Sanctuary (Private)

[Sathenus]

It was really appreciated, especially because he knew that Alfred didn't really know him, that they were still relatively new to each other. So that the other centaur was already willing to protect him was really nice, but at the same time he didn't want to get his hopes up too much that Alfred wouldn't end up like all the others and feel compelled to go after him either, especially if a female centaur was around. It made him nervous, but hearing Alfred say 'promise' definitely made him feel much better about the whole thing.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

"You could always just take it out of my paycheck." Xander mused with a smirk. How could he not be happy with the idea of Alexander coming over to cook for him even if he paid the man it would still be nice. Not that he cared if he paid him or not, to be quite honest. On their way to the sanctuary he enjoyed the views and glanced towards Alexander, "Wanna take bets on how restless the centaurs already are despite it being far earlier than we'd normally come in?"

[virtualoo]

Alfred leaned down to nuzzle the others neck, wanting to relax the other somehow. He was not sure how else to help keep the other calm but he hoped that it would help somewhat. He held him in a gentle hug, keeping on looking towards the doors. He could hear the others getting restless too, probably used to the sweet smell and wanting to get closer to it. It only made him hold Daniel tighter

—-

Alexander chuckled at the other wanting to make a bet at how restless the centaurs were. “Probably going to be super jittery by the time we come in. Running out of their stalls fun speed ahead to quickly eat and get to doing what centaurs do in their heat@ He shook his head with a small chuckle as they got closer and closer to the sanctuary. “Ready to let out the hormonally fueled centaurs now?” He laughed as he pulled into the front of Olympus.

[Sathenus]

Daniel had to admit feeling Alfred nuzzle his neck did help him a little, especially when he was being held tightly to him which made him nuzzle the other in return. Shifting a little as he could hear the sounds of approaching feet meaning they were finally going to be released and would be able to get out of here run off and hide. Breakfast was actually the furthest thing from his mind right now, it honestly wasn't on his mind at all. His hunger was gone at the thought of the heat, just wanting to run into the woods and hide out for as long as he possibly could until he was forced out of them and told he had to go eat with the others at which point he'd probably cling to Alexander like a lifeline... or maybe Alfred? The centaur did say he would protect him so... maybe he could cling to him?

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

Xander laughed, "Like always, they spare us little attention during this time of the year." He mused but it was true. The centaurs were the least bit interested in them to begin with, but during the heat they were even more invisible. As though it was possible, since in the beginning Xander had thought the centaurs couldn't possibly ignore them enough. "Oh I suppose we should..." Xander said already feeling tired and not having done anything yet. Letting the centaurs out during their heat was difficult, it was a quick open the stall door and move to the side before you're trampled kind of difficult.

[virtualoo]

“I’ll make sure you get to eat..” Alfred said as he finally heard the sound of stall doors opening, preparing to run out alongside Daniel. They finally got around to their doors, holding Daniels hNd tightly as he went right to breakfast. He kept a protective arm around him with one arm, grabbing two bowls to fill each of theirs with food. He had to shove a centaur out of the way who tried to block him, making sure each of their bowls was full.

—-

“We got this, like always” Alexander smiled as he went to make sure food was ready ahead of time before any doors got open. Once that was settled, they started to let everyone out carefully. There were one or two close calls but no problems. Alexander could see Daniel clinging to Alfreds smiling softly to himself. Maybe he will be okay during heat after all..

[Sathenus]

Daniel had wanted to object and say that breakfast wasn't all that important, but he wasn't really given the chance. The moment the stall door opened Alfred had already had a strong grip on his hand and was pulling him along. He was more than eager to keep up and stick close to him since he was still terrified of being around the larger centaurs during this time and preferred to just vanish for the most part. But Alfred didn't seem to be having any of that, even pushing a centaur aside that had tried to block them from getting much food. Which wasn't all that surprising to Daniel, this time of year the centaurs definitely were more feisty and dominant over everything. After Alfred had managed to get them both full bowls of food he was quick to lead them away from where any other centaurs were and settled down in the shade of a large tree. If Alfred was going to insist that they ate that was fine, but he was going to insist on keeping a distance.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

A small smile appeared on Xander's face as he kept a close eye on the centaurs, particularly Daniel and Alfred, it seemed that Alfred was more than capable of and more than willing to protect Daniel. Nudging Alexander he gave him another smile, "Feeling a little better taking a step back from Daniel now?" He was dying to know if Alexander thought that what Alfred had displayed already was enough to ease his concerns for the small centaur. Knowing that in a way Daniel was like a son to Alexander definitely made it hard for his friend to take a step back, but he needed to do so.

