Bitterroot Valley may we stay lost on our way home

@Outlander

He was no stranger to the valley, though he did not often linger within it. Today was an odd sort of day— a day for accepting things, quiet but sharp; glass fracturing finally under the pressure. The Governor endured it calmly. Perhaps he lacked the energy, now, to fight it.
Alarian had set off to hunt somewhere other than Broken Boulder, away from his pack. The sun was high in the sky, bright and golden across the florid plains; in the distance, he could see the sparkling reflection of it across the river's surface. Stubbornly ignoring the ache of his irregular gait, he set off towards it.

Outlander was....something. He wasn't upset but maybe he was a bit let down. He thought that Whisper would have wanted to keep exploring, go further into the wild but she returned home. The male played it off cool with a shrug and half-hearted goodbye.

He disappeared off into the wilds alone again. A loneliness settled in him that he tried to ignore. It would go away, he'd make sure it did.

After wandering for some time he caught a glimpse of someone. The feminine figure on the horizon lured him in. Although when he realized it wasn't a female, he decided to still stick around — hungry for attention. He let out a soft bark as his tail swayed easily behind him.

A bark startled him from his thoughts; not a loud bark, but it put him slightly on edge. Alarian glanced up with a wary expression, but his posture did not change. The male was massive, muscular. A threat, if he wanted to be— but the sway of his tail said otherwise. He drew closer slowly nonetheless, offering a chuff when he was near enough.
His eyes reminded him of Lanawyn's— of his mother's. It was a foolish reason to lower his guard, but the rawness in his chest tugged at him still. Hello, He offered, quiet and even. Several questions ran through his mind— mainly what do you want? Hollow as he was, though, Alarian wasn't quite that rude.

Ah, good. It seemed the stranger wouldn't attack him for being a bit friendly. Which was a blessing that Outlander was sure he'd forget after this meeting as he had never been one for counting his blessings.

"Hello there." He offered easily in return almost feeling awkward that he didn't have more of an angle to work with. The stocky male was usually pretty good with conversation starters but his brain seemed to lack at this moment. Waiting any longer to speak would certainly be a social death sentence. "You, uh, from around here?" It wasn't the most impressive use of words but it was better than standing around like a weirdo.

The male was friendly enough— perhaps a good recruit, Alarian thought, watching him a bit more keenly. Perhaps he could convince the stranger to follow him back home; though, he wasn't sure how good he was at the whole being-persuasive thing. He didn't make a habit of it, really.
My pack is just north of here. The Governor tilted his muzzle in the direction of Broken Boulder. He turned his gaze back to the dark male, sharp with curiosity now. If nothing else, maybe he at least knew something useful. What brings you this way?

A pack creature. Outlander should have known from scents but maybe he had hoped he had found another wolf to drag along with him. A bit of a selfish thought but oh well.

"Passing through. Bit of a drifter I guess." His broad shoulders shrugged. He wasn't on some grand adventure or even looking for the next big thing. Outlander was only looking for his next meal these days.

Ugh. It was depressing to think about so he tried to shove the thought aside, focus on the scarred male before him. "I'm Outlander." Had he been human he might have reached to give a welcoming handshake, instead, he had to hope the slow swaying of his tail was enough to convey friendliness.

worth noting that he's terrible at hiding crushes so it's prooobably as obvious as usual haha

Hmmm. A drifter; why was that kind of hot? Okay, it wasn't— but the more he thought about it, dude over here kind of was. He was reminded of Phoenix, in a way, though the two were quite different. It was just— that kind of charm that took a few minutes to grow on you. Or Alarian, anyway; it had never been very difficult to charm him, so his opinion wasn't worth much on these topics.
The male introduced himself as Outlander. Also hot. Alarian, He offered quietly, suddenly shy. Now he was wondering if he had a type or something— big guy, pretty eyes, kind of weird??? Oh, hell. That was embarrassing to admit even to himself (and he didn't entertain the thought of admitting it to another, ever).
Alarian realized he had been quiet for too long; he shifted uncomfortably, unsure what to say. Ah, well, carpe diem or whatever, right? You seem like you could use some company; hunt with me? It was more forward than he usually was, but with little to lose and a rapidly-dwindling self-esteem, Alarian could afford to be a little blunt right now.

He couldn't hide his smirk at the timid introduction. Typically he wouldn't have thought such a thing but, this guy was cute. Maybe it was the timidness and the feminine build that called to him. Pretty name. He cooed in response as he threw caution to the wind. No harm in a bit of fun right? He deserved it too. Or so he liked to think.

I don't typically do much hunting. Outlander spoke as his peach gaze roamed over the form of Alarian, not bothering to hide his interest. But I could use the company. His head tilted to the side as he finally made himself meet the gaze of the male instead of eying him like a hunk of meat.

