She was terrified, truly terrified of doing anything wrong. She learned so very quickly that if she stepped out of line, no matter if her toe was up against the imaginary line, she was to be punished severely. The poor girl did everything she could possibly think of to ensure that she remain within whatever boundary she was held in, if only to make the beatings stop, if only to make the yelling stop, if only to make the throbbing pain stop. It hurt. Every physical, emotional, and verbal abuse marked her terribly, breaking and shaping the girl into a fragile and shattered creature. It would take time and great effort to help reshape the girl to believe that whatever oppressing force was above her, it no longer existed. Although she no longer wore those heavy chains, she could still feel their weight, keeping her under the impression that she still couldn't be free. After all these years those chains remained bound upon her, and Raven had yet to realize that they only existed, because she believed they were truly there. Deep down she longed, desperately she longed to know what it was like to know how it would feel if those chains were broken and she was free...free to see that she no longer had to worry about punishments. She had no idea how to break her chains, and she wanted to, but she was terrified immensely, of what would happen If she did that...of the consequences it would bring.

Raven's heart was hammering within her chest at an unsteady weight. Her adrenaline was rushing through her veins. Never before had Raven needed to do something like this before, to steal and not get caught. She had to be quick on her feet and making quick snap judgement at a moments notice. Not to mention she had to ensure their safety. The last thing she wanted to do was compromise and bring herself and her mate into harm's way. She would feel tremendously guilty, believing truly that she was to blame. After all he was requiring her movements to be of perfect as they twisted and turned. As she managed to make it to the door she couldn't help, but release a heavy and tired sigh. The woman rarely felt a swelling sweet feeling of pride, but the werewolf lifted her dial high. Her ears stretched out as she felt her mate lean and kiss the top of her forehead, appreciating the kind gesture. Relief was slowly ebbing away that pride she felt within herself, thankful that they succeeded the first part of this nefarious act. As he leapt off her back and landed upon her side, she changed back into her form. Taking the presents she quickly followed after him, trusting that he knew the coast was clear. As they quickly walked through the shadows of the dark alleyway, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Her once pale cheeks were rosy red, the girl's adrenaline still high, eager and extremely giddy. It was her first time stealing, and who could blame her from having that wide crazy grin on her face. When they made it to the car she dropped the presents in the back, heading to the driver side expecting that she would be the one to drive, so she held her hand out for the keys, speaking softly.

"Tobi, it's okay I can drive. Oh...well thank you, are you sure you know how?"

Tobias was a creature that was extremely egotistical and ever so prideful. It didn't matter which side was there, both were like this, and she knew very well that questioning his capabilities was wrong â€" so very wrong. Yet this was Tobias, the boy that loved cars, but could not drive. How many times had she caught her deviant companion sitting in the driver seat, making car engine sounds, and he steered the wheel to a car that was not turned on. She would always chastise him, warning him that Tetradore wouldn't be pleased if he did something to those treasured vehicles. Raven understood he adored those beautiful machines, and a part of her wished she could take one of the cars and teach him how to drive. Yet she knew they did not belong to her, they belonged to their beloved Alpha, and they were off-limits. As much as she loved Tobias she didn't think it would be safe to teach him, even if they were in an old car that held so many air bags. With a small smile she walked to the opened passenger door, setting herself in the seat and allowing him to close the door, like a gentlemen. Oh, how sweet it was that her Tobias, her Tobi, was capable of treating her like a lady, as if she deserved to be treated so well...as if she were to be treated first. His other half loved her, she knew, but he would always see himself as first and she second, and she was appreciative of this as well. She mattered to him, and that was all she cared about. She was important to him and he was important to her.

Oh, but she was so nervous as to what he would do, knowing full well he could not drive, and yet she was willing to trust this side of him. As the car came to life, she watched apprehensively as he begin to pull the car out, quietly relieved that all was well. As they left the West side she bit her lip, confused, because they haven't left their home in months. Ever since the death of their Alpha they never left the West District, remaining there, if only to safeguard their home just in case Frost made another appearance and attempt to take away from them once again. The windows were down and she took a deep breath when they made it to the South. Always here they would run and play in their Were-forms, but tonight was not that night. Besides, they were dressed perfectly and it would be a shame if anything ruined this perfect dress, the only one she owned. Blue-grey eyes slid casually over to her mate, seeing how the wind ruffled and tossed his dark hair, how his golden eyes shone with such mirth. Hoe he handled the shifting of the gears, turning the steering wheel perfectly, as the car twist and turned down the road, his speed fast, not as demonic as Tetradore's with his pristine cars, but going just as fast as he could with his older car. In another life, perhaps he would be like this. He would be suave, sophisticated, witty, and so very intelligent. He was all these things, and so much more, but there were times when she wished he was like this always. However, she fell in love with his other half first before finding his sane half, and it was important for them both, that she loved him as he was...as they both were. She loved them equally, both sides held their qualities and reasons why she loved them dearly. As he looked over to her, she saw that crooked grin and she couldn't help but give him a small smile in return. His comment unsettled her as she quickly responded, her tone light, but still full of worry, finding his cheekiness not appropriate right now.

