Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The town festival seemed alive as ever. People ran around the place, music echoing far from carnival stands. Rylan remembered coming with his friends almost every year, watching as the festival grew more expansive and crowded as time passed. Now, it felt grander than ever.

It was a perfect way to forget about school for once. He’d admittedly gotten wrapped up in late assignments, and apparently he wasn’t the only one. Dottie had come up with the idea for the three of them to go for similar reasons.

Now, he could see kids rushing past with smiles glued onto their faces, parents laughing as they trailed behind them. He recognized others from school, some whose identity he could connect from names, others whose faces were the only thing he knew of them.

But regardless, it felt good to be in the open again, to have fun with his friends somewhere simple but exciting.

“We gotta go to the food trucks.” Daniel commented as they walked past the entrance. “I heard they’re selling really good corn dogs this year.”

Dottie gave him a small nudge on the shoulder. “Daniel, we just got here! Stop thinking about food.”

“Kinda hard for Daniel.” Rylan shrugged with a smile. “Hey, what about the ferris wheel?”

The blue haired werewolf thought for a moment. “Yeah, I heard that one’s got the best view of the whole festival and even the neighborhood. Buut, I was thinking we could save that for the end.”

“Uh…what about the carnival games?“ Daniel asked.

“As long as it’s not the bottle ones. They’re totally glued together! It’s so unfair.” She placed her hands on her hips. “I was thinking we should go to the Photo Booth. We gotta take pictures before we look horrible and sweaty, it’s so hot out today.”

Rylan nodded. “Yeah, that would-!”

“Hey guys! Sorry I’m late…!” A familiar, sweet voice behind him made the brunette stiffen in an instant, any ounce of enthusiasm or excitement leaving his veins.

There’s no way.

“June!” Dottie jumped with joy, running up to the blonde haired girl and giving her a hug. “Ohmygosh, it’s so good to see you! It’s been too long.”

Rylan found the courage to turn around, feeling his hands grow sweaty from uncertainty, eventually meeting her face. June gave a sheepish giggle that made his heart leap. “I know! Thanks so much for inviting me, I miss you guys…!”

“Hey June,” Daniel elbowed Rylan’s shoulder to get his attention. “Remember Rylan? He was super excited to know you were coming.”

He whipped his head at the olive haired werewolf, face flushing even more than before.“What-?!”

The Meif’wa’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Yup, it’s true.” Dottie grinned, taking a few steps back to push the brunette closer to June. “He just kept asking me if I sent the invite to you over and over again.”

“N-No, I-!”

“Aww, Rylan!” June clasped her hands together in a grateful gesture. “That’s so sweet of you! I’m really happy you like hanging out with me so much. I mean, I feel the same way!” She paused for a moment before admitting, “…Before we’d really hung out, I was a bit nervous. You’re all so much fun, I was honestly a little scared I’d be boring next to you guys.”

“You’re not boring at all!” Rylan practically shouted, rapidly shaking his head, only for embarrassment to wash over him a second later. If he wasn’t red before, he certainly was now. “I-I mean, sorry, you’re…fun to be around, too. T-That’s um, why I…we invited you, well…I wanted, I mean, I just…”

“Rylan’s right. You’re awesome, June.” Daniel was quick to cut him off, stopping the constant mumbling.

The blonde haired Meif’wa waved her hand dismissively. “Aww, you guys! You’re all the best.”

“Hate to be in a rush, buut we gotta go before the lines get too long.” Dottie spoke up, placing a hand on her hip. “Come on!”

“Oh, where are we going first?” June spoke up as they began walking, though the term was generous. Rylan’s legs had simply just begun moving, his mind was too blank with the thought of the girl beside him to focus.

“Photo Booth! Gotta get there while our hair’s not frizzly.” The blue haired werewolf explained, haste in her step. “Come on, hurry up! I refuse to wait in line for a literal Photo Booth!”

Daniel and June chuckled as she rushed ahead of them. As the laughter died down, the blonde haired girl squealed. “Gosh…I’m so excited! I gotta admit, I’ve barely been to the festival.”

The olive haired werewolf raised his brows in a surprised manner. “Really? Wow, almost everyone I know comes every year.”

“I just haven’t had the time most years. I’ve gone a few times, but wow,” She let out a mesmerized breath, eyes sparkling with fascination as she looked around her. “Everything just looks even better than last time I came, and it was already so cool before. I just hope I don’t get lost.”

“Don’t worry, Rylan knows this place better than any of us.” The olive haired werewolf commented. “He’ll make sure you don’t get lost.”

“Daniel-!”

“Wow, that’s awesome, Rylan!” June beamed. “You must come here every year, right?”

“Yeah, um, something like that…!” He scratched the back of his neck anxiously.

“I’ll stick with you, then!”

Before he could even process the reply, they reached Dottie, whose eyes were glued to her phone screen, standing in front of the Photo Booth. She lifted her head to give Daniel a quick and barely noticeable nod, then turned her attention to the rest of them. “Hey, Daniel. Blaze just texted me, he’s with some of the other werewolves at the other side of the festival, they wanna meet up with me for something real quick. Said I should probably ask you to tag along, too.”

“Huh-? Oh, alright…” Daniel looked back at Rylan and June. “You guys can go ahead and do stuff without us, we’ll probably be back soon.”

Rylan glared daggers at his friends, the same knowing look on both of their faces. He just felt himself tense up even more, unable to even look at the Meif’wa beside him. “Y-You’re just leaving me with-?!”

Dottie grabbed the olive haired werewolf’s arm, dragging him as she rushed ahead of them in another direction, waving goodbye. “Yup, no time to explain! You two have fuun!”

“Wait-!”

“Awh…” The blonde haired girl beside him frowned. “I really want to hang out with Dottie and Daniel, I hope they’re back soon…!”

“…Me too.” Rylan mumbled, grabbing onto his sleeve anxiously.

She seemingly shook off the negativity from her expression, determination flashing in her gorgeous dark blue eyes. “Well…at least we got each other for now. Wanna take some photos together?”

Rylan didn’t reply at first, staring directly at her, feeling as if his words would fall atop each other as they rolled out his tongue. He took a deep breath, trying to remember all his friend’s voices encouraging him.

He was on his own. He could run, but what would that even do, anyways?

Just be normal.

“…S-Sure.” He weakly offered. She squealed, grabbing his hand and eagerly guiding him towards the Photo Booth.

“Aww, I can't get over how adorable we look!” June kept staring at the small Photo Booth strip as they walked past carnival games in the festival. Rylan had his own strip in hand, staring down at the four photos, hoping he hadn’t looked too awkward when he smiled or posed with her. Yet, regardless of that, he somehow felt some of the tension leave his shoulders.

He’d done it. He’d gone in there and bonded with June. He remembered her smiling and laughing in that booth, and her joy had somehow transmitted to him, even if he was a nervous wreck. He laughed the worry away alongside her.

It was one of the things he loved most about her. Her sweetness just always seemed to light up the room wherever she went, and even when he felt afraid beside her, he couldn’t help but acknowledge her kindness and compassion.

“I-I forgot to say it earlier, but, um…” The brunette werewolf mumbled, trying not to crumple the strip of photos in his hand. “I-I think your…your outfit’s really nice. It looks good in the photos. I-I mean, and outside the photos, like now, looking at it, b-but, well…you know…?

He’d always adored June’s outfits. Simple, with colors that were pleasing to the eyes, and cute. Now, she wore jean shorts with white converse, matching the color of her white tank top. She had a dark, yet soft orange cardigan with patterns of sunflowers sprinkled in its design.

The Meif’wa placed a hand over her heart. “Aww, Rylan! Thank you so much! Your outfit looks pretty, too!”

He felt his cheeks flush at the compliment, rubbing his knuckles nervously. “Well, you know, I-I mean…I-It’s nothing. I just put on whatever I found first. I don’t really have cool clothes.”

“Well, I think whatever you found first looks really good. Your shirt matches your eyes.” She thought for a moment. “…Hey! If you want, I could crochet you something!”

“What-?”

“Yeah! I love crocheting—I made this cardigan myself.”

“…Really? Wow, that’s…it looks so good. It’s so pretty. I-I’m not surprised, you're really gentle.” She glanced up at him, curiosity in her eyes at his words, making him quickly add, “I-I mean like, you’re always so kind to everyone, so you know, to be kind you gotta be gentle, a-and it’s easier to crochet when you’re…gentle…?”

He just wanted to crawl in a hole and be buried away from the embarrassment quickly washing over him.

Where the hell are Dottie and Daniel? Why aren’t they back by now?

Yet when she giggled, some of the weight in his heart seemed to disappear. “Rylan, you’re gonna make me blush…! You’re such a sweetheart.” Her smile dropped slightly as she looked at his face. “…Hey, are you okay? Your face is really red.”

“I-It’s just hot out…!” He laughed nervously, eyes darting around the place to change the subject. “Anyways, um…w-want ice cream?”

Her eyes shone with excitement, nodding eagerly. “I love ice cream!” She reached into her pocket. “Here, I have-!”

“I-It’s okay…! I’ll pay for it.”

June looked up at him with pleasant surprise, sympathy drawing her brows down. “…Are you sure? I can pay for myself, I’d hate for you to waste more money than you need…!”

“No, um, really, it’s okay. I-I mean, I…we invited you, so it’s only fair, and I mean, I’m not wasting it at all, because it’s…it’s on you, and I wanna…make you happy, and stuff—b-because you’re really nice!” His words came out faster each time he opened his mouth, and sometimes he wished he’d just get to the point faster. He wished he wasn’t such a mess.

“Well…if you insist. T-Thank you…! That’s really nice of you, Rylan.” She smiled, and he somehow found the courage to smile back before they both walked to the small ice cream stand. The Meif’wa eagerly watched as the flavors they’d chosen—banana and strawberry—were carefully scooped and placed in cones, distributed to them as Rylan took out a five dollar bill and handed it to the man behind the stand. By the time he’d gotten back the change, June had already begun licking away at hers, lips stained with bits of pink. Noting that, the werewolf grabbed a few extra napkins before they continued walking down the path.

“So, uh…like yours?” Rylan asked as he nibbled into his own.