[virtualoo]

A bit more shoving later, trying not to full on shove people out of the way, he managed to fill up both their bowls with plenty of greens and fruits. Daniel was quick to lead him away to a large tree to eat, away from everyone else. “Here..” He said softly, giving him the bowl that’s he managed to fill up a bit higher and he took the other. He started to eat the fruit, wanting to start off with something sweeter. He was glad he was able to get food for Daniel, feeling good about being able to extort some dominance to get in the line.

—-

Alexander immediately glances to Alfred and Daniel, wanting to keep an eye on them since they went to the line. Normally Daniel would have been off in the woods by now, but Alfred was holding his hand and even pushing others aside to fill their bowls. They soon ran off to a large tree, feeling Xander nudging him. “I guess..I’m glad he is getting food..” He said quietly, still feeling weird for stepping back. He would normally be comforting the other right now or trying to go check up on him by now to get him to eat breakfast. He was happy of course but it still felt weird to take a step back. “Rowdy group but no fights so far, good” He finally spoke up with a soft smile

[Sathenus]

"Thanks." Daniel said still feeling ab it off about this whole thing, it was a strange turn of events and he still wanted to go running off to Alexander or even the woods without eating even though Alfred had been nice enough to get him something. Deciding that he needed to get better with all of this he just stuck to clinging close to Alfred even as they ate his eyes wearily watching the others. They ate in relative silence and when they had finished Daniel was taking Alfred's hand again as they took care of their bowls before he was leading him off towards the woods where he wanted to hide out for as long as Alfred was going to let him. Figuring the other centaur would be pulling him out of them come time for lunch.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

Xander could sense that Alexander wasn't entirely happy though or feeling fully relieved. "You can check in on him tonight, and in the morning. He'll be fine with Alfred at his side, you saw how he was behaving." Xander said trying to help ease Alexander's worries but knowing there was no way to do so until Alexander saw for himself that Alfred was more than capable of protecting Daniel and would do so. "You're right, it's been a relatively good and peaceful day, no fights, just some pushing and shoving which has never ended in anyone seriously hurt. Maybe none of the females are in heat just yet? It would make today go smoother for sure."

[virtualoo]

Alfred made sure the other ate plenty before returning their bowls and following Daniel into the woods. He was a bit more careful in his strides so he wouldn’t get stuck in anything as bad this time. A stumble here or there but he managed better than yesterday. He found the spot Daniel wanted to hide, sitting down beside him and getting comfortable.

—

“Definitely checking on him..” Alexander said quietly, hoping Daniel was alright out there with Alfred. This was all new to him and Alfred, hoping things won’t go south. “It’s just the first day so things probably haven’t gone mental yet. Tomorrow we can expect everything to kick into full gear” He said with a small nod. In most cases, the first day went relatively smoothly

[Sathenus]

Daniel tried to keep his pace slow so it wouldn't affect Alfred all that much and so the larger centaur could be careful of his feet placement. When they made it deep enough and to a nice quiet location he watched as Alfred settled down before he moved over to him and settled down beside him, lying himself over the other's flank again. His ears would occasionally twitch as he listened to the woods around them, but he was otherwise content to stay right there and not move for the rest of the day until they had to that night. "Alfred?" Daniel asked suddenly turning his head to meet the other centaur's gaze before he continued, "I know you said you rarely ever saw centaurs before now... but did you experience a heat before?" He asked wondering if this was all new to Alfred or if he had some experience with it previously.

 

*~*~*~*~*[/cente]

 

"None of us would expect anything less from you, Alexander." Xander told his friend patting him on the back before he was leading him away to get some more work done. "That's true, things rarely get bad on the first day, but it never hurts to have everyone ready anyway." He agreed with a nod. Leading Alexander away from the fence so they could continue with other things he was thinking about the other's date today after work. Which of course just made him hope that today would be peacefully and keep things light for Alexander, well lighter anyway. Since he was really concerned that Alexander was stressing himself over Daniel so much when it seemed to him at least that he was in good hands.

[virtualoo]

Alfred turned to look at the other when Daniel asked if he experienced heat before. “No, I haven’t been around other centaurs before and haven’t experienced a heat before. This is all new to me..” He said quietly, petting the others flank gently. So soft and warm..He thought to himself as he continued to pet the other.

—

Alexander let Xander pull him to do other work, trying to keep himself busy. He hoped that the other keeping him busy with work would keep his mind off Daniel. He tried to write up plans for the fundraising and sponsors for Olympus he wanted to do a day or two ago. That and planning for the heat would hopefully be enough work for him..

