FINE. + TANGLERS

[OCTANE.]

Octane wanted to get his rey out of here as soon as possible. While Caustic didn’t look awful at first sight, closer inspection revealed deterioration. The wolf’s thick fur hid lost weight, and his eyes were full of exhaustion and hunger. He could see these things in the way Caustic coughed just a little more often, how his paws moved at a sluggish pace and he reacted slower than ever. A Caustic bothered by weakness and unfamiliarity, and Octane wondered every now and then if trapping the scientist here was the best decision for Caustic. The wolf didn’t want to be here, but at least they were alone, away from all the fans, the games, the cameras.

Octane wanted Caustic’s laser focus to be on him, that obsession he was so fond of and the brutal grip of his lover. Caustic was soft in the stomach but cruel in the heart, danger and brutality always on tap and it drove Octane loco. Vulnerability was not Caustic’s brand, far from it. Being here brought the worst out in Caustic, therefore, Octane needed to get him out of here.

Octane couldn’t stand being here another fucking minute. They needed to escape, move Caustic closer, closer to him, he just needed the right opportunity. He needed to get Caustic somewhere with better weather, better food, and better access to equipment. Tanglewood would be perfect, he just needed to get Caustic to leave.

"Caustic, we gotta go."

Octane’s claws sunk into the harness, strapping on the portal maker and clicking it into place. He closed the clasps with his teeth, putting on the canteen and pouch. Caustic was, ever so painfully, slowly, putting the chemical vials into his own pouch, between tufts of monkey skin. Caustic zipped open the fanny pack strapped to the cheetah's side, placing the dog brush, razer, scissors, and voice recorder inside.

Octane took a step, being cautious of his wound, and followed Caustic through the caves.

© LEXASPERATED