“Yeah! I forgot how much I loved strawberry.” She giggled. “What about yours? I didn’t know banana was a flavor.”

“Me neither. I guess I wanted to try it, it’s actually not that bad.” He shrugged. “…You, uh…wanna try some?”

“No, that’s okay. I bet it’s good, though.” She licked the corners of her lips to get some of the ice cream off her face. Rylan couldn’t help but smile at that, a mesmerized look in his eyes. “Did I get it all off? I forgot how messy I am with ice cream…” She admitted, clearly embarrassed.

“T-That’s alright. Um…you missed here.” He grabbed the napkin from his pocket and wiped a small spot on her cheek. “There.”

She didn’t reply at first, staring at his hand with the napkin before meeting his eyes. The realization of what he’d just done dawned on him, heart pounding once more, face flushing as he distracted himself by biting into his ice cream. “…Sorry.” He mumbled beneath his breath, not audible enough for her to hear.

After a few beats of silence, he took a deep breath, clutching tightly to the cone of the ice cream before meeting her gaze once more. “J-June, I-!”

Before he could finish, he felt himself pulse forward, stumbling to not fall face-first onto the ground. “Shoot-! My bad!” A familiar voice spoke up from behind—Maria, who’d bumped into him. But by the time he’d identified her, she'd rushed past him and continued running.

Rylan blinked in surprise as he found his balance again, only then realizing his ice cream had fallen to the ground. “Great...” He sighed.

“Oh…” June frowned, looking down at the fallen ice cream and then back up at him. “…Here, Rylan…! We can share mine.”

He whipped his head at her as she outstretched her hand holding the strawberry ice cream. “What-?!”

“Yeah! I don’t mind. It’s only fair considering you paid for mine.”

“N-No, it’s okay!” He waved his hands frantically in front of him to deny the offer.

“Are you sure…?” Her voice grew quieter. “…I’d feel really bad if you missed out just cus yours fell…”

“Uh, I mean, I…” He took in a deep breath, trying not to look at her soft blue eyes, ones filled with empathy and genuine care. “…I-I can…try some…”

Her spirit seems to lift slightly from his words, smiling. She placed the small cone in his hands. “Here. Let me know if you like it…!”

“…Thanks, June. For, you know…caring so much.”

“Of course!” She drew closer to him, wind gently brushing her silky blonde hair. “You’re my friend, Rylan. I’m happy to help.”

I’m her friend.

He knew it was true, but hearing it come out of her mouth directly was different. His heart fluttered as those words replayed in his hess, trying not to drop yet another ice cream because of his now shaky hands.

Daniel and Dottie hadn’t returned.

Yet somehow, that wasn’t the strangest part of his day.

It was how pleasing it turned out to be.

He’d expected that because of her, because of how nervous he initially was, he wouldn’t be able to get that worry off his mind. That the whole day, he’d be an anxious mess, wanting to leave and go back home.

But it hadn’t been the case.

He had fun. A lot of fun. And in certain moments, he’d forgotten all about that initial fear. Sure, his cheeks would still turn an embarrassingly noticeable shade of red sometimes, and he’d still occasionally stammer around her, but he somehow found himself less tense.

June’s presence had eased him away from all that apprehension. She’d done what he’d thought the festival itself would’ve done—made him forget about all that stress. Her smile, and laugh, and kindness.

She was the summer sun, and he was a sunflower needing her light to stand tall.

They both couldn’t stop smiling as they left the Ferris wheel, with the Meif’wa practically jumping from happiness. “Wow, that was…amazing! Just…wow…!” She giggled. “I cant believe I haven’t gone here as much, it’s so cool!”

“The Ferris Wheel is kinda new, actually. They only added that a few years ago.” He looked up at the sky, covered with the hues of orange and pink from the sunset. “Jeez…it got late fast.”

“Huh-? Oh, yeah…you’re right.” She shrugged. “Time goes by faster when you’re having fun.”

He looked directly at her eyes with a small smile. “…Guess it does.”

“We should probably start walking to the exit, though. My ride’s gonna get here soon, and—OhmyIrene!” June suddenly stopped, pointing at a huge kitty plushie that was displayed on the ceiling of a carnival game ahead. It was a white cat with blue stripes, eyes filled with cartoony sparkles to make it even more appealing. “Rylan, isn’t that kitty cute?! That’s the most adorable plushie I’ve ever seen!”

The werewolf looked at it, then back at the blonde haired girl. “…Do you want it?”

She chuckled, running a humble hand through her hair. “…Yeah, but I’m not good at carnival games at all. I always get so nervous…! Plus, I already wasted my money earlier, so-!”

“I-I’ll get it for you!” Rylan announced without putting much thought behind his words. His eyes were full of determination, quickly rushing over to the game.

“Wha-? Rylan, oh my gosh, you don’t have to…!” She smiled nervously, following his tracks.

“I-I wanna try…!”

“Are you sure…?” He nodded, prompting her to smile. “Aww, Rylan…you’re the best.”

He shook off the way his heart leaped at the compliment, placing down his last bit of money onto the counter. “Excuse me? How many darts can I get with this?”

He honestly hated darts. 

At least it’s not that stupid bottle one.

The man behind the counter turned to face him, putting eight darts on the counter in exchange for the cash. “Get all eight and you can choose one of those prizes,” He pointed up at the ceiling to the giant plushies, where the kitty was positioned. “If you get less, I’ll tell you what you can get.” He motioned to the small and medium sized toys lined up on the wall beside the balloons.

Rylan nodded and took a deep breath, picking up a dart. “You got this, Rylan…! I believe in you!” June exclaimed, watching eagerly.

You gotta win.

You gotta get that cat for her.

Don’t screw it up.

He pulled his arm back, looking at a red balloon that was relatively close to the middle. His hands felt sweaty, heart pounding in his chest as he tried to blur out any other sensations beside his sight. With much hesitation, he threw the dart at it.

It missed.

Flew just past it and into the ground.

Dread filled his heart at that, refusing to look back at the Meif’wa. The rest of the darts he threw felt like a blur, an occasional pop sounding.

I failed.

I screwed up.

Rylan let out a breath he’d unknowingly been holding as the last dart hit a balloon, clutching onto the fabric of his sleeve nervously. He glared down at the counter, unable to meet June’s gaze as she picked out whatever prize she was allowed based on his performance.

He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment to block out anything and everything, trying to focus on the ground beneath his feet, hoping reason could flood out the pure emotion clouding his heart.

“Rylan!”

He opened his eyes, taking in a deep breath as the sounds of the festival around him came back to life. His hands were sweaty, looking back at the blonde haired girl beside him as she practically shoved the small dog plushie at his face.

“Look how cute it is! I love it!” She squealed, rushing to give him a hug. He flinched from the action, face flushing as she squeezed him tightly. “Thank you sosososo much!“

“I…” He hesitated, chin touching her shoulder as they embraced. “…I couldn’t get you the cat you wanted, though.”

She took a step back, letting go of him and looking directly into his eyes. “But you got a ton of balloons, though! Definitely more than I could have.” She chuckled. “Plus, it’s just a plushie. What matters to me is that you tried. That was really sweet of you, Rylan.”

He flashed her a nervous smile, letting out a relieved breath. “I, well…you know. No problem.”

“Come on, we should probably wait by the exit.” She nudged her head behind her before they began walking down the path, with her holding tightly onto the plushie. “Honestly, my mom probably would’ve gotten so mad if I brought home a giant plushie. I already have a ton in my room. But this little guy will fit right in.” She squeezed the plushie again.

“Yeah…” His eyes were filled with fascination as he looked at her. Everything about her. It was like he could still feel her arms around him, embracing him like he was laying in a valley surrounded by flowers.

His chest felt tight again as they walked together, closer than he’d ever thought they’d be, suddenly struggling to find his focus. His mind felt like it was everywhere, piecing together what had happened that day.

It was everything he’d wanted, but he’d never expected it. Not even in his dreams could he see himself spending almost an entire afternoon with the kindest girl he knew.

It should’ve brought him satisfaction. Should’ve brought him peace and content.

And yet, something stirred in his chest. He tried desperately to pick apart what it was, to throw it away.

But it just wouldn’t. It persisted.

And he had to get it off.

As they stood right past the entrance near the parking lot, he opened his mouth to speak, only for June to suddenly stop and look back at him. “Hey, Rylan,” She took a small step closer, hugging her plushie tightly. “…I had a really fun time today.”

“Really? I mean, I-I’m…glad. I had fun, too.” Rylan scratched the back of his head, hoping the will of his mind was enough to stop the sudden redness that came onto his cheeks. “B-But I…I have something I…I-I just, well…think I should say something.”

“Yeah? Everything alright?”

“Yeah, it’s just…” He paused to regain his composure. “I-I wanna tell you that…um, I guess just to clear things up, sorta, I…” He swallowed anxiously. “Well, it’s just…the way my friends talk to you about me. Ever since we’ve met, they’ve done that, and I’m sorry if it’s kinda…weird, or anything.”

The Meif’wa blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s just…I really appreciate people like Daniel, and Dottie, and Aphmau—they’re all trying to help, and I’m glad they are—but they…” He met her gaze, forcing himself to look down at the ground to avoid the worry circulating through his veins. “…It’s not that they lie about me to you, like…nothing they say is necessarily wrong…but I think you probably realized today that they’ve been kinda exaggerating things about me to make me sound cool.”

“But you are cool.”

He lifted his head at her words, meeting her soft smile. “Huh-? I am?”

“Rylan, come on…! Don’t be so mean to yourself! Of course you’re cool! You’re one of the coolest people I know!” She giggled. “I mean, what they said about you made you sound cool, but…now that we’ve really hung out, just the two of us, I can see you’re cool. Just not the same cool that they were talking about. Even cooler.”

“O-Oh…” He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Wow, I mean…you really think so?”

“Yeah!”

He felt some of the nervousness leave his veins, but that feeling from before still felt prevalent. Regardless, he allowed a small smile to fall onto his face. “…Thanks, June.” The brunette nodded, mesmerized by her smile. The way she squeezed the plushie so lovingly, eyes sparkling with so much joy that brought warmth to his heart, made his head spin, made the whole world around them seem out of focus as just the two of them remained in view.

