snake in the grass! | tag. open.

[aaron]

Unless you had the ability to see through the darkness, you might not have seen the black rat snake wiggle its way through a small hole in a boarded up window. Of course Aaron wouldn’t go through the front door; he was a Shade! Shades never went in the front door… it left you too obvious. It was always better to hide in the shadows. Especially as a black rat snake. Aaron felt his belly scales reach for the rough floor and pulled himself along, winding his way, looking for a desk or something else to hide under. The snake made the beeline for the desk in the center of the room, using the shadows to help hide its glossy black scales.

It settled itself half under the desk, in the square that leaves foot room, and half out. Aaron thought about his real body, his blonde hair and blue eyes, running, having thumbs, and everything else to being Aaron. The changes started almost instantly. He could feet the buds of his arms forming, his organs becoming symmetrical, his spine shorten up, along with his rib cage. Soon, Aaron looked just like himself… with a shrinking snake tail between his legs, since his hips and legs had already finished forming. The tail had human skin covering it; the skin had come quickly this time. Stretching, Aaron was now fully human.

Of course, he was wearing really tight clothing. It was either wear tight things, or nothing at all. Aaron liked wearing clothes when he morphed, it avoided… awkward public encounters when he changed between morphs, and ones in the Titan Tower when he morphed and a fellow Titan came around the corner. Yeah… Aaron was not ready to have a repeat of that awesome experience. Today, Aaron had actually picked out a shirt to wear, which didn’t happen all of the time. Still, had he been in public, the fact he didn’t have shoes would’ve raised some eyebrows. His shorts were black, with bright yellow trim. His shirt was a tight-fitting black tee.

For coming out of a reptile morph, Aaron was actually quite warm. Maybe it was just that rush of heat from going cold to warm blooded, or the tower today was warmer. He hadn’t picked up that much of a heat signal from the building… so maybe it was just the rush. The floor was freezing to his bare feet, and Aaron couldn’t help but shiver. He wasn’t sure if he was alone. When you were in a place full of other people with supernatural abilities, even if you don’t get heat signals from a body doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. A quick scan told Aaron that as of now, he wasn’t being watched.

He didn’t have much to do. He’d gone and visited his mom again, something he shouldn’t do often. He’d been a good boy; he’d gone two weeks without seeing her, making sure she was okay. He’d been a rat then, just another faceless pest of a rodent in the streets of New York City that happened to be sitting in their backyard. Aaron always had to be careful as a rat; you never could tell if a snake, cat, owl, or other raptor was around, ready to kill and eat you. He’d spent as much time worrying about being prey to some animal as he had watching his mom bustle about the house. It was a weekend, so she didn’t have to be places in the middle of the afternoon. She had been safe, and that’s all that mattered to Aaron. He’d hidden away in a place he’d found that no one could see him go Aaron then Raven, the small, fluffy black cat that was one of his favorite mobile New York City morphs. Sighing, Aaron balanced himself on the desk. Today had been quite an adventure so far.

CHARACTER. aaron knight.
TAGGED. open.
WORD COUNT. six hundred forty-eight.
LYRICS. momma mia by abba.
OUTFIT. shorts.
NOTES. first aaron post!

[/size]

[jimmydalad]

Andreth walked down into the foyer, an unwelcoming place. He had yet to fully explore this tower and he only quickly passed through here when he first came here. He wanted to get a feel for his new home, but he wanted to do it alone. He felt it was too embarrassing to do it with others.

The foyer was a mess. He could see cobwebs everywhere and the furniture hadn't looked like they have been used in ages. Andreth knew that the Titans did this to ward of uninvited guests and the creepy mood he got from here made him shiver a little.

Looking around, he suddenly saw a boy sitting on one of the desks. A hot boy. He had short blond hair and wore tight clothing which showed off his muscles. Andreth stared at him for a moment before coming to his senses.

"Oh! Ummmmm I'm sorry... I uh didn't see you there" He said, shyness taking over.

[aaron]

Aaron was still reclining on the desk, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He was going to try doing a non-human partial morph. These were the worst; concentration was the biggest thing, and nothing could distract him, unlike when he was doing a full morph. With another deep breath, Aaron thought about his ears, and mentally overlaid them with the ear of the spotted bat. He kept taking deep breaths, concentrating on nothing else but his ears. He could feel the changes happen, but kept his mind focused on the image. The first thing to happen was his ears elongated, then flared out. Had he gone full bat, they would’ve easily been three times the size of his head. His ears finished by wrinkling up, an adaptation to collect sound and send it to the eardrum. They weren’t proportionally aligned to Aaron’s current skull size, and added maybe four inches to his ear size, and a lot better hearing.