"I didn't know you could drive, but just for safety sake, keep your eye on the road, just in case he comes back."

It would be horrendous if he did. For surely they would be harmed if he lost control of the vehicle. As they climbed higher and higher, her eyebrows burrowed slightly. Nothing looked even remotely familiar. When they made it to the very top, she couldn't help, but notice the clearing, dead grass evidence that others piled their cars up here. Her eyes widen when she noticed they were looking down upon the city, the lights twinkled within the winter night. As he opened her door, she climbed out, as gracefully as one could in a dress. She took a step forward looking around, as a small smile appeared on her face. It was entirely amusing, in a small way, being up here alone with her mate. She may not have been here before, but she had seen something similar. How many times had she saw a television show or a movie that portrayed young teenagers coming to a secluded area that looked over their home town, the crazy-in love teenagers making out. The girls wearing their boyfriend's letterman jackets, both awkward and shy as they shared their first kiss, or touched each other, or encouraged the other to simply let go and be each other's first. It was a cherished moment, no matter what stage of the relationship they were in. Raven didn't have that in her teen years. In her teen years she should have learned how to kiss, how to touch, how to express her love for another in a physical way, but oh how she was denied something so innocent and sweet.

Was her deviant companion trying to make up for what they both missed out in life? If so, he was doing a fine job at it. Hearing her name she turned around, one eye brown rising in question, and when he suddenly scooped her up in his arms, she released a cheerful giggle. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she nuzzled into him, her nose brushing against his jugular, as her head titled back, innocent blue-grey eyes shining so brightly underneath that pale moonlight. Her cheeks changing into a shade of pink, embarrassed and yet happy, to be held in such a way. As he placed her on top of the trunk, she moved her dress down slightly, wanting to cover her legs from the cold. His crooked grin enraptured her and she leaned into his side, not only for warmth, and comfort, but so that she could be close to him. Touch. Touch was extremely important for them, and she wished to have him wrapped around her. To be protected, to be loved, to want these same things for himself as well. They deserved it. For all the grief and torment they were experiencing, for once...for once they deserved something good â€" they deserved for only a moment to share happiness. If only for a little bit, before they go home and allow their loss to overcome them once more. As he pulled her against him, she leaned into his side, wrapping her arms around his waist, leaving a gentle kiss against his cheek. Slyly she speaks, gently poking at his ego.

"He gave me a pleasant walk, with dinner, lying under the stars. You took me atop a hill, in a car, wanting to make out, as if we are teenagers."

His other side, for as mischievous as he is, managed to take her out on a very mature date. One would assume this half of him would take her on a very mature date â€" but they stole presents and made it up to the top of Sacrosacnt's Make Out Point. Oh, but she was enjoying this date very much. For once she didn't feel those chains holding her back. The chains felt lighter. She stole and yet they were okay. They didn't get caught. They didn't get in trouble. Oh, how wonderful it was to see that if she did something wrong not all the time would she suffer the consequences. She did not have to await her agonizing punishment. She had fun. Yes, hard to believe, but it was exciting taking part of these mischievous activities. Ah, she had experienced her first fun-filled, soft crime, and oh she was giddy and eager to possibly do it again. She was a novice in this particular deed, and it was best she be entered into this world slowly...so that she does not lose her moral compass...and she does not suffer the consequences once more. As he pressed his lips to her own, she kisses him back, leaning more into him now. This date too, would be memorable. It was natural that their kiss got a bit longer, and tender. Needing to take a breath, she leaned her head back slightly, blue-grey eyes holding a much darker tone, as she looked into his warm golden hue eyes.

"I know I can be of a bore, but thank you for showing me that it is okay sometimes to do nefarious things. I want to learn more...life is short, and I want to know how to let go."

Could he see how eager his broken bird? Could he see that he had opened her caged door, and all that he needed to do was help break her chains, and let her fly free?

Raven Clocksworth.