Her voice—her sweet, soft, and caring voice—snapped him out of his thoughts. “We could…do this again sometime, if you want?”

“I…yeah, we…we could. I’d like that. A-A lot.” He mumbled, gripping anxiously onto the fabric of his sleeve. His chest still felt like it was being crushed. Too uncertain.

June jolted as her phone buzzed with life in her pocket, reaching for it and staring down at the notification. “Oh-! My ride’s here, they’re out in the parking lot somewhere. Do you have anyone to pick you up, Rylan? I could-!”

“N-No, I’m okay…!“ He laughed nervously, hoping it didn’t sound too awkward. “I got a ride, too. They’ll just get here later.”

“Alright! I’ll see you at school next week, then!” She waved at him before turning around, a slight kick in her step. As he watched her grow distant, his chest felt even tighter than before, letting out a shaky breath as his hands balled into firm fists.

“J-June!” The name left his mouth before he could even process it, making her stop to turn around and look at him. He stammered at the way her eyes suddenly locked onto his, brain buffering with all these overwhelming emotions. “I…I-I just wanted to say that…that you…”

Rylan swallowed anxiously, taking a deep breath and dropping his gaze to the ground to stop the shaking, and sweating, and pure nervousness. “Listen, I really enjoyed this, and I…I think you’re really sweet—I mean, the sweetest girl I know, and you’re pretty, and cool, and fun to be around, a-and I know it’s kinda sudden, so I get it if you don’t really…get it, but I just…I-I’ve always really liked you, and I was just wondering if you…and me, we could…”

Each word out of his mouth came out too frantically and awkwardly. Before he could even catch his breath, she was directly in front of him once more, eyes wide and sparkling with curiosity. He squeezed his eyes shut, feeling his face grow completely red. “Doyouwannamaybegotogethheronadatesometimeifthatscoolsowecangettoknoweachother?!”

Instant regret clouded his thoughts, too fearful to open his eyes again, tensing up at the silence that followed.

What am I doing?

I sound crazy.

But before he could take it back or run off, he heard a small breath. He found the courage to open his eyes, seeing her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. A smile built onto June’s face, rushing up to carefully plant a kiss on his cheek. The action made his already flushed face even redder, mouth agape. She quickly pulled back, looking straight at his face. “Yes! Rylan, I’d love to!”

His voice sounded out of breath as he stared at her, completely shocked. “Wait, actually…? You wanna-?”

“Yes! Rylan, of course I wanna go on a date with you! I mean, you’re one of the sweetest guys I know. You’re honest, and you’re caring, and…I’d really wanna get to know you more.” She giggled. “How about tomorrow? We could go on a beach date…!”

“…Y-Yeah, I…of course…!” The mumbling from before left as he held onto her hand, smiling to himself. They both laughed together, with June giving him one final kiss on the nose before letting go.

“I gotta go, my ride’s probably sick of waiting for me. I’ll see you soon, Rylan!” She eagerly waved back at him, smiling the whole way until she was out of sight.

The werewolf reached up to touch the spot she’d kissed, heart pounding as he stared at the direction she’d gone with fascination. He could replay that last moment for years and years to come, mind shuffling through all the memories of her from that day.

And he knew he didn’t regret a single minute. Not even the embarrassing or awkward ones. Every single second with her that day had been the best of his life, and he’d forever cherish it.

She truly was incredible.

Chapter Text

He’d stopped walking just a few minutes after he left the vet. His legs wouldn’t move anymore, frozen at the sidewalk. He didn’t make much of an effort to press forward, either. He knew it wasn’t from the bitter coldness or the rain completely soaking his jacket.

It was that cat.

That small, sweet, and charming cat that had come into his life for a few years.

Silent tears that had somehow been held back began streaming down his face at the thought of her, dropping his gaze to the ground with widened, unblinking eyes. He held tightly onto the stupid cat carrier, and sometimes he tricked himself into thinking there was a little extra weight due to the kitty waiting inside.

As rain stained his skin, hair, and clothes, he couldn’t focus on one singular thing. His vision was stained with not only tears, but also the small moments with Apple.

The small tuxedo cat had been nervous and agitated at first—Gene wasn’t surprised. When he picked her out in the local animal shelter, they told him that she’d had a rough past. And even when she continued to relentlessly scratch and screech at him for getting too close, he still made sure she knew she had a safe and loving home now.

Eventually, Apple warmed up to him. Scratching was replaced with gentle apology-licks onto old scratch marks, and screeching had transformed into soft purrs when she’d allow him to pet her head. He remembered after that, life didn’t seem as bad. Even when he came home late at night after long hours of work, sometimes even after losing yet another job, she was there. Always excited to see him come back, greeting him with kindness and love. And that always made him smile, always took away whatever stress had previously plagued his mind.

He remembered her resting on his lap whenever he was too stressed, because she somehow could always tell. He remembered her bringing dead mice to his feet as if it were an extraordinary gift, and even if he’d grumble about having to throw it away and clean up the mess, he would always laugh it off afterwards. He remembered her waking him up each morning by licking his cheek impatiently, refusing to stop meowing into his ear until she was fed.

The moment Apple entered his home, he couldn’t remember life before her. The moments of joy outweighed the small reminders of her health every time he had to take her for check-ups. She was like a light to his day, a gift from Irene to keep him moving through hard times.

And now, she was gone. In an instant, with just a needle to her kidney, it was all gone. She was laying there, eyes barely open from the sedatives, but still looking at him. He tried to smile at her despite the pain in his heart, despite the way his hands shook as she leaned into his touch in an attempt to seek comfort.

And then it was over. She wasn’t in pain anymore.

He got to hold her for a few minutes afterwards, with her laying in his lap just like she always would. Then he had to let her go. Everything else felt like a blur after that.

It was weird.

A part of him had expected himself to react more. To be screaming, and shouting, and breaking everything in his path, just to get all his emotions out of his chest and towards anyone who happened to come across him.

But there was nothing.

His throat couldn’t produce a single sound. His mind was completely blank. He couldn’t even feel the tears rushing down his cheeks, or the wet hair clinging onto his face, or the rain hitting his skin and drenching his clothes, or the cat carrier slowly slipping from his grasp and falling beside his feet.

Because no matter how he reacted, no matter how much grief he showed the world, Apple was gone.

“Gene?” The mention of his name itself wasn’t the reason he snapped out of his thoughts, rather the voice that said it instead. It was him—out of all the days to bump into him, it just had to be today.

“…What do you want, Laurance.” Gene mumbled weakly, saying it less like a question and more like a burden. The tears staining his cheeks surprisingly didn’t affect the sound of his voice.

Laurance didn’t reply at first, clearly taken aback by his tone. Even if he refused to meet his eyes, he could picture that stupidly concerned expression on his face. “Dude, what…why are you just standing out in the rain? You’ll catch a cold.”

He didn’t reply. Didn’t have the strength to reply. It was already tiring enough to keep himself standing.

The raven haired boy lifted his head up, now hardened gaze meeting Laurance, whose umbrella produced loud sounds every time a raindrop fell upon it, almost like metal.

“…Gene. I don’t see you since highschool, and then I bump into you like this? What’s going on? Seriously, I…” His gaze dropped to the cat carrier at the raven haired boy’s feet, brows furrowing. “…What happened?”

“…She’s gone.” Gene whispered beneath his breath, finally gaining the courage to stare him directly in the eyes.

“…What?”

Gene couldn’t help but weakly laugh in disbelief, reaching up to grip onto his hair. “She’s actually gone.” He shook his head with a shaky smile and horror-filled eyss, allowing himself to blink, brand new tears flowing over previous ones. “My…she’s…I couldn’t…”

The ground suddenly felt weak beneath him, legs shaking as his body began to drop to the pavement below. He could see Laurance drop everything to rush to his side, catching him before he could crash onto the concrete, even if it still brought them both down to their knees.

He placed his hands firmly on Gene’s shoulders. “Gene. Gene, hey. Look at me.” The raven haired boy lifted his tired eyes from the ground, staring straight into the boy’s light blue ones. “Tell me what’s going on.”

On any other day, he would have acted differently. He would’ve pushed the boy away, he would’ve replied in a way that would get Laurance annoyed enough to leave himself, and he definitely wouldn’t be crying in front of him.

He hated crying in front of him.

But now, with both of them united beneath the rain, he couldn’t control his reactions. Couldn’t feel his body, only the stinging pain in his heart.

“…My cat.” Gene mumbled, feeling even more tears rush down his face despite his expression remaining unmoving and terrified.

“You—You have a cat...?”

He hesitated slightly. “…No.”

Laurance’s eyes widened with dread and shock. “…Oh my gosh.” His hold on Gene’s shoulders grew weak as he looked over at the cat carrier once more, then to the direction the vet was, and finally back at the raven haired boy. Sympathy flooded his expression. “Gene…I-I’m…I’m so sorry.”

“Being sorry doesn’t change anything.” Despite how weak and exhausted his voice was, that sense of bitterness, frustration, anger, hopelessness, and grief were all present and palpable. “…She’s gone. I was there, right in front of her, and now she’s…she’s gone, Laurance.”

Laurance embraced him then, right there on the ground of the sidewalk, allowing the raven haired boy to rest his head on his shoulder while he held him firmly. But it was a firmness that was comfortable, in a way that he could leave anytime he wanted to, but was still warm.

Yet he didn’t pull away.

Instead, more tears came, staining Laurance’s already soaked shirt. His hands, which had been left loosely by his sides, trembled slightly. His chest rose and fell at an uneven rate, shaking.

Laurance didn’t say anything. He held him there, gently rubbed his back, and kept him warm against the bitter cold rain. But he didn’t say a single word.

And yet his silent presence was somehow more comforting than any words he could’ve said.

Because truly, he knew no words could fix it. No amount of words or specific words would stop the hurting. No words would get her to lay on his lap again when he was stressed. No words would bring dead mice to his feet like it were a reward. No words would wake him up every morning with whiny meowing and gentle licking.

It was all over. All gone. Right in front of him, in a few seconds. His kitty. His sunshine. His life.

Apple.

His voice sounded shakier than ever. “…Laurance-”

“I know.” He paused, taking in a deep breath. “I know. I’m here for you, Gene.”

