#toying with guns and blades of knives | scout au

[stxrmapper]

The skulls didn't phase Scout at all, though he did take notice to them, and the thought that this was probably why Shrike seemed to be in charge crossed his mind. That, and the fact the other could probably kill everyone else in this camp without a second thought if he really, really wanted to. That was pretty good for intimidation factor.

"And what about when you have to sleep? Just gonna kick me out? Or fuckin' sleep alongside me?" Scout wasn't sure whether he'd prefer to sleep outside or sleep alongside Shrike. Then again, they could also just sleep at opposite sides of the tent too. Scout would still be bitter at not getting all the furs to himself though.

Even if he was essentially being held captive here, that wouldn't stop him from complaining about it.

He gave a little insulted sniff. "What, just 'cause I tore a guy's throat out a few minutes ago you think I'm gonna tear up your precious pelts? What am I, an animal?" The statement held both amusement and offence at what Shrike had said, given how Scout had acted so far was rather similar to an animal. But he was still a little offended.

@fireteam-striker from here

Shrike's optic flickered with some curiousity, dlating a little. He rotated around the other slowly, tail beginning to swish a bit wider in a more cautiously curious way. "Quite a tongue on you too. Most people would be shaking by now-" He said, a slight purr of an undertone to his voice. Lady stood and crept closer to Scout, sniffing at the ground a little aways from him as she watched.

"Letting you leave is something I can't do though. Not yet. I'm sure you understand-" He leaned down beside Scout, patting his head in a way that was definitely atleast a little mocking. The pieces of his gauntlets made clicking noises- the weight of them most likely felt even if Shrike never laid his full weight on Scout. He stood back up though, walking around until he could stand back in front and besides Lady.

"You'd run off, tell your little friends or something about this camp and we'd all be in deep shit. I need something to ensure you won't say anything..." He could cut out Scout's vocal box but he could always get that replaced. "Whether you're willing to give me a gurantee or not." He sat back down on his little spot, crossing a leg over the other. Even his boots had massive claws on them- four lining the front like a wolfs paw with a dewclaw on the back of the ankle.

[stxrmapper]

Dredgen Shrike was having one of his weeks again. Those weeks where Scout was simply just seemingly not allowed to leave his sight, or his side...or any close vicinity to him.

Other Dredgens were seeking refuge in the camp though. It wad the worst week for them to...for them. Shrike couldn't give less of a shit about manners, and he'd already given one the Taurus treatment (of which they barely escaped without clawmarks, aggressive ones.).

But someone had been touchy that day, one of the more self-proclaimed "Charming" Dredgens. Shrike thought it was stupid to call a Dredgen charming, but it still didn't change the way they had even gone so far as to flirt with Scout. They were, all things considered, lucky to be alive with how Shrike was, and Scout was drug back to Shrike's tent again.

He nudged against the back of Scout's neck, giving a small puff of air almost akin to an angry bull. The flat of his fangs that stuck out of his mouth were pressed against the area, and Shrike pulled Scout closer. "I should have killed him where he stood." He growled lowly. "He shouldn't have even been looking at you-" Shrike's Arc reared under his skin in response to the emotion rising, sparking off onto Scout's Chassis.

Scout was quite happy to sit near Shrike in times like this where the other was feeling overly possessive. Occasionally they had arguments, because Scout wanted to do something and Shrike just wanted to have him near, but more often than not Scout was happy to just lounge around in Shrike's lap. The incident with the snow had been quickly forgiven, but he still preferred to stay inside when it was cold outside, which didn't help whenever Shrike had to leave to do something.

Often it gave the other Dredgens a break, but at the same time, it also gave them an opportunity, and unfortunately for them, Scout entertained it whilst fully knowing the consequences of what could happen to them.

He was purring as the other Dredgen flirted with him, but his antennae perked up when he saw Shrike was back. All he wanted was Shrike's attention now, and the other Dredgen was quickly forgotten, even though Shrike certainly wasn't done with them. The Hunter gave a little squeak of surprise as he was dragged back to the tent, but he certainly didn't complain.

