Interview with a Werewolf's Boyfriend
16 years ago
The room was quiet as he took a seat there with me. The man had the bushiest eyebrows I'd ever seen, and his nose was distractingly large, but his quirky grin and his quick eyes made me feel immediately at ease with him. After the most basic introductions, and my repeated assurances that our conversation would be recorded in memory only, he promised to answer questions about his life and its unique bent as honestly as possible, without outright betraying people he cared about, naturally.
We chatted back and forth for hours. He seemed to delight in the questions, and he spun his words at times eagerly, and others carefully.
I couldn't remember everything we talked about, but this is what I could remember.
Copy this line >>>I asked him, "<<< and then fill it in with your own question. Randy will answer it.
[EDIT] Guys, guys, what the hell? The interview is with Randy, who is not a vampire. I have changed the title of the journal to be less clever.
We chatted back and forth for hours. He seemed to delight in the questions, and he spun his words at times eagerly, and others carefully.
I couldn't remember everything we talked about, but this is what I could remember.
Copy this line >>>I asked him, "<<< and then fill it in with your own question. Randy will answer it.
[EDIT] Guys, guys, what the hell? The interview is with Randy, who is not a vampire. I have changed the title of the journal to be less clever.
"If I may ask a related question, sir," I added, "which of you is more often the 'top' when you make love?"
"Indeed. On a more serious note, sir, I believe earlier you mentioned that your mate takes nourishment from your skin. And yet, you seem to be here before me with all of your limbs intact and no notable wounds whatsoever, so I think it's safe to assume that he doesn't literally eat human flesh, as some would think a werewolf to do." I tip my head, going over some of my own notes, deep in thought. "Do you think that, perhaps, he is as much incubus as werewolf? Incubi and succubi... er, that is, according to my studies in demonology... feed off of sexual energies by actively mating with mortals. What I am wondering is, maybe he isn't so much feeding off of your flesh, but simply absorbing your vital energy through direct skin-to-skin contact?" He needn't know my own incubal roots for me to ask him this; he's been immersed deeply enough in the supernatural as it is.
He paused a moment, visibly exasperated, before continuing, "It doesn't hurt me, or lessen me in any way to allow him to feed, and it's not even a sexual energy thing. Sometimes if I'm tired, he just nibbles on my shoulder for a little while, and then he's fine. I don't know what it is, maybe just a psychological or compulsive thing? But I do know that when he goes without it, it has serious effects on his health, and if all I have to do to keep him healthy is endure a little slobber from time to time, well.. that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."
"Just a few more questions before we call it a night: what future plans do you have with Grant? Getting married, adopting children? And if you two did have kids, would you be as forthright with your children about Grant's lycanthropy as he was with you?"
Hypothetically, I think it would be best, in an ideal world, to have the children be exposed to Grant's shifting at a very young age, before they're filled with terror by the world around them. He's only terrifying because we've all been raised to believe that monsters are scary. If a kid tells another kid that his Dad is a werewolf, who will believe him anyway?"
Guy shifts to crinos (big bad halfwolf form) in front of a guy, saying something like, "Do you see what a monster I am?''
When the guy *doesn't* freak wolfguy asks him why. Answer's something like this:
"I work with dogs a lot, every mean, or angry dog I ever saw showed me with their body language exactly how pissed they were. I don't see a monster here, I just see a big, sad, lonely puppy who looks like he's been kicked too often, and doesn't know if he's allowed to play or not."
I asked him, "Between the roaring rush of Love crashing in and all around you......or the insidious, dark whispers of the despair of Loneliness.......which has greater impact?"
I smiles and nodded, saying to him, "Good answer. I was not necessarily speaking of your own experience, however. Thank you for the answer anyway."
I smiled and nodded, thanking him for his time and generosity, "You sir, have my envy. To say the least. My what you have outlast Time."
With that, I stood, bowed a little, and strolled off into the night...
...I ask him, "....werewolf....I...meant werewolf.....How does sexuality factor into the larger werewolf lifestyle, if there is an active social lifestyle to speak of?"
