Survival Used To Be Everything

[chocobeast]

Venice let Aeron lead him back outside into camp. The fire looked appealing and the air today wasn't that grey and smoggy. It was almost like the sky was celebrating today by being clean.

Venice found them a good spot by the fire. It wasn't too close but it wasn't too far either. He nodded in understanding as Aeron explained Damon a little bit better. And it did make sense considering just how their meeting went. "He does seem fair. I'm really really glad about that. If he wasn't, I'd probably be back at that can right now wondering when the next dump day was."

Then Venice snuggled Aeron's side as he listened to Aeron describe the leader named Lycus. He wondered what a Zercan looked like. Did they have ears? Were they hairy? He was just imagining a catlike man walking out oof the tent with a tail and ears and really hairy. He smirked at the thought. But it was fleeting...

Venice heard the words, cold and intimidating. He also felt a bit of worry wash off of Aeron. He looked up concerned into Aeron's rich eyes. "Don't worry Aeron. I won't do anything stupid. I want to stay here with you. If I gotta be, I'll just stay quiet and let you do the talking."

Venice's eyes then followed Aeron's to a tent not far away. He guessed that it belonged to that Lycus guy. He looked at it closer. Like the rest, it was a piecework tent wiith patches and sewing all over it. But it was BIG. Much bigger than Aeron's. Venice wondered idly if Lycus carried his own tent or made others do it for him.

He was about to ask Aeron more questions about Lycus when he was suddenly interrupted by the smell of food. It was the distinct smell of cooked meat. He salivary glands kicked in instantly and he poked Aeron in the side, "Food."

Venice was starving. They hadn't eaten last night and he hadn't been in this tall human body in a long long long time. It required more food. Food in which he hadn't eaten in probably years. His body was screaming for substinance.

"How about I get us both a plate or something?" He offered in hopes of getting the food.

[Ninia]

Aeron pulled his gaze away from the tent and back down to his little mate, smiling softly “You won’t need to stay silent, just be more aware around him and not as jokey.” It was the only advice Aeron could give Venice, but he didn’t think the other would need much. Lycus may be cold but he could always find a use for new people and didn’t abandon many that came to them.

Aeron was brought out of his thoughts when he felt Venice poke him “Food.” It was then Aeron remembered that Venice hadn’t eaten properly in years maybe. Well no-one on the planet had but he knew what they had was more than what Venice probably had to scavenge for.

He stood when Venice offered to get some plates for them. “If you don’t mind. Damon is closer to the fire and will be helping with food, just go see him and he will get you what you want. I just need to give the bags I found yesterday to Lycus. I won’t be long.” He gave Venice a quick, soft kiss before he turned and headed back to their tent.

He searched for the bag and found it amongst the others in the small tent. He opened it, just to check everything was still there, a few bottles of clean water, some food and a few pieces of spare clothes. It wouldn’t seem like a lot to anyone else but for them it would help them survive for a while. He slung the bag over his shoulder and left the tent, heading over to Lycus’s tent I the centre.

He stopped outside, listening to see if he could her anyone else in the tent with Lycus. It was silent so Aeron pushed open the flap and entered “Lycus?” The older Zercan stood over a table, sketching out a rough map of the area. He glanced up when Aeron entered and nodded in acknowledgement.

Aeron placed the bag on the table and Lycus glanced at it before looking back up at Aeron. “It’s from the heap yesterday.” Lycus nodded and opened the bag.

“It’s good. Keep us going for a while.” Lycus closed the bag and put with the rest in his tent then returned to his sketch. “Eat something quickly, I need you and a few others to go out. Then we’ll be leaving.”

Aeron nodded and quickly left the tent. Lycus was a good man but intimidating. He sighed then glanced around trying to spot Venice.

[chocobeast]

Venice stood up with Aeron and nodded as he spoke. He was going to offer Aeron some help when he heard about the food. He kissed Aeron just as soft and sweet before he turned and headed back to the tent.

For a long while, Venice stood there watching him go. He liked being with Aeron. And this was the first time that he would be on his own in the camp. He was kind of hoping that Aeron would come to the foodline with him. Finally, his stomach ruled over his feelings. He headed to where Damon was very very quiet.

He silently stood next to his brother in law. He didn't say anything or even look up. It was kind of best this way. That was until...

His stomach growled angrily. He blushed deep red and looked around to see if anyone heard him.

Everyone in the foodline was snickering. They all knew how it was to be hungry.

However, one familiar face made him smile back. It was Ellis. He went over to stand next to Ellis in the line. "Thank goodness, someone I know." He chuckled as he gave the older doctor a greeting hug. "Mind if I hang out with you while Aeron is doing business with the bossman? I don't wanna be in the way. But I am starving."

[Ninia]

Ellis returned Venice’s smile and hugged the Fae “Sure, it’s a little busy right now because everyone wants to keep their strength up for today. Lycus wants to send a scouting group out and if things go according to plan we’ll be moving on.”

The line moved forward slowly and the two moved along with it. “You haven’t found your place yet have you, I mean it’s still early but I know how it feels. I was the same when I first got here but don’t worry, everything will settle down soon.”