Scout pushed back ever so slightly, into the touch on his neck. "It riles you up like this, so I can't complain. But I think we both know you're better~" His own Arc reacted in turn, like a feedback loop that only served to grow more and more powerful, which surely only served to work them both up even more with the extra energy.

One of Scout's hand reached to take Shrike's, and he raised it up to clutch at the front of his neck, "Maybe you should give them a proper reminder of who I belong to, and what they're messing with."

[stxrmapper]

@dredgenshrike from here!

Scout didn’t seem intent moving away from Shrike, never mind getting off of him, and he brought one hand up to lean against the side of Shrike’s neck with his claws - just an idle threat. Was threat really the right word?

“Then I’d be happy to bring it out more often. Regardless of whether we’ve just killed or not.” He glanced over to where the corpse still lay, they’d not disposed of it just yet. Maybe they’d just leave it here as a warning for any others coming close to the camp, telling exactly what will happen to them if they happen to be caught messing around. “You’re a good boy,” Scout tested, curious to see if there’d be any reaction, “Makin’ their death slow ‘n’ painful, just like they deserve. So good.”

Claws tapping idly against a more metal part of Shrike’s neck, Scout leaned down to kiss him again, before putting slightly more pressure down; just a little edge of pain, nothing too bad. Enough that if Shrike decided he wanted away, Scout would stop. They’d never really done much where Scout was the one in charge, even if he was the one to tease and start things so often.

He was purring the whole time, though eventually his other hand shifted, bloodied. Scout smeared the blood across Shrike’s face.

[stxrmapper]

Dredgen Shrike comes up to Scout, from behind. The other had been...prickly, but Shrike was a big oof. First step, was dropping his Cloak over Scout's shoulder. He purred and stepped to the side, nuzzling Scout. He then reached into one of the satchels he held on his waist, and held out a knife to him.

It was blacksteel blade, with some kind of orange jewel-type substance decorating the other side of the blade. It had Scout's name carved into it. "For you, my Prince. My handsome, amazing partner-"

He then reached to the hood, and pulled it over Scout's head, promptly dumping snow over his head that had been in the hood with a snicker. "Also for you, my amazing partner."

The warm cloak was a great start to winning him over, despite the mood, and Scout purred. There was an odd weight to the cloak though, and it put him off, an odd suspicion rising up, but the warmth was too good to refuse. Scout always hated Winter, the cold that came with it, the way his joints stiffened or even froze if he managed ro get wet, or too cold. Though, that usually wasn't anywhere on Earth, he had to say. Normally the Light-forsaken wasteland of Europa.

His antennae perked up as the blade was procured, and he leaned into Shrike. "It's beautiful, I--"

But then Shrike pulled the hood up, covering him in snow. Scout gave a yelp at the sudden cold, shaking it off and throwing the cloak off too, in expectance that there was more hidden elsewhere. By the Light, he hated Winter. Dropping the knife, antennae lowering, he headed back towards the tent, clearly not in a good mood.

Whether it was worse than how he was before was uncertain, but he definitely didn't seem happy at all as he lay bundled up in the furs, warming himself with Solar.

[stxrmapper]

Shrike was very openly possessive about Scout. Taurus- well, Taurus had seen the lot of it. Each thing he had seen, he regretted. Yet, the word of this, and Shrike's deamnor didn't mean everyone in the camp was always... complacent to not tread too far.

Rattlesnake. A hunter with the build of a Titan....too cocky for his own good. Shrike had been out for the morning, and Rattlesnake had taken this chance to slide up to Scout, all confident, and start chatting him up.

He was charismatic- but Shrike was also quick on hunts. Coming back to see Rattlesnake- well, he slunk over, coming up behind Scout. Rattlesnakes eyes drug up to the Exo, and he gave a greeting, about to say something else before-

chomp.

Shrike bit down on Scout's neck right then, right there, no shame and snarling all the while. Rattlesnake stared wide-eyed, sputtering something as he was subjected to what Taurus had witnessed more than once, before he just raised his hands in an "I give up,", turned snd walked away, hoping he could forget it soon.

