy to joke around with his new pack mate. Steady seemed an easygoing guy, his name did not betray him.

No I'm kidding. I like it here. Everyone seems kind, though I've only met you, Krypton and briefly the alpha. He sighed, pausing to nip at an itch in his fur. But it's quite a beautiful landscape, and I bet forests are plentiful when there are actual forests. The locusts were a problem that was plaguing Zeke. How long would this famine last, would he ever get to see what he came to Teekon for. Hopefully so.

The slight awkwardness was gone, and they moved on to easier topics. At Ezekiel's response to his question, Steady swiped his paw in the air towards the male's face, though left plenty of space to make sure he didn't actually hit him. The dark Beta laughed, knowing it was a joke. 

Ezekiel said he'd met Krypton, and Zaria. There's also Mason, though I haven't seen him since June passed, and two other new members, Phocion and Niita. He hoped they all got along, though he knew there were bound to be disagreements, even among the most friendly of them. 

Steady looked around the surrounding bare landscape before turning his attention back to Ezekiel. It is a very gorgeous place to call home. I hope everything returns soon. He wondered then if they should be preparing to deal with the complication if the foliage didn't return. Should they be planning to move where the locusts hadn't destroyed everything?

Ezekiel ducked to avoid Steady's playful swipe, a goofy smirk on his face when he sat back down. Zeke rather missed playing like this, though he hadn't really done it much. It reminded him of this girl he used to know. What was her name... Bah never mind, Steady was already talking again so he better listen. Mason, somebody named June who was apparently dead, Phocion and Niita. Oh right he had met Niita. She was the one he'd found at the border that one time. The one who he'd forgotten that he was supposed to seek out later. Oh well, he had a long agenda and he forgot things often.

Ezekiel followed Steady's gaze as the black wolf looked around at the barren land. His creative mind began to fill in the dead trees with blossoming flowers, trying to imagine what Steady saw. If only he'd come sooner. I'm sure it is. He said, returning his his sky blue gaze back to his friend. Suddenly something random popped to his mind. Something about Niita. I actually do know Niita, I forgot that I'd met her at the border when you accepted her. You seemed pretty keen to show her around the territory. The young male gave a boyish grin, clearly teasing the beta. But he honestly wanted to know, did Steady have a crush on the new girl?

Steady nodded as memories came back to him. Oh, that's right. I forgot you were there, he said. He had been very focused on Niita. He must have blocked Ezekiel out of the memory. Oops. The male didn't seem to put off by it, however, and Steady was glad. 

Steady returned the grin, knowing where the male was going with this. Yes, I just wanted to make sure she knew her way around, he said casually. He would have usually paired her with a non-leader, but he couldn't help but take her around himself. He knew he really didn't have any right to claim Niita, and he didn't really want to unless she was ready to go that route. But, he didn't want any of the other males of Silvertip to get any ideas about her, either.

Luckily Steady didn't seem to mind Zeke's childish side, and put up with his playful teasing pretty well. Ezekiel nodded at Steady's explanation. The male knew that wasn't the only reason, but he'd go with it. I'm sure. He joked, tail thumping against the ground. Well I hope that goes well for you! I know she likes you more than me already. I think I come off as an asshole sometimes. Zeke sighed, knowing it was true. He had always had an issue with seeming mean. He often didn't mean it, but he has an aggressive streak and his face often screams, 'I hate everyone haha I'm gonna hurt you!'. Maybe Steady could help him become more friendly.

He knew Ezekiel didn't believe his words for a moment. They were true enough, but he wouldn't comment on his instant possessiveness of Niita. It seemed the other male didn't think he was worthy. For a split second, Steady considered letting him go on thinking that. But, that would have been mean, and it wouldn't have been Steady. I suppose I'll admit you come off rather insubordinate, he said with a grin, referencing Ezekiel's admission into Silvertip Mountain. But, I wouldn't call you an asshole, he added honestly. 

Maybe he was a little rough around the edges, but Steady could see loyalty in the other male. Ezekiel didn't seem like he was out to hurt anyone, at least not that Steady had ever observed. No one is going to be liked by everyone. You just have to find that one that likes you for you, he said. If that one didn't turn out to be Niita, all the better for Steady.

The large boy nodded, he got what Steady was saying and was glad that he didn't think he was as bad as Zeke thought himself to be. Thanks. Glad I don't suck that much. He was joking of course. But the next thing the beta said made him think. Someone who likes you for you. He'd never really thought about that before. Someone who he can feel safe around. That was a good philosophy. He have to find that person, but would anyone  ever accept him knowing what he'd done?

I hope I can find someone like that. And who knows, maybe Niita is that someone for you. He smiled cheerfully, but his mood had shifted. Now all he could think about was whether he'd every find that someone.

Steady chuckled. No, Ezekiel wasn't that bad. But, then, Steady didn't know his true past. The dark wolf smiled when the other mentioned Niita. Well, I'm certainly invested in finding out, he said. He hoped Niita was, too, but with Phocion around, Steady's greatest side wasn't showing at the moment. He would need to get a hold of that quickly lest he lose her for good. 

Steady stretched his waning muscles before standing. Well, I suppose I'll get back to the grind, he said, looking to his pack mate. Don't be so hard on yourself, he added as a last comment before heading off to do patrols.

Last from me! <3

 

Ezekiel sat there for a moment, this was pretty fun. Having a friend was cool, maybe he'd find more within the pack. Then Steady stood, he had to go. Zeke nodded in understanding, and bowed his head respectfully towards the beta. I won't. Thank you sir. He then stood himself and gave his pelt a quick shake. He had his own stuff to be doing, like hunting for his starving stomach, or patrolling the borders. The male had sort of taken it on as his specific duty, once a soldier always a soldier. However, now was time for a nap.

Thanks for the thread! Just tag me if you ever want another <3