A Stroll to Make Things Clearer (Open)

[Christof Drescher]

Note: Christof and Nitro (Jolteon)

---

The slightly chilled bite of the wind hardly bothered Christof, he was quite used to this sort of weather, especially this time of year. Even hear, walking amongst the trees it could be felt, slipping between trunks in this more densely forested area. The shadows cast by trees made taller plants that might obstruct his view fewer and farther between, and as the instructor settled his hands in the pockets of his reversable windbreaker, he took in a deep breath of the crisp air. Eyes slipping down, he cast his look at his companion, the yellow furred Jolteon, pausing as he did to return a that gaze.

Nitro, for his part, was no more troubled by the chill, his nose twitching with the lively scents that surrounded them. His paws knew many different terrains, and knew them well, but this was one he was particularly at ease with. True, most Jolteons preferred open plains, but forests were also environments they had a mind to enjoy, and Nitro could feel Christof's pleasure at being in a place that reminded him so much of where they had come from. Even if neither of them would ever feel any draw to the once home they had been kept in under the human's father, they had become quickly enamored with the Black Forest.

"Wir sollten zum Waldpfad zurückkehren, Ja?", asked the human. Nitro truly would have rather remained among the trees, he knew his trainer did as well, but as Christof resumed their walk, he continued along at his trainer's side. It wouldn't be long before they came back to the trail that it was generally told to students to stick too. After all, they didn't need kids getting lost out in the woods. He wouldn't have faith in most of the students to find their way out of a paper bag, even with the help of their pokèmon, after all. As they did, in fact return to the trail, Christof took a moment to orient himself, more double checking his bearings then anything. Nitro, for his part, only took a few thoughtful sniffs at the air, neck stretched and nose pointed faintly upward to encourage the reception of the scents the winds carried. It was always wise, to double check ones bearings.

[Blaine Carlisle]

He'd had to scheme a little to get this to work out just right, and really, he knew he should feel guilty about it too. But the facts were, Blaine would never get Chris to actually honor any of their so-called 'plans' if he weren't crafty about it. Today, for instance, was a day that Blaine hadn't actually requested the other's company...but it /was/ a day that he'd thought ahead of time to sneak a peek into what the German instructor might have planned for the day. As it happened, he'd realized soon enough that scheduled 'free time' often meant a trip to the forest, and Blaine figured he could use a hike anyway. Certainly Loki had been more than eager to accompany him - and with Pelee left back at the school, Blaine knew he could trust that the rest of his team would be kept careful eye on.  Of course, even the best-laid schemes sometimes had their hiccups, and this one seemed to be about to become a failure. It wasn't that he was unused to these woods, or these paths as certainly Blaine and the vulpix beside him had been exploring them pretty much since day one on Academy grounds. It was just that there was no real way of predicting which way exactly Christof might choose to wander. Nor was there any way of knowing how well his impromptu company might be received  if he should chance upon the man he sought after all. "What do you think, huh? Look around a bit more and then call it a day?" He asked, slanting a look down at the vulpix happily trouncing beside him. A few of the pokemon's fluffy tails shivered in reply, but he knew the other wasn't entirely cold...though eventually the chilly air might start to affect him.   Blaine dug around in his pocket, pulling out a small strip of bouffalant jerky and tossing it down for Loki to munch on happily as they walked. The vulpix was really being a good sport about this after all. Absently, he took another turn, the path more familiar and more heavily traveled as these were now the ways students were instructed to take when out wandering in this area. Maybe he could do that with his next class...take them out for a little excursion to still relatively safe but less known areas of the wood. Compare flora and fauna found there to other parts of the world and figure out what sort of pokemon they'd attract. He frowned a bit, fingers stuffing into his fleece-lined denim jacket's pockets...his attention wandering a bit further down the path to where someone else currently walked. A certain someone that Blaine had been hoping to see, that is.  He paused, tilting his head to the side to offer the other a chance to see him first, but Loki exhibited less caution. No, the vulpix recognized the scent and static charge surrounding the jolteon likely before his trainer ever noticed Christof, and was already off and bounding down the path at a rapid pace, skidding to a halt just in front of Nitro so he could attempt to nip at the fur around the base of the other's neck - heedless of what sort of greeting the other pokemon might offer. "We've been looking for you guys!" The vulpix said excitedly, pleased enough to pounce about in circles before brushing the fur along the side of his body lightly against the other's, tails wafting almost coyly up beneath the Jolteon's chin.  Blaine's approach was, perhaps pleasantly enough, far less energetic as his companion's - the human taking a few easy strides forward, a hint of a grin curving his lips. "Well. Fancy seeing you here." And  from the tones of Blaine's voice, it was likely quite clear that Blaine wasn't so surprised to see the other as he might think. A hand shifted from his pocket  to casually  run fingers back through his own hair, posture easy rather than portraying any sense of guilt he might have otherwise felt at essentially stalking someone. After all, this stalking...well, it really was for a good cause. At least to Blaine's mind it was. "So...since we're both out here, how 'bout we go for that little hike together, like we've been planning?"    Word Count: 727 (Yeesh) Tag(s): Chris, Open Outfit: Jeans, Hiking boot, black button down shirt, fleece-lined denim jacket Notes: Loki ~ Vulpix