Scout didn't seem to care about others seeing whatever Shrike and him got up to. Sometimes it seemed as if he even enjoyed it, the risk of being caught. Unfortunately for Taurus, the variety of what exactly he'd caught them doing ranged from just leaving simple little marks on one another, all the way to...less savoury things, and it was debatable whether those were better or worse than the time where Shrike actually killed Scout.

It didn't help that one of Scout's favourite passtimes was flirting with Taurus, though Rattlesnake was quick to earn his attention too. Today in particular, he purred as the other spoke to him, returning all the flirtatious comments. But he knew Shrike would be back soon, and he knew well that Shrike wouldn't wait before acting.

He was right - Scout's antennae perked up when he heard steps stalking towards them, but he didn't step talking with Rattlesnake.

Not until he gasped, feeling fangs puncture his neck. How rude of Shrike to interrupt his conversation! But Scout's attention was quickly shifted fully to the Dredgen regardless. "Been waitin' for you to get back. I've been real bored without you, though Rattlesnake's kept me company~"

"If you're done with the hunt 'n' have nothin' else to do for the next while, I could do with some...entertaining. Maybe it'll double as stress relief for you, I know how hard you work yourself sometimes~"

[stxrmapper]

@unlikelyandco from here!

The Exo didn’t seem to be mad at the comments; he gave a laugh instead. “’Spose if you’re somethin’ soft and cuddly, that’ll make it a lot more fun to sink my fangs into you, hm? Then again, I guess a little rabbit laying down to accept death isn’t very fun. Scout watched the other closely, just waiting for Hex to make the first move. 

“Mm, sounds intriguing,” Scout almost looked as if he was actually considering for a second, but he unsheathed his claws, raising an eyebrow, “But I think I’ll have to pass. I mean, unless you’re real into blood. Then you’ll have a real fun death, sweetness.”

Though, there was no attempt to attack, instead Scout just moved a little closer toward the other curiously, like a game of chicken: seeing who’d break and attack first. Scout knew he’d eventually get bored and just pounce, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have fun first. Then afterwards, he could bring the other Hunter’s Ghost back to Shrike, maybe drag Hex himself back, leave the Ghost alive so Shrike could do whatever he wanted to kill the other.

Oh, that sounded fun.

Running a claw across Hex’s shoulder, he spoke again, “You really did a good job of painting a giant bullseye on your back, huh~?”

[stxrmapper]

Scout ends up caught out by some dredgens or another- two titans who are particularily strong. They drag him back to a camp, out in the middle of the woods, to an open tent covered in animal fur of all kinds. A large black-armored exo sits in the tent, antenna tilted back with helmet off and a large black wolfish-looking animal sitting beside him. He raises his head as the titans let go of Scout, and he stands, twirling a malfesance in his hand. A vague but defined threat.

"Look what pretty face the cats dragged in~" He coos, voice rough with an undeniable scratch and accent to it. "Whats a Guardian like you doing this far out into the woods? Thought the Tower taught you to stay out of it. Fear the Big Bad Wolf and all." His tail sweeps slow behind him, blades on the end extended.

The whole time they were dragging him back, Scout was snarling and tossing insults at the Titans that held him. How dare they interrupt his hunt? Now he was going to have to be even more careful, seeing as his target knew what he looked like, and knew they were being hunted. It was always worse when they knew. Especially Warlocks. Always so flighty. The thought made him attempt to kick out, deliberately aiming for the crotch of one of the Titans to show just how annoyed he was.

Once he was released, he immediately turned and snapped at one of them, baring his fangs, though he turned when he heard a voice speak. Scout's demeanour seemed to switch instantly, though he still seemed defensive - claws were out, and he didn't take his eyes off of Shrike. Not even to blink. "Dunno. Curiosity killed the cat but I mean, satisfaction brought it back, right? Only reasonable to come out here eventually. Plus I can't say I like doing what people tell me~" Whatever the Vanguard or people in the Tower said, he did the complete opposite just to spite them.

