This Grownup Drama [Cal]

[*sombra delgadillo]

The zephyr grasped the absolute and immaculately vibrant tendrils that fell over the lupine’s alabaster composition, infrastructure orchestrating a reticent journ amongst the welkin bows. The brilliant crystal oculus of the feral twitched suspiciously over the perimeter. The soul’s salmon ribbon toppled from her maw and dangled in a display of exertion while her harks remained ascendant – honed on some distant sound that had given cause for tension and the awakening of the beast not ten minutes before. At that point Sombra Delgadillo had appeared completely ordinary to the naked eye. A girl of delicate proportions and a fair age, whose auburn locks cascaded down her spine in large, loose ringlets and her glaring irises were far more intimidating than even the black hue of her pupils. As it turned out, she had been asleep, poor girl, when the crack of a branch had woken the beast and she had scrambled to her…paws. It constantly happened this way – to be startled into the change. It was not a lack of control but the simple instinct that safety came with the wolf.

Now, Som’s motion was nearly indecipherable – despite the telltale colour of her pelt – as she wove through the vegetation, dark nostrils enveloping the fibers presented them in a greedy fashion. The fur aloft the stately creature’s nape formed prickling spines fit to conquer the heavens. The utmost tip of her tail flicked to and fro in a calculative manner that denoted intellect beyond that of a simple forest dweller. Deliberating what next would sooth the obvious case of nerves, a deep sigh sounded from her diaphragm and she paused. Standing still within a clearing was not a particularly wise decision but in any case the wolf could not gain any tension. It was at this stage, with heightened senses and in the format of a basic killing machine that it was easiest to encounter Sombra. The human was a far more elusive creature. The fair skinned beauty was very much like a mystical being, an elfish creation if you will. So delicate, with skin like a china dolls and eyes alight with vitality but jaded away from the reality of this dimension.

After investigating the radius thoroughly, it was deemed safe once more and in seconds the biped reappeared. Sombra’s long slender articulations found the pockets of the light sundress she wore, and she willed herself to remain calm. Being on edge for one’s entire existence was not a particularly pleasant place to be. In fact it was miserable. And there was a scarcity of times when Sombra could recall not being on her toes and prepared to fight or flee. Venturing towards the scent of water and the quiet trickle of what promised to be either a spring or a small waterfall. Slipping out of the cream flats she wore, she held them lightly on the tips of her fingers as she approached the shore of the “hidden oasis”, dropping them on the small beach before wading into the warm pool up to her ankles. Standing there, a deep sigh moved her shoulders in a circular motion and at that time her lids descended and Sombra focused on the slow inhale and exhale that promised her connection with the natural world about her and the liberation of what tension she kept clutched to her breast.

[callum]

Callum brushed the leaves away from his face, the sunlight breaking through what had moments before been a green parasol providing shade. Flinching at the sudden change in light, Callum waited for his eyes to adjust to the new lighting and continued on. Each step brought him farther and farther away from civilization, which was perfectly fine for the moment. He had started the hike in hopes of finding a decent place to change during full moons, should he be forced to extend his stay in New York. His condition didn't leave him a great many options on where he could stay and what better place for an animal than the woods. That was his reasoning when he started the hike, now he was just interested to see what the area was like.

Stepping over a rock, and nearly losing his balance but we'll ignore that for now, he caught the faint music of water as it is gently moved. The sound that can only be found in nature from a small spring or river that allows the water to run up over the rocks and plants, bringing life to the forest and animals around. Callum grinned as he picked his pace up a little, he could use a small drink. He had decided on casual dress today, a t-shirt and jeans. He wanted to fit in a bit better with the Americans and decided his normal London style didn't do the trick as well as he would have preferred. So with-

Callum quickly tilted his head to the side, angling his ear in the direction of the water. He wasn't very good with scents just yet, and the hundreds of smells in the forest were a bit too much for him in his two legged form, but he could have sworn he heard someone splashing or something in the water. He slowed down to a stop, trying to listen for the sound again. It would be much easier to tell if he would just change, but... Well easy isn't always best and Callum didn't much feel like stripping just to hear if a fish jumped out of the water or not.

