-As the world turns- {Cain}

[Mercy``]

{{I bet all I had on a thing called love
I guess in the end, it wasn't enough
And it's hard to watch you leave right now
I'm gonna have to learn to let you go somehow}}

Selene

Paws pressing against the slick water covered concrete, head held high with a look of purpose. There wasn't much else in her life she could do except for keeping herself alive and acting with pride. This city was damned and so was every dog in it but she didn't care. She would live the life she was given because there was nothing else to ask for. Love was meaningless, friendship was worthless, but kindness; that was something she knew would last a long time. So instead of being selfish and having stayed in the nice hideout she had found near the outskirts of town, the fae had given it to a new mother with four pups and in need of a place to sleep. They could call her heartless, judge her for being so happy with herself but that was their problem. They were talking about her life and that meant they knew her name. If they didn't think she was worth anything then why even comment on the way she lived?

Hope had left her heart a long time ago. The world was cold and she knew it but she kept on living. If she had a say in anything, she would keep walking these streets like she owned the place until someone brought her down. No, they didn't know her. Instead of hearing her story, they only made up one of their own. Filling in the holes that made up her past. The truth was that she kept a smile on her face and a caring attitude toward the meanest dogs because the feeling of loneliness was something she knew well. For those who did get to know her, they felt sorry for her. Sorry that such a sweet dog had been wasted on such a past. No she hadn't been hurt, hadn't been broken or beaten like some dogs but she had been abandoned. Maybe it was her fault for trusting a brute she barely knew but she didn't regret it.

Going back to the show world would be like murder for her. The lights, the camera, and the action. It was all too Hollywood for her, and she didn't want to deal with it. No, she was just a run away fame filled actress that had given up on the big screen. Her name would never be forgotten, her master would never be lost, and her family would forever be called the kings and queens of the show ring. They were the best of the breed, but she had failed them. Failed them by falling in a foolish state of love. She couldn't take it back though, the words were already written in permanent marker. The color had bleed into her heart though, the words staining her past into her mind and soul. Jude had left her, left her without an answer or a story. How had she ever believed that he would return for her? She wasn't anything special, no she was just another pretty face among the world.

Glancing up and around at the area before her, the white shepherdess found herself near a small playground. The grey canvas sky above called for rain which ultimately scared off any human child or parent that might want to use the man made object for entertainment. It was odd how small things brought such an interest to their minds, but then again they were humans. Maybe their intelligence levels weren't as great as the canines but then again maybe they were. She had been fond of her handler despite her owners relative dislike to getting too close to what he saw as a piece of property. She was a tool to get what he wanted, only an object that got used until it ran dry. That was what Jude had told her anyway, but was he right? Selene hadn't ever really thought bad of someone before even if they had hurt her, she couldn't even think bad of the brute who had ripped her heart out. No, he had helped her by giving her freedom.

Intelligent silver eyes glistened as they spotted a nice row of trees with several park benches set in an unusual pattern. Although it would be bad to sleep out in the weather especially with the smell of rain in the air, the fae put up no protest to a place to stay for a short while. Padding up to the wooden objects, she took a small leap and landed on the right side of a single bench. Feeling the cool feel of water, the fae remembered it had rained earlier but only in a small shower. Ignoring the shiver that ran down her spine as she laid down against the wood, the shepherd sighed heavily and closed her eyes for a moment. The world around her was silent but only because night would be settling in soon enough. The sunset had yet to occur but the sun had disappeared behind a cloud several hours ago. When it came time, the moon would light her way to a better place to stay.