"Can't say the welcome was the best. Would've loved to've been greeted by tall, dark and handsome himself~ instead of them." He took his optics off of Shrike for a second to glare behind himself at where they were. His optics immediately drew back to Shrike, seemingly not caring about the large wolf-looking creatute by his side. The hostility seemed to drop once again when he spoke to Shrike, "As much as I love the eyecandy, can't say I'd be pleased to be kept here for much longer. So if you'd just let me go..."

[stxrmapper]

Shrike drags Scout out into a hunt, of someone who had come too close. In the lingering adrenaline of the kill, he presses Scout to a tree, tail wagging as he press a kiss agaonst the others mouth- maybe a little harshly, but that was him after hunts anyways.

Scout gave a little noise of surprise as he was pressed up against the tree, but he definitely didn't complain as Shrike kissed him. Nor did he complain at the roughness. Sure, Scout loved when they were gentle, just enjoying one another's company, lazing around in bed resting next to one another, sometimes talking, sometimes not even bothering to do that.

But he always loved when things got rougher: more dangerous. It didn't always have to get truly violent, with blood and death, even if that was fun sometimes. That didn't stop Scout's claws from coming up to rest idly on Shrike's sides, though Scout couldn't help but chuckle when they pulled away from one another and he saw Shrike's tail wagging. "'M I gonna have to put up with you basically having the zoomies for the next half hour 'cause of this?" He teased.

Well, it was probably less zoomies, and more 'I'm not gonna let go of you now and you're gonna be the victim of all my attention.' That was usually how it went; Scout loved the attention though, and he loved to give it back too, so that certainly wasn't a problem.

"I dunno if you wanna stay out here. 'M sure no one would bother us at camp anyway but...y'never know what they might end up seein' if they do~" Scout trailed his claws along Shrike's side idly.

[stxrmapper]

@unlikelyandco from here!

Scout purred at the response from Hex. He may be a nuisance, but apparently he was endearing enough to keep around, which was all he cared about. And unfortunately for Hex, so long as he was around, Hex was going to get a lot of attention. Especially when Scout was high and wanted to do nothing more than snuggle up to him.

He gave a little noise of surprise when his back hit the wall and he pulled his head back to look down at Hex, a questioning look in his eye, though he was very quickly distracted by the fact Hex was taller than him. He was used to being taller than most of the people he ended up flirting with. What about the Dredgens? A few of them seemed to be real tall. Scout wondered idly if they smoked. Hah, that’d be a great attack plan. Get them all high and then fight. Would they even fight back?

What Light did they all use, it was always interesting to see how people used their Light. Especially when people used it on him in a non-combat way. That was great. Would Hex do that?

“Consequences~?” His mind returned to Hex and he remembered he had an outstanding statement to actually respond to. There was a slightly flirtatious lilt still to his tone, though for the most part, what exactly the consequences were for was now lost on him, though the kiss, the little lick and the grin on Hex’s face were enough to convince him that it didn’t matter. All that mattered now was keeping Hex’s attention. So his claws moved to rest on Hex’s side, digging in just enough as a constant reminder they were there, but not enough to hurt.

[stxrmapper]

[ dare ] Scout acts out a dare from Hex and/or Nemo // they would hang out together for sure hshshs

"Told you I could do it," Scout boasted pridefully as he placed the deer skull on the table in front of them. "Got a new scar for it though, that wolfdog got me good on the arm with a bite." He raised his arm up, showing where the metal had indents from the teeth. "'M sure I got every Dredgen in the area on my tail now, especially the Wolf, so hope you're happy."

Scout doesn't seem angry at all though. Amused, more like. It had been a fun challenge, and harassing the Dredgens at that camp was always fun too. "Though, now you owe me. I did the dare fair and square, so now you better be ready for a dare headed your way too~"

[stxrmapper]

Oh yeah, he wasn't bothering attempting to run again. Well, now that he'd calmed a little, Solar once again replacing Arc in a soothing warmth through his body, Scout couldn't help but snicker at the thought of Shrike chasing him down again, just because of the fact he'd probably end up enjoying it, even if he wouldn't admit it. Though that didn't change that he wanted to go back home and just collapse into bed.