He proceeded with slow and cautious steps, not wanting to make too much sound. After a few moments he glimpsed the flash of water, sunlight glistening off its surface. He took one big step up on a rather large rock resting against a tree, and wrapped an arm around a low branch. He was now in full view of anyone enjoying the water, and they to him. He didn't want to look threatening, but he wasn't going to look too passive for his own sake. With a cool and calm look about him he began to scan the water. You never know what you might find in the mountains.

OOC: I didn't mention seeing you in case your character hid or turned into a wolf, or whatever.

[*sombra delgadillo]

Being discovered in such a secluded place was not something that Sombra had internally prepared herself for. After all, who - beyond herself - wandered out to the middle of nowhere when the promise of adventure in New York loomed so prevalently. A faint, and very tender smile crooked her fuschia lips, skull tossed at her own foolishness. No one was going to come here. Shopping and singles galore waited in the bounds of the citadel just down the mountains and through a field or two. What charm lay in finding seclusion when it was so obvious that being crowded in to a smokey club was the fad?

Because of the feral and unpredictable nature of her wolf, the woman preferred solitude to great masses of people flocking together in dirty streets and constant clatter. Call her crazy but the idea was less than inviting. It was the fear of lashing out, perhaps, that gave her this preference. Or a fear of intimacy. Then again, who wasn't afraid of being close to other people? Let alone people one doesn't know. To say the very least, it made Sombra uncomfortable. She was less socially inclined than most, not your typical flirtatious butterfly. What feminine tactics she did use were classical and sultry...flawlessly owned and yet so subtle that one hardly caught her. Why not be promiscuous? Well, occasionally the close she wore spoke all about her intentions - not one to be too fervent in disclosing the private areas, her naval did come into view fairly often.

Fingertips trailed absentmindedly over the crystalline liquid, the faint trickle of the stream water soothing both the human and the wolf within her. Allowing her lids to remain pressed over the dark gaze, a soft and content sigh denoted the peace she found in this scenario. Alone in the middle of nowhere. Of course, it would soon become obvious to her that she was not alone, far from it. Having dropped her sundress to allow it to dangle lightly in the pool she stood in, lightly tanned legs immersed up to her thighs at this point she simply stood there.

Like every soul Sombra had two facets. One that had been outgoing and sweet - pedestrian, like your everyday girl, flirting and drinking without thought to consequence. And then there was the woman who knew the world, and its cruelty. The latter dominated her, making her much less "fun" than most. However, one thing that could never be called into question was that Sombra was real. There was no facade or fake smiles to be granted, no show to put on and she wouldn't fight for anyone's attention. She was perfectly at ease in who she was, and no longer desired the approval of others so much that she would act out of the ordinary. At that point she wondered if Inora knew anything about her, or what she had done when she allowed Sombra in the pack. A noncomformist? Yes. Stubborn? Yes. A fighter? Absolutely. In fact...Sombra didn't recall the last time she'd loved anything, let alone the last time she'd even said the word. Love.

It was an ability that all had but some never were able to connect with. In fact, Sombra mulled it over and found that she knew exactly what she'd loved. She loved her family, despite their negligence. She loved her sister. She loved the feeling of being home. All these things she loved most and would never, it would seem, have again. Bittersweet as reality is, that was alright to her. She would not cry or wail in despair. She would live. She would survive. That is how you know that Sombra was defiant. Everything in this world said she didn't matter. Her survival made her response plain and clear; You wanna bet?