The shift in demeanor was dizzying, and Alarian's ears flushed with heat at the compliment. Oh, um, thank you... He mumbled, tail swishing nervously now. This hadn't actually been part of the plan— but he wasn't about to stop it. It had been awhile since anyone looked at him that way.
Outlander's next words sent a small thrill through him, tiny bolts of lightning down his spine. There was no mistaking what was going on here, now— uh, he hoped. He dared a few steps closer, heart fluttering a bit. Delicately, he reached to touch his nose to the male's cheek if allowed. Alarian wanted this to last— truth be told, he wanted to be touched affectionately more than he wanted the, um, other part. He did want that too, though.
Why don't we find somewhere a little more private, then? He suggested softly, still a little shy. Assuming the touch had been allowed, he trailed his nose along Outlander's jaw and dared a single brief kiss under his chin before pulling away slightly, waiting for the answer.

Total score. His not-the-best-ever flirting had worked enough it seemed.

An almost sweet smile crossed the beefy male's features at the touch. This was pretty damn nice. He deserved this a lot more often. It was silly to think but perhaps he could find the gold-kissed male when he needed this. Outlander felt a little sleazy thinking that but...it wasn't like either one of them had any complaints so far.

Lead the way. He accepted the trailing and kissing. When the stranger pulled away, Outlander dared to move forward. If it would be allowed he would run his teeth through the ruffled fur on Alarian's neck in a combing fashion.

minor pp, let me know if it should be changed!
note for reference: I'm gonna say this takes place sometime after this thread in Ali's personal timeline

He nodded, shivering at the feeling of teeth through his fur, and turned to take the lead. Finding a place wasn't difficult; following the river north led to a span of trees hugging the base of the mountains. The mountainside offered pockets of privacy in the form of overhanging rock and small caves. With a glance to his companion, Alarian chose from the latter, trusting scent to tell him whether the place was occupied.
When he was certain it was not, he stepped in and turned to Outlander again. Part of him was beginning to have doubts; what if this was a mistake? The walk had given him time to think, and now—
Alarian glanced over the male again, remembering the way he had looked at him. He had already done it once recently. What harm could there be in one more? It wasn't like he was going to make a habit of sleeping with strangers ever again— no, no, he'd learned his lesson the first time, surely. Having successfully talked himself back into the encounter in about two whole seconds, he drew closer to Outlander, this time seeking to press gently against his chest. If allowed, he drew his muzzle lightly through the thick fur of the male's chest, nipping once lightly; no words were needed for this exchange— at least, not on his part.

Outlander could have opted out at any point on their way to shelter, he could have perhaps realized that he should have learned a bit more about the stranger before jumping straight to the Bone Zone. Yet he didn't and he was only reminded of his hollow loneliness as Alarian looked back at him. He would groom the male in return - making sure to give every bit of his attention to the lean wolf - before they went any further.

-fade out for you know what-

When it was done and over, Outlander found himself settling against one of the walls of the cave. His peach gaze would seek out the lean form of his companion with curiosity. Would he stick around or would he disappear?

One thing Alarian could always— always count on was his post-sex mood. It was fairly consistent— sleepy, happy, cuddly. Simple enough. This time was no different; when they were released from each other, Alarian tentatively followed the other to where he settled. If his lover showed any sign of discomfort, he would be quick to back away.
But assuming he did not, Alarian tucked himself against the larger wolf, pulse still slightly fast (but slowing). You're very good company, He murmured teasingly, nuzzling into Outlander's neck fur. And then, because his insecurity just couldn't be helped: I hope the feeling is mutual?

Outlander welcomed the male's presence fully. He even went as far as to drape a front leg over Alarian's shoulder. A grin spread on his features at the compliment he received. Glad I didn't disappoint. Because that would have crushed an already fragile ego.

The question was met with a warm chuckle from Outlander who groomed the fur behind his company's ear with tender care. Very mutual. The stocky male learned something about himself upon being with Alarian and so he owed it to the gold-kissed male for being such good company, for allowing him to experience this.

I hope you don't mind me stealing your company for a bit longer. He murmured softly for only the other to hear. This very mellow mood felt like one he had to share with someone.

last from me I think <3

He sighed softly, content with the embrace— briefly it occurred to him that he might like to keep this one. But ah, he was a self-described drifter; perhaps they could meet again nonetheless. A gentle shiver ran down his spine as Outlander groomed the fur behind his ear. He smiled at the reassurance, closing his eyes then.
Not at all, Alarian murmured sleepily, tucking himself closer. He was perfectly happy to stay as long as the other wanted— perhaps even for the night. Another thought struck him, then, and he added with a yawn: You can steal my company any time you'd like.