"Your tent?" Scout repeated, mouth laying open just for a second in surprise. That did lend to watching him closely, but it was still a shock. He fully thought that Shrike might just leave him outside, probably giving the dogs a better bed that him, so it was still certainly a welcome surprise.

Oh-- Flare. "It's on the edge of the city, a-- y'know what I'll just get my Ghost to give you the location. May as well make it quick 'n' direct if you're gonna break in. Just call his name, offer 'm a treat. Not the best guard dog." Of course he was still just a puppy, but amusement still slipped into Scout's voice as he talked about it.

He stood, following behind Shrike, now getting more of a chance to actually glance around the camp. Scout's focus was quick to return to Shrike though, giving a half joking, half flirtatious, "Shame you don't wanna rest with me. I make a pretty good heat pack~" In reality his Solar really did help when he found himself in less than ideal places. Overall a tent was miles better than some of the places he'd had to sleep in over the years, and he was partially grateful, even if annoyance still lingered.

@fireteam-striker from here

Shrike's optic flickered with some curiousity, dlating a little. He rotated around the other slowly, tail beginning to swish a bit wider in a more cautiously curious way. "Quite a tongue on you too. Most people would be shaking by now-" He said, a slight purr of an undertone to his voice. Lady stood and crept closer to Scout, sniffing at the ground a little aways from him as she watched.

"Letting you leave is something I can't do though. Not yet. I'm sure you understand-" He leaned down beside Scout, patting his head in a way that was definitely atleast a little mocking. The pieces of his gauntlets made clicking noises- the weight of them most likely felt even if Shrike never laid his full weight on Scout. He stood back up though, walking around until he could stand back in front and besides Lady.

"You'd run off, tell your little friends or something about this camp and we'd all be in deep shit. I need something to ensure you won't say anything..." He could cut out Scout's vocal box but he could always get that replaced. "Whether you're willing to give me a gurantee or not." He sat back down on his little spot, crossing a leg over the other. Even his boots had massive claws on them- four lining the front like a wolfs paw with a dewclaw on the back of the ankle.

[stxrmapper]

At first, feeling the touch against the ears, Scout froze. He liked that...but was quick to remember exactly who was currently petting him, and he snapped at Shrike's hand once again, hopefully looking far more fiercesome now that he'd had a chance to put on display exactly just how brutal he could be, and how bloody too.

His optics squinted into a glare as Shrike nudged his head up again (he would never admit it, but he quite liked how tall Shrike was, both in general, and in the way he had to nudge Scout's head up to look at him a lot of the time) , though they flickered a few times back and forth between Shrike's face and his claw. What was he doing? The red stood out against the colours of the metal, which only drew Scout's optic to it more.

Scout's optics widened a little at the tongue. Okay-- that was...something. Shrike really caught his attention when he licked the blood off his fingers, though he jumped when the other Exo's jaw slammed shut. That seemed to just ignite something defiant in him again, and as much as he would've loved the prospect of having Guardians brought to him as essentially gifts, he was still angry at being kept here.

By the Light, he'd miss all his blankets and pillows.

"Can't say I know my way around. Plus I thought I wasn't trustworthy enough to keep off a leash?" The question once again dripped with sarcasm. Scout eventually spoke again, "If you are keepin' me here, where the fuck 'm I gonna sleep?" Ugh, he was guessing it wasn't going to be the best.

@fireteam-striker from here

Shrike's optic flickered with some curiousity, dlating a little. He rotated around the other slowly, tail beginning to swish a bit wider in a more cautiously curious way. "Quite a tongue on you too. Most people would be shaking by now-" He said, a slight purr of an undertone to his voice. Lady stood and crept closer to Scout, sniffing at the ground a little aways from him as she watched.

"Letting you leave is something I can't do though. Not yet. I'm sure you understand-" He leaned down beside Scout, patting his head in a way that was definitely atleast a little mocking. The pieces of his gauntlets made clicking noises- the weight of them most likely felt even if Shrike never laid his full weight on Scout. He stood back up though, walking around until he could stand back in front and besides Lady.