[Christof Drescher]

Note: Christof and Nitro (Jolteon)

---

The absent sniffing of his companion was hardly something that Christof would have needed to pay mind to. However, when a particularly sharp inhale proceeded a subtle jerking back of the head, in order to better aim eyes at things of interest, Christof did take notice. Nitro, had scented something significant. Indeed, the Jolteon knew that scent alright, it was Loki's scent, the Vulpix that their Eevee's adored, and eagerly played with. Perhaps a little too eagerly, as Eevees did tend for wanting to be a little 'extra friendly' with the red furred vulpine. Nitro's gaze was quick to settle on the bounding form of the smaller pokèmon, and Christof's weren't far behind that.

As Loki, brushed up against him, and teased him with a few of those tails, the Jolteon looked entirely serious, not doing anything to encourage this sort of behavior. Then again, Nitro wasn't acting to remove the other pokèmon from his personal space either. Something that the Jolteon likely wouldn't have had much trouble with, provided they weren't in an actual battle of course.

"Why would you be looking for us?", asked the Jolteon a bit gruffly. Oh, he wasn't fooled one bit. He could tell well enough exactly what the other's trainer wanted from his Christof, and it was reason enough to keep a close eye on the human. Closer even then he typically kept on virtually everyone that came near him, Christof, or the rest of their pokèmon. In fact, the Jolteon, did aim a glare at that other human, just to be sure he still understood the way of things.

Christof, in the meantime, wasn't too concerned about Loki being present. The little fire type got along well with his pokèmon for the most part. Even those that were lest enthusiastic about Loki's presence had never shown signs of hostility or true irritation with him, so there was hardly a reason to be concerned. Besides, Christof liked pokèmon just fine, Loki's presence, in and of itself was a welcome one. However, where there was Loki, chances were good, and there he was, Blaine Carlisle. He didn't dislike the other male, and he was, indeed aesthetically pleasing. Facts, however, were facts, Christof didn't tend to have much time or patience for most people, he hardly saw the point in putting forth the effort, and getting the other's hopes for social interaction up, just for things to go badly. Still here was the man, his tones rather telling as he spoke, and he raised a brow.

"Indeed Mr. Carlisle... it appears the world is a, as they say, small", he offers absently. No, he was certain the other, as his tone indicated, was not nearly so surprised to find him than he might be. He was also certain of another fact. He had been cornered. Avoiding dedicating himself to any date or time for them to socialized had felt like a good way to slowly dissuade this man from this endeavor, but now he had no excuse to avoid him, not without being unnecessarily unkind. After all, he really didn't dislike the other. "Since we happen to both be here... it would be efficient", Christof offered in measured tones, before taking a single half step back to make room for the other to, more or less, take the lead in deciding direction.

[Blaine Carlisle]

"I suppose it would be...even if 'efficient' is not exactly something I'd prefer our first date being called." Blaine said in gently teasing tones as he fell into step beside the other, hands staying in his pockets for the time being as he just didn't want to push his luck. Not yet anyway. It should have perhaps rankled a bit more that the other was merely spending time with him because he was there and it would, likely to the German's mind anyway, get Blaine out of his hair, but such a small thing as that - well it failed to offend and merely amused him instead. Likely this was made further clear by the cheeky grin that half-curved his mouth, causing a dimple to form at that corner of his lip. 

"Perhaps it's also...'efficient' that I brought enough food for two, mmm?" Blaine asked, absently reaching over his shoulder to pat the pack on his back. " I do seem to recall at least one of our plans being for a picnic out here. I had hoped to do it in warmer weather but..." And with this he did turn a rather direct gaze on the other. "Well, it turns out that the man I wanted to take on a picnic had a lot of last minute things just come p out of nowhere." He chuckled. "Surprising really as it seems that your schedule is so rigorously organized that I'd imagine it would be difficult to catch you unawares."

As the humans spoke, Loki himself had chosen to occupy his time with keeping up with the Jolteon - purposely walking in as close proximity to the other pokemon as was allowed, and every so often 'accidentally' moving closer than that to teasingly brush the fur along the side of his body against the other's. " He has food for us too." Loki said in cheery enough tones, tails fanned out but relaxed as they absently swished with every step. "Blaine doesn't like to leave any pokemon out." The hint of pride in Loki's voice was likely distinctive, as after all the consideration his trainer showed others was something to be quite proud of. 

