Survival Used To Be Everything

[Ninia]

It seemed that Venice didn’t want the gun as much as Aeron didn’t want him to have it but he needed it, if something happened at least he could defend himself.

Aeron nodded when the other man spoke. He was glad it was only going to be a quick job. He never liked staying in one place for too long, it always made him tense, that something would go wrong.

They were waiting for a while before Damon came over to them “It’s a simple scouting job. Keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary and we’ll be fine. Let’s go.” Then they set off, searching the area for anything dangerous nearby.

Aeron could see that some of the other members in their group were anxious and wanted to finish the job quickly. Damon must have seen it to because he soon split them up into little groups. Aeron took Venice’s hand and headed in the direction Damon had told them to.

They were some distance away from the others when he finally let go of Venice’s hand but he stayed close to his mate. He kept watch for any sign of a threat but his attention kept drifting back to Venice and his safety. He shook his head and tried to focus on their surroundings. That was the best way to protect Venice.

[chocobeast]

Venice leaned comfortingly against Aeron. He could feel Aeron's anxiety coming off of him in waves. This was the best he could offer in such an anxious and public place.

Venice was just settling down a little bit when Damon came up. He smiled warmly at his new brother. It was nice to have a family and belong somewhere again. He nodded as he listened to Damon's quick instructions.

He looked up at Aeron and whispered, "I got your back." Then he stood up and followed Damon.

This would be Venice's first scouting mission. He wasn't one to go seeking danger. But this was actually really really exciting. He almost wanted to skip...almost.

He looked curiously over his shoulder. Sure enough, Aeron was only a half a step behind him with a determined look on his face. Venice fell back next to him. "Hey, you okay?"

Before Aeron could answer, Damon waved for everyone to split up. But hell with that. Venice was staying right next to Aeron no matter who said what. So when Aeron headed for a nearby ridge, Venice kept right next to him or maybe a half step ahead.

They now kept perfect silence, communicating by eyes and body language only. Even their footsteps were well placed to keep the crunching sound down. Venice now was less playful too. His eyes, ears, and even nose were on high alert. He kept his head bowed as he tried to use the native skimpy brush for cover.

They were making great progress when he heard a scream and a gunshot!

[Ninia]

Aeron tensed when he heard the scream and gunshot. He rushed to Venice’s side stepping in front of him as he looked towards the horizon, his eyes widened at what he saw. A raid party heading straight towards their camp.

Aeron quickly pulled out his gun and aimed it at the group “Get back to camp Venice!” His tone left no room for any question. He wanted his mate out of here, back at camp where he was safe.

The group was getting closer and Venice still hadn’t left “Venice please! Leave me and get to safety.” Aeron knew he had to stay, to try and hold them off, but more than anything he wanted to take Venice and run.

“GET BACK TO CAMP!”

Aeron spun round to see Damon racing towards them, a look of determination on his face. Aeron hesitated before nodding. He grabbed Venice’s hand and began running back to camp. He knew Damon could take care of himself but part of him told him to fight with his brother, he tightened his grip on Venice’s hand, but the main part was crying to him to get Venice back to camp.

They arrived just as Lycus and the others were about to leave. Aeron turned to look at Venice “Go back to our tent or stay with Ellis. I have to go back for Damon.” He gave Venice a short kiss, pouring out his passion before leaving with the group, running back for Damon.

[chocobeast]

Venice thought that he was doing pretty good at this scouting thing. He and Aeron had the ridge and a pretty good spotting spot. he knew exactly wherre Damon and the camp was. And he was being super duper quiet. So this scouting this was turning out easy.

But, the loud pop of the gun scared the crap out of him. He froze in shock. Suddenly he could see like 5 or 8 men all cominng up the mountain to him and Aeron. His heart stopped as he watched Damon run screaming at them. His mind froze as he heard Aeron yell at him to run for his life.

Then something inside him clicked. His face grew angry as he watched a man try to shoot his new brother Damon. He jumped in front of Aeron and yelled at the world, "YOU WILL HAVE TO KILL ME TO GET TO HIM!!!"

That's when Venice felt Aeron dragging him back to the camp at a full. He gave chase as fast as his smaller legs could carry him. His tiny heart was beating so fast it outpaced his feet. All he could think of now was to find a safe place to hide with his Aeron.

In no time, they were bolting into camp. Venice was weak and out of breath when Aeron stopped them. He looked his handsome Aeron in those dark warm eyes and kissed him deep. He was soooo scared he didn't even think as he nodded yes to Aeron and watched him go.