The mild sensation that she was no longer alone put her immediately on edge, her breath catching in her throat as she glanced slowly in the direction that an unfamiliar scent traveled from. There, perched on a thick branch of a hovering tree, stood a man. It was so Tom Sawyer that, to her surprise, Sombra laughed aloud. The sound was unfamiliar to her, a melodic feminine sound as her oculi danced with this mirth she found. What was so funny about it? Perhaps that it was classic..perhaps that it was unexpected. What had put her at ease was the fact that while he had silently arrived, he was in plain view - not sneaking up on her which would have immediately screamed for a defense. Turning only slightly, appendages folded over the soft curve of her chest, a brow ascending in an inquistive manner - her gaze almost reproachful. "Dare I ask what you're doing?" She voiced, laughter still evident in the lightly accented tone. While she had flawless English, the luxurious French was still rich in her voice.

Sombra did not bother with the conventional, Hello, my name is_____ crap. She was far too over the idea that this was how things went. It wasn't. And if he expected this encounter to be one he could predict he was sorely mistaken. There was nothing predictable about the she-wolf or her responses. She surprised herself, even still. So how did he suppose he could make any valid assumptions? She certainly hoped he had no intention of such a thing. If he did she predicted more laughter in her future.

[callum]

Callum was possibly the worst person that could be found as a representative of werewolves. He honestly didn't fit in with what might be considered an understandable norm, a distancing from the public and a bond formed with nature. It really just made sense, with an animal inside a person it is only logical that they form a connection with the land that harbors beasts. Forests especially seemed peaceful, even Callum had to admit that. Unfortunately Callum was a creature of social interests, he enjoyed people if for nothing more than company. Being alone had its advantages, but what is the point of being fantastic beyond all reason if no one is around to tell you?

A bit narcissistic? Perhaps, but it was reason enough to keep up with people. Still, Callum wasn't in a nice social setting, he was in the mountains. He was out of his element, and he was about to find himself in a fairly awkward situation by most standards. Callum had leaned forward, hanging an arm from a tree limb for support as he gazed out over the water. Huckleberry Finn would have been more to Callum's liking, but he couldn't complain too much about the analogy. For one he had no idea he was just compared to Tom Sawyer, and two he rather liked the story. But what he saw probably would have made either of the boys go red, at least if they had had his upbringing it would have.

Callum took a glance at the woman in the lake, was she taking a bath? Callum lifted his free hand up to his face and covered his eyes, he had seen this kind of thing play out too often and wanted to avoid the shouting and possible throwing of rocks and whatever else she could grab. But he didn't hear shouting, which confused him, because he heard laughing. "Dare I ask what you're doing?"[/color] came a feminine voice. Callum didn't look up, but he did tilt his head slightly.

"Cover'in my eyes as a courtesy." He said, explaining his actions at that moment to avoid the obvious question of 'why are you here?'

Callum would have liked the normal B.S. that people went through. The happy humdrum of a good 'Hi my name is _______,' how are you and everything. Was it monotonous? Absolutely, but it was a kind of glue that held day to day life together and kept people within a comfort zone when meeting strangers. Callum took a deep breath and made the hopeful assumption that when he reluctantly took his hand away from his eyes everyone would be dressed and no one would get yelled at. It was really the only assumption he could make while traveling out in the woods and meeting someone in the middle of a lake whose first reaction to being seen is laughing.

He felt a little bad though, he had just spied a girl in the water and didn't even take the time to give her a good looking over. What kind of man was he? Though he kept his eyes shut he did part his fingers a little wider, just in case he decided to give into temptation before he heard the sounds of a girl stepping out of the water.

[*sombra delgadillo]

Evidently there was something that Sombra had missed. What exactly was going on that made him react as he did. It was a slow response time - that she didn't miss or confuse. He took a moment to show any sign of acknowledgement at all; thus her confusion. A pause illustrated the bewilderment that was evident upon her features, her plush lips slightly parted in shock. What the...? The wolf now had its hackles high on end within her, snarling indignantly. It was easily offended. The fact that he was shielding his features from the sight of her would have been crippling to her self esteem had she had any question of it. However, within Sombra there was a keen self awareness. She was beautiful. Not the pedestrian sort, she was no voluptious blonde or sleek oriental beauty. In fact if the accent wasn't so obvious it would be said she was a slender "girl next door" type. The naturally auburn color of her hair was one of the few exotic features that she possessed. But damn was it a highlight.