Thanks to his hearing, Aaron could hear someone coming… fast. He could guess that most people wouldn’t appreciate running into a guy running around with spotted bat’s ears, and decided that it was time to pull them back for his own. Concentrating again, he imposed an image of his ears over his current ones, and felt them collapse in on themselves and return to “normal.” Aaron looked away from the door, knowing that any second, someone would show up.

"Oh! Ummmmm I'm sorry... I uh didn't see you there."

Had Aaron not known there was someone coming, he might’ve freaked out and maybe accidentally started morphing. Thankfully, he knew that someone was coming, so there wouldn’t be any case of Aaron freaking anyone out being half-animal. Yeah, awkward. He turned slightly to view this visitor. He was someone that Aaron didn’t know, so he must be a new recruit. Aaron hadn’t been here long, but he knew a lot of the big Titans, it helped when he was the leader of the Shades.

The boy was attractive; Aaron couldn’t help but admit it. And… he was wearing skin-tight clothes. Wonderful. Well, he could explain that later, maybe. Smiling, he held up his hand in greeting. “Oh, hello there, I’m Aaron. You can call me Beastly or Beast. I’m the leader of the Shade Squad, and I don’t believe we’ve met before,” he got up and walked towards the other boy, smiling slightly. He knew how to handle any situation, and he knew that this time, he’d have to take over the conversation to keep it alive. The boy was obviously shy, and probably lacked self-confidence as well. As he neared the boy, he held out his hand for him to take. Oh, this was going to be interesting.

CHARACTER. aaron knight.
TAGGED. open.
WORD COUNT. four hundred fifty-eight.
LYRICS. momma mia by abba.
OUTFIT. shorts.
NOTES. first aaron post!

[jimmydalad]

He watched as the other boy held out his hand in greeting, his cheeks getting redder. The boy was really hot and Andreth couldn't help but feel shy around him. Then again, he was shy with neary everyone he met. He just looked at him, unmoving, having no clue what to do.

“Oh, hello there, I’m Aaron. You can call me Beastly or Beast. I’m the leader of the Shade Squad, and I don’t believe we’ve met before,” The other boy said as he was walking towards him. When he reached him, he extended his hand for him to shake.

At first, Andreth had no idea what to do. He wanted to make a good impression but he didn't know what to say. Looking at him, he was exactly his height but he had something to him which just attracted him. Was it kindness? He decided to extend his own hand and shake Aaron's hand.

"Hi.... I'm Andreth, but people call me Tracker.... ummm I'm a member of the Lions.... I'm actually new here so..." Andreth said quietly, pausing a lot. He didn't even think about what he was saying and anyways, he was looking at Aaron. The kind, hot boy.

[aaron]

What on Earth was he going to do? This boy was so awkward that it was almost... adorable? What? What is this? Aaron could not be falling for anyone... he refused to think any of the guys were cute! It was totally not called for... or professional! But... he couldn't help noticing how attractive the guy was. Stop! What if he had been made a Shade and Lucas hadn't told him about the kid... that would be terrible! How awkward was that, and how badly did he fail as a squad leader? Not knowing his squad and crushing on them!? Hopefully not. He kept his smile from faltering, as he knew that any accidental signs of hostility or boredom wouldn't be good to this kid's fragile self-confidence level. Funny how quick he could tell. Maybe it was because he'd been so many people, he knew how to read those he didn't have DNA samples of. Maybe.

"Hi.... I'm Andreth, but people call me Tracker.... ummm I'm a member of the Lions.... I'm actually new here so..."

Aaron's smile widened a bit as the boy took his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Tracker. Hm, the Lions are a good bunch, you'll fit right in with them. They don't have the same... stealth as my Shades, but they get their job done. No offense or anything, it's just my squad pride showing, I suppose...” he trailed off. Maybe talking wasn't the best idea. He mentally shook himself. He had to get this kid out of his mind like that... but it wasn't working. He kept his smile plastered there, though it looked perfectly natural.