Gene slowly raised his hands to finally return the embrace, keeping Laurance close.

It was all he had the energy to do besides let himself melt into his arms, close his eyes, and allow the rain to accompany his grief.

Chapter Text

Dottie stuffed her mouth with another round of popcorn as the movie played out in front of her, bringing her blanket closer.

After such a long week, it felt good to lay back on a Friday night and care about something besides school problems. Her eyes were practically glued to the screen, hoping it would melt away all those memories until the end of the weekend.

“Hey, Dottie?” Blaze whispered, glancing ahead of her. “Are they out?”

She raised a confused brow, looking to her left to see Rylan and Daniel completely asleep. Daniel was almost falling off the couch and onto the carpet while Rylan had his arms and legs all positioned in completely different angles, taking up way too much space.

“…Yup.” She rolled her eyes. “Weaklings. They sleep like babies.”

The red haired werewolf snickered. “Eh, it’s been a long week, anyways. Let ‘em.” He reasoned, outstretching his hand over her popcorn. “Can I?”

“Mhm!” She nodded, moving it closer to him so he could grab a handful. “Thanks for inviting us, by the way. It’s been kinda hard lately, especially for Daniel—you know, the whole Omega thing.”

“Hey, don’t mention it. I know it’s been tough.” He slumped back onto the armchair, stuffing the popcorn in his mouth. “Plus, you guys are awesome to be around.”

Blaze started hanging out with them more. They’d all noticed, but she had yet to see the other two truly acknowledge it yet. Or perhaps they had, and simply just hadn’t said it out loud.

She appreciated how charming he was, and loud, and fun, but also understanding. He had a good heart, which was definitely a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other werewolves at school.

“…Thanks.” She smiled, feeling her heart flutter at his words. “You’re really fun to be with, too.”

“I know,” He shrugged knowingly, prompting a small chuckle from her. “Do you still wanna watch the movie, or do you wanna do something else?”

“I mean, this movie was Rylan’s idea, and he’s definitely not watching it.” She glanced over to her side at her friends as Blaze grabbed the remote and paused the movie. “Did you have something in mind, though?”

“Uh…” He paused for a few seconds before his face lit up. “Yeah, actually. I got an idea. Follow me.” He stood up, throwing the blanket off of him and walking silently past the two other boys. Dottie quickly set down her popcorn bowl, dusting her blue pajama pants as she stood and followed him down the hall.

Their feet were somehow quiet against the floorboards, and she found herself admiring photo frames hung on the walls and doors they passed, each holding significance to the red haired werewolf’s life in a way she’d yet to know.

Eventually, they arrived at a window in the middle of the corridor, one which Blaze reached forward to open. A cold night breeze hit her face as he suddenly climbed onto the inner window sill, stepping outside and balancing himself before jumping onto the roof. “C’mon,” he urged her, voice echoing into the home.

She hesitantly looked out the window, turning her head to the side where he stood, actually on rough tiles instead of the smooth surface of the exterior sill. Dottie got onto the inner sill, slowly stepping out and holding onto the frame of the window for support. She looked down at the driveway below her, a freezing breeze thrashing her hair around momentarily.

“Hey,” He called out beside her, outstretching one hand while the other held onto the gutter lining the edges. “Come on, I got you. Trust me.”

She looked at his hand, then at his face, a small smile resting on it. She returned the grin, finding the courage to pry her hold from the safety of the window frame and reaching for his hand, grasping it tightly.

His hands were warm.

She felt a small breath of wonder leave her mouth at the realization, and she hadn’t even processed that her feet had left the exterior sill and leaped towards the roof. He quickly caught her, taking a step back so they both had room to stand.

“Gotcha! See? You can trust me.” He beamed at her. “C’mon, the view’s better when you’re closer to the top.”

“Do you come up here often?” She asked as she followed him upwards.

“Ehh, not often-often, y’know? Usually just when I wanna get stuff off my mind.”

“Like the history homework we were supposed to do tonight?”

“Exactly!”

They both laughed together, falling onto their backs and laying down on the roof, looking up to the sky. As their laughter died down, she opened her eyes towards the moon and the stars, feeling as if they left an imprint on her pupils from their shine. The wind no longer seemed to reach her, instead passing above her, only faintly brushing her hair to the side. “…Wow. I can see why it helps clear your mind. It’s so…peaceful.”

“Yeah.” He spoke softly, resting his hands behind his head. For a few moments, it was silent. The only sounds which filled the area were their breaths and the crickets of the neighborhood. After a few beats, Blaze spoke up again. “…Hey, uh, Dots?”

She snorted out a laugh, looking over at him with her hands folded over her stomach. “Did you just call me Dots?”

“Yeah! Came up with it on the spot, I think it’s cute.” He admitted, a small hue of red appearing on his cheeks as he chuckled sheepishly. “Is that okay with you?”

“Dots,” she repeated, smiling. “Yeah! I like it. I’ve just never been called that before.”

“Sick.” He nodded, turning his head towards her, gazes locking. “Well…I guess I just wanted to ask what you think about school right now.”

Her smile dropped slightly. “…What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s just…” He squinted to think about his words. “…Things are kinda changing. Getting weirder, you know? Am I making sense?”

Dottie chuckled. “You are,” She quickly reassured him with a playful nudge, and he flashed a quick smile in return. Both of them turned to face the sky once more. “…But I get it. I agree. I guess I feel kind of…unsure about it. It feels like things could end either way with how they are right now.”

He nodded. “Definitely. I feel the same.” He glanced around as if anyone could possibly hear them. “…That Ein guy’s the one who made a mess. He gives me major creeps.”

“Oh my gosh, yes! Tell me about it.” She threw her hands up in exhaustion. “Ugh, it’s driving me insane. Daniel didn’t deserve that.”

“Yeah. I feel bad for him, too.” Blaze glanced back at her. “But hey, you guys got me on your side now. If anything happens, you come to me.”

She blinked in surprise, feeling her muscles loosen at his words. “…Thanks, Blaze.” A small smile built onto her lips. “…Seriously. It means a lot to me that you’re still helping out. Daniel’s my close friend, but…Rylan and I just aren’t that strong. We wanna help, wanna protect him, but it’s…hard, you know?” She sighed. “So it really does mean the world to me that you’re going out of your way to do this for him. For us. I mean, you don’t even really have to.”

“Of course I do. You guys are my friends.”

“…Thanks.” She struggled to keep her smile up. “I just…I wish I’d said something that day. When Ein made us pick who would be Omega between us three, I should’ve taken it instead.” She held her hands together tightly, hoping it would release some of the anxiousness from her body. “Now Daniel’s going through hell because I decided to be selfish.”

“Don’t think like that.” Blaze turned onto his side to face her. “No matter who got picked, you guys all would’ve suffered. I mean, you’re already stressed out, and you’re not even the Omega. How do you think those other two feel?”

“I know, I just…I wish things could’ve gone differently, that’s it.”

“Thinking back on what you could’ve done to change things isn’t gonna help. What’s done is done. No use wrapping yourself up in the past, cus that’s the quickest way to drive yourself crazy.” He reasoned, shaking his head. “All you can do is look forward to make things better.”

She looked at him then. Really captured his blue and green eyes, fiery red hair, and genuine smile. It felt as if looking at him, the night didn’t seem as tiring, and the responsibilities from the day were washed out even more efficiently than with the movie. “…Yeah. You’re right.”

He hummed in satisfaction. “Anything else on your mind?”

Dottie yawned, knowing there were likely countless other things to talk about. “Mm…that I could totally fall asleep right now. It’s so nice out here.”

“I wouldn’t. Your back’s gonna hurt like hell in the morning cus of the roof tiles.” He warned. “Trust me, I had to learn the hard way.”

They both chuckled, feeling the weight in her heart grow lighter from the laughter and smiles irresistibly escaping her.

She didn’t completely understand what Blaze was doing to her. To her mind, to her heart, to her body. But it all felt comforting in some way. Looking at him, feeling his skin, hearing his voice. In a way, when she did that, it felt like she was in the right place. Exactly where she belonged.

It felt nice to be able to realize that.

“Dots!” A familiar voice called out from behind her, making her ears perk up with interest. She turned her head towards it from her locker, a smile building onto her face.

“Blaze!” She beamed as he reached her, shutting her locker so she could lean against it.

She loved seeing him. Adored it. They’d hung out like they always did before, except now they also started going out alone, just the two of them. She liked to invite Rylan and Daniel still, but sometimes it was nice to just be around the red haired werewolf.

He was different from Rylan and Daniel. Those two were her best friends, basically brothers, people she could always rely on and have a fun time with.

But Blaze made her feel different. She could rely on him too, and she always had fun with him as well, but it just wasn’t the same. She didn’t have the words for it, didn’t even know if there were words to encapsulate that feeling. But it was there, and it blossomed even more every time she saw him.

“Glad I spotted you.” He chuckled, glancing around them. His hand was weirdly held behind his back, but she decided not to comment on it. “Hey, are Rylan and Daniel not with you?”

Dottie shook her head. “Nope. Rylan’s helping Daniel finish his essay last second cus he forgot to do it last night.“

“Gotcha. I’m just so used to seeing you three together, you know?”

“Honestly, me too.” They both snickered. As their laughter quieted down, Blaze cleared his throat, taking a step closer.

“I, uh…brought you something.” He moved his hand from behind his back to reveal a bouquet of soft white flowers, each shaped almost like bells, dots of pink present in their insides.

“For you,” He outstretched his hand with the flowers, eyes shining with a certain light that made her heart and soul feel lighter within. “Dotties for my Dottie.”

She couldn’t help but gasp in surprise, feeling her cheeks turn a faint hue of red as she accepted them. She couldn’t get her eyes off them, off their beauty. “Blaze…”

“I should…probably warn you that they’re not real flowers. They’re plastic. Turns out those specific real flowers can be like, pretty toxic, and I don’t wanna take risks.” He chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. His face was just as red as hers.“But hey! That means they’ll last forever, right?”

The blue haired werewolf finally lifted her head, staring into his caring, charming eyes. “Yeah…guess they will.” She chuckled, an irresistible smile forming onto her lips. “Thank you, Blaze.”

