InsaneJournal

While pre-dawn exercise wasn’t really his thing, preferring instead to be out during the daylight Ben was more than willing to give it a go if he could spend more time with the feline animorph who he was starting to become somewhat attached to, if he could be as bold to think as such after only knowing the man for a little over two weeks. After lacing his joggers and putting on his hydration pack - ID attached - Ben locked the door and started with a brisk walk towards the rendezvous point that Fitz had told him about, saying that he’d be there.

It was still dark out when he left the lights of ‘town’ but first light wasn’t far away, there was usually thirty to forty minutes between first light and actual dawn so plenty of time to get some exercise in before the rest of the world started waking up. Eyes slowly got accustomed to the darkness and Ben managed to walk the path without tripping over anything. Now… he waited.

__

It was a normal morning for him. Oliver snuck out of the window and out of the residential areas. Ducking behind a building he waited a moment and Mew darted out toward the forest- any cameras would consider the cat spooked. He had a few variations of the swap of course, not wanting it to be too predictable that it stood out as odd. Mew made his way through the brush and deep into the woods and after passing through a large bush a mountain lion appeared. It was off the normal trails and the normal patrol routes- mainly because of the mountain lion sightings. The guards rarely patrolled the area- definitely didn’t at night, so Fitz felt as free as he could in those morning runs.

The large puma pushed its way through the bushes and into the small clearing that Ben was waiting in. He was very handsome in his workout outfit. The mountain lion padded up toward the volcanologist and lowered it’s head to him, showing him he wasn’t a real lion about to eat him. Morning. Fitz chuffed at Ben’s hip in greeting. Ready for a nice run? I’ll try and let you keep up. As in, he’ll just jog.

--

Ben hadn’t waited that long in the dark, he was content with listening to the sounds of the nightlife chattering away, their conversations much more interesting than those of animals that frequented the day, however he knew something was happening when some ground dwelling animals started to run away with cries of ‘Predator. Run’ and things got very quiet.

He saw the mountain lion step out of the clearing and approach him but knew it didn’t pose any threat, it seemed like Fitz kept forgetting that if he was actually a proper cat that Ben was able to control it to stop it from attacking him. He knew that his communication skills worked with Fitz in feline forms but he hadn’t tried the manipulation part as yet and it didn’t seem worth the headache to even try, maybe when they became more comfortable around one another he’d ask to give it a go but for now it was exercise time. Morning la mignon He said as he gave the cat a pat on the head, calling Fitz a cutie. I’ll try to keep up but you are at an advantage, you have four legs and I’ve only got two. Please be gentle.

--

The cat let out a huff of air that sounded like a bit like a laugh. That’s not what you said the other night. Fitz remarked, laughing in his head as he started off into the woods.

He kept a nice pace, making sure Ben could at least hear his mind if not see him. He was much faster, that was for sure, but he worked out a bit of a game that added a bit more to his run as when he got too far ahead he’d circle back and come up upon Ben from behind. There wasn’t too much of a ‘view’ along the run, lots of trees. He tried to navigate Ben through some less densely packed areas, as there were some that were very thick and hard to get through if you were restricted to normal human legs.

On one circle around, he came up behind Ben and nudged his butt playfully with his head. You need a break? He asked, taking a slow jogging pace next to Ben.

--

In the bedroom at least I know what to expect from your human form… your feline forms I’m still not sure about. He said before Fitz got too far ahead into the woods.

Ben knew that he was at a great disadvantage, not only did Fitz currently have four legs and a lower body that could easily duck in and out of smaller areas but he also had the gift of night vision, something Ben really wished he had right now. He managed to keep to what passed as a track at least, jumping over a few fallen limbs which made it more of a workout than a normal jog but he was enjoying it.

No, I’m fine. If you want to run ahead I’ll just meet up with you along the way, you’re much faster than I could ever be. He wasn’t even close to tired yet but he knew that Fitz had a lot more energy to burn and running was easier in his form. Soon the sky would start to lighten and it would be easier for Ben to see where he was actually running, then he might pick the pace up a bit.

--

In order for his workouts to transfer to his human form, he had to do a lot of running. This involved leaping fallen logs and sort of slaloming between trees. The two of them ran for a good long while, circling part of the island until they reached a small clearing, maybe eight feet in diameter. There was a rock on one side and grass growing instead of bushes and dirt in the clear area. The puma leaped onto the rock and laid down, waiting for Ben to join him.