They chatted about little things and soon they reached the front where Damon was serving out the food. The rations were small but it was enough to keep people going until the evening. Damon gave Ellis his food and then gave Venice’s his and Aeron’s. “I’m guessing Aeron’s a bit busy, that’s the only reason I can think of as to why he’s not here with you. I’ll join you guys later after I’ve finished here.” Damon wanted to make sure everyone got something before leaving.

---

Aeron finally spotted Venice sat with Ellis. He was relieved to see he’d found someone he could trust. He approached the two, joining the two by the fire. “Hey, feeling a bit better now?” Aeron was a little hungry himself having skipped dinner yesterday but right now he just wanted Venice to eat something, who knows when he last ate.

[chocobeast]

Venice was just sitting down with Ellis when Aeron walked up. He smiled lovingly up at the taller giver and handed him his plate. "Yeah, any good right now is good food."

He then patted the grass next to him. "Sit down and relax."

As Aeron was deciding, he asked, "Did you tell Lycus about me yet? Or do we go together?"

[Ninia]

Aeron took the plate and sat down with the two, “I haven’t told him yet. I was going to wait until you were with me but it should be soon. He wants to send some scouts out so I’ll take you to him before we go.” It would be best to do it as soon as possible so Lycus didn’t think they were hiding anything.

Ellis was surprised by what Aeron had said “You’ll be going out scouting? You just got back, surely Lycus would let you stay back this time.” Aeron needed time to rest, in his opinion he shouldn’t be sent out this soon.

Aeron shook his head “I’ll do what I have too, we want to leave soon so it’s best if I go so we can leave quickly.” He glanced at his mate debating what to do, he didn’t want to leave Venice at camp without him but he also didn’t want to put Venice in danger by taking him along. Damon would probably be coming along so he couldn’t ask his brother to watch out for him. He sighed and started to eat his food, he’d have to figure it out later.

[chocobeast]

Venice leaned up against Aeron as he sat. "I don't mind meeting him with you. How can I protect you if I didn't know all of the people in your life?"

Venice nodded with Ellis then. He agreed. It was mighty quick from the last time to send his Aeron out. But that's okay, he was going to go too to protect what was his. Aeron was his whole world and there was no way that he was going to let that wonderful man be in danger alone.

He then looked up concerned to his strong Aeron. "What do you mean? Are we picking up camp and moving or do you mean that we are going scavenging? Because if it's both, I am choosing you over the tent. I want to protect you like I promised.

Venice leaned up against Aeron again. "Eat up and then we'll talk to your Lycus as soon as you're ready."

[Ninia]

Aeron looked down at Venice and began to explain what he meant “Lycus want to send a group of us out to scout the area, see if there are any threats nearby before we move to a new place. That group from the other day is too close for comfort so Lycus is being cautious.”

He continued eating; glad his stomach had some food. Lycus would want them to be ready as soon as possible.

Ellis nodded at Aeron’s explanation. “I should probably start packing now then if I want to be ready.” He stood and smiled at the two, “It was good to speak with you again Venice.” With that he left, taking his plate with him, and headed to his tent.

Aeron had finished eating when Lycus came out of his tent and sat by the fire. The people that were out quieted down but Lycus didn’t speak yet waiting for the others to finish eating. Aeron stood “We should go speak to him now.”

[chocobeast]

Venice looked up concerned, "When do we leave? I wanna make sure that you're safe as I promised. When we come back, we can pack up the tent together."

Venice silently thoght about that other group. He could still remember hearing their warcry and the young boys screaming as they stabbed or shot the others. He could still smell the rich acrid smell of the freshly spilt blood. He couldn't imagine a people so cold hearted and vicious.

"If they are near here," he whispered angrily. "Then I want you as far away from here as possible." He nodded at the end like it was a set decision.

Venice was so lost in thought, he didn't even see Ellis excuse himself. He bit his lower lip hard and agreed, "Yeah, let's go talk to Lycus. I have some questions and stuff I need answered."

[Ninia]

Lycus was staring into the fire when the two approached him. He glanced up when the two stopped next to him, his gaze lingering on Venice’s unfamiliar face. Before Aeron could speak Lycus cut in “Who is he?”

Aeron didn’t flinch at Lycus’ cold tone like he would when he was younger, instead he spoke calmly. “This is Venice, I found him on our last raid on the dump site.” Aeron took Venice’s hand in his. His outer appearance was calm but on the inside he couldn’t help his nerves. This is the man he’d looked up to ever since he’d found them.

Lycus picked at his food “And…?”

“He’s my mate.”

That caught Lycus’ attention. He placed his plate on the ground and gave the two his full attention. On this planet, it was rare to find one’s mate, some people would search desperately for there’s and end up with someone they forced themselves to believe was there true one. Aeron had always been a smart kid, he was the last person Lycus would expect to come to that. “You are sure?”

Aeron could hear the disbelief in Lycus voice but he didn’t falter “Yes, Venice is my other half, I know he is. I can feel the mate bond between us.” Venice was his mate, he’d felt the spark, the bond between them. No-one would tell him otherwise.