He cried as he ran to Ellis' tent. He bolted right inside without announcing and yelled, "We're under attack!!! They were shooting at us and stuff. Aeron went back but he needs help!!! Send help!!!"

Venice didn't even stay to see if Ellis heard him. He ran full blast over to the huge tenet he shared with Aeron and began wildly packing stuff into bags. Luckily, it looked like Aeron never unpacked much from his bags.

Venice was just stuffing some clothes into a bag when he heard a lot of noise coming from outside. He buurst out of the tent looking for his Aeron and was blessed to see him tiredly dragging back in.

Venice ran full blast into Aeron's arms. He didn't care who saw. He had his Aeron back safe and sound. He tackled Aeron into a huge tight relieved hug. He kissed Aeron hard on the lips and just kept on clinging hard to him.

Somehow they ended up back at the tent. Venice was still clinging to Aeron's side. His face was red with excitement and glee. he plopped down on the bed and drug Aeron down to sit with him. "What happened? You okay? Damon okay?"

[Ninia]

The group sprinted to where Damon was holding off the raid party as long as he could. Aeron’s blood ran cold when they couldn’t see Damon anywhere, had they got him? Was he dead because Aeron had left him? His guilt soon turned into anger as he started to shoot wildly at the group in front of them.

Lycus and the others quickly joined him, believing the same thing Aeron did. That’s when rustling nearby caught their attention, Aeron quickly glanced away to see Damon jump out of cover and join them. Relief flooded Aeron as he saw his brother unharmed.

“Focus Aeron!” Aeron tensed and nodded at Lycus’ command. They had them on the run now. They continued shooting killing a few and Damon injured one of the smaller men. When they were sure the others were no danger to them, they searched the dead and Damon went to the wounded man. Lycus pulled him up from the floor and ordered one of the other men to take him back to camp.

Aeron looked up at Damon to find him staring at the injured man as if mesmerized by him. “Damon?” His brother snapped his head towards Aeron and forced a smile.

“We better get back, Venice will be worried about you.” Aeron frowned but nodded, wanting to get back to his mate as soon as he could.

The group walked back in silence, no-one in the mood to speak. He was lost in his thoughts when they made it back, tired after the events that had just taken place. He was jolted out of his thoughts when Venice charged into him wrapping his arms around Aeron. Before he could say anything Venice kissed him desperately.

Aeron was the first to pull away, he rested his forehead on Venice’s content to hold him in his arms after the stress of earlier. Eventually he led the other back to their tent and they sat down on the bed.

“Thankfully we’re all ok. Damon was fine, I’m fine.” He caressed Venice’s check hoping to calm the other down slightly “It was a raid group, Damon held them off long enough for us to reach him and then the rest ran.” He paused debating in telling Venice any more details “We got one of them…Damon shoot him and he’s here now. The others are questioning him.”

He closed his eyes and rested his head on Venice shoulder. He felt emotionally drained after today, the fear of losing Venice, then losing Damon, only to find he was still alive was a little overwhelming. He just needed rest and comfort.

[chocobeast]

Venice snuggled Aeron close against him. He was feeling just as much relief as the burly man held tight in his arms. He couldn't imagine going even one day back to the life he had 2 days ago. He didn't want to imaginethat. He wod rather die at Aeron's side than experience anything like that.

Venice hummed in comfort as he laid them both down and spoonef Aeron's stiff body. He felt that he just needed to stay there and hug him until the older male felt better enough to stand.

Venice buried his face into the back of Aeron's neck and just held tight. It felt so good and wonderful and perfect just snuggling right here right now with him. He closed his tired and now dry eyes and matched his breathing to his.

Venice was just about asleep when he heard yelling. It was something like, "He's going to die!'

He let go and sat up worried. "I thought you said that everyone was okay? Who's hurt?" He asked truly concerned.

As he waz speaking, he heard more yelling. But this time he couldn't discern what they were saying. He frowned even more worried. "It sounds like Damon." He practically yelled as he jumped up and turned vack to Aeron. "Come on. We have to go save him!"

Venice slipped his shaking hand in Aeron's and bolted out the tent.

The camp was a mess of confused and frightened people. Mosr were milling about aimlessly asking concerned questions. But a large crowd was pushing eachother to catch a glimpse inside Ellis' tent. None went inside, they just pushed around to see.

Venice drug Aeron over there and asked everyone what was going on. He did like many, he pushed people around just to catch a glimpse of the unknown.

A scrawny kid about 17 frowned and whispered, "The guy that Damon shot died. Damon and Ellis are trying to save him. And the rumor is, Lycus killed him."