[Delph]

Cain couldn’t tell you why he was loping alongside a car that day. Then again, he couldn’t tell you why the car was going at his pace either. Maybe they thought it was funny such a handsome stray brute would bother to follow the creaky vehicle they possessed, but he didn’t really think much of it. He just bent down every once in awhile and picked up a piece of deer jerky they dropped on the old abandoned road. Most dogs would be scared of following humans anywhere, but Cain didn’t mind. He had already lived through hell once, if they brought him back it would make no difference. Besides, he could teleport out anyway. That was probably the most peculiar thing about the brute. He could think of a place, and instantly find that his paws were disappearing and his very body was being transported through a series of molecules to a new location. Hell, he could teleport to Miami if he saw a picture. Not that he would, he had a big reason to stay around Harthorn. He guessed it was just sad hope that kept him grounded in the very place he was at, or it was the fact that a very beautiful midnight Shepherdess occupied the damned town. Either way Harthorn was his place to stay, there was no denying that. Faintly, his memory seemed to trigger something when her name wafted into the empty void his heart had created. Detox. He could still remember her soft breath tickling the back of his neck, and those beautiful violet eyes she swore she was cursed with. Cain would call them anything, but a curse. He remembered her sweet, yet seductive voice that drove his mind crazy when he thought of the possibilities of the duo being together, and much to Cain’s surprise. His mind had used the word forever, but once again. Cain was a mother fucker who had to mess up everything beautiful and special in his life.

Finally deciding the damned humans could seek entertainment elsewhere, the brute followed his instincts and wheeled around, slowly heading in the other direction. Letting the dirt from the road accumulate on the white of his paws, he gently dragged his legs along the side of the road. Watching as the few cars that traveled by pointed when they saw the handsome Shepherd. Shaking his head and picking up his speed, he let the wind blow back the fur on his pelt and letting his mind drift once again. He imagined all the faes he had been with, and that just made him hate himself even more. What gave him the right to treat them like that? Then he let the lust filled side of his brain speak. Well, they wanted it as much as me. Still, you didn’t have to tell them you loved them, and then leave without a word. You don’t have to be an ass either. It’s just your conscience talking. Well, I’m not. I’m just saying. What’s so bad about starting up a long term relationship? Because I couldn’t even do that for Detox, and dude, I was in love with her. That is true, but this way you can have all the sex you want with a single fae. Therefore getting rid of the term called ‘man whore.’ I hate you right now. For sure.

Shaking his head and imagining two mini Cain’s seated on his shoulders. The brute picked up his speed to attempt to shake off the voices in his head. He was starting to think the time in the lab was making him go insane, but of course he couldn’t exactly prove that. After all, he was the snake with blue eyes and being that, no normal dog in their right mind would want to talk to him. Well, any male dog that is. Females tended to be all over him, but he didn’t want to go into that one for now. Letting his pretty blue eyes scan the area before him, he let his eyes rest upon the park. The perfect place to be. Picking up his speed, he started to sprint towards the green area. Pushing past humans and their pets he headed straight towards the pond. The pond was located in the center of the area, and it looked better then ever in the late summer, early autumn wind. Now sprinting, he watched as the blue water reflected the color of his eyes, and taking one last look before he spread his legs and jumped. He let himself hover in the air for a moment before he did a nose dive into the water off the side of a rock. Suddenly, he submerged into the frothy liquid. Letting it bob over his head as he broke to the surface. Letting a genuine laugh disrupt his cool composure, he paddled towards the shore. Resting his paws on the sand and shaking out his shining pelt, only to realize any fae in the place around him had their eyes all over him. Smiling broadly, he spotted a place to rest in the sun. A thicket of trees surrounding a park bench. Making his way over, he was pleasantly surprised to see a fae rested underneath the wood. Lying down, he let his blue eyed gaze meet hers. “Hey doll, how’s it going?”

[Mercy``]

Head resting on her front paws, the white shepherdess gave a soft sigh and rolled onto her back. Feeling the wet oak bench beneath her, the fae sighed heavily in the loss of comfort. Why did humans have to make everything so unpleasant? Staring aimlessly up into the canopy of fall colored leaves above, the fae barely noticed as a soft melodic voice reached her ears. Turning her gaze towards the lake, silver rimmed eyes brightened at the sight of another canine. A merle colored brute sauntered towards the fae, his expression showing the mischief on his mind. The words he called out to her showed his attitude, and told her that he was just another player in the city. How many could really be in one place? "I'll be fine just as long as I find a place before it rains. Names Selene by the way and last time I checked, I don't look like much of a doll." Rolling onto all fours, the fae slid off the bench and onto the slick concrete sidewalk.