“Yeah. Of course.” He returned the grin. “Y’know, you mean a lot to me, Dots.”

“Blaze…” She cooed, unintentionally catching a whiff of the flowers’s scent. “Oh, did you put your perfume on them?”

“…Is it that obvious?” He asked nervously, making her laugh. “Damn it.”

“No, no! It’s okay, I don’t mind. I really like your perfume, it’s nice.” She admitted, and both their cheeks seemed to turn to a faint shade of red from that.

“Really…?” He sounded breathless, a smile building onto his face as she nodded. “Wow, well…guess I should use it more, then.”

The sound of the bell ringing echoed in the hallway, with other students around them instantly moving to head to class. “There’s the bell.” Blaze sighed. “Wanna hang out after school? We could go get pizza if you want!”

“Yeah! I’d…I’d love that.” She moved a strand of hair behind her ear, keeping her gaze locked onto his face.

“Awesome! I gotta run, though. My class is kinda far from here. I’ll see you then?”

“Yeah. See you then.”

“Later, Dots!” He waved back at her with a smile before rushing off, slowly growing distant. The moment he turned the corner, she stopped staring at him, instead squealing and jumping to herself with pure joy as she hugged the flowers tightly.

The blue haired werewolf quickly opened her locker, head spinning as she tried desperately to cool off her red face, carefully placing the dotties on top of her books.

She thought back to that last smile he gave her before he turned the corner. The way his eyes seemed to shine even brighter when he beamed, the genuine eagerness behind them.

That feeling came back to her head. The one she couldn’t describe.

Whatever it was, she knew it was good. Knew she would feel it every time she saw him, even if it was only a quick glance. Knew it was a feeling that would never go away, that she would carry happily in her heart for the rest of her life.

She truly adored that charming red haired werewolf that seemed to be plastered in her thoughts.

It felt weird to step onto Starlight Wonderland under the same circumstances as the time she’d gone to the Lycan’s safehouse in Falcon Claw—that being that she was invited by Mr. Lycan to support Aaron.

It felt weird because the places were entirely different. While the safehouse wasn’t bad in any way and she was treated well, it could get a bit overwhelming at times, especially with how little she was able to go outside. Rylan and Daniel kept her company like always, and Aaron was really easy to help, but it was still different than what she was accustomed to.

Yet the best part about that safehouse, what made it unforgettable, had been reuniting with him. Blaze.

Dottie wasn’t even told he’d be there, it was a complete surprise. And even with the little time they were able to spend together, she managed to catch up on a lot of things since last time they’d seen each other.

And now, there was Starlight. She was still supporting Aaron, but she was free. She could enjoy the park as much as she wanted to without having to worry. And upon receiving the invite by Mr. Lycan, she now knew to actually contact Blaze to confirm if he was going as well.

To her delight, he was. All she wanted to do was see him again, now with access to the greatest resort in the country.

“I dunno how you packed all that stuff, Dottie.” Daniel looked at her luggage and bags as they made their way to the check-in.

“I don’t know how you barely packed anything at all! Gosh, you boys are so stupidly simple.” She shook her head, nudging her head towards his one measly luggage suitcase. “This is Starlight! I’m gonna make myself cozy.”

“Isn't all that heavy?” Daniel asked, scratching the back of his neck. “What did you even bring?”

Before she could answer, Rylan spoke up teasingly, “Can you still not decide on what clothes to bring? Did you bring your whole closet?” She slapped him on the shoulder. “Ow-!”

“At least I actually think about what I’m packing! You just carelessly throw in whatever you find!” She spat back, making the brunette werewolf roll his eyes. “Did either of you even bring sunscreen?”

They two boys remained silent, glancing at each other. She simply shook her head in disbelief. “I’m not sharing mine.”

Rylan frowned. “Of course you aren’t.”

As Daniel opened his mouth to say something, his phone buzzed with life. He took it out of his pocket, looking down at the screen and then back up at his friends. “Mr. Lycan says we can take some time off to settle down.”

“Awesome! Free day!” Dottie cheered. “What do you guys wanna do?”

“Probably just get checked in and explore a bit. We can plan out what to do along the way!” Rylan suggested.

“I wonder what kinda restaurants they have here.” Daniel smiled at the thought. “I heard all the food’s really good.”

“We just had food on the plane, Daniel.” She snickered.

“Yeah, but still.”

The brunette haired werewolf shrugged. “I mean, we’ll probably pass by some on the way to wherever we’re staying. We could see what-!”

“Guys!” A familiar voice called out from behind them, making her turn around in an instant. The moment she saw him, sparkles seemed to appear in her eyes.

Blaze stood out farther on the dock, tail wagging excitedly, waving happily to them. Maria was beside him, visibly less energetic, but still just as happy.

“Blaze!” Dottie screamed with joy, dropping her luggage onto the ground. Rylan let out a yelp of pain as her bag landed on his foot.

The red haired werewolf’s grin only seemed to grow wider upon seeing her smile, cheeks turning a faint shade of red. “Dots!”

They both ran up to each other, with Blaze grabbing her waist and lifting her into an air-hug, spinning around happily. They both laughed together, even as he set her down, happiness plastered onto their faces.

“Oh my gosh! You made it!” She grabbed his warm hands with her cold ones, temperature seeming to balance out against the sun, jumping with excitement. “We’re in Starlight!”

“I know!” He laughed. “Jeez, there’s literally just so much I wanna do. This is crazy.”

“Right?!” She beamed, and they both went in for another, more grounded hug. “I’m just so happy to see-!”

Maria cleared her throat loudly to get their attention, now standing beside Rylan and Daniel. Dottie and Blaze instantly split, with the latter chuckling nervously. “Sorry, got carried away.” He then walked over to the two other boys, greeting them eagerly, their conversations distant in Dottie’s ears.

“Soo…” The blue haired werewolf flinched as Maria suddenly appeared beside her, a knowing look in her eyes. “You and him, huh?”

Dottie felt a faint blush creep its way onto her cherks, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “…That would be nice.”

The ombré haired werewolf scoffed, shaking her head. “I dunno how anyone could love a meathead like him.”

“Well…he’s charming.”

“That’s generous.” Maria rolled her eyes. “But…if that’s what you’re into, then go for it. He definitely likes you, so there’s that.”

Dottie smiled at that, looking back at him. The way he grinned, and laughed, and somehow seemed to light up every room he was in. Sure, he didn’t always get it right, and sometimes he could be a bit over the top, but he had the heart. She could see it.

She adored that about him more than anything else, and it just made her heart flutter with that indescribable feeling she’d always had around him. Even if she couldn’t find the words for it, she loved the feeling. She loved it, because she knew it was true, and knew it would be true forever.

And now, with them together at Starlight, anything could happen. For the better, for the worse. In a way, it was almost intimidating—it felt like there were endless possibilities.

But she knew that regardless, she would always have him by her side, and that was more than enough.

Blaze and Daniel burst into the room, making Dottie instantly rise from her seat. She quickly shut the magazine she’d been reading, watching as Daniel hurried to shut the door. “Woah, what’s-?”

“Rylan and Maria, they…” Blaze began, grabbing onto his shirt anxiously. “I’m not sure what’s happening, but they were arrested.”

The blue haired werewolf felt her heart sink to her chest, eyes widening with concern. “…What?”

“T-These guys, the Guardian Forces…they just showed up at the resort.” Daniel’s words came out shakily. “We don’t know what’s going on. We managed to get away, but they’re…it’s…”

“They got Maria when she tried defending us.“ The red haired werewolf clarified. “I-I was farther away, so I was able to run, and Daniel got lucky that he barely managed to leave, but…they caught up to Rylan.”

Dottie stammered. “Why would they arrest them? Can they even do that? What’s even going on…?!”

“They were only going after werewolves, they practically ignored all the humans on the beach.” Blaze crossed his arms tensely. “T-They had weapons, and based on their uniform, we think they’re some kind of military.”

“But why would they-?!”

“There’s no time to think about why, Dottie! We can figure that out later! They're all after us!” The red haired werewolf’s hands balled into tight fists, and she couldn’t help but wince at the sight of it. Her heart twisted with all these overwhelming emotions, trying to comprehend what to do.

Daniel quickly added, “We can’t stay here, it’s too dangerous. T-They’re looking all over the resort. We need to leave. Find somewhere safe for now.”

“And leave Rylan and Maria behind?! We have to-!” As she headed for the door, the red haired werewolf was quick to step in front of her, worry plastered in his eyes.

“We can’t, Dottie. We’re outnumbered.” Despite how hard he tried to keep his voice calm, she could sense the weight and urgency behind it. “…I already tried it. It didn’t work out.”

Her arms dropped limply to her sides in defeat, muscles loosening at the sympathy she felt upon hearing his voice. “But what…where would we go?”

Blaze looked down at the ground, hesitating for a moment, eyes darting between the individual floorboards. After a few beats, he took a deep breath and finally raised his head, turning to the olive haired werewolf. “Daniel. Go tell the others, gather other werewolves if you can. We’re gonna figure out a plan here.”

Daniel seemed to hesitate for a moment before nodding, quickly unlocking the door and rushing out the home. Blaze immediately slumped against the wall beside him, shutting his eyes and weakly hitting his fist against his forehead in a fit of frustration. He mumbled something beneath his breath, and though she couldn’t make out the exact words he’d said, his tone was enough.

“I-I don’t understand…” Dottie hugged herself anxiously. “…This is all so-!”

“Sudden.” He finished for her, crossing his arms and taking a step closer beside her. “Starlight didn’t give us a warning or anything. Not even a “don’t panic and stay calm” announcement. Nothing. It’s like they wanted to take us by surprise.”

“But why?”

He let out a loud, agitated sigh. “I don’t know.” Such simple words came out so painfully. “…All I can think to do is move inland. We were at the beach right at the edge, and that’s where they came in. I didn’t see any other boats besides the ones that were where we were, so…all I can hope is that they’re not inland.”

“What if they are?”

“…Then I don’t know.”

The silence that followed, with either unable to look the other directly in the eye, said enough about the situation.

How was it even possible that her mood could change so quickly? That her peace could suddenly be clouded with fear?