The conversation was going no where. Aaron had to think fast. Might as well learn what this kid did, right? Most Titans learned about their fellow's abilities, it made things easier. Look where they might blend together. “So, Tracker, what do you do exactly? I'd be glad to hear it!” Well... Aaron was sure that it was obviously track things, but how he did it was the interesting part. Aaron liked knowing how a power worked, although if he really wanted to, he could morph Andreth and figure it out on his own, since powers were coded in you genetics. Although... he'd have to go full morph, not partial, before the powers would kick in. He would wait until the other Titan explained his powers and asked about Aaron's before explaining; he didn't want to sound pushy to talk about himself. Besides, Aaron thought that putting Andreth on the spot would work wonders for his self-confidence.

CHARACTER. aaron knight.
TAGGED. andreth roave.
WORD COUNT. four hundred thirty.
LYRICS. momma mia by abba.
OUTFIT. shorts.
NOTES. meep.

[jimmydalad]

“Pleased to meet you, Tracker. Hm, the Lions are a good bunch, you'll fit right in with them. They don't have the same... stealth as my Shades, but they get their job done. No offense or anything, it's just my squad pride showing, I suppose...” Aaron said to him, suddenly trailing off. He looked at him with a smile that made Andreth melt inside. It was so warm and made him look really good.

Andreth was surprised that he kept on smiling, even though he was only talking to him. It wasn't like he was special or anything. On the contrary, he had nearly nothing to do with him with him being in the Shades and a leader at that. Andreth would never be able to be a leader. He wasn't good enough to be one.

“So, Tracker, what do you do exactly? I'd be glad to hear it!” He suddenly said, making Andreth brush even brighter. Why did he want to talk to him, let alone find him interesting. He doubted he would be impressed by his power, but he was so attractive, he couldn't help himself but to tell him.

"Well... as my codename says, if I find an item or get a name, I can find out wherever the owner of the name or item is... However, I need to concentrate while using it..." He said to him shyly. He continued to look at Aaron, transfixed by him. He was falling in love with him.

[aaron]

What was it with this kid? Honestly, he wasn't sure what to think anymore. Aaron had met kids with self-confidence issues before, but Andreth took the cake easily. This kid was going to need to be shown that he was loved here at the Titan Tower, whether he liked it or not. Maybe it was good that he had met Aaron, as the kid was a master manipulator, one of the reasons he was leader of the Shade Squad. He could at least convince the kid that he was good, that he was needed, that he was loved by more than just Aaron. Wait no. Liked as a friend. Aaron had to keep that clear. No screwing Titans... it wouldn't work out. Professionalism was needed.

"Well... as my codename says, if I find an item or get a name, I can find out wherever the owner of the name or item is... However, I need to concentrate while using it..."

Aaron nodded, still giving his pleasant smile. “That's pretty cool. You don't really have to work to track things. I don't know if anyone's talked about me around here, what they say is probably false, but I got my name because I'm a shape shifter. It's kind of complicated, and I doubt that you want to be bored with the details, but basically through touch or sight I can...” he made hand gestures that showed he was looking for the right word, “collect, I guess is the best term, morphs. I have to concentrate on becoming that animal, and I can track with my dog morphs, but I need a scent, so you've got it easy. Maybe I can talk you into tracking for us Shades sometime? I'd love it if you did,” Aaron really hoped that he was making the kid feel welcome.

He was tempted to just “acquire” Andreth right here and now, but he decided against it. He would ask for permission before doing anything like that. He didn't ask permission from random strangers, since it would cause problems. That was different, as he wouldn't ever use their full body; Aaron would collect strangers for their hair, eyes, body, or something else. Aaron knew that if he used an Andreth morph, he would go full Andreth, but not in the public's sight when he did his dirty work. No, dirty work called for either an animal or a combination of many people. Even adding in different parts of a fingerprint to throw off anyone that might try that kind of funny business.

CHARACTER. aaron knight.
TAGGED. open.
WORD COUNT. four hundred twenty-eight.
LYRICS. momma mia by abba.
OUTFIT. shorts.
NOTES. .

[jimmydalad]

Aaron nodded at Andreth and then began to talk again. The fact that he was holding a conversation with him was amazing and he still gave him that smile. That smile that just made him feel so secure and happy inside. Andreth felt so happy being with him, even though he just met him. He didn't want to show this in fear of looking a bit weird.