---

Word Count: 370
Tags: Chris
Notes: Vulpix (Loki)

[Christof Drescher]

Note: Christof and Nitro (Jolteon)

---

His face remained neutral as he walked along side the other, and it might have even seemed like he was ignoring the other man entirely for a time. Truthfully he was hearing every word, not feeling particularly bad for his behavior. Why should he? Still, he wasn't irritated with his coworker's words, even if outwardly he wasn't really doing much to dissuade such an impression. The slightly larger man was a bit odd in the way he weilded tone, playful, so it wasn't really cutting, and yet there was little room to deny the fact that the other was aware of how things had been proceeding.

"It would seem that lately, life had been full of surprises... and coincidences", he offered with a sort of verbal raising of a brow." As they walked, he kept his mind on the matter at hand mostly. If they were, in fact going to be eating together, first things would be first, and that was to find somewhere suitable. Something told him claiming not to be hungry was not about to change the course that the other male had in mind for them. As they walked though, something that Blaine had said earlier stuck in his mind. He had jokingly referred to a first 'date'. Gaze serious as they continued, he tried to mull over the likelihood of the two possible truths in that manner. It was possible that the other man was simply teasing him, as his tone might suggest, joking around a bit, especially given the manner in which their first 'outing' was being conducted. It was also possible he had said such a thing, not of course because this could be considered a date, but maybe that was his goal in all this nonsense... It hadn't really occurred to him before that the other man might have had that goal in mind. Oh sure, he had been aware of the possibility, but it just hadn't clicked with him that it might be exactly what was going on.

"Mr. Carlisle... Is it your intention that we should become something other than coworkers... and friends?" So much for his plan on distracting the other with work. Well it wasn't too late for that, if of course the rather direct question didn't put the other off entirely. Still Christof remained calm, there was no accusation in his tone, or irritation, and yet there also was no excitement or hope. He was an attractive man, but Christof had encountered pretty people before, it hardly made them more tolerable.

Nitro was paying little mind to the words of the humans. So long as his Christof didn't sound troubled, he would let his trainer handle the hormonal man that seemed determined to to get his human to 'lift his tail for him'. Speaking of the lifting of tails, there was the feel of that Vulpix's fur brushing against his own again. The warmth of that fur didn't surprise him, Chris' Flareons gave off the same sort of heat that fire types often seemed to kick off, still it wasn't unpleasant. Not, of course, that Nitro was going to give Loki that satisfaction of knowing that he found the touch pleasant.

"Thoughtful of him", he offers without obvious signs of praising this other human. Still, he wouldn't insult the Vulpix's trainer unduly. "Though... I am surprised you are here. I would have thought you would prefer to 'play' with the Eevees." A bit unfair, they really did play quite a bit, as the word was usually meant. Still, despite the still gruff tones, he didn't mean it as insult. It would be a silly thing for a pokèmon to insult someone over that sort of thing after all.

[Blaine Carlisle]

Well, the fact that it had taken Christof this long to figure out Blaine's hopeful 'end game' caused the slightly larger instructor to chuckle - the grin curving his lips easy, and perhaps warmer than it should have been given the fact that the other seemed so unapologetic for his naughtiness in avoiding him. "Eventually...yes." The former entertainer admitted openly, not seeing the point of hiding his intentions. Especially not in the face of such a direct question. Perhaps he could have gone on to say more...but then that wold be giving too much away, and Blaine was skilled enough to know that this man, well, this man required patience. Patience, time, and effort, all of which Blaine was more than willing to put into this. After all, hadn't he been effectively chasing the German for nearly a year? He hadn't given up yet, and it wasn't likely he would do so any time soon, so he thought the finality of that statement would make it clear that Christof needed to get used to the idea.

"So, I was thinking that maybe we could head off that way towards the river. I've spent a lot of time exploring out here on my own...well as on my own as I can get when I've got my team with me that is...and I have to say that it's a gorgeous spot. Peaceful. Relatively secluded." Blaine paused, eyes squinting slightly off into the distance, his gaze turned in the general direction of said river. "I have a mess kit with me too...nothing fancy but good enough to cook over a fire with if we decide not to eat the food cold...." His voice trailed off, attention briefly drifting on to Loki - the vulpix clearly working at trying to charm the Jolteon by running a little up ahead of him and then flicking a few tails lightly up beneath the other pokemon's chin while peering coyly back over at his shoulder. 

" I'd think it was obvious why /I'm/ here...wouldn't you? " The vulpix offered to Nitro in distinctly coy tones as he paused long enough to once again fall back into step beside him. Blaine watched all of this with a look of fond, indulgence...the vulpix's words registering in his ears as faint growls and murrs, and slowly he shook his head. His youngest sister would no doubt have a word or two to say about their seeming mutual pursuit of two that were so similar, the thought of such making him chuckle absently some more as he waited for Christof's answer in regards to where they would eat. 

