The other wolves linger nearby, hackles raised, tails cricked in concern, until a glance from Corrigan prompts them to slink out the open door. There's the almost-inaudible sound of shimmering back to humanoid form, then Kai says something about "See if you can actually help break down a buck this time, pup," which is immediately followed by Leo's laughter and Benji's indignant protests. The shed used for smoking and preparing meat is close, but far enough away to give some privacy to Kurt and the pack leaders. For once Kai is being helpful, and Corrigan is silently grateful.

Because Kurt is softly trying to explain themselves, those bright eyes lifting to meet his, with a fear in them that Corrigan doesn't know. He knows hunger, cold, exhaustion. He knows the betrayal of someone he considered a brother turning on him, the sting of that traitors teeth in his shoulder. But he doesn't recognize the cautious, tentative terror that he's learning Kurt wears like a second skin. He's never felt fear like that.

But the stammering, hesitant explanation is enough for him to put the pieces together, shoulders going slack in relief and shame mixed. It's not a physical pain, then, just him being thoughtless, teasing words that Kurt took to heart and fretted over, even amidst their pleasure. It must be an overwhelming compulsion, then, if it drowns out everything else -- a need to obey, to perform, to please, or else.

Or else what, Corrigan doesn't even want to consider.

"Kurt," he begins, hands reaching out for the smaller, fretful ones of his mate, curling around them. "Your very existence pleases me. Everything you do is my delight, my reason for living. You can't help but please me." There's an attempt at smile, albeit one tinged with sadness. "I should spend more time making sure you know that, and less time teasing you."

Then, over at Naseer, reaching out to take the cup filled with hot water and ashwaganda -- "And yes, Beta, you accurately predicted I'd be a dumbass within the first day, are you happy?"