The explanation he made, in a rough distinctly masculine voice coaxed yet another soft, almost husky chuckle as comprehension dawned. Aaah. Paying chivalry its dues was he. That was an interesting development. In fact as his palm shifted she took note that this response was probably out of the ordinary for him. Well aren't you special. She thought sarcastically to herself, breathing a tempered sigh, she guessed her moment of meditation was over. Wading daintily out onto the grass freckled shore, picking her way reticently towards him, she haulted and bent to peer quizzically down. "I guess I'm glad, but as I was dressed it's unnecessary." Perhaps he suffered from wishful thinking. Large mocha oculi fastened on his profile in an almost calculative fashion, having inhaled the scent that said she was in the presence of another wolf. That both soothed her and put her on edge.

On one hand other werewolves were less dangerous than vampires, on the other hand they were definitely a greater threat than any human. Breathing a sigh that suggested unease, she eased to sit down on the ground, her toes dipped in the lapping water and basking in the silence for one last moment. "So, since you think you've stubbled upon an intimate situation I should probably tell you my name. So you feel less....awkward." It was said in a still amused tone, the corners of her lips twitching adorably with the hints of laughter that was being held in check. Rouge locks fluttered as a slight breeze picked at them, to which she tossed her skull in a dismissive fashion - disinterested in making them seem as perfect as possible. If he took issue with her hair she would probably have to question his orientation.

As she'd let her rhetorical question linger for one or two minutes she finally granted him her christening, whether he wanted it or not. "Sombra. My parents thought the Spanish were interesting, and as a babe my hair was black. Thus Sombra - shadow." The she-wolf didn't pause to ask if that was too much information. To be honest it was her reminiscing aloud. It was odd. It had just barely turned into a social situation and the wolf was turning hostile. It had no trust for males. None. Slutty womanizing bastards, the lot of them. Of course by the poised exterior one would never guess that her thoughts were anything near so hostile. Unfortunately they were. Perhaps this was why Sombra did not make friends well. And the simple answer to that was everyone was the same. They all fit inside one generalization or another and she was tired of being bored by everyone. Such disappointment and disillusion, and so silently it was kept. Staring vacantly into the placid waters, her head tipped slowly and she thought - waiting for some sort of response from the werewolf beside her.

[callum]

Callum heard the water shift, the sound of a body moving through the lake, slowly stepping out to the shore. Water dripping, and moving closer to him. Covering his eyes was really a disadvantage, it would probably be best to just uncover them and look around. At least that was the reasoning he was hopeful he could convince himself of, then came the woman's voice again. "I guess I'm glad, but as I was dressed it's unnecessary." Callum lowered his hands to take a peek, and found that she was in fact very much dressed. "Oh." he said with a possible hint of disappointment, maybe.

Now that he got a good look at her he began to take in a few details as he always did, trying to tell if she was a threat or not. He could tell right away that she didn't have a weapon on her, but she was still on edge. Commonly a woman with no weapon who was on edge was more likely to run away than move forward, so perhaps she had taken self defense classes and felt confident? And there was something else... now that the wind was shifting he could catch her scent, it was odd. He couldn't place what it was, after all this was the first werewolf he had met after acquiring his condition.

She turned and sat near the water's edge to dip her feet. She seemed more relaxed, somewhat at the least. Callum wondered why she was in the forests, but couldn't really ask without being asked in return. He couldn't tell her he was looking for a place to stay during the full moon, she'd think he was crazy, and he wasn't. Seriously, he wasn't crazy. "So, since you think you've stubbled upon an intimate situation I should probably tell you my name. So you feel less....awkward." she said. She seemed quiet and calm, Callum didn't feel right about it but let the feeling slide.