---

Word Count: 440
Tags: Chris
Notes: Vulpix(Loki)

[Christof Drescher]

Note: Christoff, and Nitro (Jolteon )

---

Perhaps he should have said or done something to dissuade the other man. However, Christof merely continued on, not offering any decisive reaction to the other man admitting his interest. He wasn't opposed to the idea of becoming involved with another person theoretically, it just never seemed like something that would work out well to him. Well there wasn't any real reason to be concerned. After all, it wasn't as though anything had happened between them that such a failure would be troubling. His mind was free to consider the matter of where they would sit to eat.

"I'm sure it will suit", he offers after thinking it over. After all, he was certain he would be content wherever the other had in mind. It was, after all, in the forest, or outside at the very least. His own gaze did follow the direction that the other trainer's had gone. He wasn't particularly surprised by the Vulpix interest, high drives did seem to coincide with pokèmon species that didn't tend to have even gender dispersion, such as Vulpix who tended towards female offspring, and Eevees who tended towards male. At least, that had been his experience in observing, it wasn't always the case, but there were plenty of reasons it made sense for it to be prevalent. It also seemed that usually high drives, especially when combined with tenancies towards living in social groups tended to promote a more open view on potential partners... At least he didn't have to worry about Nitro ... or Loki being in heat.

The Jolteon, for his part, was paying very little mind to the Vulpix's displayes. Though, there were a few moments where his gaze would slip down to study the smaller pokèmon. Such things were kept brief though, as the electric type was not interested in encouraging the smaller pokèmon. Still, even with his determination not to pay the other any more mind to his antics then was necessary, as Loki spoke in regards to his reasons, Nitro's gaze did settle on the red furred fox, studying him briefly, and in a manner he did not want to use. Loki was full enough of himself as is, and besides, quite clearly his interests would never see fruition... right?

[Blaine Carlisle]

The other's acceptance was noted and after another little glance was sent Loki's way, Blaine merely continued his easy pace in the general direction of where he knew the river lay. He wasn't often one to fill silence with inane chatter, and was in fact quite comfortable just enjoying the simple pleasure of being near the other brought him. What was even nicer was how, occasionally, their shoulders or arms brushed and he could get teasing little tastes of the warmth that lingered beneath the German's windbreaker.

Now Blaine was not a highly sexed individual, at least not in so far as he could tell. While on the road, well, there had been more than one man that had graced his bed - even if only temporarily - but the number was not so excessive that the term 'man-whore' could possibly be applied. He'd made sure to tend to his needs and keep himself satisfied and that was that. However, his year here...well, it had been a celibate one. Not that such a thing bothered him as sexual encounters really were not the driving force behind his life, but if his mind occasionally wandered off into areas a bit more heated than were likely entirely appropriate in regards to the very attractive German he was walking with, well, he was sure no one could blame him. Thinking, though, was really all he planned to do about it for at least a little while as he found he actually enjoyed the anticipation of such a thing. 

Quite unlike his trainer, however, Loki had no qualms about making his desires immediately known...nor did he have any issues in recognizing when such interest was returned. It wasn't that he was an egostical vulpix, of course...but rather he was entirely aware of the fact that, as far as his particular species went, he was considered to be very handsome indeed. So when he fell back into step beside the equally as attractive jolteon, he did purposely move in closer so the fur along the side of his body would run through Nitro's. A faint static shock could be felt, and made Loki grin and then, of all things, move in closer so he could try to nip playfully at the other's shoulder. 

Other than that, though, the companionable silence would continue - Blaine stealing little glances at his companion when he could and then just smiling absently to himself as he pondered on whatever his mind was wont to ponder on and Loki just generally doing all he could to make himself more attractive for the larger jolteon he was keeping company with. If neither chose to broke that silence themselves, then it was likely it would continue all the way up until they finally reached the spot Blaine had in mind for their picnic. And surely it was a lovely spot indeed - the sounds of the river trickling down over what rocks broke it apart only adding to the serenity of the relatively secluded picnic spot. 

"I think this'll suit nicely. Certainly I couldn't think of a better spot to start getting to know you better." And was that warm smile just a bit teasing? Perhaps. After all, he'd only been trying to get Chris to a spot such as this for what seemed like forever, so Blaine felt he'd earned the right to tease a little. Even if only with expressions. The pack was the first thing to come off of his back, the blanket rolled up on top quickly removed and then settled down easily on a soft patch of grass that was near enough to the river to still be able to watch the water.

Once the blanket was set up, Blaine would fall to his knees and start unpacking the food. Two thermoses came out, a few containers...it wasn't fancy, but it was certainly substantial enough to feed those present. The mess kit came next, his gaze already looking for an appropriate place to start a fire so they might heat up what needed heating up. "I think over there would be a good place. There are rocks by the river's edge that are dry enough to set up a fire if we think we need to." He turned to Chris, quirking a brow. "Might be nice to have something to cuddle up next to anyway, mmm?" And with this, he did drop an incorrigible wink, a thing that couldn't be helped as it was such an obviously flirtatious thing to say.