[Sathenus]

Daniel was just watching him as he listened to Alfred explain how he had not been around other centaurs before and hadn't experienced a heat before. It made him nod as he considered that for a moment when he felt the other pat his flank, it felt nice and sparked an odd feeling deep inside of him that he tried to push aside. "The first day is normally the most peaceful. It gets kind of rough after that. The heat lasts from spring to autumn." Daniel explained a little of how it worked to Alfred. "It's the most chaotic time of year here too." He added with a soft laugh before he was nuzzling the other. There was something he really enjoyed in the closeness of Alfred, but there was something new today too, a scent he hadn't recognized from the other centaur and it was seemingly quite appealing to him. It was a more musky scent, but it was nice, and he found his eyes drifting shut as he curled up around him more.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

Xander did his best to keep Alexander busy, helping the man with his work and joking around with him a little when he felt matters had gotten too serious or that Alexander was in his thoughts. Not wanting to let him think too much on Daniel, he was going to let Alexander fret over him as much as the man saw fit tonight, but not until they were brought in. That way Daniel will have made it through the day without him, and he had been able to tell it was hard for the other centaur to stay with Alfred and not run over to Alexander too. But it seemed even Alfred was doing good at keeping Daniel from these bad habits even if unknowingly, just as he was keeping Alexander from once more going to Daniel and encouraging the small centaur's bad behavior. They had to let the centaur become independent no matter how much it killed Alexander inside.

[virtualoo]

“I’m sure I will learn plenty..” Alfred shook his head with a small chuckle. They were already acting grumpy today but hoped it was because he was new over the heat. Spring to autumn was going to take a long time if the heat is that long. He found himself enjoying petting Daniel, liking the soft touch against his hand. He didn’t want to stop..finding his own eyes dozing off. He curled up around the other in a protective manner, wanting to stay close

—-

“Thanks Xander..” Alexander said with a smile at one point, adjusting the low ponytail in his hair. He had been fretting all day but was getting better. He kept trying to think of seeing Daniel tonight, trying to use this to get him through the work day. He had a list of various sponsors he wanted to talk to and trying to do rough sketches of a donors wall

[Sathenus]

"You are really smart... and strong... you'll be fine." Daniel murmured having started to doze off against the larger centaur. A moment later and he was fast asleep, curled up against him and being kept asleep by the calming sound of the other's heart and breathing. Daniel had no idea how long they had slept for, but it was clear by the position of the sun in the sky that they had missed lunch and that the dinner bell would be tolling soon. It was odd to think he had slept for that long knowing they'd end up inside soon and doing the same thing but Alfred really just made him that comfortable. His ears twitched and he turned his head to listen to the sounds of the woods as his head perked up. It was quiet, except for the sound of the birds and smaller rodents that could come and go from the sanctuary as they pleased. Perfect.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

"You don't have to thank me, I'm just glad I could offer you some sort of support." Xander replied as he was working on a few things across from his friend a small smile appearing on his face. "You only have to make it through another hour or two before they are brought in and you check up on him." He added. They had once again gone to the little cafe for lunch that day and it had been a nice break from the sanctuary and the hustle and bustle that it was during this time of year. They were all prepared for the next day, when things would really hit hard and the first females would be going into their heats and that's of course when things really got aggressive.

[virtualoo]

Alfred stirred with a small flick of his ears, sitting himself up. “We slept that long..?” He yawned, stretching his limbs. Good way to get through the first day of the heat is to just sleep through it. But that scent was still in the air, it probably would be like that for awhile from how Daniel was talking. But it was close..but he couldn’t explain where it came from. “Might as well head off to the dinner early, hopefully less pushing if we can get there first. And no your not skipping” He chuckled as he went to stand up.