[Ninia]

Aeron closed his eyes as Venice laid him down. He was putty in the other’s hands as he slowly relaxed in Venice’s hold. He held Venice’s hand as it wrapped around his waist and his breathing slowed as he slowly drifted off to sleep. He was at peace, this is what his future would be like.

He was jolted awake when Venice sat up. Aeron wiped the sleep out of his eyes and looked at Venice who was panicking. Before he could ask what was wrong, Venice had grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the tent and over to a crowd which had gathered outside Ellis’ tent.

Aeron followed Venice, confused at what the problem was until a boy nearby mentioned Damon. Aeron tugged on Venice’s hand to get the other to stop “Damon’s fine. We captured one of the men from the raid party. Damon shot him, if I know my brother he’ll want to clean up the wound before they question him.”

Before he could say anymore, Ellis appeared from the tent. He didn’t seem surprised to find the crowd there. He just smiled softly at them “The situations under control, the man’s fine. Now can you all get back to what you are dong while I finish my job. Thank you.”

A few members of the crowed began to complain and grumble but eventually all the others left. Ellis noticed Aeron and Venice standing nearby. He smiled politely and walked over to the two “Damon’s inside looking after the man. He shouldn’t be a problem for him and in his state I don’t believe he could hurt Damon but could you stay nearby, just to be sure while I go tell Lycus?”

Aeron nodded “We’ll stay.” Ellis thanked them and left. Aeron stretched and turned to his mate “You can go back to the tent and rest if you want and I’ll stay here.” Aeron had two reasons for suggesting this. Firstly, Venice had to be tired too and secondly, Aeron wasn’t sure he wanted his mate near this man.

[chocobeast]

Venice actually got just as excited as the crowd. He almost pushed his way inside wwhen Ellis appeared. And to look less suspicious and also for backup, he hurried back to Aeron's side as he heard Ellis explain that the new guy was going to be fine. For some odd reason, he felt relief.

Venice looked up and kissed Aeron on the cheek as he snuggled the stronger man's side. The excitement of it all was making him feel clingy and lovey dovey. It was like one thrill ride right after another.

Right after he settled down next to Aeron, Venice saw Ellis approach. He smiled welcoming and then nodded as he heard Ellis ask them to help watch out. Of course they would help. Anything for his good friend Ellis and his new brother Damon.

As he watched Ellis hightail it to Lycus' tent he turned to ask Aeron where he would want him. But before he could get a word out, Aeron suggested that he go back to the tent. Venice's soft relaxed features quirked almost into a pout. "Hell no." He disagreed a bit too upset. "I promised to protect you. And if Ellis is worried enough to think that Damon isn't going to be able to handle him. Then there is no way I'm leaving you alone here with him. I promised to protect you and God willing I will."

Venice then hugged Aeron strong and full on. "There is no way I will let you be in danger alone."

He then let go and marched over to the tentflap and stepped inside. He only took one step in and stopped at the entrance. The lighting was dim and Damon and the prisoner were all the way across the room. He smiled besides himself when he saw that Damon was almost sleeping on the prone prisoner's side. This didn't loook like a tense situation to him.

He stayed back at the flapping doorway and stood stalkstill, almost erect like a little tin soldier. He kept expecting Aeron to reach in and grab him out and give him a bit of a yelling. But for some odd reason, Aeron only came in next to him and never said a word. But the handholding Aeron initiated felt nice. Venice almost leaned against him as he watched the other two sleep.

[Ninia]

Aeron was taken aback by Venice’s reaction to his suggestion. He listened to his little mate tell him he was staying ad let a smile grow on his face. When Venice had finished he wrapped his arms around him holding him close. He knew he should stop worrying and that Venice could look after himself but he couldn’t help it, Venice just looked so delicate.

He held Venice for a while before he pulled away and walked straight into the tent. Aeron expected to here Damon greet Venice but instead it was silent. Fearing the worst, he followed Venice in to the tent.

Only to stop right away behind Venice who was stood in the entrance. He followed Venice’s gaze to the bed in the tent and smiled softly. Damon was sat on a chair by the bed fighting to keep his eyes open as he watched over the injured man. The two looked so peaceful and relaxed in each other’s presence.

Aeron slipped his hand into Venice’s, lacing their fingers together. He felt Venice lean against him and he smiled softly “We should let them sleep.” He kept his voice low as he spoke, trying not to wake the two in the tent.

“You can stay.” Aeron looked up at the sound of Damon’s voice but his brother hadn’t moved. “Just be quiet, he’s still asleep.” The way Damon spoke held a hint of concern which surprised Aeron but he ignored it and walked over to his brother, not letting go of Venice’s hand.