---

Word Count: 762
Tags: Chris ^_^
Notes: Vulpix (Loki)

[Christof Drescher]

Note: Christof and Nitro (Jolteon)

---

The previously light, just barely felt brush of fur against fur was nothing compared to the new tactic the Vulpix used. Why, he was nearly nuzzling up against his side. The static charge, passed subtly along the disturbed fur light from the lack of aggression between them, but no less felt by the Jolteon. Then there was that bold nip, a nip that could have been met with a rough, and rejecting shoulder, or a warning growl. That was precisely what his response should have been offered to the pushy little male. However, Nitro found himself returning that pressure against the Vulpix side, brushing fur against fur as they walked. It was brief, and the Jolteon was left to wonder what madness was coming over him for actually encouraging the other... but there was no denying it had occurred. Nitro was, after all a pokèmon, he didn't have quite the same knack for allowing analytic thought to get in the way of these sorts of things.

Still, silence was not broken as the four walked; something that actually pleased Christof. He didn't care to go on about nothing, or to be forced to respond to someone else going on about nothing. This companionable silence amidst industry was pleasing to Christof, as for him, Mr. Carlisle and himself were no where near the point that chatter was even remotely appropriate.

"May I help?", asked the German, not yet lowering himself to the ground. Yet again, he had chosen not to respond to the other's obvious flirtations, but there wasn't a cold, displeased air to his withholding of response. No, the slight sense of exasperation he might give off was of a more, familiar feel then one who would rather this man just drop of the face of the Earth and let him be. It wasn't really so surprising, even if Christof himself had been aware of his disposition, he would have stated it was only natural. After all, even if he had been avoiding socializing with the other man all this time, the fact was they had been 'around' one another for over a year. They shared the same profession, and 'territory' if one were to put it that way. Whether Christof would admit to liking it or not, Blaine was already, in some ways, a part of his life.

[Blaine Carlisle]

The sound that Loki made at having his attentions returned, even if only subtly, was clearly one of pleasure - the vulpix's eyes giving the impression of lashes lowering coyly. " I wonder what other parts of you might produce that sensation..." Loki couldn't help but murmur impishly, his attention fixed for the moment on the Jolteon before arching forward to again brush the side of his body in along the other's side, arching a bit into it to prolong the contact as they walked. Not that the walking would be done for much longer as soon enough his trainer had stopped. 


It was then that Loki's tails began to swish in a more joyous than flirtatious way, the smaller pokemon clearly enjoying the jaunts that his trainer was thoughtful enough to include him in. He knew it would actually have been Blaine's preference to have the whole team present, but no...it was too cold for some to be out of more controlled heat, and Pele needed to stay and make sure that they stayed safe. Affectionately, he leapt at Blaine's ankles, tugging playfully at the bottom of a pant leg and offering a little rumble, back arched in such a way as to cause his tails to wave high in the air. 


"I know, I know. You like me." Blaine said fondly, chuckling at Loki's antics before reaching into his pocket to pull out a couple of strips of the bouffalant jerky he preferred to offer as a treat and handed it downwards, watching as Loki accepted it happily and then went about 'hiding' it for later. After a glance to Chris, clearly seeking his approval, Blaine would offer a piece to Nitro as well, if it seemed to be acceptable to do so of course. Not that he expected the jolteon to take it as it had been made clear from the get go that Blaine was not one to be trusted. And really, that was fine, as Blaine did not mind having to earn things like that from anyone. Either way, if it was okay for him to offer it and Nitro didn't take it, Blaine would just smile a bit and then hand it over to Christof himself to see if maybe Nitro would take it from him. 


Once the matter of treating was settled, Blaine would stand, dusting the front of his pants off and glance down at Chris, a brow arching at the other's offer of help. "Sure. I have more food in the pack that needs to be set out and some forks and plates and things. All reusable." He grinned, motioning to said pack. "If you want to take care of that...I'll go set up a fire pit for us, mmm? " And with that, he was off - headed towards the river's edge in search of those aforementioned rocks. 


Meanwhile, Loki returned from 'hiding' his treat, paws having dug up just enough earth to cover it for eating after his meal was consumed, and came trotting back into the fray. His ears twitched a bit at hearing the term fire pit, and after a moment, he turned to gently grip some of Nitro's fur in his teeth to offer it a light tug. "Come help me find wood for the fire?" He asked, head canted to the side in hopeful inquisition. "With two of us it won't take as long, and then maybe we'll have time to see if we can't bring something to table food wise as well." Loki was fond of hunting, the lifestyle he and his team had lead often having them do just that - as more often than not Blaine and his human family had lived off the land rather than off of the shops in whatever town they parked their caravan near. Hunting though wasn't precisely what Loki had in mind, the vulpix turning to eye the river with a rather pleasant anticipation. The river, he knew, was teeming with life and all they'd need to do was to stretch paws down and snatch up a fish or two that Blaine could roast over the fire they'd make. Though, with Jolteon being an electric-type maybe water wasn't such a good idea...

