Part of the Pack

[Lupe Silvestre]

These damn classes. Lupe despised learning all these things the humans demanded. Why should she have to sit for hours at a time learning things she couldn't give a single damn for? To get out of here. She reminded herself as she picked up her things and swiftly exited the room. Yes, that was it. She had to play along to make the older humans happy. To make them think she was becoming more like them. It was a tiresome game she had to play, but she had learned how to adapt. Although there were still some things she did that the bothersome humans could never break her of. Such as growling at anyone who managed to get too close to her as she walked through the halls to yet another human class. Thrilling.

However, as she walked she caught a somewhat familiar scent on the wind and blinked, sniffing. it had been a while since she had smelled it, but Lupe's memory was very good, Looking around and even shoving some unnecessary human whelps out of the way, Lupe finally caught sight of a familiar  looking human female with dark hair. The scent carried to her, and Lupe's face lit up in recognition.  Taking sure strides towards the girl while pushing anyone in her way out of it, Lupe soon caught up to Ashley and gently hugged her.

"Ashley!" She said, positively pleased as she let go of the old pup and took a step back, smiling. "I have not seen you in very long! Are you alright?" Lupe asked curiously, tilting her head to the side. Ever since she accepted the girl into her pack, she had treated the old human pup with a protectiveness only reserved for those in her pack. The only person Lupe would value higher would be her own mate. And speaking of "mates"... "Are you still roommates with that Ellen?" Lupe inquired. She could pick up faint traces of another scent on the girl, so she huffed. "Mmmm you are. I can smell her on you." Lupe mused. "She is still kind to you?" Lupe asked instead, her eyes narrowing slightly, protectiveness washing over her. If that infernal human bitch did something to Ashley.....

[Ashley Benson]

Ashley, for all the improvement she'd shown in recent years remained a quiet, introverted person while in public. She didn't shy away from human contact nearly as much, nor did she allow the constant dread that lingered in her mind to overwhelm and control her. It was always there, residing just under the surface, she simply refused to allow it define who she was. She'd forever be a victim of her condition, she simply didn't allow herself to act like one anymore.

The approaching figure caught Ashley by surprise. She'd been moving silently down the hall, letting the crowd of students pass by largely unnoticed. Her books were clutched with both arms to her chest as she carefully tread toward her next class. There was a good twenty minutes or so before it would start but Ashley always liked to be early so she could secure a good seat close to the front where the professor was. The closer she got the easier it was for her to stay focused and not lose herself within her own mind. She flinched at the sudden contact but quickly settled as there was a certain sense of familiarity in the hug. Her eyes turned toward Lupe, wide and shining brightly in the white glow of the overhead lights.

"Lupe?" Ashley said in surprise. That anyone bothered to remember the quiet, introverted girl who only tried to stay out of everyone's way from years ago was still something Ashley hadn't gotten used to. Regardless, there was no keeping the smile from spreading across her face as she leaned into the brief, and unexpected show of affection. "I mostly take classes online." She answered quickly. The last thing she wanted was Lupe to think she'd been hiding away. Ashley's head tilted slightly in curiosity at the abrupt question of Ellen. It only lasted a moment, though, as Lupe had always been so straight forward. Vivid blue eyes gleamed brightly at the mention of the often dour blonde girl and Ashley nodded. "Yes." She said. "She's been..." Ashley paused long enough to seek out the right words. "She's been great to me."

[Lupe Silvestre]

Ashley seemed a little shocked initially, but Lupe had grown accustomed to the girl's reactions to being touched. She was a very skittish human, so Lupe did approach her with some care. Although over time she had grown better, and even seemed to tell when it was the feral girl hugging her. As she leaned into the embrace, Lupe smiled and nuzzled Ashley happily. It was good to see the old pup again. Although according to Ashley, she started taking classes online. That did make Lupe huff a little. "As long as you still come occasionally, then I suppose that's good." She decided.

When Lupe mentioned Ellen, the effect on the old pup was immediate. She could see the gleam in her eye and the change in her body language. It was so easy to read for a girl who'd grown up with Wolves. Although Lupe did not like that blonde human, she could easily see that Ashley did. Why she likes that wretched human I'll never know. Lupe decided with a frown. However, she had to admit that the human did in fact seem good for the girl. They appeared close too (a fact that irked Lupe a little), almost like Cassie and Lupe herself were. The feral girl still huffed a little however. "Oh very well. I cannot choose your mate for you." She grumbled, resting her chin on Ashley's shoulder. "But if she ever hurts you..." Lupe trailed off before shaking her head.

"Enough of her. What of you? How have you been feeling? The other humans have not bothered you, yes?" Lupe had to ask.