—

Alexander enjoyed the rest of his day, enjoying the lunch with Xander. He went back to the sanctuary feeling a bit refreshed and ready to go. “Thanks again, you really are the best” He smiled warmly, pulling Xander into a tight hug. So warm and huggable, he thought to himself before letting go

[Sathenus]

Daniel had opened his mouth to object to going to dinner but Alfred had seemed to know he was going to object because he had added on the 'no you're not skipping' to the end of what he was saying. Making Daniel sigh and pout towards the larger centaur kind of hoping his pout would make the other not want to force him to go. It seemed as though it wasn't going to work though and so he got to his feet too and moved to follow Alfred towards dinner. "It was a nice nap though, really relaxing." Daniel admitted with a smile despite how long they had slept. Not really minding it, especially during this time of year a peaceful nap was always appreciated.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

"I know!" Xander laughed playfully as he returned the tight hug. "You know I just want what's best for you, and everyone here." He added as the hug broke and he took a small step back smiling at Alexander. Now, let's finish our office work so you can see Daniel when they are brought in for the night, otherwise you'll miss your chance." Xander suggested as he turned to grab what needed to be done next. As he was doing that though he thought about something, "Hey, Alexander? We should probably keep a close eye on who goes into heat when. Partially to know if for one reason or another one of the females don't but also because it will make the heat season easier if we know who is actually in heat when, and for how long." The man suggested. A centaurs heat could last from three to eight days with the average being five so he thought it was important they knew all of this about the females. It might make handling heats easier as they would know what herd to focus on.

[virtualoo]

“It was a nice nap, glad I got to just rest and relax today..” Alfred smiled warmly as he made sure their bowls got filled one way or the other. He walked beside Daniel as he led them to a quieter spot to eat, figuring Daniel would like it better. He managed to focus on eating, trying to resist the urge to pet the others flank again. He didn’t know why he was so obsessed with touching him all of a sudden.

—-

“You’re right about both of those things. I do want to check up on him before lockup and to keeping track of the heat cycles. It will be beneficial for everyone” Alexander happily agreed, nodding his head.” Starting tomorrow we keep track of all the females going into heat and record their length. Looking for any of the odd injuries that come with it of course” He mused as dinner was set, looking around the sanctuary for Daniel

[Sathenus]

Daniel let the other lead him to dinner and clung to him again like he had earlier, wanting to remain close to him and snuggle with the other. Resting beside him in the quiet spot Alfred had picked, glad that the larger centaur was quick to get him and knew he preferred eating away from the others in a more quiet and relaxed spot. He was eating his dinner and fighting the urge to snuggle with the other more when he caught sight of Alexander. Excitedly and telling Alfred he'd be right back he put the bowl down and happily bound over to the human. Instantly nudging the other once he reached him and offering a big smile, "I missed you..." Was the first thing Daniel said being honest. Daniel had wanted to see and cling to the human sooner but had not had the opportunity to do so.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

"IT will definitely make handling the heats easier." Xander said with a nod glad that Alexander agreed. He followed the other towards where the centaurs would have gathered for dinner knowing he was looking for Daniel and a soft laugh escaped him when said centaur came bounding happily over. Xander had to admit that the way the other ran was quite cute, hopping more than he was actually running which just made it all the more cute. Just like that of the deer he so resembled in his animal half, it was quite interesting to see all the things that Daniel shared with such an animal. Even if there were very clear differences as well, but it really was sweet to see how warm and welcoming Daniel was to Alexander and how the small centaur had wanted to be close to the owner.

[virtualoo]

“Daniel! I missed you too” Alexander smiled happily as he saw his deer patterned centaur come hopping over to him. He did miss him all day and was happy to finally be holding and hugging him again. “Have an okay first day of what? No one gave you trouble? Alfred was nice to you?” He questioned the other while nuzzling his forehead and petting his flank. He could see Alfred in the distance eating but looking in their direction. “

[Sathenus]

Daniel definitely liked the attention he was getting from Alexander which of course just made him lean more into the human and press up against him more encouraging the petting and nuzzling as he nuzzled the other as well. "It was okay. Alfred kept me safe and got me breakfast and dinner... we napped through lunch. It was nice." He said telling Alexander about his day and how Alfred had kept him safe and protected him during the day and how they had napped together. Leaning heavily against Alexander and enjoying his closeness, "Did you have a good day? I hope it was nice."

[virtualoo]

Alexander happily listened to how the others day went, gently petting his flank and nuzzling him. It warmed his heart to know a centaur was protecting and caring for him like he would, smiling softly. “My day went well, I kept myself very busy with the sanctuary and getting ready for the heat. Thinking of ways to bring more money in and make Olympus even better..I also got a date tonight” He added at the end, figuring the other would enjoy hearing it. “I think someone is waiting for you..” He smiled, pointing to Alfred who had finished his bowl and was still waiting by the tree for him

[Sathenus]

"More money?" Daniel asked a bit curious about this, he wasn't sure how much money the sanctuary brought in now, or really the value of it. Hearing that Alexander had a date made him perk up even more his little tail was wagging quickly quite interested in hearing about that, "Oh! A date! That's great! Are you excited? It must be fun, huh? Do you like them?" Daniel was super curious how that was going to go and if Alexander was excited about it or not. Suddenly Alexander told him that someone was waiting for him, that made him follow the other's gaze to Alfred and a small smile appeared on his face before he turned back to Alexander. "But I want to spend time with you!" He said though he was more than happy to dart over to Alfred and return to spending time with him he wanted to spend time with Alexander too. "I haven't seen you all day!" He whined a pout appearing on his face this time. He missed the other and wanted to spend time with him, and was actually a bit surprised that Alfred hadn't made his way over since he had finished eating.