"So what are you doing around here?" Giving her thick pelt a good shake, the shepherd femme flashed a faint smile before turning to face him. His coat was unique, an array of colors swirling in beautiful patterns. Intelligent blue eyes lit his face, taking all focus into those bright pools of water. Somehow it reminded her of Jude, both brutes sharing the same handsome figure and stature. Despite the obvious size difference along with total opposite breeds, the fae couldn't help but want to walk away from the past that now stared straight at her. "I'm surprised you don't have a mate and pups to go home to." Blurting out her thoughts, the shepherdess couldn't help but allow a blush to find it's way to her face. Giving a nervous glance towards the brute, Selene wondered why the thought had occurred to her.

Sure it wasn't odd for strays in the city to start families but brutes with a player attitude, rarely ever stuck around. That she had learned from living in Harthorn for only a mere year. It was true, she was a house pet and a good one at that. She still missed the warmth of a heated house, the sound of tags as they jingled on a collar, and the fact that she had no worries when it came to her basic needs. A bed had always been provided, food ready for her at every minute of the day, and problems seemed nonexistent. Most dogs would say she was crazy for not wanting to go back to it but they didn't know what it felt like. The show ring was a place to be exploited, a place to be humiliated. She didn't want that, she wanted the chance of an adventure around every corner. That was what life was about, right? Smiling at the brute for a moment the fae gave a quick nod before jumping back onto the wet bench.

[Delph]

Cain gazed at the femme with his deep blue eyes set in a calm gaze. The scent of the lake still lingered on his pelt and no doubt sent wafts of the tangy scent to the Fae’s nose, but then again. The lake had sort of a earthy smell to it, and being a big tree hugger, Cain was all for that. The truth was Cain wasn’t as bad as everyone thought. Sure, he slept around, sure he pretty much made himself a brutish prostitute around Harthorn, without actually getting the cash, but he really didn’t give a damn in the world. He had absolutely nothing to live for. Absolutely nothing to call his own. Why she he care like he had it all together when obviously he was nothing but a broken idiot who wandered alone during the day? If anything it was just proof of his selfish attitude in him holding a conversation like the Fae in front of him. What gave him the right to even look at her as anything more then another dog? What gave him the right to imagine all the places the two could be together, if you know where his mind was wandering. What gave him the hell bent right to stalk pretty Fae’s like a cat stalks a mouse? They were nothing to him, easily breakable, and yet he never found pleasure in just playing, and then leaving them to suffer. Where was the bottom line? When was it to end?

Looking up to the femme’s pretty gaze, he assessed her bodice. Pretty intelligent eyes stared back at him, and he couldn’t help but notice the honesty behind him. That had never been something Cain was born with. It seemed as though he was cursed with a Casanova’s eyes. Maybe it would be better if he gouged his eyes out, but then again. You didn’t have to have sight to touch a feel. Chuckling to himself at his internal conversation, the brute let his eyes wander across her body. She was quite the stunner, but then again. Nothing could compare to Detox’s sort of beauty. It seemed as though she possessed the opposite characteristics. Friendly right off the bat, white fur that dulled in the moonlight, but no doubt stood out in the sun. Beautiful dark eyes, and a stronger built. With legs thicker, and meant for work and show. She had the types of legs that went on for days, but Cain tried not to dwell on that fact much. Detox seemed to be more of a one of the kind type of doll. Her midnight pelt, those sexy violet eyes. Wings that tickled your skin and made your mind drool. Detox had the seductive charm, the femme in front of him was the simple and sweet type. Eye candy yes, but not the type that made him want to stick around for awhile.

Listening to her response to his earlier statement. The brute’s maw tipped up in his classic crooked smile. Normally that type of thing drove Fae’s mad, but in one case he was proved wrong, and he immediately wondered if it would work on Selene too. Shaking his head, he regained his composure, and leaned up against the bench. “Dolls is a term I use for pretty gals, such as yourself. Dime of dozen my dear.” The brute paused, and then let his fiery blue eyes twinkle. “Selene’s a pretty name, but don’t cha think it’s a little to innocent for a gal such as yourself?” Turning a few steps away and letting his back face towards the femme. He let his mind wander, and he couldn’t help but find his heart swelling in his own chest.