Once the other man appeared the lion’s head raised. End of the line, we can rest before heading back. He said. We keep going and we’ll hit the beach and cameras. This place is safe though, there’s some pretty angry brambles a bit farther on. He discovered them the hard way. So the guards don’t really venture this far in from that side. And they’d already gone pretty far in from the other. It had taken a few years for Fitz to really learn where was safe and where wasn’t. Every once in a while he had to re-plot as things always changed.

--

By the time he reached the clearing where Fitz was waiting for him Ben had worked up quite a sweat, his back under the hydration pack was always the first place but there was a bit on his chest and under his armpits too, exercising really wasn’t something one could remaining looking glamorous doing but it wasn’t like Fitz hadn’t seen him hot and sweaty before, just in a completely different context.

He walked over to the rock where the lion was currently resting on and sat down beside it, the cool stone a nice support against his back. Brambles and thistles are never nice… neither is poison oak or ivy, though I guess it doesn’t worry you. Ben reached up and ruffled the top of Fitz’s feline head Who knew been hairy was good for something. He was glad that this place was safe, because a man sitting next to a mountain lion and patting it would be a strange sight indeed but maybe not the strangest on this island, who knew.

His eyes closed as he sat there, enjoying the peace and quiet and the sound of the waves crashing not too far away. Maybe he needed to start doing more exercising at this time of day, it was cool but pleasant. I am going to need a shower when I get back. I don’t want to be smelly if this cute man comes around again.

--

Fitz watched Ben as he sat there. As he moved to the end of the rock and lowered himself to the ground, the cat changed into the brunette, a bit of scruff had grown back but it was more a five o’clock shadow than it had been. “Oh, cute man, you say?” He said, sitting beside the other man. “Make new friends I don’t know about?” Fitz teased.

--

Ben heard the faint sound of the cat getting up and hopping down onto the ground, his eyes opened as Fitz talked to him, he turning his head to face the man now sitting beside him. “What? Jealous?” He teased in return, reaching over and scruffing Fitz’s hair with a smile. “You know you’re the only pussy I’m interested in right now.”

--

He just shook his head. “That was bad.” He said, looking down with disappointment. “That was really bad.” Fitz stood up and started to walk away- not actually intent on going anywhere. “I just… I don’t think I can be with someone who puns that poorly.” He commented with the smallest of smirks as he looked over his shoulder at Ben.

--

He knew it was a really bad pun and was trying his best to keep a straight face as Fitz stood up and took a few steps away from him, it didn’t stop Ben from leaning back against the rock, putting his arms up on the flat surface. “And what kind of person do you think you could be with?” Ben asked, slightly inquisitive. It was too soon to be thinking of some kind of relationship, wasn’t it. “If not a bad pun-ner.”

--

Fitz rubbed his chin thoughtfully, turning to face Ben. “I don’t know. They’d have to be smart, able to hold a conversation. Kind hearted, but strong willed. Flexible is always nice.” He smirked at many bad ideas. He stepped toward the man. “I think it goes without saying they’d need to be a man, and being fit is never a bad thing.” He lowered down, kneeling before Ben. It was too soon, yea? Granted it wasn’t like he had many prospects anyhow. Thankfully the fates had blessed him in that his only options, was a fantastic one. “Trustworthy, cute smile, eyes you can get lost in, good listener, great kisser…” Fitz licked his lips slightly.

--

Ben watched Fitz turn around, listening to the words used to describe what kind of person he liked. Those were all similar traits that he was looking for in a possible partner but he wasn’t about to say that out aloud, at the present time at least. His eyes followed Fitz’s face as the other man got down onto his knees in front of him, a smirk appearing on his lips. “Well… I guess you’ll have to put up with me until you can find your Monsieur Right, Amoureux.” He reached an arm out towards the man in front of him, but out here in the middle of nowhere wasn’t really somewhere to start making out.

--

Or was it the best place? No cameras, no guards, it was safe. But Fitz wasn’t beyond control. He did however lean in and place a quick but solid kiss on Ben’s lips as he took his hand. “Let’s not go back just yet. I don’t get to be myself outside very often, let me enjoy this a little longer.” He smiled softly, his thumb running over the top of Ben’s hand.

