Teenage Dream (Justyn; OPEN)

[[Midnight]]

The feeling of dread disappeared. Now, Justyn felt happy. He had just made a companion out of Fallon. He tried not to get too worked up about it; after all, don't all good things come to an end? Still he began planning out his daily routine in his head. When he was ready to retire, he'd have someone to talk to in the most lonely of hours. When he would wake up, he would have a warm body next to him. Perhaps he had been hasty in his decision, but Fallon didn't seem to think so. She seemed to think of it as great of an idea as he did.

"Yeah, I think I would too," he agreed.

Well, Justyn's life had still continued since the travel to this valley. His family may not be on his side, but the pain of that fact was lessened because he had Rose and Fallon in his life. Jusytn wondered what it had been like for Fallon. She was born into Falling Moon, apparently, but...she was different from the rest. Had she always been the way she was, or had the earthquake changed her drastically as well? He'd like to find out everything about her. Maybe it would help Justyn even understand himself.

"I will talk to Duke sometime about making you a Beta. Alright? The thing is, I can never tell if I'm on his good side or his bad side...I'll never be a full Falling Moon, I guess."

His face turned serious as he took another step forward, almost nose-to-nose with her. Tenderness was in his gaze, but there was also a hard edge to it. It seemed he was about to say something very important.

"Everytime I talk to Duke, I feel like we get closer to ripping each other to shreds. I don't know if he's jealous of me - probably not, I think he just questions my loyalty. And he should I guess. I don't like Duke, and it's hard for me to respect him, because he doesn't scare me and I'm not afraid to die. Most of the respect he earns...is out of fear. That frustrates me about all of these wolves around here, it's like they're afraid of standing up to a real fight."

He grit his teeth and momentarily shifted his eyes toward the sky, then back to Fallon's face.

"...I'm scared that Duke will try and kick me out of the pack someday. That terrifies me. Because I would have nowhere to go. I'd have to leave you and Rose behind. If that days comes, I'll fight back. And I can't guarantee I'll win."

After pouring out one of his darkest fears, Justyn bumped her wet nose with his own. Actually, he felt better getting those words off of his chest. He hadn't had time to talk to Rose about it, and really didn't want to worry her anyway when she was so late in pregnancy. But Fallon he felt he could confide in now. After all, she had already confided a bit in him.

"So until the day comes where everything changes, I want to at least know what it feels like to be happy for a while, you know? And when you attack me and slice at my shoulder and make me bleed, that really makes me happy."

It was goofy sarcasm, and a humored grin played on his maw as he swiped a paw gently at her chest. "I think we're even again after my cheap shots."

[Malo]

Fallon’s green pools were locked onto Justyn, her ears concentrating on his every word. Her gaze was serious, but had a hint of affection hidden within them. She herself had never feared Duke; she felt secure in her home pack, and as much as she admired Duke, she knew others didn’t feel the same. She also knew that loyalty would get you far in the Falling Moons. One benefit-you got to keep your life. She had never thought about it before, but Justyn had made a point. There was no reason for Duke to trust him. After all, he had abandoned the Dancing Stars, and become Beta of the rival pack. Fallon figured he still had ties there. Did it really justify him as a threat?

She had never felt out of place, and she had never thought that anyone in her pack would either. Then again, no one had ever traded sides like Justyn had. “You’re right. I don’t know Duke as one to be afraid, but he is very protective of his family and pack. He built this pack from the ground up, and a potential rival could threaten to bring his empire crashing down at any moment, especially one with your background.” She tilted her head, trying to ignore how preciously close he was to her again.

“You’re good at what you do Justyn. Not like some of these half-wits. And that’s part of the problem. Everyone’s scared of him, well, mostly everyone. I don’t fear him, but I also have no reason to fight him. There’s no reason for him to worry about me, I’m safe here. But this pack has a reputation that I’m sure he plans on upholding.”

As she listened to Justyn speak more, a comforting smile crossed her face which grew when she felt his warm nose against her own. Fallon pulled back, looking at him with no judgement, for once, and moved to place her head under his chin. He had a lot of worries on his mind, and she could only imagine how they weighed him down everyday. Her biggest problem seemed menial now, compared to Justyn’s own worries.