She clearly wasn’t the only one.

The red haired werewolf seemed like an entirely different person. Of course, their situation warranted that—but it just felt so unexpected nonetheless.

It hurt to see him so anxious. It hurt to undoubtedly know he was anxious just by his body language.

Dottie looked up at him, hand slowly reaching for his. “…We’re…gonna be okay, right? Us?”

Blaze didn’t reply at first, taking in a deep breath before accepting her hand, their fingers now intertwined. Her cold palms seemed to take out some of the tension from his warm ones. “…Yeah.” He nodded. “We’re gonna be alright.”

He managed to build up the strength to offer her a small smile, one which she returned.

Yet deep down, she couldn’t help but acknowledge neither of theirs had much weight to it. There was only pure hope.

When Daniel had left to keep watch at the back cave, Blaze let out a sigh of frustration, dragging a hand down his face. Dottie looked back at him, chest tightening at his tired expression.

Ever since the Guardian Forces showed up, it felt like the red haired werewolf had changed. She noticed it first, and eventually others had realized it as well. But none of them had spoken out about it.

None of them had spoken out about it because truthfully, they’d all changed.

Months had passed. Tiring months of living with fear and lack of information.

She tugged on the fabric of her jacket, glancing down at the small fire beside them before her eyes eventually returned to him. “…Blaze? Are you alright?”

He didn’t reply at first, arms tensley crossed over his chest. “Honestly, Dottie…don’t think any of us are.”

“I…I know. B-But I’m asking about you, Blaze.” The blue haired werewolf felt her heart ache at his tired eyes. The way they looked down at her, almost void of the energy she’d always found. “You’ve been constantly looking after everyone at the camp. I just…I think you need some rest. You’re exhausted.”

“Rest?” He scoffed slightly, shaking his head. “Look around you, Dottie. We’re being hunted, we’re being…held here against our damn will!” His voice raised in volume as he tried taking deep breaths, running an agitated hand through his hair. “This seriously isn’t the time to be making dumb suggestions.”

“Oh, okay, so caring about you is a dumb suggestion?” She crossed her arms.

“That’s not what I-!”

“Y-You’re always so tense, and you’ve been taking all these responsibilities all on your own, and I barely see you standing still anymore! You’re always moving around like crazy, and…” Her tone dropped suddenly, taking in a deep breath, angered expression shifting with care. “It's…hurting me to see you that way, Blaze. Let us help you. You don’t have to-!”

“Don’t you remember what happened to Rylan and Maria?!” He snapped back, making her stiffen. She could vividly see the pain in his eyes at the mention of them.

She averted her gaze, feeling her heart ache at the thought of those two. “…I know what happened.”

“Except you weren’t there, Dottie. They got taken because we let our guard down, and now we don’t even know if they’re okay or not! I’m not letting that happen to anyone else here just because of some…some made up story!”

“Blaze, I know-!”

“Then why are you acting like you don’t?!”

She froze at his words, eyes widening. The cave around them seemed to silence as the other werewolves grew quiet, staring directly at the two. “Don’t you get it?! This isn’t about me! We’re all stuck in this nightmare! It doesn’t matter what I feel, because there’s literally no time! Have you gotten that comfortable living in a cave? We could get found at any minute, and-!”

“You think I don’t know that?!” Dottie yelled back, hands balling into fists, feeling tears well in her eyes. The red haired werewolf’s hardened gaze faltered at her tone, tense posture weakening. “I’m…terrified, Blaze. Every single day that passes, I-I wake up and worry that something will go wrong, that one of us is gonna get hurt. I feel…useless because of it. Like I’m not doing anything to contribute, to stop that from happening.”

She grimaced, shaking her head before continuing. “…Because y-you’re always doing so much for us, you’re…practically taking care of us, of everything, that I don’t even know what else I could help with. And then every time I actually try to, you say you can handle it. You say you can handle everything. And I see you, your eyes, the way you’re so tired and tense, and I just…I can’t sit around anymore when you’re in pain. When you’re ruining yourself.”

She swallowed back tears which dared to come out, averting her gaze and closing herself off. The silence was clear from how loud the crackling fire beside them was, only lasting for a few moments before most of the other werewolves chose to mind their own business and attempt to talk amongst themselves again.

Blaze grabbed onto the fabric of his sleeve nervously, looking down at the ground with shame. He opened his mouth to speak, then instantly closed it, clearly hesitant. “I-I…” He paused. “…I’m scared, too.”

Dottie lifted her head to look at him as he continued, “When…When I saw Rylan and Maria being taken by the Guardian Forces that day, I just…I-I looked into their eyes, and I felt so…guilty. Guilty, and weak, and angry, and scared. It’s stupid, I know, but it’s just…I couldn’t…I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t help them. I just ran. I ran like a coward.”

She looked down at his trembling hands, the way he forced them into fists to somehow stop the shaking. His body tensed as he stared at the ground. “Blaze…”

“I can't let that happen again. I can’t let anyone else get hurt. I can’t lose anyone again, can’t…” He found the courage to look at directly her, eyes shining with pain. “…I-I just can’t lose you, too.”

“I can’t lose you, either.” Dottie took a small step forward, reaching for his hand. He accepted it, and she was reminded yet again of how naturally warm his hands were compared to her naturally cold ones. The balance they brought to each other felt safe. “Blaze…what happened at the beach that day wasn’t your fault. You tried your hardest like you always do.”

“I know, but…I just…” He let out a defeated breath, shifting his weight uncomfortably. “…I don’t know. Sorry, this is…hard for me. To put into words, I mean. Never was good with those, anyways.”

“That’s okay.” She quickly reasoned. “…I mean, I get it. We’ve been kinda keeping this all in for months. It’s hard to actually express it after so long.”

“Yeah.” He scratched the back of his head anxiously. “But you’re right. I-I’ll try and take it easy as much as I can. Let other people take the lead once in a while. Sorry for yelling at you.”

“Hey, it’s…it’s alright. We’re in this together.” She squeezed his hand reassuringly. “I promise we’ll figure this whole mess out.”

“Yeah.” He nodded. “…Still, I wanna make it up to you. I owe you dinner at the coolest restaurant in town when we get back home.”

She chuckled weakly, smiling up at him. “…You're the best, Blaze. Thank you.” She whispered, feeling something squeeze at her throat at his words. “Sorry, I-It’s just…it’s been hell for me, too. I…” The sullen smile she’d put up onto her lips faltered slightly, her hold on his hand weakening. “Now that you mentioned it, I…I really miss home. I miss home a lot. I miss being with everyone without having to worry about some stupid soldiers, and without having to constantly guess if my friends are safe, and…”

Before she could even process it, she was being pulled into an embrace. His hold felt comforting, warm, and safe. She immediately hugged him back, accepting the gesture, allowing a single, silent tear to leave her eye.

“We will be home soon. Okay?” His voice was determined, but overwhelmingly caring. “…I promise. I promise I’ll get us both home.”

She couldn’t find the strength to verbally reply, but she hoped that by squeezing him tighter in the embrace, he would hopefully understand.

The hug itself was loving. Warm. Gentle. Neither of them pulled themselves away, instead choosing to remain in the other’s grasp for as long as possible.

It was like together, in each other’s arms, they could be in their own world. Within the confines of the cave, but at least not alone. At least with the promising safety of the other. The murmurs and talking from the other werewolves seemed distant, as she instead chose to focus on the softness of his skin and jacket.

And as footsteps of someone approaching the cave just became audible in her ears, a faint whisper escaped the red haired werewolf.

“…We’re gonna be okay, Dots.”

I hate it. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.

Why can't I move? Why? Why isn’t my body reacting? Why do I have to watch?

Blaze.

Blaze.

Beaten, bloodied, and still that monster kept laughing. He's hurting. Why? Why him? Why does it have to be him?

I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.

I want it to stop. Please stop.

I’m sorry.

Blaze.

Blaze…

He could feel himself losing consciousness the moment he hit the ground. Sounds grew muffled around him, screams and yells and all sorts of commotion seeming distant.

His chest hurt. Too much. Too unbearably much.

Blaze tried to gasp for air, blood leaking out of his wound and mouth, vision blurred as he was forced to look up, unable to move. Only his chest rose and fell, and each breath was as excruciating as the last.

Yet if he blocked out the shade of the palm trees and the circling helicopters, he could see the night sky full of stars.

A night sky with a shade of blue similar to her silky, beautiful hair.

As he choked on the blood clogging his throat, tears welled in his eyes at the beauty of the sight.

He used whatever strength he had to reach up for it, even if barely, hoping he could feel those blue strands between his fingers one last time. Hoping he could watch her brush it while she talked with him and shake it around wildly while laughing when it got wet. Hoping maybe, she’d turn around, and he could see her smile one last time.

But just as quickly as he’d reached up, his hand—his unbearably warm hand that needed that little balance of coldness—weakly fell back down again, darkness clouding his vision as all sounds drowned out in his ears.

Sounds suddenly became blurry around her the moment the informant’s words processed in her head, eyes widening in horror as her hands fell limply at her sides. She could see Rylan and Daniel’s face contort with shock, while Maria shot her hands up to her mouth to suppress a gasp.

The entire time, Dottie had felt like cracked glass, barely held up by loose hope.

In an instant, the glass shattered.

Her legs simply gave up on her as she collapsed to the ground, hanging her head low so her hair covered the things around her. Tears streamed down her face, trying to take normal breaths, even as they came out shaky and uneven.

Her heart sank, feeling as if the nothing in her stomach would rise up out of her mouth and onto the ground. She was sure people around her tried to reach her, tried to get her to calm down, but her vision was too blurred and her ears were entirely clogged by a faint ringing.

He’s gone. He’s just gone.

Almost silent tears transformed into audible cries as she held her head in her hands, gripping onto her hair. Tears ran down her chin and onto the ground, breaths coming out in the form of choked sobs.

Blaze.

“You got a leaf in your hair.” He reached for her blue hair, taking out an orange, autumn petal. His face shifted then as his fingers made content with her silky strands, eyes widening in fascination. “…Woah. Sorry, it’s just…your hair’s really nice. I love it.”

Blaze.