On his own, Fitz never really stopped. When he ran, or went on his route, he kept going. Even when he did pause as a kitty, it wasn’t for long. The only time he felt safe enough to be human was at home- or recently Ben’s home. It was a horribly isolating feeling, but his options were limited. Therefore, in that moment. He was going to take advantage of the time as much as he could.

Not really waiting for a yes or no, he moved and layed down on the grass next to Ben. It felt nice, relaxing. The early morning sun shining through the trees seemed to put on something of a light show.

--

Well they still had to get back to the town so getting too hot and heavy was out of the question but a bit of kissing wouldn’t hurt. Especially when Fitz leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. “We can go back whenever you want to, even if I’ve got to smuggle you back in.” Which didn’t actually sound that bad an idea if they stayed here longer than intended.

Ben watched as Fitz stretched out on the grass, movements fluid like the cat he was most of the time. Moving a bit Ben took the pack off his back and laid down as well, looking up at the sky above them for a moment before turning his head towards the man beside him. It was nice and relaxing out here. “I think it would nice to be out here during the full moon, the light above and the sounds of the ocean. Almost romantic.” If the other person liked the dark, woodlands and midnight walks.

--

“It is nice actually.” He smirked. “Or would be- having someone to share it with.” Fitz glanced over at Ben. He tried to think about if they’d been on the mainland. Would he have looked twice at Ben? If so, would he be someone he could date? Would he? Or was he interested just because he was one of the only people who knew him?

He wanted to say he would, but part of him worried he’d always second guess himself.

“So, I’m feeling in a bit of a giving mood right now.” He said with a soft smile, turning to his side to face Ben better, propping his head up a bit oh his arm. “I know I’ve kinda kept a bit about myself… I’ve not talked about myself a lot.” Which was true, he’d asked Ben all about his life it seemed and not gone into stuff really more than the superficial about his own life. “What do you want to know? I’ll answer honestly.” Just if it’s one of the few things he definitely could not reveal, he’d honestly say he couldn’t answer.

—

Ben didn’t think of himself as particularly handsome, he wasn’t really the kind of guy who stood out in the crowd at a bar or a club, if they had met on the mainland he doubted that it would have been anything more than a brief fling - if that. Maybe it was fate that they both ended up here and in one another’s lives all of a sudden. “I’m glad I can share it with you. Six years… you must have been so lonely.” He couldn’t imagine spending six years with only one or maybe two people knowing he existed, how was Fitz still sane?

Shifting a bit Ben mirrored Fitz’s movements, resting on an elbow to look at the man beside him. What did he want to know? That was a good question. Maybe something simple to start. “You said you were in the military. Army? Navy? Air Force?” That wasn’t that intrusive.

__

“Army.” Fitz replied. “Enlisted right after the towers fell.” He sighed softly. “It was a pretty rough time. Saw a lot of good men die or get hurt in a short time…” His face fell a little. “Including a good friend- Kyrie’s real brother.” For a moment his eyes couldn’t look at Ben. It hadn’t been his fault. They’d both just been soldiers who walked into a bad situation. But he felt guilt over the fact that he lived and his best friend hadn’t. He looked back up to Ben. “I served until they let me go, and I didn’t re-enlist.”

--

Ben didn’t quite understand the whole extremely patriotic thing that the Americans had, he was proud of the fact he was Canadian but he wasn’t about to go running off to war, then again he probably wouldn’t have made a good soldier, he wasn’t that good at taking orders. He watched Fitz talk and saw that moment of sadness when he couldn’t look at him, it didn’t take a genius to work out that Kyrie’s brother had meant a lot to them both.

Reaching across the short distance between them he ran a hand up Fitz’s arm in a hopefully comforting manner. “Oh mon amie, you’ve suffered enough.” Leaning over he then pressed a soft kiss to the other man’s lips. “What about your… ability? When did you first find out?” It was one hell of a thing to discover, more so than his own.

