The next thing he knew, Aindreas was looming over his form, a strange kind of look on his face. Serris did not cease in his cleaning, but his spheres flashed dangerously, primal instinct kicking in. What, was he going to attack his Alpha? And when his Alpha was injured, at that? If he did, Serris would show no mercy; there was a limit to childish foolishness, and his Epsilon was dangerously close to crossing that line. However, instead of actions, powerful lyrics erupted from the lad, almost knocking the King back with the force they held. Angry, bitter words assaulted his auds. Words that hated the very flesh they were pounding into. Words of unrequited love, whether it be from faes or fathers. Oh, Serris would have known if he had been around? The regal made a distinct point of respect to not pry into the lives of others. In Serris’ world, love interests come and go like the winds and the ravens they carry. How was he to know Aindreas was some kind of monogamous puritan? It wasn’t as if he had ever come to him asking to talk about these kinds of matters. And now all the blame fell on Serris for the boy’s crappy life? A low rumble began to form in the monarch’s chest, his licking ceased.

The instant Aindreas ducked Serris did as well, protecting his still-injured stomach. He turned his fresh shoulder and faced his unscathed cheek at the boy, mounting his defenses. One move, Aindreas. Serris raised a lined lip to reveal the tip of his canines. One move and you won’t have to worry about your shitty predicament anymore. The thoughts burned dangerous inside the ruler’s head. Then Aindreas jumped and Serris dodged forward, sliding to the spot that Aindreas once held. He felt no tear in his flesh, and spun to see Aindreas crouching on the other side, furious. Another string of accusations left his kissers, full of fallen respect. The growl came louder now, his black-painted chest shaking from the force. “I have no need to explain myself to you, Aindreas. A man has his mysterious; I thought of all people you would understand that.” The lyrics came out equally as harsh, almost a shout within their shaded enclosure.

He began a retreat, and Serris was about to leave, but then he turned back and pumped forth one last monologue. Grow a pair? Do his duty? Step up? Oh, he’d step up alright, and punish his sorry little ass for such accusations. Now it was Serris’ turn to unleash his frustrations, everything about him stone cold and trembling. “Is that how you really feel, Aindreas? Well then, do these wounds mean nothing to you? What Alpha without a pair would chance disembowelment for his pack? And was a disappointing pack this is. What, am I supposed to feel proud of the two or three oddities that choose to linger around these God forsaken forests? Fix yourself first, Aindreas, before pushing your petty problems on me! Or do you still need me to wipe your ass and feed you from my mouth? This is as much my pack as it is yours, as it is everybody’s that crosses these borders with my blessing, and it is part of your duty to participate within these lands, even when I am absent! Maybe if you’d take some initiative you'd earn a higher rank and attention from others. Ever thought of that, Aindreas? I once thought you smart, but I must have been mistaken. Yes, I admit I have not been a perfect ruler; far from it, really. But why in Hell’s name is your anger solely my problem?!”

Steam seethed off the regal, everything pouring off that pink tongue like his very life depended on it. Every muscle in him was pulled tight, every bone straight as steel and sturdy as stone. But then Aindreas stopped and sat, turning his skull to face Serris with an unblinking gaze, and that charcoal gladiator could instantly feel the poison draining from him. Perhaps he had been blind to Aindreas situation. It didn’t dismiss Aindreas’ own inaction, but lonely was not something he wished upon his family. Serris straightened and relaxed his posture, façade still firm but void of any accusations. “If you want a better ruler, you have many to choose from. If you want a companion, nothing but a question stands in your way. I make no promises, Aindreas. But I have a need for you, just as much as you have a need for me.” His final remarks were gentle, yet almost daring in their connotation. Yes, Aindreas was free to pick any other pack he wished. But Serris had always been willing to be the friend that the boy so desired, if only the feelings were vocalized. And he truly did think the two males had a need for eachother. Now it was up to Aindreas as to whether he accepted the offer or not.