She wasn't saying anything, that certainly didn't help get rid of that awkward feeling. Unable to stop himself he added in "I 'spose that would help with the awkwardness, unless you had some kind of comical name that just made things worse." He said, his accent thick British with an almost Guy Ritchie style to it. "Sombra. My parents thought the Spanish were interesting, and as a babe my hair was black. Thus Sombra - shadow." she said, giving a bit of additional detail on the name. Callum felt a little bad about his joke, it wasn't a comical name but it was unique. "Sombra huh, I like it."

Letting go of the tree branch he let his lean forward turn into a small hop down from his perch and to the ground near the water's edge. He stepped a bit closer, but making sure there was still a comfortable distance between the two. If she was still on edge, which Callum suspected she was, then she would most likely appreciate it. Though Callum was certain if he wanted to catch her he could, his condition saw to that. Well, Callum's blissful ignorance allowed him to feel much safer than he should have. Still, his ignorance could have been seen as confidence in his skill so it wasn't all bad.

"I'm Weller." He said, giving out only his last name as dear Sombra had only offered up her first. They had limited information on each other showing that both had their guard up. It was a tense situation, but a safe one... Callum hoped it stayed safe as he couldn't see how this encounter would end.

[*sombra delgadillo]

The soft, regretful response followed by a slow pause only induced an internal huff of distrust from her wolf, Sombra’s deep stare roving his profile – her human silently begging for something that was dissimilar from anyone else. Her search was in vain. Unfortunately, those who aren’t attractive are always far easier for the woman to trust, mostly because she believes that the homely must be real to gain the friendship of others as well as other relations. The glamorous work for nothing, smiling their perfectly fake smiles and watching the onlookers melt into puddles of adoration. The thought had made her pupils narrow, a light frown coating her façade in a pensive fashion.

Silently the she-wolf wondered why he was in this place, obviously he was a social being – there was a variety of scents radiating from his clothing, scents of humans, vampires and wolves alike. So why was he out here? Had he been rejected by the latest coquette? Had he had a run in with a vampire and was no sulking because of his inferiority? His voice was rich and alluring, and Sombra wished she’d sat farther away. Not that she didn’t trust herself. There was nothing particularly attractive about someone who wasn’t trustworthy…unless she was being shallow. The werewolf was clearly good looking, from the sultry color of his hair to that intense brooding stare…what became problematic was that he was pedestrian.

There was nothing particularly unique about the Englishman. He liked her name. It was on the tip of her tongue to lash out in sarcasm. Biting softly onto her tongue, a feigned smile twitched involuntarily at her lips – the expression taking work to appear sincere. That’s what he wanted, wasn’t it? Approval of some sort. It was an odd way to converse. She was not being too accommodating; neither was she harping like a snarky snobbish pig. The addition of his last name only served as a milestone. A name. A label beyond “unoriginal”. One could say it was a step, but it would be sad to judge that small thing as progress. Sombra nodded, continuing to stare at the pool thoughtfully before glancing at him.

”You didn’t come up here to socialize…” She ventured rhetorically, gently swooping lips pursing as she thought. ”Why did you come?” She wouldn’t have asked the question if she wasn’t prepared for a similar rebuttal…though as she thought it over there were no words to explain why exactly she was here. Other than the obvious; she was an antisocial. That was simple enough and would doubtlessly leave him wanting for more information. Sombra wasn’t the sort to divulge on her past or even her current musings. There was nothing truly emotional or common about the woman. She didn’t crave chocolate, didn’t want men, hated attention and was very modest.

