Chapter Text
❖ ── ✦ CHAPTER 4 ✦ ── ❖
The sky turned the bruised, sickly purple of a fresh collision, heavy with the metallic tang of oncoming rain. Wind swept through the empty streets in erratic, violent gusts, snapping tree branches and rattling loose window panes like a frantic warning. Distant thunder didn't just sound, it vibrated through Qibli’s talons, a low, guttural growl promising that whatever mercy the afternoon had left was officially over.
“Looks like it’s gonna rain.” Kinkajou remarked, yawning. Her talons shuffled a pack of Uno cards absentmindedly. She skillfully distributed an equal number of cards between the five dragons.
The light pitter-patter of raindrops against the window acted as light ambient sound as they each played a card.
“Uno!’ Shouted Moon excitedly, raising up her one card.
”Not if I can help it,” Winter said coolly, placing down a plus 2. “read ‘em and weep.”
Moon sighed dejectedly, lazily picking up two cards.
“Looks like it’s lunchtime, what do we order?” Turtle said, placing his cards face down.
“Oooh maybe some pizza, or burgers.” Qibli offered shrewdly.
“Or a salad.” Winter retorted smugly, poking Qibli’s shoulder with a card, “You could stand to be healthier, sand-ass.”
“And you could be less healthy, sparkle-snout.” Qibli chuckled darkly, his face felt warm, the edge of his barbed tail brushing against Winter’s shoulder as they stared at each other for an awkward moment.
“So pizza?” Turtle interjected awkwardly.
“Pizza sounds good.” Said Qibli, looking away from Winter, flustered.
“Let’s get vegetarian!” Kinkajou exclaimed, shaking Turtle’s shoulder.
“And a Meat ‘lovers!” Winter interrupted.
“Says the meat lover.” Qibli quipped, Winters’ face was now deep blue.
“Uh…y-you’re the meat lover!” Winter stammered, flustered. He whipped his tail on the carpet as he picked up his cards.
“Take this!” Kinkajou declared, slamming down a plus four. “That’s for Moon!”
“No honor in this house…” Winter grumbled, drawing four cards.
“Need me to hold your hand through this tragedy, princess?” Qibli purred, leaning into Winter.
Winter pushed Qibli’s snout away, flushing a deep navy blue while hiding a small smile. Turtle slowly but quietly places down his last card, “Uno game.”
The room fell silent as everyone looked at the victor in shock. Suddenly, the sound of the doorbell shattered the quiet moment.
Qibli passed a small slice to Winter, his talons brushing against his. Qibli pulled back, flustered. Moon shot him a knowing look, and Qibli stuffed a slice in his mouth, a deep auburn flush against his face.