“I mean, you’re one of the coolest people I know, Dots.” He smiled at her, placing his backpack down beside them on the bench. “Why wouldn’t I want to hang out? You know I always do.”

Blaze.

“Honestly,” His voice penetrated the silence as they watched the moon from the sand. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling as if she could fall asleep right there and then. “Is it weird I don’t want this trip to end?”

Blaze.

“Hey, it’s okay! It’s just a stain. I’ll clean it off.” He chuckled, taking off his shirt. “I promise it’s fine. Don’t blame yourself, ‘kay?” He then added with a smile, “Plus, now every time I smell it, I’ll remember your favorite drink from this trip.”

Blaze.

“Don’t do that again.” He spoke softly as he wrapped the bandage around her cut, cold finger, hands warm and delicate to not bring her any pain. “…I don't like seeing you hurt.”

Blaze.

“It’s okay,” He replied gently, pulling her closer and covering her with his blanket as well, yet his body seemed to be the only source of warmth and comfort amongst the cave. She rested on his shoulder, trying to wipe her tears away. “No one’s gonna get hurt. I promise. I won’t let it happen, okay? Just get some rest.”

Blaze.

Found dead on the bridge to the docks.

“…We’re gonna be okay, Dots.”

Blaze.

A scream of agony and hopelessness escaped her mouth.

“Dottie…?” Daniel’s voice sounded from behind her door, pained and weakened. “…Listen, I…please come out.”

She didn’t reply. Her body felt too numb to turn and face the door, dust collecting in her unblinking eyes as all the water had been used in previous tears. She remained motionless on her side, staring into her room, clouded skies peering into her window being the only source of light present.

“…Rylan, and me, and everyone…we’re really worried.” He sniffled, and she could faintly hear him rest his head against the wood of the door. After a few moments of silence, a faint sniffle emerged from him, voice growing weaker. “I-I miss him too, Dottie. Every day I…I think about what I had to do to him, and how I ran away from him and…and how I wasn’t there when he…”

The blue haired werewolf hugged his jacket tightly, glancing up at her phone resting on her nightstand. It had run out of battery quickly from the hours of listening to his voicemails, scrolling through their messages together, and looking at old photos that he was in.

Usually, she’d immediately charge it, because she couldn’t bear the thought of a second without having him in her life again, even if not physically.

But with all her energy drained, all that was left was her body. A husk. Her mind felt blank, occasionally replaying his eyes that she’d see in the corners of her room.

“Please…” Daniel whispered, sniffling once more. “Please, Dottie. You’re my friend. Say something. Please.”

Normally, agitation would’ve risen from her grief-stricken bones, and she would’ve yelled at him to go away and leave her alone, or maybe she would’ve cried loudly enough that he’d eventually give up and walk away.

But today, there was nothing. Nothing she could give. All of her was gone, lost in old memories she refused to let go of.

Even with the lack of response, she could hear Daniel take a deep breath. “…I want you to know we’re always here for you. No matter what happens.” And without another word, he quickly walked off, sniffles growing distant and fading into nothingness.

The only sound was the buzz of nothing in her ears, and sometimes she’d breathe out loud to keep her mind moving. Sometimes she’d shift in her covers to wake herself up, to not fall asleep and dream of a world with him that she’d inevitably wake up from and feel worse.

Dottie lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting a vase on her windowsill, sunlight barely peering in through the half-closed curtain.

The vase held his white dotties.

The blue haired werewolf forced her bones to work again, finding the strength to stand up from her bed, feet feeling foreign against the ground after so many hours of lying still under her covers.

For a moment, she found herself unable to move. Staring at those flowers from a distance, a shaky breath she’d unknowingly been holding left her mouth. And in the next second, she slowly made her way towards the window and reached for them, feeling the fake stem in her hands.

It was like they were still warm from when he held them.

She fell to her knees in front of the window sill, holding the flowers close to her face. The smell of perfume was long faded, not even remnants of it present within the plastic petals.

Yet they still lasted. Visually, the dotties looked just like how they had back in highschool.

But the loss of that scent felt like a whole new death all over again.

She brushed the hair from her face to look at her door, and slowly rose to her feet, holding on tightly to the fake dotties.

The warmth was starting to fade from their stems as she held them with her cold hands. Because it wasn’t the same balance as before, but a mere replication of it that could never capture the texture of his skin when their fingers intertwined.

Dottie slowly walked down the path to the grave, still hugging onto the jacket he’d left behind. Her hand clutched tightly onto the freshly bought plastic flowers, trying to find the strength to take another step.

The skies were a moody gray, wind violently pushing her hair onto her face, yet she wasn’t bothered enough to move it away.

Eventually, she reached him. Even if he was now shorter than her, name carved on tombstone with a date, resting without even knowing of her presence, she reached him.

“Hey, Blaze.” Her voice came out weakly, as if the words were foreign to her. “…I know it’s been a while, but…I brought you something.”

She slowly placed the red flowers in front of the grave, hoping it fit against all the other flowers, gifts, and messages from names that were all too familiar.

“Autumn blazes for my Blaze.” She whispered, sitting down on the cut grass beside him. And just as she had all those years ago, she laid on her back, right beside him, staring up at the sky. “They’re plastic. But I…put some perfume on them, so maybe they’ll smell nice.”

Her hands felt cold.

And she knew it wasn’t from the cold air around her. They were always cold. But now that balance from before was gone, that reassurance, that comfort.

Dottie closed her eyes. Heard the birds singing in the distance, the leaves of trees swaying with the breeze above her, the patter of squirrel’s feet against dried branches. In a way, she felt pissed off upon hearing it. Because it truly showed her that the world was moving on and forward while she was still stuck.

“Hey, you look kinda tense,” Blaze’s voice penetrated her ear from beside her. If she focused hard enough, she could capture that warmth his presence brought, keeping it frozen in the moment. “Everything okay?”

She couldn’t find the strength to respond. All her energy had been drained on walking there, on talking to him earlier.

“…Hey, it’s cool. I get it. It’s one of those days, you know. Even the best of us get ‘em.” He offered weakly. “I feel that way sometimes, too. Where you just want the world to shut up, where you feel…horrible. And you don’t know if you’ll stop feeling horrible, if ever.” He snickered weakly. “Point is…life’s full of that. And as much as it may hurt, you have to keep living. You don’t have to forget your pain, but you can’t let it destroy you.” She could hear him reach for her arm, warmth fingers grazing her cold hand, yet it was just out of reach. “Live. I want to see you happy. Live with love and care, for me.”

Dottie heard him stand up, grass crunching beneath his feet. His voice was suddenly over her, and she could feel the comforting warmth from above. “What do you say, Dots?”

She slowly squinted her eyes open, and in that blur, she could make out a familiar red haired werewolf, even if the details weren’t clear.

When she fully opened her eyes and the blur was gone, so was he. Instead, an orange tree cast a shadow above her head, swaying with the breeze of fall.

Dottie stood up, unable to bear the aching in her chest of staying there any longer. In a way, she felt guilty. Guilty that she couldn’t keep him company.

She hadn’t been able to save him. Wasn’t it the least she owed him?

Why is it so hard?

Tears welled in her eyes, daring to fall out as she gripped the sleeves of his jacket once more. As she walked further from the grave, head hung low, she could barely feel her feet.

She almost felt like a corpse. But feeling like a corpse wasn’t enough to make her one, wasn’t enough to see him.

No matter how far she walked, no matter how much time passed, she’d always find herself coming back. Hopelessly staring at his name engraved on that smooth rock, trying to reminisce in the times when he was there with her.

In reality, no reaction of hers would bring him back. No amount of crying, screaming, or grief could make her forget that feeling she couldn’t quite name every time she was with him. That indescribable feeling, the one which came to her heart and weighed down on her bones, making her cry until all her tears dried up, faint marks left on her puffy cheeks.

Dottie had grown familiar with feeling, having once loved it, and yet she still couldn’t find the words to capture the strength behind it.

She knew too, that deep down, that feeling for him would never leave her. That it would last as long as the plastic autumn blazes would.

Forever.

Chapter Text

Rylan looked down at the pool, watching as his reflection naturally moved with the quiet breeze that faintly stirred the water. It was the kind of cold he hated—a wind that only barely brushed the hairs on his neck and made him shiver every now and then, but wasn’t cold enough to prompt him to get a jacket.

Crickets accompanied the small stars in the skies, bringing life into what was mostly a dead night. He actually liked that sound, surprisingly.

He told himself he sat there by the pool because of that. To get some fresh air, to hear the life outside the house. Dottie had forgotten to turn off the pool lights, he might as well.

But he knew better. And he didn’t know what hurt more. The truth of his frustrations, or the denial he weakly tried to keep up in his mind.

It was another sleepover.

June was there.

Dottie’s idea, obviously. He knew she’d invited June for him, because she was stupidly clever when she wanted to be. And the blonde haired meif’wa was as sweet as always despite how nervous and awkward and stupid he’d been, the same bright smile on her face that he’d fallen in love with.

Rylan touched his face, feeling the faint burn of red from the thought of her.

But as he stared down at his reflection in the water, that feeling couldn’t last much.

He looked down at his reddish brown eyes and faint freckles that traveled from the tips of his cheeks to the bridge of his nose. His shirt was loose and a basic gray color, but his pajama pants were a more vibrant theme of silly cupcakes that he loved, but he couldn’t help but feel stupid wearing now. His hair was still the same shade of brown as always, just a tiny bit longer than most other boys he knew, and completely disheveled from the brief time he’d slept.

There was something about it all he was never fully content with. Never felt good enough about his look to really call himself pretty, but he didn’t think he was ugly or anything.

Or, at least, he hadn’t until a little bit ago. His appearance had always been an exhausting part of his life, but the true worry of it only began when his feeling started to develop, and only persisted later on. He began to pick out the little things about himself he’d always hated, and they suddenly seemed ten times bigger.

His hands slowly traveled to his neck, brows furrowing in uncertainty, covering the freckles that started again and trailed down onto his shoulders like flowing water.

His nails were a little too gross, having being picked at slightly to try and calm himself down when he was stressed. Was that obvious? He hoped it wasn’t obvious.