Perhaps these attributes were fueled by her dislike of the ordinary, of things that she saw everyday or things she’d know when she was small. The disassociation of her present from her past was on her forefront of things to do. It made sense then that the lupine within was somewhat hostile. It recalled everything she wanted to forget, helping her make logical decisions and detaching her from emotion. It made her stronger but the human Sombra, the one who died with her sister often made ghostly wishes for companionship. Friends, family…something that made her exist in reality. The wolf would have none of it. Survival was what mattered. And Callum Weller was the nearest threat.

[callum]

Callum's inner wolf spoke to him too, it told him things. But he really didn't need some kind of animalistic instinct to tell him the basics. Being around this particular girl was uncomfortable, she clearly didn't want to be social or even around people, she sure as hell didn't want to be around Callum... and something else that Callum was trying as hard as he could to pin down. She hardly bothered to even look at him as he tried to talk to her, and he didn't like her smell. It was so void, it told him that this little trip alone was more common that one with friends. The lack of familiar smells was uncomfortable, not to mention that other smell that he couldn't place.

”You didn’t come up here to socialize…” She ventured rhetorically, gently swooping lips pursing as she thought. ”Why did you come?” The change that occurred in Callum was almost instant and very noticeable. The narrowing of his eyes, the stiffening of his body, the slight sneer that he just as quickly covered up with a neutral expression. What was it that he found so irritating about that question? It wasn't like he couldn't lie his way around it, then a thought came to Callum. Maybe it wasn't the question that annoyed him but the person asking it.

"Why does this woman annoy me? ... is it a woman?" The trail end of that thought made his eyes trail down over her body. Did he think she was secretly a boy? No, he was positive that this person was female, but not necessarily a woman. Something deep inside him wanted to growl, a low sound that meant 'go away'. Instead Callum, or Weller as he had introduced himself, smiled and said very politely. "Are you a teenager? Shouldn't you be at home right now?" His questions were just as simple and reasonable as hers, but his canceled her questions out.

Though Callum felt that the real kick in the words was the sweet polite tone he used, it sounded insulting by any standards. Was he trying to pick a fight now? Against some little teen that was probably just in the mountains upset she didn't get a date for that weekend, oh yes he probably was. Besides, why should he have to walk on eggshells for some teen drama queen? His condition ensured he had nothing to fear.

OOC: He still doesn't know there are other werewolves, and now he is trying to piss her off. lol

[*sombra delgadillo]

Let’s start on a heavy but logical note. Insulting someone you hardly know is not the most intelligent course of action. Why? Because one cannot know what the other is truly like or what their limits entail. For example, our hero Callum here as just provoked a severely unstable and undeniably, unashamedly violent freak of nature. In fact, her instability is probably the worst thing one can face in a battle. Mostly because there is no limitation, or line that she draws between “good” and “evil”. The word “excessive” means nothing to her. And as far as previous alliances go…animals don’t make friends. They decide who is useful to them, and who is not. There is a very thin line between friend and enemy. Callum had not even been classed yet, and unfortunately Sombra doesn’t know what a “frenemy” is either. I’m afraid you’ve stepped on a land mine, Callum. I’m also sad to inform you that the circumstance that lands you in is somewhat painful. Now put your head between your legs and kiss your bum goodbye.

The expression that presented itself on his undeniably handsome features was one that mixed several emotions, though their origins were similar. The frigid realization of disdain, the quick unsteady trip into irritation and the wickedness of sarcasm all seemed to make their debut on Weller’s features. In that instant, Sombra’s wolf rose in preparation. It was the squared stance of a warrior, whose placid gaze denoted experience and the calm before the storm. In human form, Sombra was perfectly capable of defending herself…the animal simply enjoyed the brawl more. The inquiries that the foolish and suddenly endangered wolf spouted were enough to light the fuse that announced the end of this already tense conversation. A slow smile spread over the female’s full, albeit silk lips as she turned to study him. The previously mahogany pools now glittered with the hostility that burned in her gut.