---

Word Count: 711  
Tags: Chris
Notes: Vulpix(Loki)

[Christof Drescher]

The sound the Vulpix made stirred something in Nitro, but then the other spoke, and he offered a soft huff. Still, he didn't move away as the Vulpix pressed back into him. He didn't care to admit that the feel of the Vulpix's warm body so close to his own was pleasant. He could just say it was the warmth, after all, fire types were especially warm, who wouldn't enjoy being close to one, especially on a mildly chilly day? Not that the chill really bothered him, but still it was cozy, and that was all he would admit to if one were ever to ask. Still, Nitro was aware that there was more than just that which factored in to that time shared between them. It was both a relief, and a bit of a disappointment when the other left, but he hardly took the matter personally, as he watched Loki interact with his trainer.

Nitro's weren't the only set of eyes that were watching the pair. Christof also took an interest in how things proceeded between Loki and Blaine. True, he had seen the pair often enough in the past year, but it was, perhaps with new consideration that he observed them now. It wasn't that he was interested in the other now per say. Just because his coworker had admitted to having 'more' in mind for the two of them, didn't mean that all of a sudden something was going to come of this. Still, if the other had such things in mind, it wouldn't hurt for him to keep an eye out for certain determining factors in any possibility of him ever considering the slightly larger male in such a way. Of course, he wasn't particularly surprised by anything, he already was aware of Blaine's disposition towards pokèmon. When the other looked to him for permission to offer Nitro a treat, he did incline his head in permission, and kept a straight, non-judgmental face as Nitro, not even bothering to smell the treat, leveled a steady glares on the other.

Really, that man had to be out of his mind, or so that was the Jolteon's thought. Like he would be won over with a bit of jerky... even if it did smell wonderful. No, this man, he was to be watched very closely, he might hurt his Christof, and that quite simply was not acceptable. So it was that the treat was given to his trainer, and Nitro, did accept it from the proper human. Though once he had the treat, he folded his ears back just a bit, not entirely sure what he wanted to do with the thing. So, he lifted his head a bit and trotted around with it for a bit, before laying down to settle it between his paws and enjoy it, but then lays his ears back and sets his head over it instead, not quite sure what he intends to do with his treat. Usually when he got treats, he wasn't also needed to keep an eye on things. Finally Loki returned to tug on his fur and he rose, but picked up his treat again and took it back to his Christof. Christof, for his part had noticed the Jolteon's odd behavior, and took the treat to settle it somewhere safe for later. Clearly for whatever odd reason, Nitro was troubled by the need to deal with his prize himself.

Once that was taken care of, and Nitro was also sure that Christof was content with working at getting things ready as the other guy had asked, Nitro followed after Loki.

"What did you have in mind... for food?", asked the Jolteon, a bit more calmly. After all, they were busy and Blaine was doing something. There were also no Eevees to wrangle or look after. All in all it was a fairly easy time for Nitro, and gathering wood and food were things he knew a great deal about.

[Blaine Carlisle]

That glare...well, it didn't surprise him. Not even in the slightest, so rather than offer any judgement on it, he just grinned a little and then handed the treat over to Christof. " Maybe someday he'll decide I'm all right. " Blaine said quietly, voice rich with good humor about it as really, he couldn't blame Nitro for having his reservations. He was just being protective of his trainer, and Blaine had to say that he approved - even if his approval wasn't required or likely to be welcome. 


Once the matter of the treat had been dealt with, he'd go off to do just as he said...a few moments taken to dig out the rocks required for setting up the pit and lugging it off to the side of where their picnic was set up. He wanted to be able to feel the fire's warmth while they sat and ate, so neither of them would feel particularly rushed to leave. After all, when one was as slippery as the German was...well, he needed to milk what time together he was going to be allowed for all it was worth.


Loki had already found a suitable spot, the pokemon and trainer seemingly in like mind as his paws finished their work - digging up the grasses and kicking the clumps aside to make a more flame-ready surface. It was true that their entire lives hadn't been lived out among the wildernesses, but neither of them were unfamiliar with living off of the land as certainly they'd done it enough in the past. At Nitro's approach, the vulpix gave the last clump a kick with his back paw before easily stepping over the rocks that his trainer was starting to place in a ring, watching a moment as Blaine's hands worked to dig the rocks into the dirt a little. 


"I dunno, maybe we could see if there's a lopunny hanging around that we could roast. Or something smaller. I was thinking of snagging a few fish but..." Loki grinned as his voice trailed off perhaps a bit tellingly, pausing a moment to sit and groom a bit of the fur on his chest - the fur a bit mussed from his earlier exertions. " Too bad we're not tall enough to see if we can't steal some combee honey though. I've seen a few hives that looked like they could certainly do to have some removed." He absently smacked his lips, leaping back to all fours and striding so he was closer to the jolteon, nuzzling the side of his face in against the other's flank before moving forward. 