[Ashley Benson]

"What?" Ashley's eyes widened and her head shook hastily. She offered an almost sheepish smile. "Ellen and I aren't-" She trailed off before frowning and glancing to the floor. There remained a certain light in her deep, blue eyes though it was now framed by an uncertainty even Ashley couldn't explain. She gave a shrug and lifted her gaze back to Lupe. "We're not... mates. Just friends." Ashley insisted, perhaps a little to vehemently. "And she's not what you think." This assertion came with a great deal more confidence as Ashley straightened her posture and accentuated her point with a curt nod. "Ellen's misunderstood. She's a good person once you get... past everything else."

Lupe's question brought out a bright smile. That was a topic Ashley was relieved to be able to speak of. Indeed, the last three years of her life had been wrought with the same harrowing, terrifying pitfalls as always and yet she'd come out of it feeling better than ever. Her life was painfully simple, these days, just school and taking care of the apartment she shared with Ellen (much to her 'roommates' chagrin'). It wasn't exciting by any means but it suited Ashley just fine. "Yes." She said with a nod. "I feel... good." Just saying it still came off as alien and strange to Ashley no matter how truthful it was. "It's boring." She admitted with a light laugh. "But I'm happy." And, whether Lupe (or anyone else) wanted to admit it, Ellen had obviously been a large part of that.

[Lupe Silvestre]

There was something about the brunette's body language that spoke volumes. It was all over the place, telling but not telling. Unsure and yet happy. Obviously this was not an easy question for the girl, as she stared intently at the floor. Finally she insisted they weren't mates with a vehemence the feral girl had not expected. Yet still, her body language was all off, even as she went on to claim the Ellen bitch's goodness. Lupe didn't believe a word, but Ashley seemed happy. That was good enough for her.

But her next question made Ashley brighten immeasurably, making the feral girl smile herself just at the sight of happiness. Now her posture subtly changed again, and that happiness seemed to grow. Ashely was good. Bored perhaps, but happy. Yes, the ellen bitch had been part of it, but Lupe just focused on Ashley's happiness and not so much what had brought her there. "That's good to hear. The other humans better leave you along." She stated with a frown, glaring at a few passing by just for good measure. They were smartly keeping their distance.

"How much longer do you have here?" Lupe asked suddenly, gesturing around. "At this human academy?" She was curious how long she would be able to see her friend. Although now with her living away from the school, perhaps they would meet each other more.

[Ashley Benson]

"Don't worry, Lupe." Ashley said as she smiled, eyes gleaming brightly. Indeed she'd had little problems with her fellow students since her association with Ellen had become widely known. Most thought she was either just as crazy as Ellen or would subject themselves to the blonde's wrath should they step out of line around Ashley. While both of these weren't, exactly untrue statements, Ashley was content to move about campus with a certain sense of freedom. "I'm not on anyone's radar." She issued a soft chuckle at that. "No one even knows I'm here except you and Ell-" She cut herself off before the name could fully escape, lest she cause Lupe to bristle again.

Quickly Ashley changed course, shifting to Lupe's question. "A year and a half." She replied with a furrowing of her brow. "Maybe longer. I might have another year on top of that if I don't settle on a major. There are only so many prereq classes I can take." Though having to figure out what she wanted to do moving forward was always a perilous train of thought. She was perfectly content the way things were. She and Ellen had established routines and habits were forming between the two. Their simple, low key, quiet life had been a welcome change. "I'll find something, I guess." She waved a hand dismissively before glancing to the other girl. "What about you? It's been a while, are you getting used to being around people so much yet?"

[Lupe Silvestre]

Despite Ashley's assurance, Lupe would always be concerned for her pack mate. It was simply what one did. Although the change in Ashley's demeanor and body langue was starting to convince Lupe that perhaps she was alright after all. She did tilt her head at the word 'radar' however. She'd never heard it before, although she associated with having to do with other humans noticing Ashley. That's what they were talking about at any rate.

Speaking of noticing, Lupe noted that Ashley avoided using the blonde human's name. Good. The less she thought of that one, the better. Which was why she had changed the topic. A year and a half. It sounded short, but being stuck with all these humans made time stretch on unbearably. She merely nodded at all that Ashley had said, not seeing a point to words at that moment. But then Ashley asked a question herself, and Lupe blinked. Although she almost immediately huffed. "Humans are still just as infuriating as always." She said with a slight growl. Although then her expression surprisingly softened, even forming a small smile on her lips. "Although I have found my mate amongst them. I believe the humans call such a thing 'irony.'" She stated, trying to remember the exact word.

[Ashley Benson]

Ashley paused a moment at Lupe's repeated use of the word 'human'. For someone who seemed so astute and aware Lupe remained remarkably ignorant to the obvious at times. Ashley wondered, for a moment, what it would be like to walk among people for three years and still refuse to even entertain the idea that they were one and the same in spite of their past. She studied the blonde for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Yes. I suppose that's accurate." She confirmed. "But even irony can be a good thing, right?" Her eyes lit up as she offered Lupe a bright smile. "I'm happy for you." She said honestly. It was good to hear Lupe had found someone she could connect with. For a while Ashley feared the other girl would remain an isolated outcast like she'd been for so long.