[chocobeast]

All of Venice's bravado deflated under Lycus' appraising gaze. He clung to Aeron's hand just as tightly as Aeron clung to him. He nodded with a blush when Aeron announced to the stonefaced leader that Venice was his soulmate. He blushed even deeper when the shocked leader took a doubletake of him.

When Aeron pronounced his honedt to goodness surety, Venice gave his hand a loving squeeze and then swallowed a lump he didn't even know he had in his throat. Calmly, he took a small, cautious, respectful step forward. He sucked in a stabilizing breath and choked, "Hi...ummm...I'm Venice. Aeron rescued me and brought me here. I ummm...am not a freeloader Sir. I plan on doing my part. And if you deem me worthy enough, I want to join both you and Aeron on your next scouting mission."

Venice held out his towards Lycus as introduction. He might be scared, but who cares when Aeron's lfe is on the line. "Friends?"

[Ninia]

Lycus looked down at the offered hand while the pair before him waited with bated breath for his answer to the unasked question. He was silent as he stood, taller than both of them. Then unexpectedly he took Venice’s hand “For now. We will see if your words are true in time but for now you can stay. I’m not one to throw people out into the wasteland.” With that he headed over to Damon to talk to him about scouting and who was the best to take.

Aeron couldn’t stop the small smile from appearing on his face. That was it. Lycus had accepted Venice and they could stay here together. He stepped behind Venice wrapping his arms around the others waist holding him close. He didn’t say anything, just held Venice close. Everything was falling into place and turning out just how they’d wanted.

They stayed there like that for a while, ignoring the looks from others until Aeron finally pulled away. “Come on, we should go get ready to scout.” He had a spare gun in the tent that Venice could use.

[chocobeast]

Like with Damon, Venice shook Lycus' hand firmly to show respect and strength. He hoped that it worked. Maybe it did. He wasn't getting 'oh my god, it's a bearer' eye rolls. So, in a way, it must have worked.

Venice leaned back into Aeron and closed his weyes when he felt the giver wrap his strong arms around him. he hadn't even realized that he was shaking until then. His whole body was tense and ready. Ready for what? He wasn't quite sure.

It took a bit for him and Aeron to settle down. And if he was getting odd stares, he didn't care. He had Aeron by his side holding him. Nobody and nothing else had it this safe.

Venice was calming down so good from the adrenaline rush, that he was feeling wiped out and tired. He didn't even realize it until Aeron let go and stepped away. He yawned, "Okay." He would do anything for this man.

"Ummm...I've never killed before Aeron." Venice admitted softly as Aeron led him back to the tent. "It looks really hard. Ummm...Will I be okay at it?"

Venice was feeling really worried about this. Was he going to fail? Was Aeron going to be killed because of him? Would he kill the wrong people because he didn't know anybody?

"And you will stay with me right?" He practically begged with pleading eyes.

[Ninia]

Aeron entered the tent with Venice close behind and he looked for the spare gun “To tell you the truth, I don’t want you to have to use it.” He looked amongst his bags and found it. It was quite old but Aeron had taken care of it over the years so it was in good condition.

He turned and walked over to Venice, taking the others delicate hand in his calloused one “I don’t want you to have to kill.” Aeron, Damon and Lycus all had one thing in common. They were killers. Some born, others changed into. But Venice, that just wasn’t him. Aeron turned Venice’s palm up and placed the gun in it. “I only want you to have this for safety, in case I’m not around.” Which Aeron did not see happening often.

He raised Venice’s arm, showing him quickly how to fire the gun and reload. He’d show him more later, like how to take care of it but right now that’s all they had time how.

He let go of Venice when the other spoke, “I’m not going to leave you. As soon as we leave the camp, I want you to stay close to me.”

He looked away from Venice and out of the tent. “We should go, some of the others are ready to leave.” He grabbed his own gun ad left the tent heading over to the others. Damon wasn’t there yet, probably still getting ready to leave.

One of the other men looked up when Aeron and Venice approached them “It’s just a quick scout around the area, simple.”

[chocobeast]

Venice's hand shook as Aeron took it and put the weapon in it. Never had he held a gun in his hands before. It was heavier than he thought. He clutched it and Aeron's hand tight. He nodded dumbfounded as he listened to Aeron tell him that it was just for self defense.

But what really startled him was when Aeron took it back and fired it. He handled it so easily and with no fear. He even shot the target with skill. All Venice could do was nod as he heard Aeron tell him that he would not only have to carry this thing, he would also have to learn how to clean and assemble it?

He looked down at it in his palm and swallowed the lump in his throat. He really really didn't want it, but he would carry it to protect what was his. Carefully, he stowed it in his waistband. He was about to ask Aeron if that was okay when he heard the call to arms too.

Venice, slipped his hand into Aeron's and joined him outside the tent. He was a might bit paler and shaking a bit. But he wasn't going to show it. He schooled his features into an unemtional scowl and listened calmly as a fellow scout announced how easy this was going to be.