Their first task, though, was wood. Kindling and of course actual fodder. So Loki kept his eyes peeled, finding a few small sticks that would suit and scooping them carefully up with his mouth before trotting back over to where the firepit was being worked on, dropping his findings proudly before heading off to find more. With the two of them, this would go by quicker - though perhaps not as fast as if they had others too. Still, it was nice to get to spend time with just Blaine. And just Nitro too. 


Meanwhile, Blaine finished up his work, absently brushing the dirt off his hands on the legs of his jeans, stepping back to survey his work. "There, this way...well, if I ever get you out here again, we won't have to build one. It's pretty sturdy I think." He gave the rocks a little nudge with his foot, and then nodded once in satisfaction as he noted them not budging. Another grin formed on his lips, this time for Loki as he watched the little vulpix work to do his share - a thing that was routine for them both during their time on the road. It didn't surprise him to see Nitro doing the same either. After all, he was sure Christof encouraged his pokemon to maintain their sense of self-worth by being industrious. 

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Word Count: 671
Tags: Chris
Notes: Vulpix(Loki)

[Christof Drescher]

Christof did feel  a bit uneasy with the uneven way the work had been divided, bu then, this was not a typical scenario at all.  Well, perhaps next time he would make the way of things clear to his coworker... What was he thinking?... 'next time' indeed.  With a sniff he set about finishing up his task, which didn't take long at all, before standing and turning his attention back to the other man, who seemed to a good grasp on the building of a fire pit.   Still, that did not stop the German from almost pointedly joining the other in moving the dug up rocks, silent about the whole thing.  Pointed though his involvement started out as, Christof easily settled into the work at hand, silent as they worked, but pleased enough for the quiet. 


Nitro's ears folded back just a bit as Loki spoke of wanting to fetch some Combee honey. For a moment, he was quiet, following the other to a likely place to find decent wood.  After  a while, the Jolteon made up his mind.  That didn't stop him from sniffing some, not about to let this Vulpix think he had gone all soft on him just like that. 


"... There is no reason not to get fish... as for the honey, if that is what you want, then it shouldn't be a problem getting some"  His gaze slipped over to the other pokèmon after his somewhat gruff words, studying the Vulpix thoughtfully as he considered matters.  He usually had a different set of pokèmon to work with, but that shouldn't make a difference.  He was certain he remembered enough about Vulpix to adapt the technique Christof had taught his pokèmon for just such an occasion, likely Blaine also had taught his pokèmon this sort of thing, if he had ones that had the right sort of attacks... what were his other pokèmon again?  "When you're ready just me there... you do know *Roar* don't you?"   Better to be sure after all, he was certain he had encountered a Vulpix who had used the move, but had it been taught or did Vulpix know that sort of move on their own Nitro couldn't be sure. 


Regardless, while waiting for the Vulpix to get the chance to answer, he likewise gathered up wood between his teeth.  Wood gathering was often a job for Shattenblitz as he was the largest of Chris' Pokèmon, but that didn't mean that the smaller Jolteon couldn't handle himself. Certainly he wasn't going to let Loki see him slacking... not that he cared what the other thought of his work ethic. Of course he didn't!

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Word Count: 455
Tags: Blaine, Loki, Open, Stake Claim
Notes: Christof and Nitro (Jolteon)  

[Blaine Carlisle]

He couldn't help but smile a bit as the other man made it a point to not just do the single task that Blaine had set out for him, but then to go one step further and assist with the actual building of the fire pit. Still, he he felt no qualms in working side by side with a man as capable as Christof obviously was. Besides, it was...nice, and perhaps almost surprisingly easy to fall into a rather natural rhythm of worh when one considered how very little he knew of Christof. 


"Thank you." He said somewhat softly, pausing a moment to reach out and brush finger tips lightly against the other man's arm or hand - whichever he could reach - and likely only achieving it if Christof didn't decide to move that hand or arm out of his way. If his fingers did make contact, they'd linger where they were for a few moments, the both savoring that simple contact and allowing the warmth from his skin to reach the other at least a little bit. " For helping set things up and...well, for not telling me to go hell for arranging this." He paused, letthing his words sink in before moving to let his hand drop back down by his side. "I know it was terribly high-handed of me, but it turns out...you are unexpectedly talented at avoiding me. I felt that at this point some drastic measures needed to be taken." He chuckled, the sound warm and unoffended even as he moved to try to playfully nudge an elbow into the other's side. It was an easy gesture, one that said quite clearly that the other's antics hadn't bothered him or upset him. Even his words were teasingly offered, as Blaine really didn't mind playing this game of chase they had going between them. Even if he was the only one doing the active chasing.