“That's pretty cool. You don't really have to work to track things. I don't know if anyone's talked about me around here, what they say is probably false, but I got my name because I'm a shape shifter. It's kind of complicated, and I doubt that you want to be bored with the details, but basically through touch or sight I can...” He said, pausing for a moment to think about what to say next. By the sound of it, his ability was much better than his. Andreth couldn't help but think that his ability wouldn't help the Titans a lot. He kept on listening though, wanting to learn more.

“collect, I guess is the best term, morphs. I have to concentrate on becoming that animal, and I can track with my dog morphs, but I need a scent, so you've got it easy. Maybe I can talk you into tracking for us Shades sometime? I'd love it if you did,”

Wait.. did I here that right?[/color] was the thought that flashed inside his head. He actually wanted his help? He could help someone? The thought warmed him up so much and made him feel so happy. A smile stretched across his face and his face lightened up.

"I would love to help you out!" He exclaimed. He would love to help Aaron. Aaron showed him so much kindness and made him feel happier than he had been in a long time. Just knowing he could help someone made him happy, but since it was Aaron he could help, it made him even happier. He had fallen in love with him, there was no denying it. He wanted to hug him right there and then, but he had to restrain himself, or risk making himself look like a freak.

[aaron]

Well, it seemed like Aaron was making an impact on the newer Titan. Even if he wasn’t interested in getting to know Andreth better for more reasons than he’d like to admit, Aaron would’ve held a conversation with the other teenager to help him feel welcome and do it as a favor to whoever his squad’s leader was. Hey, the guy was cute and probably not gay, so it didn’t hurt to get to know him better, right? He might make a good friend and a valuable asset to the Shades, even if he was a Lion. Alright, so Aaron usually took people at face value, and usually with a Titan, the value of their power and how it could help his group. Sue him; it was how he had to work if he wanted to do anything properly.

“I would love to help you out!”

Aaron’s smile didn’t widen, but it grew in friendliness, something that people rarely saw in its true form with Aaron. He put on shows for people, making them believe they were his friend, so he could call upon them later for favors without huge repercussions. He was truly close to his squad, and very few people outside of it. “I’m glad to hear it, Andreth,” he purposefully didn’t use the kid’s codename as a sign of a personal relationship, which could kill him later, but Aaron didn’t care. “We don’t have anything coming up, as far as I’m aware, but I’ll let you know when you can be the best of help.” The kid certainly seemed eager to help.

He knew the conversation was going to die if he didn’t keep going, so Aaron racked his brains to think of something to keep going on. There was always just making physical contact with Andreth and seeing how it went down, but he felt like that was too pushy. Mentally shaking himself of such ideas, Aaron cast about for anything else to talk about. Then, an idea came upon him! “So, how’d you find out about your powers, Andreth?” Aaron was still refusing to use the other’s codename.

CHARACTER. aaron knight.
TAGGED. open.
WORD COUNT. three hundred fifty-three.
LYRICS. momma mia by abba.
OUTFIT. shorts.
NOTES. .

[jimmydalad]

“I’m glad to hear it, Andreth,” Aaron said to him. The way he said his name and his smile made so many emotions burst inside him. Safety, Happiness, Warmth, Loved... No. That last emotion can't be right... It wasn't as if Aaron was gay. And even if he was, why would he want Andreth?

“We don’t have anything coming up, as far as I’m aware, but I’ll let you know when you can be the best of help.”[/b] He then said, but he wasn't really paying attention. His mind was imagining the possibility of being in a relationship with Aaron. Thinking of them being together, hugging, kissing...

Stop thinking about that, he's way out of your league. He thought to himself. It was the truth however. Not only was he amazingly good looking, he's also in a different squad, and a leader at that. He had to be realistic. Though his heart yearned to be with him, he knew the relationship would be nigh impossible.

“So, how’d you find out about your powers, Andreth?” He suddenly heard Aaron say to him. That was an odd question.

"Find them? Well... I found a lost item then I concentrated, thinking about who I knew would of lost it. Suddenly, I saw the world and then it started zooming into this house. In the house was the girl who lost the doll. It isn't amazing how I found them. Why do you ask?" Andreth asked. He was curious to know as to why he wanted to know him. Could it possibly be because? No... He had to be deluding himself. He just met him. There was no way that Aaron could love him.