*covers face in wing, hoping the shame will eventually dissipate*
I catch myself and think desperately for a new question, I manage to find one that would be fitting. "Uh, actually, when did you discover you were, uh, what you are?". My face is still a bit hopeful, but for a different reason.
As for your second question, I can only presume you mean homosexual? Strange as it is, I can remember when the thought entered into my brain. I remember my Dad commenting at a news broadcast, and how he thought homosexuals were wrong, and that he didn't like them. I didn't really understand what actually being homosexual meant at the time, but that's when I decided to learn about it, and when I did I thought "Is that all? I'll do this just to piss off Dad". So at first, that's what it was. Then when I got my own place, I dated a woman for a while, and when it got physical, I hated it. We're still friends, but that really cemented my being a homo for real."
I notice my hand, specifically the ill-fated-ring scar on the fourth finger, and I find I can think of only one question. "Are either of you two thinking of marriage? I know that it's more of a religious decision, and that the church isn't likely to take kindly to the decision for any number of possible reasons, but all that aside, are you? Or do you believe that you both have all that you need at the moment? From where I'm standing, you don't look like you two need to "cement" your relationship anymore than it is."
I pause as I realise the awkwardness of the conversation. "Then again, you could ask him, or you could give him the idea...sorry, that's delving a ways too far, isn't it? Anyhow, by the sounds of it you two are already fulfilling the vows that are made durring a typical marriage, aren't you? To be together, for better or for worse, through sickness and health?" I take a swig of the now cool brew, trying to keep my thoughts straight lest I babble about anything.
"And, before I say anything else, sorry if I've been rambling a bit much. Truth be told, I haven't every really heard of a man actually being a werewolf, much less being in a relationship with one, so, I guess I'm still, adjusting, a little to implications of the world. Stranger than fiction, you know?" I wait before I sigh at my own words, and take another swig.
Anyway, I could ask him, but I'm working on finishing up my schooling first. Maybe after I get a job in my field I'd ask him. Or maybe.. I'm so sure that he'd say yes to anything I ask him, I'd wonder if he really meant it. I'd want him to want it for himself, not just for me. "
"And, on that note, it looks like my time is up. Anyhow, thanks for the interview, and just let me say, I really hope that things go for well for the two of you. And, really, thanks for being honest about all this, you wouldn't believe what some people will lie about." I feel a something slide in my pocket, and I pull out a voucher for a free steak at the local steakhouse.
"Um, you want this? I'd use it, but I generally can't eat more than one."
(Sorry if the interview turned a little negative, but I wasn't in the brightest of spirits; it helped though. And thanks for putting this ting up in the first place, it was pretty fun. )
Or is he basically the same fundamental person in how he acts no matter how he looks?
*thinks to himself* I know I still felt basically the same but did notice that somethings I did have ta be slightly more careful of b'cause'a m'increased size an strength...
He'll do anything I say without a moment's hesitation. It's really sweet sometimes, but I've been tempted to use it to my advantage. If I asked him to slash someone's tires for instance, he'd do it. If I asked him to slash someone's throat, I bet he'd do it too. Maybe not, I don't know."
...though m'also sure that under certain circumstances ya might not even have ta ask... in fact ya might have ta calm him down from takin' such actions even sometimes... I know I tend ta get a lil'... overly passionate about things that affect those I care about an they're usually the ones talkin' me outta doin' somethin' retalitorical to the person or thing that hurt them.
...but back to you... Bein' the human side of the equation... how do you feel about yourself in such a relationship? Do you sometimes now yearn to be more like your werewolf lover as means of being even closer? Do you grow curious to live life through his perceptions (keener senses/reflexes and such) Do you wonder that perhaps it may have been/ may be his heightened sexual allure that drives your decisions more than what you might have considered were he not around?
(sorry... guess bein' a werewolf these are the kinda things I would wonder about in concerns to a human mate so figure this is the best way ta find out)
As for how I feel about it, I'm perfectly fine with it. I don't understand exactly how it works, but he takes nourishment from my skin. It's really kind of cute actually.. but it must be difficult for him too. He always seems embarrassed to ask me when he needs to feed. I think that if I were 'more like him' in the sense that you seem to mean it, it would destroy that particular bond between us.