Loki only continued to observe just long enough to see whatever Nitro's trainer's reaction to all that might have been, either way likely to find amusement from it. That Blaine, he was a charming devil when he wanted to be, that was for sure...even if this time it was somehow different. Like it was more than just the brief lifting of tails that it usually had been. Not that Loki thought there was anything wrong with having a little fun of course...but it really was nice to see Blaine this way.

There was a brief moment of worry though, worry that was of course for the human he held so dear, and it rather tellingly furrowed his features into a concerned frown as he nudged the rest of their findings in regards to kindling and tinder for their fire towards the the two trainers. For a moment, he thought to ask Nitro about it...to see if he could get any insight as to whether or not the jolteon's Christof would ever be likely to treat Blaine with anything more than the mild stand offishness he seemed to employ to keep most people at bay. But then he remembered that Nitro wasn't exactly fond of his Blaine...that for some reason that the vulpix couldn't put a paw on, he just seemed to think Blaine was up to no good.


So rather than ask, Loki sighed and then physically shook off the weight of that concern - the motion of his body causing the fur from the top of his head to the tip of those tails that people couldn't seem to stop themselves from playing with to puff out just a bit, and then to lay flat again. The frown of concern was gone, his expression brightening quickly enough at the other's suggestion of grabbing that honey...though he did have to avert his gaze for a moment as he wasn't sure if Nitro would still want to get the honey if he knew it wasn't for him. But for Blaine instead. Blaine, he knew, had a fondness for the stuff - not that Loki could see it as he didn't much care for sweets anyway. And since Blaine was nice enough to give him treats and tasty things all the time, well, sometimes he liked to try and give his Blaine the same sorts of things.


"I dunno...maybe we should just get the fish." Loki said somewhat begrudgingly, even if the idea of working together to bring the two humans something nice was really quite pleasant. "I don't want to put you out or anything, and besides...the honey's not for me. It'd be for Blaine." He admitted, a single paw lifting to almost shyly paw at the dirt. Then an idea came to him, and once again he brightened, peering up at the jolteon in an obviously hopeful manner. "Hey! Does your Christof like the honey too? If he does, then maybe we will get some! For both of them. And that way you don't have to get it for someone you don't like."  

 

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Word Count: 845 (seriously? wow)
Tags: Chris, Nitro - Claim is being staked >w<
Notes: Blaine and Loki(Vulpix) present! * salute*

[Christof Drescher]

A non-committal 'mmm' sound was all that acknowledged the other's thanks.  Truthfully it made Christof a bit uneasy to be so thanked, he had only done what had needed to be done, and was proper for him to do so. Still, it was nothing to get to worked up about, really, but then the other kept talking.  So, Christof paused in his industry to give the other his full attention.

 He wasn't really sure how to respond to all that. It was true, he had, in a way been avoiding the other, but to Christof it really hadn't been personal. He tended to avoid a social life with other people regardless of who they were.  He had little patience for the average person, and they, in turn, sometimes made him feel ill at ease, not surprising, he had headed off at a young age and had kept himself and his pokèmon tucked away in the wilds.  Facts were, the instructor was more comfortable facing a stampeding herd of Tauros then navigating hallways full of human teens.  He had gotten better about it over the past couple years, but not all that much, since he only dealt with it when he had to. 

"It hardly seemed right, not to reward such tenacity and adaptive tactics", he finally offered, wasting no time worrying about if he had said the right thing after he had spoken.  He had carefully weighed his options before saying anything, so now he was committed to his choice. Movement caught his eye as Loki neared, Nitro not far behind. 


"You both seem skilled at this sort of living", Christof commented absently. He did know a little about the other's past, officially his previous 'professions' were listed, but that didn't really do justice to describing the other's life, and Christof, well he really hadn't been exposed to entertainers enough to have a good measure of what their lives were like, aside from their work.  Besides, this would allow the other to fall into speaking, and perhaps he wouldn't have to say much. 

As Nitro brought his share of the gatherings, he stayed back a bit.  If he ventured to close, likely it would be difficult for him to leave Christof's side again.  He wasn't used to having to deal with someone around that was making -his- Christof uncomfortable while he went off on a gathering and hunting sort of expedition.  It was a bit disconcerting; he did, however, continue about his business. It was what he knew Christof would prefer over him hovering. When Loki began to speak, his ears twitched a bit at the other's seemingly hesitant tone. It wasn't like the Vulpix to seem unsure, at least not from anything he'd ever seen. The reason for it though became a bit clearer as the other spoke. 


"Christof likes honey well enough", he offers before directing a disapproving sniff at the other pokèmon. "As for your trainer, well... I had offered to help you get the honey, and that is what I intend to do, regardless of who it is for.  It isn't like he can prove I was involved anyway."  He offers a bit sternly, but he didn't sound angry, not really. So after a pause the Jolteon did continue in a softer tone. "What did you want to get first? " 

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Word Count: 564
Tags: Blaine, Loki, Outdoor Domestics 101, Fourlegged Lumberjacks
Notes: Christof, Nitro (Jolteon)