Damon still didn’t look up at the two, instead his gaze was entirely on the sleeping man. Aeron didn’t bother questioning why his brother was fascinated with the man and instead turned his own gaze to the sleeping man. His eyes widened as he took in the man’s appearance. Long black hair framed his delicate face that looked similar to his mates, only with more hardened features.

[chocobeast]

Venice was actually feeling love in the air when Aeron let him lean against him. It was weird. He could feel by looking at the way Damon was caring so kindly and obviously worrying about the sleeping the prisoner that Damon had feelings for him. He was about to ask Aeron about it when he heard his Aeron suggest that they should sneak back out and let the two catch some much needed shut eyes. Venice nodded in agreement when he heard Damon say that they could stay just as long as they were quiet.

Venice looked up curious at his Aeron. He soo wanted to stay. But he didn't know if he could stay quiet. Ten thousand questions were thundering in his head.

Who was this guy?
Did Damon already know?
Was Damon in love with this guy once?
Did Damon plan on keeping him?
Was he going to nurse him this delicately all the up until this guy was well?

Venice was literally pulled out of his revery by Aeron tugging him over to the small cot the prisoner was sleeping on. At first, Venice pulled Aeron back. He didn't want to get closer. That guy was a killer. He had no idea what he would or could do. His eyes were HUGE when he allowed Aeron to tug him over to Damon and the prisoner's side.

At first, Venice refused to look at the prisoner under the light. The guy scared him. He didn't know why, but he did. He clung to Aeron's side just a slight bit behind him. He watched Damon doze with this soft hooded look on his tired and weatherbeaten face. He almost had this mystical look of wonder sparkling deep inside.

Venice felt Aeron stiffen. Only out of curiousity and fear did he finally take a peek at who the mystery guest was. At first, all he saw was bruises, bandages, and blanket. The sleeping man was well tucked in. But even Venice could see a bruise on his cheek and neck. He wondered idly if Damon was the one that gave him the beating and that that was why Damon was watching over him soo intently...Guilt.

Suddenly though, Venice took a full shaky step away from Aeron towards the bed. The hair...Those angled eyes...Those thin pouty lips...

It couldn't be!

Venice leaned now against the bed and tugged at the blanket to pull it down. He needed to see more. He just had to be dreaming. This couldn't be...

In a shaky squeak of a voice, he almost yelled, "TRINI!"

[Ninia]

Aeron was pulled out of his thoughts when Venice suddenly left his side and rushed to the bed, yanking the covers down. Damon jolted awake and tried to reach for the covers not wanting the man to get cold. At the same time Aeron reached out for Venice, not wanting him close to the bedridden man. He may be injured but he could still be dangerous.

Both men froze when Venice called out a name and nearly collapsed onto the bed next to him. Aeron was quickly by his side supporting him “Venice…Do you know him?” At that moment, Aeron felt a sinking feeling in his gut. Is Venice said yes he didn’t know what would happen. He could only pray that he didn’t and it was just a coincidence that they looked alike.

While Aeron dealt with Venice, Damon had fully woken up and was making sure the man in the bad was alright, he was curious as to how Venice knew him but right now he just wanted to make sure the man was ok.

He pulled the cover up again and gently tucked him in once more before turning to look at Venice waiting for the others answer. Unlike Aeron, he hadn’t noticed the similarities between Venice and the man so he was extremely curious at how Venice knew a member of an enemy clan.

Damon moved closer to the bed and Aeron sat Venice down in the now empty chair, afraid that Venice’s legs would give out at any moment.

[chocobeast]

Venice froze in shock. IT WAS TRINI!!! He'd recognize that face anywhere!

Venice instantly hugged his sleeping brother tight. He could have sworn Trinidad was buried with everyone else inside that ship. He had never imagined that his brother could have survived.

Venice was still clinging to his brother crying his name when Aeron tugged him off. He just couldn't believe that his brother was still alive and sleeping right there. Instantly, Venice hugged Aeron's side tight. He continued crying all those tears he had thought he had dealt with soo long ago. This time though, they were tears of joy.

Venice didn't even notice how Damon instantly went back to diligently tucking his brother back in. He didn't notice the sad concerned looks from either male. He didn't notice that his brother didn't wake up through the whole thing. All he knew was that he was hugging Aeron and that his brother was alive.

Somehow though, he ended up in a stiff uncomfortable wooden chair that splintered into his butt. He pouted then saw both brothers hovering tight above him. Both loooked curious and upset a the same time.

Venice cowered deeper into the chair. His sky blue eyes were still cloudy with tears. "Trinidad is my brother," he cried once again. "I thought he was dead with everyone else. MY BROTHER IS ALIVE!"