I am often curious about how he perceives things. Just when I think I get it figured out, he throws something at me that knocks me for a loop. There's a lot of hidden information in smells apparently, and it almost makes him seem telepathic or clairvoyant sometimes. It's impossible to lie to him for one.
Finally, I didn't know the boy was a shape-shifting monster before I moved in with him, so I don't think that had anything to do with my feelings toward him. It was always his confidence, his strength, his independence, and that little sliver of vulnerability that drew me to him. It's true that he's always had an uncanny understanding of things, but it doesn't make it any less wonderful knowing how he does it. "
He took a long drink of water, and waited for me to ask the next question.
I... can easily see some of the qualities that you possess that fascinated Grant and drew him to you. Many werewolves that I have known have reluctance in even attempting to establish a relationship with a human. The chances of a successful relationship of such type more often than not tends to be unfavorable.
Outsider considerations as well as those which may be between the two beings who are so diversely different are but a few of the obstacles to overcome, much as with most relationships to be sure.
So far you and Grant have already overcome some of those hurtles which I suppose is the basis of my intrest in you as well. You seem to be a remarkably tolerant and understanding and accepting person for a human if you pardon my observation. A rare thing a werewolf encounters in a human. You have readily looked past his outward appearance to see that he remains basically the same person inside... quite a feat amoung men.
May these admirable qualities carry you both through any possible future hardships.
*now he grins as he leans in closer with an eye of mischief*
On a lighter note... I am curious now... are there any minor... 'quirks' about Grant that you have discovered and accepted now that you are the mate of a werewolf? Hairclogs in the drain or such, heh... c'mooon... I know every pair has them ... that little quirk that the lover finds both annoying and endearing about their lover. ;)
Something cute and annoying.. hmm.. well he ruins his underwear a lot. If he shifts without taking it off first, he pops the elastic, and it's beyond saving. Kind of annoying to have to keep buying him underwear, but it really is cute."
Well I guess all that is left for me is the wishing of much happiness and success to you both and that I'd be honored if you could come back sometime... Maybe if you and Grant could give me a more private, off the record interview some time that would be most enjoyable... Meeting another... uhmmm... I mean... meeting a werewolf has been a long time goal of mine and there are some things I would love ta ask him about.
...But now... seein' as I've just ruined another pair of underwear m'self I think I'll have ta finish this interview another time... Thank you for the wonderful insights ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Scream.jpg
So I asked him, but in all seriousness, Grant has clearly had experience with the adoption route, are you guys gonna try to eventually raise one of your own?
That said, if he decided he wanted to find them, I would be scared, but I would help him. Why not? You never know, meeting his biological parents might be kind of fun."
In his hairier incarnation, he is magnificent, imposing, terrifying. Seeing him like that makes my heart jump in my chest, like going over the top of a roller coaster. It's terrifying on some level, even though you know you'll be fine, and that safety makes it exciting. Sometimes he'll even snarl and growl at me, or mark me with tiny scratches from his claws, and I'll break into a cold sweat or goosebumps, and then he'll hold me until I calm down and want him all over again.."
Randy seems a little distracted now.
My name is Randy Horne, and I'm twenty-five. My parents run a handful of businesses that I don't give a shit about, and were really pissed when I expressed interest in studying a 'servant's trade' by going to the culinary academy. I lived in a modest bachelor pad in the more affordable section of town while I saved up some money for school, and that's when I started going to Gatorgym, and where I met Grant.
We dated for about a year and a half, and when I said I was going to start going to school, he asked me to move in with him, so I did. Then on the day we returned the truck.. he had a surprise for me."
Now if you mean something happening to me.. I have life insurance of course, but nobody wants to think about their mate mourning their death."
And yes, he sheds. It's one of his deepest and most adorable pleasures to have me brush him. It is also a giant pain in the ass, and takes two hours, and I fill a garbage bag with black hair that has to be disposed of somehow in a building with no pets allowed."
He paused and asked a light-hearted question, "Has Grant ever told you if gay men really smell like an explosion in a chlorine factory?"