[virtualoo]

“Nerve wracking but I hope I’ll enjoy it at least” Alexander chuckled as he pat the others flank again. He heard the other mention him missing him and it made his heart break. He wanted to cuddle him even more tonight! Be strong..you can do this...! Even if it hurts, you need to back up a tiny bit. “I know Daniel, I know. But you have seen me all the time for years, I am sure Alfred is eager to spend more time with you! I heard you made fast friends with him” He smiled warmly as Alfred was finally starting to bound over their way. “Tomorrow we can cuddle more if I’m not busy again okay?” He smiled warmly, nuzzling him more

[Sathenus]

"I hope you do too! You should have fun." Daniel happily replied glad that Alexander had a date. It seemed as though he needed it and though he didn't entirely get what a date was he knew it was human thing normally with someone that the other was interested in. So he had his fingers crossed that all would go well for Alexander and that he'd enjoy himself and have fun with the person he was going on the date with. Daniel had expected to be told they could spend more time together now and to cuddle up with Alexander, instead he was told that he had seen him all the time for years and that Alfred was eager to spend more time with him. At this point his eyes moved back to the larger centaur who was finally coming over to them and though that made him happy he was a bit disappointed that Alexander hadn't jumped at the chance for them to cuddle and be close like he normally would have. "But I want to cuddle with you..." He pouted despite that wanting to voice his disappointment that he was pretty much being told no without Alexander directly saying it. Then the other was telling him they could cuddle more tomorrow if he wasn't busy again. "Okay." He mumbled feeling a bit upset and disappointed that he wasn't even being promised they would but told that if he wasn't busy it would happen. There was still a huge chance he'd end up busy and Daniel didn't like that.

 

Hesitantly he took a few steps away from Alexander as Alfred was getting closer before he was giving the other another look as though giving Alexander a chance to change his mind. It didn't seem he was going to do so though and with a soft sigh he moved away from Alexander and over to Alfred meeting the other centaur part of the way and more than happy to instantly nuzzle into him. Offering Alfred a smile he wrapped his arms around the other's torso, tilting his head up to smile at the larger centaur.

[virtualoo]

“We can cuddle tomorrow” Alexander said as he nuzzled and cuddled him for a bit before letting go when Alfred came over. He watched them start to snuggle and cuddle, knowing he would be in good hands for the heat. It still hurt not to cuddle like he wanted but he had to do this. “Hello Alfred, thank you for taking care of Daniel today. I’m glad he has made a friend of you” He smiled warmly before going to his office to prepare for lock up and his date.

—-

Alfred held the other in a hug, acknowledging Alexander with a smile. He nuzzled Daniel gently, looking down at him with a smile. “I think they are starting to round us up” He looked around as centaurs were starting to be brought In.

[Sathenus]

Daniel was still quite disappointed that Alexander wasn't cuddling with him now like he liked and was used to, being told that they would cuddle more tomorrow. But what if they didn't? What if the human was telling him that to make him feel better right now but that they didn't cuddle tomorrow at all? It was not a pleasant thought at all and it bummed him out to think that might be the case. Daniel was happy to cuddle up to Alfred though who was quick to return it feeling the arms wrapping around him in hug and being nuzzled gently. "I suppose we should get going then." Daniel murmured not moving at first before he was taking Alfred's hand in his and letting them be lead back to the barn. Daniel still wasn't entirely happy as he stepped into the stall feeling a bit hurt that it seemed Alexander was too busy to give him what he wanted.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

"I'm proud of you for staying strong. I know it was difficult." Xander said as he followed Alexander back to his office so the other could lock up and all. He had seen how difficult it had been for his friend, had noticed how Alexander had wanted to give in and cuddle with Daniel the way the small centaur clearly wanted to. But he had managed to stay true to himself and their decision. Even if the small centaur hadn't understood what was going on or why Alexander wasn't cuddling him like he was used to. In the end it was for the best, and that was why Xander felt the need to praise Alexander for sticking to it.