Venice watched Aeron's eyes for any signs of hope or forgiveness. He didn't want his Aeron still upset at him for attacking the prisoner like that.

Suddenly that thought turned darker. He shot a dangerous glare at Damon and leapt up menicingly. "Who beat up my brother like that? Was it you?" he accused fearlessly. His anger was overtaking his sensibility and add a little adrenaline..."I know that you were the one that shot him! You beat him up too?!"

[Ninia]

Although he’d been expecting something like this, it still shocked Aeron when the words left Venice’s mouth. His brother? But hadn’t Venice told him his family where dead? His brother was an enemy? As these questions and more flooded Aeron’s head he didn’t notice Venice leap out of his chair until he was right in front of Damon, yelling in his face.

Aeron pushed the questions out of his head and quickly moved towards the two, gently wrapping an arm around Venice’s slim waist and held the other against his chest. His other hand softly ran through his hair hoping to calm him a little “Calm, Venice. Let Damon explain, there has to be a reason.” He looked up at his brother, silently pleading for him to have some sort of answer.

Damon still seemed shocked at Venice’s outburst. He glanced between the two, before slowly sitting down on the bed by Trinidad. After a while he slowly looked back up at Venice, his eyes filled with guilt.

“I did shoot him, but I didn’t do this to him. I promise you Venice.” He turned back to look at the sleeping male and his gaze softened but the guilt didn’t disappear. “Lycus wanted to question him straight away but I wanted to take him to Ellis. Unfortunately he saw me and attacked. Lycus stopped him but he went too far, I brought him here straight away.”

Damon turned back to look at Venice “I am truly sorry.”

Aeron listened to Damon and slowly loosened his grip on Venice when he was sure the other wouldn’t yell at Damon again. The tent was tense and silent as the two brothers waited for Venice to say something.

[chocobeast]

Venice was livid. He had just found oout that one of his precious brothers was alive. And now, that same brother was not only shot in the leg but beat to a black and blue pulp?! Yeah, someone was going to have to answer for this.

He was just gearing up to continue his outrage when a strong pair of arms curled their way dominantly but descretely. Venice instantly settled into the strong hold. He could feel Aeron's strong chest pressed up behind him. Venice's snarl relaxed into a glare when one hand gently ran it's fingertips along his sensitive scalp. Venice couldn't help it. Aeron seemed to have this trancelike hold on him. Even as Aeon spoke the word 'Calm', he felt his whole body relax. Eventually, Venice was in fact leaning his whole limp bodyweight into Aeron as Damon sat back down to face his brother.

Venice still wanted answers. He still wanted his brother to be okay. But now, he waited silently in Aeron's arms. The whole whirlwind of emotions was HUGELY taking it's toll on him. Venice now wanted to cry again as he saw Damon truly was sorry for Trini getting hurt. All of his anger melted away along with Aeron's hold on him.

Venice slowly walked over to Damon and cried, "It's okay. I forgive you. I just want my brothe back. I actually just found out I have him." He fell silent for another second as he bypassed Damon and hugged the sleeping body of his brother. He turned his head to the side and looked his red-rimmed eyes up to his brother's face. Almost silent, he whispered, "I missed you Trini. God, how I missed you."

[Ninia]

Aeron let his arms drop from Venice and watched as his mate made his way slowly over to Damon. Aeron could see that Damon was torn. It was clear to everyone in the tent that he felt so much guilt over what had happened to Trinidad.

Aeron stayed silent as Venice spoke, forgiving Damon. He let out the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. He didn’t want to have to break up a fight between the two. He loved his brother but he would take Venice’s side even if it did hurt him to choose. Once he’d forgiven Damon the two brothers watched as Venice sat on the bed next to Trinidad and held his brother close. He looked close to tears as he spoke.

Deciding it was best he leave Damon stood and left the tent without a word. Aeron placed a hand on his shoulder as he passed but Damon shrugged it off and left. Aeron frowned at his retreating form but didn’t stop him. Something wasn’t right with him. But Aeron let him be. Instead he sat down in the seat by the bed and let Venice speak to his brother.

He turned his attention to the sleeping male. He still couldn’t quite believe it. This was one of Venice’s brothers. And he’d was their enemy. Aeron could guess what Lycus wanted to do, and he knew his mate wasn’t going to like it but…Aeron really didn’t know what he was going to do. He wanted to make Venice happy and keeping his brother safe would do this but he also had a responsibility to keep the group safe. They didn’t know what kind of threat Trinidad posed.

Aeron hunched forward in the chair and rubbed his tired eyes. He really didn’t want to think about this now. Right now he just wanted to keep everyone safe.