"You'd run off, tell your little friends or something about this camp and we'd all be in deep shit. I need something to ensure you won't say anything..." He could cut out Scout's vocal box but he could always get that replaced. "Whether you're willing to give me a gurantee or not." He sat back down on his little spot, crossing a leg over the other. Even his boots had massive claws on them- four lining the front like a wolfs paw with a dewclaw on the back of the ankle.

[stxrmapper]

Shrike unwrapping the cord from his neck distracted Scout. Admittedly, he hadn’t really expected it. Half expected Shrike to taunt him, hold the kill over his head like a feather to bat at, without ever actually letting him at the Warlock. So to say he was delighted was an understatement. The rumbling in Shrike’s throat seemed to catch onto him too, as he gave a deep rumble, certainly not a purr, much more of a threatening noise.

Claws brushing against his neck made him give a different little noise, interrupting the deep growl. What it was was uncertain, but he didn’t seem too opposed to them. But when Shrike held onto his neck, it made his frame almost shake with anticipation at being forced to wait.

When he was released though, there was still a moment of hesitation. What if this was some sort of trick? And he’d end up with something bad happening to him in the end? What-- oh. Those two words pushed all that doubt out of Scout’s mind, and he pounced at the Warlock, landing on top of them without any attempt to catch his weight without hurting them. From that alone he heard something snap, and he stared down at them for a second, before giving a huff of a laugh.

He brought a claw to the other’s neck, pushing down enough to draw blood, before dragging it down until his claw met fabric, then he moved away. He shifted his hand to press down on where the Warlock’s heart would be. Scout had no intentions to do anything with that, but it did make the Warlock give a frightened little breath beyond what whimpered noises of pain they were making, and he pressed down, claws digging into the skin, right until he felt ribs crack under his weight.

Then he couldn’t help himself. Shrike had made him wait too long for this. With one quick snarl of a noise, he moved down and bit down on the other’s throat, sinking his fangs in, leaving them there for a second to let the awareness sink in, before biting down hard. At the same time, he tore his claws through the skin on their chest, and he knew he’d regret it with the blood that spilled all over him and all over his face, but for now it felt good. Especially to let out his frustration and anger in one quick motion. 

The blood that landed in his mouth was swallowed down, and as Scout pulled his head back up away from the now-dead Warlock’s throat, he licked a few of his claws, acting almost daintily in the face of the violence. He felt something though, something in a little pouch on the Warlock’s hip, and immediately his hand plunged in there, pulling out the Ghost from inside.

Part of the shell was pried away with his claws, until the core was better exposed. Then he bit down. And he drank the very Light from the Ghost. Scout was practically shaking as the burst of energy in his Light hit him.

@fireteam-striker from here

Shrike's optic flickered with some curiousity, dlating a little. He rotated around the other slowly, tail beginning to swish a bit wider in a more cautiously curious way. "Quite a tongue on you too. Most people would be shaking by now-" He said, a slight purr of an undertone to his voice. Lady stood and crept closer to Scout, sniffing at the ground a little aways from him as she watched.

"Letting you leave is something I can't do though. Not yet. I'm sure you understand-" He leaned down beside Scout, patting his head in a way that was definitely atleast a little mocking. The pieces of his gauntlets made clicking noises- the weight of them most likely felt even if Shrike never laid his full weight on Scout. He stood back up though, walking around until he could stand back in front and besides Lady.

"You'd run off, tell your little friends or something about this camp and we'd all be in deep shit. I need something to ensure you won't say anything..." He could cut out Scout's vocal box but he could always get that replaced. "Whether you're willing to give me a gurantee or not." He sat back down on his little spot, crossing a leg over the other. Even his boots had massive claws on them- four lining the front like a wolfs paw with a dewclaw on the back of the ankle.

[stxrmapper]

Oh, if Shrike knew about those, his ego would inflate. All he knew is people didn’t like those woods because it crawled with snakes and wolves. Or when people heard certain noises it would send them scampering away with their tail between their legs. Shrike honestly found it amusing- as an Exo, he had some capabilities human and awoken did not for noises. He was sure Scout did too.