He remembered the laying with Detox. He remembered her soft wings caressing his form. How her pretty violet eyes were closed to the world, and how his single paw laid draped across her bodice. Protecting her from anything that could cause her harm, when in all reality he was probably the one who needed protecting. More from himself, but that was okay. They had been almost like a couple then. A strange and erratic duo that loved to get under each other’s skins and mess with each others heads. They both had wanted to deny it so badly that their was any romantic intentions between the two, but in reality everyone could see it, but them. They were crazy, and in Cain’s mind the perfect two to spend their time together. Detox with her sarcastic, but somewhat caring statements and Cain’s watchful eyes and silent heartache that came him running back to her every time. In the end that happened to be his fatal flaw. He had to leave. He knew she would never understand, but he couldn’t let her heart break anymore. He couldn’t show his presence in her life and watch as the pain plagued in her pretty face. He promised her he would be back, and some day he would. He just needed a distraction.

Maybe it was a selfish decision, but he didn’t care. It seemed like the only option, and then another idea came to the brute’s mind. Turning back to Selene, he glossed over his facial expressions neutrally. Keeping himself in order and erasing any memory of what his mind just assessed. Gently gazing at the femme, he took a few steps closer to her. And rested his maw beside hers. Breathing in deeply he opened his maw to speak. “Run away with me Selene.”

[Mercy``]

Narrowing her silver eyes as the brute assessed her, the fae rocked back on her haunches and sat her rump on the bench seat. Her head held high in a pride filled way, she couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't walked away yet. No, she wasn't the rude type to just up and leave but she wasn't really into the whole teasing thing either. Modesty was her game and so many times, she had been called old fashioned by dogs in the show ring. The femmoras wondered why she hid her beauty, shied away from any male that complimented her. As soon as she'd found herself in the city, the fae ignored her looks yet was able to dance on the streets as if she knew she was better than the rest. Just another pretty face, they whispered. Maybe that was all she'd ever be but the words that rang in her ears made her heart stop and restart. "Wha?" Selene mumbled, eyes turning slightly cold at the thought.

Run away with him? This was a brute she'd never met before, and she didn't even know his name yet. How could she just drop everything in her life and follow him? Well it was simple. She didn't have anything tying her down in this damned city, and she would never be interested in a real family anyways. There really wasn't any other option for adventure so this was her only chance. An old image of the white shepherd brute that had once stolen her heart, filtered into her mind like poison. Flinching slightly, the fae gave a soft sigh. "I've been asked that question before and from a brute I knew nothing about. He promised me a future and I believed him. When he ditched me, I ended up here. Why should I follow you?" Being direct over her thoughts, the shepherdess tilted her head to glance up at the dark skies. Rain clouds had turned their attention to her, their arrays of grey and black leeching the emotions out of her body.

Maybe this had been what the world had planned for her. Fate was like a maze and it looked like she'd just taken another sharp turn. Without a second thought, the fae did what every nerve in her body screamed against. "I'll go with you but on one condition. What's your name?" Giving a soft laugh at the end, the femmora jumped down off of the human made object and landed lightly on the ground. Nails clicking against the solid concrete, the faint sound reached her ears and told her she wasn't dreaming. She'd just agreed to run away with yet another stranger. Her heart was bound to be broken again but at least this time she had a chance of being more cautious. She would take her time getting attached, watch him to make sure he didn't lie. Even if he did, she was sure that she wouldn't be as hurt as she had been the first time. Jude had been her everything but now she was to follow this nameless brute.