You’re not very smart are you hot stuff? Crimson tendrils vaunted steadily in the zephyr’s playful grasp, the dry warmth adding to her vitality and stirring the beast. It would be far too simple to simply jump into wolf form, and far too dramatic. Was she to be so easily overtaken? ”I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were mentally handicapped or I would have spoken slower.” The soft, and tender way that she spoke betrayed a mocking of his previously feigned politeness. Rising, she moved off, away from him enough to provide fair distance if necessary. The wolf was not exactly the picture of calm that Sombra illustrated as she chuckled to herself and tossed her skull, still seething gaze searing into Weller’s pronounced profile. ”The question is, Weller, how can you be so absolutely impaired? Do I smell like a teenager to you?” If he had hoped to get a rise out of her he had failed. There was no emotional connection between she and this…idiot.

Granted, the wolf was pissed, but Sombra was far more intelligent than that and far more calculated. The violence she submitted was precise and to the point. She sincerely thought this whelp was ignorant, stupid, dumb or daft – whichever term you would prefer. ”It’s a shame few receive the gift of body and mind.” She murmured absently, a smirk endowed him. Frankly Sombra was baiting him, giving him reason enough to lash out and give her reason to make him sorry. She wondered how important this man truly thought he was. He couldn’t be a decade older than she, and frankly Sombra knew that respect should not hinge on age. To respect this man his IQ would have to be boosted a good thirty points, regrettably there was no way to do that. Shame. It had crossed her mind that he was new to this whole “werewolf” thing, she had been in the company of werewolves before who were but juveniles to the species. That was of little consequence. Manners were a necessity now that they would be dealing with fiercely temperamental individuals on a daily basis, and clearly Weller had none.

”You know what sounds fun, Mr. Weller? A lesson in manners. Why don’t you come over here and let me show you how it feels to be bested by a teen and maybe next time you’ll be more polite?” It was murmured in a voice deceivingly neutral, the sole flavor in the sound being the cool effeminate ring that habitually accompanied her voice. She had been forgiving…but only once. This wasn’t baseball, you didn’t get three strikes before you were out. And out didn’t constitute a seat on a bench. You received one chance to fail and then you were leaking organs. So, Mr. Weller, how important are your intestines to you? Your kidneys? I suggest you think your next words over carefully.

___________
o o c: Callum's a lucky boy. Sombra's wolf is about ready to take a bite out of him just to watch him squirm. x.x

[callum]

OOC: Sorry for taking so long to reply. My sister got sick and went to the hospital so I had to go and visit with the rest of the family, and while we were there they mixed up her medication and ended up making her a lot worse. She is fine now but it was cause for an extended leave at the time. But I'm back now.

IC: Logically speaking it was, without any shadow of a doubt, a stupid idea to insult people you didn't know that well. Callum was very aware of this simple and universal rule. You went about shooting off your mouth and someone decides that it merits a few shots to the back of the skull. At the same time it was just as pointless to be polite and meek to everyone you meet. It takes a more bold outlook on life to become the kind of person that is not only notable but also difficult to kill. In short, it may not be the best idea to put a bit of bite into a person's words but if they had no bite at all then they wouldn't be worth hearing.

”I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were mentally handicapped or I would have spoken slower.” She said, baiting him in one of the most obvious ways imaginable, so yeah... he was now positive he was dealing with a teen drama queen. ”The question is, Weller, how can you be so absolutely impaired? Do I smell like a teenager to you?” She asked, Callum tilted his head ever so slightly. Did she smell like a teenager? Sure he could probably tell something like that but an average person wouldn't be able to... Well this could be bad, the stray thought ran through his head as his more human side responded. "You'll have to forgive me, I'm not much in the habit of going up and taking a big whiff of strangers. Not that I'd judge ya for any fetishes you might have." Callum said politely with his British accent, stating very clearly that he couldn't tell from her smell that that this whole "smelling" people thing might be what she does to get off. Well that was a good way to pick a fight.