He gave a glare at Scout on the comment of his men being unruly. Maybe they thought he deserved to see something. Regardless, he shook his head and dragged Scout into the camp.

The two titans from earlier- had dropped the Warlock in the middle of camp, tied. The one with golden horns backed up, shaking his head as he walked over to Shrike. “Damn near burned our buddies head off.” He muttered to the Exo, sparing only a glance at Shrike. The other Titan had similar horns but they curled and the titan was right- one of the horns was still dripping molten metal onto the ground. Shrike glanced at the titan, before nudging his shoulder.

“Thank you, Taurus.” He said, feeling Lady trot further into camp next to his legs. She ignored the Warlock, going back to sit at the tent. A bernese puppy soon joined her, giving a small 'arf’ at her. She looked at him, and the puppy tried to mimic her- but one of his ears fell in his face and he gave a small noise as he tried to bite his own ear.

Shrike stared at the Warlock for a moment longer, before shifting to walk behind Scout, careful to not pull the leash too tight. “This is your bounty, yea?” He asked, quietly. “I’d hope they brought back the right one. To subject a poor innocent Guardian to this…"He snickered, his tone very much not sincere. "I could let you kill them. A show of my own faith to you, that I won’t hurt you while you’re here so long as you behave, Scout.” He said, dragging a hand up to hold Scout’s jaw, to keep his gaze on the Warlock, tied on the ground.

Scout didn’t seem to catch the glare aimed in his direction, far more intrigued by the noises coming from the camp, optics practically slits watching and antennae pointed upwards, like a cat stalking its prey. He definitely recognised that voice.

The two Titans went ignored, though he did seem distracted for a moment by Lady and the little pup that gave a small bark. Heh, cute. Reminded him of Flare, and once again he felt a slight pang of wanting to just hold him and make sure he was safe. It was an odd thing: Scout never really cared for anyone in a world as harsh as this, many of his friends had ended up dead by the hands of people like Shrike, so it did him well to distance himself. And yet he’d just given his full attention to the pup of all things, and was incredibly protective.

Funny how things worked out.

His optics finally fell on the Titans, tilting his head a little, curious at the damage the Warlock had caused. Pesky things. A great force on your side, a terrible nuisance when they weren’t. Still a nuisance that Scout was happy to deal with, given he got paid for it, and it meant he got to shed blood. Something that felt oh, so satisfying to do.

Feeling the slight pull on the leash, Scout didn’t give a growl, instead just a nod. This was indeed the unfortunate Warlock who had fallen prey to him - at least until the two Titans had come along. But to get a second chance at killing them... Scout wasn’t going to pass that up by any means. Even if he missed out on finishing the chase, catching them and taking his reward by killing them afterwards, it still felt good to come out on top in the end. At least in that way. Probably not overall, given he was currently the one with a makeshift leash around his neck after having been caught himself.

The grip on his jaw didn’t end in a violent or aggressive reaction either, instead he just...watched. Focused on the poor Warlock who had nowhere to go. Waiting.

@fireteam-striker from here

Shrike's optic flickered with some curiousity, dlating a little. He rotated around the other slowly, tail beginning to swish a bit wider in a more cautiously curious way. "Quite a tongue on you too. Most people would be shaking by now-" He said, a slight purr of an undertone to his voice. Lady stood and crept closer to Scout, sniffing at the ground a little aways from him as she watched.

"Letting you leave is something I can't do though. Not yet. I'm sure you understand-" He leaned down beside Scout, patting his head in a way that was definitely atleast a little mocking. The pieces of his gauntlets made clicking noises- the weight of them most likely felt even if Shrike never laid his full weight on Scout. He stood back up though, walking around until he could stand back in front and besides Lady.

"You'd run off, tell your little friends or something about this camp and we'd all be in deep shit. I need something to ensure you won't say anything..." He could cut out Scout's vocal box but he could always get that replaced. "Whether you're willing to give me a gurantee or not." He sat back down on his little spot, crossing a leg over the other. Even his boots had massive claws on them- four lining the front like a wolfs paw with a dewclaw on the back of the ankle.