[Delph]

Cain looked up as the pretty femme opened her maw to speak. He found himself looking into those gorgeous eyes of hers and thinking about how much she reminded him of Detox. Maybe not as cynical, but she still had a lot of the same traits. She of course was the complete opposite on the outside, besides her being the same breed as the midnight beauty. She was not daemon, especially like Cain, and he figured he probably should tell her about that sometime, but he let that simple factor slip past his mind for a moment. All he could focus on were those eyes of hers, and just like that. He was gone with the wind. Letting his mind rip open a box of forgotten, well somewhat forgotten black and white memories of a time when the couple spent time together. He could still feel the rush of her skin against his, he missed the still of the silence as he breathed out and she breathed in. Letting her sweet warm breath caress his neck. Their two bodies side by side. Oh how he wanted to just lay with her like that all day. How he wanted to drown in the midnight Fae’s love. Her voice was the only one that rang in his head, and as he looked at the beautiful snow white shepherd in front of him. He found himself imagining his life with her. He found himself imagining four little black fuzz balls to call his own. He imagined leaning down and pressing his maw against the soft skin of the newborns as they whimpered their first sounds in the wretched planet they called home. He imagined even killing animals for the pups, holding Detox close to his side and just concentrating on her breathing. Letting his mind gasp on the simple factor that he had found someone he wanted to be with for the rest of his life, and just like that. The box was smashed shut. The lock remained in tact, and he found himself fading out of those film reel of videos in his mind. He found himself wanting, and lusting after the idea of letting the femmora slip from his head till’ the end. He didn’t want to think about her, he didn’t want to imagine all the things he could’ve down right at that moment when he said ‘I love you.’ but he didn’t stay, and he didn’t make the right choice. He ran away like the coward he was, and now he was standing in front of this fae. Promising to give her the world for a matter of time. Could he do it? His mind said no, but his broken heart said yes. Let him fix the mistakes, do something for Selene that he couldn’t do for Detox.

Slipping back into the present, the shepherd looked back up at the snow dog. He let his eyes wander along her form for a minute, and then he snapped back to the sweet, candy dribbled words that were dripping from her mouth. She wanted to know his name, did he really forget to mention that? Laughing a bit, the brute gave a halfhearted crooked smile. Still focusing on reminiscents of his past. “My name is Cain, yes. Like the shepherd. don’t laugh. I used to herd sheep. It fits.” Laughing again, and dripping his voice with a hint of sarcasm. The brute hopped up onto the bench beside her. Focusing his bright blue orbs on hers. A twinkle of amusement sparkled in his eyes. “I’m not like ordinary dogs who ask that question. I have nothing to lose, nothing to gain. I don’t come from anywhere, and I’m not going anywhere in particular. I’m an open book baby, its just gonna take time to read me.” Smiling at his own cleverness, and his ability to just like Detox. The brute sighed. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, you have no problems coming with me. If you don’t wanna have any fun that’s alright. I’m just trying to get by in life with a smile on my face while I still can.” Stretching out his forelegs on the back of the bench. The shepherd raised his eyes to the sky. “We won’t go anywhere outside of the city I promise. So if your still waiting for that brute to sweep you off your feet be my guest waiting around this dump. I don’t intend on migrating across the country. If I wanted to, I’d be gone in a flash of an eyelash. You see, I’ve been to the so called lab, and have an uncanny ability of popping up in more places then where I wanna see on you.” Winking, he plopped down his rump on the cold wood and made an exasperated sigh.

“Well doll, I’m returning to my place for the night. If ya would like to come, that’s fine. If not, that’s cool too. Either way, your gonna be fantasying about me tonight in your dreams.” Walking away, he took one more look towards the beautiful femmora. Thinking about how much of an asshole he was for walking away again. Was he really that much of a hypocrite? Shaking his head again, and letting his blue eyes drift towards the ground. He walked slower. Hoping that’d she come after him. Maybe it was wishful thinking, maybe not. Either way he was screwed. Literally, he was screwed. Laughing at his own joke, he blocked out any reminders that the fair-haired midnight beauty ever existed. He was closing that chapter in his book, maybe he did lie to Selene when he said he had no secrets. In all reality everyone had secrets, especially Cain. Cain was one to hide his whole past until he found a good enough reason to open up. He couldn’t even do that for Detox, so what gave him the right to think Selene could find that way? Was he really that much of a lying cheating moron that everyone said he was? Did he really need a reality check? He didn’t know. All he could think about was the day when the moon was high in the sky, and for once. He smiled a real smile.