“If he does move to kick you out, it would be out of fear for his own preservation. As long as I’ve lived, I’ve heard nothing but of his strength, fearlessness, and ruthlessness. But he is older now, much older than when he started this pack. His clock is ticking, and as close to a god as he is, he won’t live forever. I’m sure he knows this too; Duke isn’t dumb by any means. I doubt Rose would move against her father, but I have no consanguine ties to him. If kicking you out is his intention, I will not stand by. As far as I’m concerned, you’re more of a Falling Moon than some of these idiots, playing follow the leader. Hell, you’re more of a Moon than that meathead Onisim.”

Fallon moved to look at him, and a smirk appeared. She looked away and laughed. “Yes, I suppose we are.” She turned her gaze back to Justyn, eyes shining.

[[Midnight]]

Yes, perhaps Duke did care for his family. Justyn didn't see how he could be such a threat to his throne, seeing as being Beta doesn't necessarily guarantee rights to Alphahood once the higher authority died or retired. In the world of wolves, there would always be a fight for your rights. And never had Justyn considered ruling over Falling Moon until recently.

Of course, even hotheaded Justyn couldn't deny that Duke was far wiser than he. Perhaps he had seen the twinkle of dominance in Justyn's eyes long ago. But that was doubtful, since Duke himself preached about getting rid of the competition early in the run, and that hadn't happened...

Speculation. That was what Justyn lived for. As he let Fallon talk, he wondered secretly what this shewolf thought of him now. Did he now seem more a pup than an adult male? He felt panged as he considered it. The secret to Justyn was that he never felt good enough, when he pretended to think just the opposite. He knew that about his own self; it was his greatest folly. Genuine humility. He had courage, but not faith.

To hear Fallon's speech put everything into a better reality for Justyn. He felt reassured. Still not confident that this premonition of his was not to come true, but he felt ready to face it now. Because all Justyn needed to know was that someone would be there to fight for him. Someone really was on his side. Really, he felt that Rose would be, too, but she had too much to lose to defy her father. She had her mate and her pups and her relationship with her family. So Justyn had closed that door to his heart and shut it tight. He wanted to keep Rose close at all times, but he'd never expect her to do the same.

So much to lose...
What about Fallon? She had the memory of her father, and her dream of being Beta to lose. Along with her life.

Still, he smiled wide. Maybe, one day, Justyn and Fallon could be Alphas. Who's to say it couldn't turn out that way? Perhaps Justyn had found another outlet for his relentless dreams and energies.

Earn the trust of Duke. Maintain dominance over the rest of the pack. Could it be possible?

"Thank you," he said quietly. Those two words he hoped would be enough to express his feelings. He felt he had blabbered on too much and needed to lighten up for the sake of his malehood. After all, Fallon had called him a real Falling Moon, so no more being a whiny sissy.

With a smirk full of mischief, he started to make moves to excuse himself. He had to make a bigger den for he and his new roommate. He wasn't sure if she planned on helping him, but he didn't want her to anyway. It would be another way for him to give; express his appreciation.
"I see great things in our future. You see Betahood, but I think I see Alphadom."

His hazel eyes were pools of confidence as he began to turn away, saying, "I'll see you in a bit."

[Malo]

Fallon's green eyes softened as Justyn spoke. Two words that meant so much to him, she knew. They were all she needed for now, and she nodded to him in understanding. She noticed his smirk, and gave a smile back. Fallon took the hint that he was going to head off, and she felt a small pang in her chest. She realized she didn't want him to leave, but she knew that duty called. It didn't cross her mind that he was going to prepare for her arrival in the den.

She moved to press her head against his cheek in farewell. Yes, the future seemed a little brighter now. True, she currently looked at short term goals, such as the Beta position, but Justyn's goal was far greater. She would help him every step of the way. And with Justyn by her side now...maybe she could lose some of the insanity her mother caused in her life. A friendly face could do wonders. But she would save that conversation for another time. She pulled away and dipped her head. "See you soon, Pudgykins."

With that, she turned back and headed to her resting spot at the entrance of the cave Justyn had found her. The sun had gotten high and she could feel the heat starting to beat down. Fallon circled a spot on the ground before plopping down on the cool, shaded stone. She turned her head towards Justyn and stared admiringly with shining green eyes.