"How are you doing in class?" Ashley asked quickly. Her thoughts had threatened to take hold and pull her into her own mind which usually left her standing in an awkward silence as she contemplated one thing or another that often had little bearing on what was right in front of her. She gave a sheepish smile and shook her head. "I don't even know what you're studying. I'm sorry, it's sometimes too easy to get lost up here." She admitted apologetically as she tapped lightly at her temple.

[Lupe Silvestre]

There was a pause in Ashley, it was obvious to Lupe as she observed her. It must've been something she'd said. Slight concern and curiosity rose in Lupe, but already the brunette was moving on and speaking. Irony. Lupe supposed that was correct, but even so she was happy with it. Thinking of her mate now, a small smile touched her lips unconsciously. She nodded and offered a full smile to Ashley when she said she was happy for the feral girl. "...Thank you. I'm very happy with Cassie." She was. She really was.

Lupe blinked at the question and then scoffed. "I'm doing fine. They're not exactly exciting, and I feel like I'm being caged in, but it's easy." Although she didn't care far too much for the humans and all they taught, she had found out about one subject which actually had caught her attention. Apparently there were humans dedicated to helping injured animals. Of all the things she would have to study at this blasted human academy, Lupe could actually be happy doing that. Lupe shook her head at the apology.

"it's fine. I'm studying to be a 'vet' or whatever it's called. They help animals, so that was good enough for me. i much prefer them anyways" She mumbled, before looking at Ashley again. "And you? What are you studying then?"

[Ashley Benson]

In the long run Ashley didn't care if Lupe was different from anyone else she'd ever met. In truth, she actually liked that about the blonde. There was a certain kinship Ashley seemed to share with anyone who was considered an outcast or different from the crowd. She knew all too well what it was like to feel as though you didn't belong and then to turn around and have that be confirmed. She was different, just like Lupe. And that simple fact made the way Lupe's eyes seem to light up at the mention of the young woman who had captured her heart all the more endearing and warming to Ashley. She was pleased to see her friend doing well and happy. That was more than enough.

She stood looking a bit awkward and uncertain, though, as Lupe continued. Ashley's mind had caught on the strange concept of the both of them being in relationships now and that, for reasons of her own, made Ashley nearly have to sit down to contemplate it all. She had listened, for sure, to what Lupe had been saying but it seemed as though something she couldn't shake was on the back of her mind. She shook her head and smiled apologetically. "At least you're making it." She said reassuringly. "Half the battle is finding something you can enjoy and are passionate about." Something she, herself, had found a monumental task. "I... have until the end of the semester to pick a major." She admitted with an almost embarrassed shrug of her shoulders. "I don't... really do anything, I don't..." She trailed off, giving a resigned sigh and another quietly exasperated shrug. "I don't know."

[Lupe Silvestre]

Once again there was a shift in Ashley's body language that screamed out distress to Lupe and made another look of concern cross her face. Something is wrong. It's her thoughts again. Lupe realized. She'd gotten good at reading the signs of the brunette whenever she seemed to face turmoil inside of her mode. While Ashley herself didn't seem to verbally speak very much, her body language had always been easy for Lupe to determine her mood. And right now there was something troubling her once more.

Even as she spoke of herself there was something there that Lupe did not like. As a pack member, Ashley held far higher priority than the other humans residing in the infernal academy. Which was why Lupe grabbed Ashley and pulled her along to one of the bathrooms. She made sure to keep her grip gentle but firm, wanting to get away from the rest of the humans and even glaring at a few to get out of the blonde's way. Eventually they got there and Lupe whirled back to Ashley after making sure they were alone. "Something is troubling you again." She said blunting. "Not just the fact you have not decided on a major yet. There is something else. You retreated up here again." She said, tapping Ashley lightly on the forehead before her concern washed over her face again. "Is everything alright Ashley?"

[Ashley Benson]

Ashley went to protest the moment she felt Lupe's soft, yet commanding grip close around her. She made a small, incoherent noise and allowed herself to be drug off with little struggle. Her eyes were wide, though, as she was pulled along, overwhelmed by the sudden deliberateness of Lupe's actions as well as the curiosity surrounding her reasons. For a moment Ashley thought she had said something that angered the often volatile and unpredictable girl, but she couldn't, for the life of her, imagine what that could have been. When Lupe finally spoke, Ashley issued a huff and tried to pull away from her grasp.

"Something's always troubling me." She confessed with equal parts subdued resignation and mild frustration. Ashley didn't like talking about any of this and the strangely disconcerting habit she had of losing herself in her own mind often resulted in people trying to question her. It was this, not some personal shyness, that caused her to avoid most social interaction. Even though she'd known Lupe for a number of years and was always pleased to see the blonde girl, Ashley was hardly comfortable speaking about the demons that were constantly lurking just behind her brilliant, azure gaze while in the girl's bathroom at school. "I'm troubled." She let out a low sigh, dropping her eyes to the floor in front of her and nodding. "If you really want to know... I'll tell you. Just not here. Somewhere more private, okay?"