”It’s a shame few receive the gift of body and mind.” She murmured, well that was certainly conceited. Callum took it in stride, looking off to the side slightly and murmuring just as absently "Don't be too hard on yourself." She was without a doubt trying to pull him into a fight, but if Callum could be baited with these schoolyard insults then he wouldn't be much good at investigation/interrogation work would he? A bit part of dealing with proud and or stuck up people was showing you were just as stubborn as they were. ”You know what sounds fun, Mr. Weller? A lesson in manners. Why don’t you come over here and let me show you how it feels to be bested by a teen and maybe next time you’ll be more polite?” She said, laying out the open challenge.

Did she think she could beat him? Just on size and build he doubted it, but that look in her eyes said that she didn't have a single doubt in the world on this matter. Which meant there was only one thing to do. Callum smiled, took a deep breath, and took two big steps forward. Approaching just as she had requested without hesitation or fear. Then as he closed in he said with all the confidence in the world. "I'd rather not. I'm a bit prideful ya know and it wouldn't be all that good for me self esteem. Besides, manners is a two way street and you haven't been all that polite yourself now have ya?" It was always a possible tactic in a tense situation.

Simple put, it was Callum's attempt to break the tension. He approached as if he was about to fight and then stated in a completely passive tone that he had no intention to, hopefully shocking whoever it was to a point that some of that tension was dispersed before anyone did something they would regret.

[*sombra delgadillo]

One thought and one thought alone had begun to burn itself into the consciousness of the female, and that thought was What an idiot. The stern albeit indecipherable stare endowed the “fellow” canine was both belittling and discerning. It was almost unimaginable to be this far away from the internal feral soul that delved within him. He was a pet. A disgrace. So many things that Sombra could not even begin to pick apart, had she had even the vaguest inclination to do so, were popping out at the she-wolf. Was he even aware of what he “suffered” from? Was he that much of a fool? Did he not watch any old films?

More than that, did he live under a rock? Even today’s youth with their smutty television and their high speed internet still had the capacity to comprehend the word “werewolf”. A brow ascended at his response to her inquiry – a poor precedent for any excuse, even from a male. ”While that would be most entertaining to watch such an awkward spectacle, despite your evident grace in both speech and mannerisms, it would be unnecessary. As for my fetishes, the likelihood of you discovering such privileged information compares to the likelihood of your skull mysteriously popping off your shoulders and relocating itself in a certain orifice at the other end.”

It was spoken so calmly, and in such a haphazard fashion that it would seem she had adopted his speaking style – backhanded and cowardly. As if the soft way he delivered his speech would save him from reproach. ”If you wanted some pretty anorexic, busty bobblehead to giggle at your every turn of verse I suspect you should turn around and come back the way you came. Though the “1800-69SEXME” written on your forehead would suggest you’ve already exhausted such resources.” Was that below the built?

Don’t you wish I was kidding. The hardened stare that now settled upon the dog’s features, whose appeal grew less and less by the minute, was smug and amused – daring him once again to confront her and make this a brawl worth having…however swift it would be. The arrogance that seemed to ooze out of his every pore was taken note of with the slight inclination of her head, a defined sneer creeping over her perpetually suave lips. ”What use would manners given you serve? Clearly you’re incapable of socializing without insulting, belittling, hitting on or making yourself sound a fool. What good would chivalry prove you?”

His vague attempt to diffuse the hostility endowed him by the she-wolf was ignored, appendages folding over her curvy torso as she cocked a brow, her features unchanging otherwise. ”If you have any grounds to sway my view I’ll indulge a second chance. But if you continue this mockery of what an intelligent being should be I’ll follow my previous course of action and show you just what sort of beast you might be if you’d dig your balls out of your pocket, Mr. Weller.” It was a calm statement, though undeniably cold. Sorry Callum. Your IQ has to be Ms. Hilton’s to engage in even the shortest neutral conversations. Better luck next time?