--

Fitz smiled softly. It was pain he’d dealt with, so the hurt didn’t linger long. At the memory of his first change had him chuckling slightly. “I was doing an install, alone- thankfully. And I dropped a tool behind the panel on a desk. I couldn’t reach down to get it and it was just out of reach from the side. Then… suddenly I was small enough to get behind and get to the tool- just no fingers.” He brushed his hand through his hair. “It took me a while to figure out what happened and change back, after that it was just practice.” He shrugged slightly. “Of course Kyrie just loved when I told her. She was so excited because her mom never let her have any pets so sometimes she’d beg me to ‘cat up’ so she could pet me. It happened about two years or so before coming to the island. I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable changing now.”

--

Ben would’ve freaked out if he had suddenly turned into an animal, the first day that he heard the voices he really thought he was going mad but it was something that he slowly got use to, especially when he figured out it wasn’t just in his head. But it was good to be learning a bit more about the man beside him, the man he was starting to get attached to. “You do it so fluidly, I’ve seen you do it a few times and I still can’t believe my own eyes.”

Moving that bit he rolled back so he was looking up at the sky, reaching out and trying to pull Fitz closer, telling the other man it was okay to curl up against him. They could enjoy this quiet place for a bit longer

--

“I thought I was going a bit crazy when it first happened, I mean, I was a cat!” He said, scooching closer to Ben without much coaxing. “It’s hard to explain how it happens. It does take effort, but it’s kinda all mental. Like picturing what I want to be and focusing on it and then just willing myself to change.” He rested his head on Ben’s chest and a hand on his abdomen. “New forms can take a bit to change- but it’s like all prep time, not actual transformation time.” Fitz wasn’t sure he was making any sense.

“I will admit, it’s nice to have someone else who can hear me as a cat. I mean there are some telepaths on the island who can, at least one who actually knows who I am- the rest I have to try to just blend in like I’m just a mind in a crowd or something.” He sighed softly, running his finger along Ben’s stomach over his shirt. “I will admit you really freaked me out. I was almost certain you’d turn me in. Not everyone here is willing to risk a secret like mine.”

--

An arm looped around Fitz as he rested his head on Ben’s shoulder, it was really nice to be able to do this somewhere else that wasn’t his bedroom or the couch, to just sit and enjoy the rising sun and the other man’s company. “I know what you mean, it’s like that for me when I take control of an animal. I have to get into their mind and take over everything about them, some animals it’s easier but others are not, the more complex their brain the harder it is for me. And I don’t like doing it unless I need to.” He hadn’t really told anyone about that part of his ability, everyone knew about his communication but Ben tried to keep the manipulation part as quiet as he could.

Ben looked down at Fitz when he commented about fearing that he would’ve got turned in. “Why would I do that? It did take me those first few times to figure out that you were human but I promise that I will never tell anyone about your little secret.” Unless someone got into his mind and his thoughts about Fitz but hopefully that wasn’t going to happen. “You don’t have to be lonely anymore.”

--

Fitz rolled to his stomach, resting his arms across Ben’s chest so he could look at the other man’s face. “I know that now.” He said softly. “It’s just hard to know who you can and can’t trust on this island.” He’d seen others turn on each other in fear of their own freedom. He’d seen some people giving tips to guards. It wasn’t prevalent to be sure. But, there were times that it did happen. Fitz leaned up and placed a nice, long and passionate kiss on Ben’s lips. “I definitely am not feeling lonely.” Other emotions, normally not expressed outside… maybe. But not lonely.

--

Ben tucked his free arm up under his head so it was a bit easier to look down at the man resting on his chest. It was hard to know who to trust on this island, he had met a few people over the past few months who had something about them that just didn’t sit right, thankfully he had his own way of finding out the truth or not. No one really took notice of those creatures that hang around your house. The birds in the trees outside the window or the insects that hide in the dark corners, they were all good spies and they were always truthful about their findings.

A smile spread across his lips after their passionate kiss. “Mm… my window is always open to you, day or night if you do start to feel… lonely.”

--

Biting on his lip slightly he slid a hand to the ground on either side of Ben as he held himself up, looking down at the other man. “Maybe we should think about heading back. I think I could use some more snuggles.” Fitz tilted his head slightly. “Just… maybe less clothes this time.” A smile spread over his lip as he hovered there.

--

Ben laughed, giving Fitz’s side a rub over his shirt. He could get behind the idea of going back to his place and… snuggling. “Five more minutes. Then we’ll head back and you can have all the snuggles you want.”