He raises an eyebrow at the second question, answering, "A .. chlorine factory? Uhm.. well he sometimes shares things he smells with me. Like, we'll be in a mall, and we'll walk past someone, and he'll lean over to me and whisper "That guy spanked it like.. 2 minutes ago" and then carry on like nothing happened. Or he'll say "That cashier totally wanted to jump your bones" or "That woman slept with two different men last night" or "That guy has sex with his dog".. he really just picks up on everything. He can tell me what a person had for lunch too, but rarely finds it necessary to do so."
I smile at your raised eyebrow, "Well I ask in reference to this comic: http://www.geocities.com/buster_wil...../buster023.gif ."
What aspects of your personality (not shared by most other guys) do you think made it possible for you to not only accept, but also enthusiastically maintain a loving relationship with Grant after he revealed himself to you?"
"To me, it seems like you're really happy with where things are going, but it cannot be perfect, can it? Is there anything that worries you about Grant? Or something you could change about him? You've told us all about the strengths of your relationship - care to divulge any weaknesses that you are working on patching up?"
Then he laughed.
"Seriously, of course we have issues. He can be pretty lazy sometimes, and he's so preoccupied with putting forward a good image of being a 'regular person' that he's never put any thought into pursuing a career of any kind, which kinda bothers me. It's like his only purpose in life is to be ordinary, yet he cherishes his uniqueness. It's a frustrating contradiction. I don't pretend to be perfect either. I know it bothers him that things are so tense with my family. Also I would like to move to a house somewhere out in the country eventually, while he's attached to this apartment we're in now, which is kind of crappy in my opinion. Is that enough for you?"
I would say yes, food is important to our relationship. Preparing a meal is a very therapeutic thing for me, and we talk while we eat. He does enjoy having a pro-chef-in-training in the house with him, and I enjoy having such an eager guinea-pig whenever I need to try out a new recipe"
For negatives, well, he's pretty focused on me, which is nice sometimes, but I wish he'd pick a career and get on with it, he's kind of stagnating that way. He gets into a place where he feels safe and then wants to stay there, so he won't quit his job, even though he always complains about it. Sometimes he can take the teasing a little too far, and he always runs out of steam in the sack before I do."
As for what would happen if he was discovered, we've actually talked about that. There is one particular plot of land we've talked about, easily big enough for him to hide out for a while, and he's probably competent enough to hunt and/or steal for food indefinitely. I'd go there to meet him, and we'd figure it out from there. Maybe we'd just move to a new city and start over. He'd dye his hair blonde or something."
He began to giggle at the thought.
"Since you discovered that Grant was a Werewolf, have you ever encountered any other Weres or perhaps other 'supernatural' beings?"
He pauses to look through his notes and realizes something. "And as a chef in training do you find that with such a powerful sense of smell it affects the kinds of foods he eats and they way you have to prepare them?"
As for the cooking, it hasn't really affected anything, though he can usually tell long before I can if something is starting to go bad. If there's mold in my spices for instance, or if the meat is old. Still, spices and edibles of most sorts don't really offend his senses, probably because it's just an organic smell."
As for what I'd never change, he has this kind of naive innocence, even though he's a big monster and all. I hope that he never loses that, it's wonderful."
So in your opinion, how have Grant's parents shaped him as a person?
He once described to me the process of his transforming was very much the same as simply relaxing or tensing a muscle, that the 'effort' involved was largely unconscious. I can't imagine why that would require this tremendous expenditure of magical energy, but if there's anything like that going on I doubt he's aware of it either."
As for me, I'm allergic to most down, so can't have feather pillows or comforters and such."
And yes, it's a little bit embarrassing, but not for me."
As for the first part though, he's definitely a more challenging partner than my previous relationships - but that said, most of my previous relationships were just to piss off my Dad, so I hadn't put much thought into them. Grant's certainly the first one I've decided to move in with. "
"wow. so how long were you and Grant dating before you moved in?"
And hmm.. Chocolate I think. I like chocolate. "
I don't know that I have a particular thing I'm good at as far as ethnic food goes, but Grant tells me I make a pretty mean burger, and I have to agree. Anything that involves spicing meat I seem to get just right. "
(It's an honest question :P)
You'll be missed.