Rylan nervously scratched the sides of his neck, keeping his eyes glued onto his reflection, taking a deep breath and slowly pulling on his shirt so it loosened slightly, making one side drape off his shoulders.

The freckles only continued.

He cringed.

“Rylan?” A voice startled him, and he yelled out in shock, nearly falling into the pool if he hadn’t caught himself. The surprise was much less concerning than the way he instantly recognized the tone and sound of it, his face heating up uncontrollably despite how much he wished it didn’t. “Why are you up so late?”

The source of his panic, his self-questioning. It wasn’t her fault, not in the slightest. It was his own problem. But he couldn’t help it. He felt so utterly pathetic and scared around her because of how much he admired and adored her.

“J-June…!” She was already walking over to him, hugging a fluffy jacket she’d knit herself over her white night gown. “I, uh…I didn’t-!”

“Couldn’t sleep?” She giggled, sitting beside him and looking at the pool. “I understand, don’t worry. Do you need some water? Need help sleeping? I could help if you want.”

“I-I’m alright.” He laughed nervously, trying not to sound like an idiot. “How’d you, um…how’d you know I was here?”

“I didn’t.” She admitted, looking down at her feet. “I got up to get some water and you were gone, so I went looking for you.”

“What about Dottie and Daniel?”

“Oh, they’re still asleep.” She giggled again, looking up at him. Their gazes locked, and he couldn’t help but admire her dark yet soft blue eyes as they looked at him. The faint small moles that complimented her blush and smile. Her perfect face and hair, and everything, and Irene, she’s amazing.

Her smile dropped slightly. “…You’re a little red.”

The brunette was sure his blush had only grown more from her statement. “O-Oh, that’s-!”

“It’s really cold out here…are you feeling sick?” She leaned in closer, holding his cheek to feel his temperature. He froze completely, hands awkwardly set in front of him, each part of his body shakily vivid as she made contact with him. As she squinted her eyes and slightly tilted her head in a way he could faint over, her eyes caught something.

She looked down at his exposed shoulder, which he’d been too flustered to realize was still out.

His heart sank to his stomach, swallowing anxiously as she slid her hand down from his cheek all the way to his neck. The motion sent shivers down his spine, and he just hoped the blush on his face didn’t make him look like a moron.

She stared at it for a moment, as if entranced. Or maybe shocked. He couldn’t read whatever was behind her eyes, and that scared him more than anything. She just simply looked with a blank face at the general area in his neck and shoulders and parts of his chest, all covered in multiple little light brown spots, only slightly lighter than his skin.

Then, her voice pierced through the cold wind, a light tone in her voice which brought a tiny bit of hope into his heart. “…I didn’t know you had freckles there.” A small, fascinated smile grew on her face as she stared at all the dots on him. “It’s cute.”

That familiar sense of insecurity he’d always felt around her slowly melted, forming into pure nervousness. “…You think so?”

Her smile grew wider, eyes shining with genuine kindness and care that he’d always adored about her. She took her hand off his neck slowly, fingers grazing his skin as they broke contact.“Yeah! They’re really pretty, Rylan.”

He snickered, looking away with a similar smile. “T-Thanks. I’m surprised.”

Her eagerness faded slightly as she inched closer to him. “Why?”

“I-I just never…um…” He struggled to find the words, trying not to look at her and make himself even more nervous. “…never thought they were pretty. I thought they were ugly.”

“What?” Her eyes widened with disbelief. “Really? But they aren’t! Not at all.”

“I-I guess I just…never really liked them. They just look…weird to me. It’s not like I hated them, that’s a bit much. Or maybe I…No, I mean…but I just…” He winced, trying to swallow back the pain in his throat as he spoke, refusing to look at her. The werewolf reached for his shoulder, rubbing it awkwardly. “…It’s a part of me that makes me feel…not as good as others, if that makes any sense. Like I’m less than them. So I just, um…I kinda wish I could get rid of it. I wish I could get rid of or change a lot of me, actually. I-I, um…I-I don’t know. That’s sorta stupid, isn’t it?”

He wished he could scratch away those freckles. Scratch away everything ugly about him. Maybe things would be easier for himself if it were the case. He wouldn’t be feeling so weird inside. If he could just change himself, make himself better, just-!

“Rylan.” June placed her hand over his on his shoulder, making him look at her, their gazes locking once more. The blue light from the pool bounced back onto her face, illuminating her amongst the darkness of the stars. But maybe that was just her presence bringing the light into his vision. “It’s not stupid at all. I didn’t know you felt that way about yourself.”

His heart squeezed tightly. “Sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?”

“I’m ruining the mood.”

“No you’re not.” She reassured him, moving her hand to cup his cheek once more. The tension in his muscles suddenly eased as her fingers sunk into parts of his hair, smiling warmly at him “Rylan…you’re not perfect. No one is. But you’re not ugly. You never were, and never will be. I…I get how you feel.”

“You?” He asked, eyes widened. “B-But you’re gorgeous!”

There was a moment of silence as June paused, processing his words. He instantly felt his cheeks turning a soft shade of pink, looking away, but all the meif’wa did was chuckle softly. “You think so?”

He cleared his throat, trying to find the right words again. “…Of course.”

“I didn’t for a while.” She took off her cozy jacket, letting her shoulders and arms grow exposed. Moles covered parts of them, and she looked down with a humble expression. “There was always something I picked apart and hated about myself. A small thing I thought didn’t make me pretty. But…I realized that no matter what…I’m me. I exist. I’m imperfect, and all these little things about me…” She looked down at her arms. “They’re just part of who I am. The real me.”

“June…”

“The same goes for you. The real you. You’re your own person, Rylan.” She looked up at him, smiling again, shoulders slightly hunched with a sheepish look in her eyes. A giggle escaped her. “And no matter what, people will love you for who you are. Not who you want to be, or anything like that. You, even with imperfections. And I think that’s beautiful, don’t you?”

He didn’t reply at first, admiring her for a second, sparkles in his eyes. Everything about her.

The image he’d had of June before couldn’t have been farther from the truth.

She wasn’t perfect, or at least not the definition of perfect he’d made in his head. The perfect he’d thought of before was like a competition, a pedestal he couldn’t compare to, that he failed beside. But he understood now that her perfection came from a place of completion. Understating.

Even though he saw her beauty and personality as absolutely divine, he could acknowledge that June was a person just like him, flaws and all. And that was just as beautiful, if not more. A connection between them. Sharing a world of imperfections together.

“…Yeah. It is beautiful.” He finally replied, looking directly at her. “Thanks, June. Seriously. I needed that.”

“Of course.” She scooted closer to him, placing her hand over his, resting her head on his shoulder and staring at the pool ahead. His heart skipped a beat at that. “I really like you, Rylan.”

Oh my Irene.

“…W-What?”

“I like you for who you are. You’re fun to be around, to talk to. You’re kind, and you listen, and…and I think you’re amazing.” She readjusted herself, getting more comfortable, but also making sure he was warm as well. “For every freckle on you, that’s how pretty I think you are.”

He couldn’t help but smile to himself at that, heart swelling with contentment and love. He could cry, or maybe grow more flustered, or maybe confess right there. But he decided to just enjoy the moment. Live. Exist. Breathe as the real him instead of worrying about things blinding him from the present moment. “Wow. That’s really poetic. I like it.”

“Aww, really? Yay!” She spoke excitedly, and they both laughed together. “It’s true.”

For every freckle on you, that’s how pretty I think you are.

Whatever negativity had been clouding his mind faded as he closed his eyes, feeling the breeze and the warmth of June beside him, resting on his freckle-filled shoulder.

He wasn’t perfect, even if he wanted to be for her. Because she deserved it. Gosh, she deserved the world. She was incredible.

But if he tried his best, if he led life alongside her with his heart, maybe that was perfect enough.

Chapter Text

Blaze was exhausted after school. It was a weird feeling, as he was usually able to leave the campus with something positive about his day to think about on his way home. But the cloudy gray skies above him seemed to reflect his mind.

He’d spent the entire day trying to break up fights. Constantly looking out for people being picked on by arrogant, egotistical werewolves, and trying his best to defend them. Trying to use his words to resolve things like Aphmau implored him on doing, but he found himself never saying the right thing, and it always ended with him having to throw punches at someone. His hands felt sore from it all, but as did all of his body. He was utterly defeated from all the chaos and messes going around the school, all while meif’was and humans who didn’t fully understand looked and spoke about werewolves with judgment in their glare. And he couldn’t explain to them either, because again, he never found himself saying the correct thing.

He had always been terrible with words, anyways.

So, he was frustrated. Wanted to let out his anger, but knew he wasn’t in any condition to do so. Nor was he in the right place. So he just gripped his backpack tightly, eyes set forward, hands balled into fists.

It was all Ein’s fault. Everything went to hell when he became alpha. Jax and Ryder didn’t help, all they did was rally more trouble.

What jerks.

He kicked a pebble on the sidewalk harshly at the thought of it, reaching to weakly hit his forehead with his fist, trying to cool off.

“Blaze! Hey!” A familiar voice called out behind him, making him turn his head to look at her.

Dottie. Dottie, who had a bright smile on her face upon seeing him, one hand in the air to wave at him, the other holding onto her backpack.

The sight of her made some of the tension in his shoulders loosen as he stopped to let her catch up. “…Hey, Dots.” He replied weakly. “Where’s Rylan and Daniel?”

“They had to stay behind in the library to finish a project. I would’ve stayed with them, buuuut my mom told me I needed to be home on time today because I gotta clean my room. She said, ‘Dottie, your aunt’s coming over, and your room’s a big mess. No fooling around at school or with your friends, get home to clean it up before she gets here,’ or something.” She explained, putting on a different voice to mimic her mother.

Blaze snickered weakly at that, mouth twitching into a smile for a split second. “That’ll be fun.”

“Dreading it. My room’s…kind of a mess.” She laughed sheepishly, looking over at him. “What about you?”

“Eh, no plans. Just wanna…cool off, I guess.” He sighed. “School’s been rough, man.”

Her enthusiasm visibly faded slightly as she nodded, looking down at the ground. “Yeah. I didn’t think it could get this bad.”

“…Is Daniel-?”

“Yup. Still hasn’t gotten a break. Rylan and I, we’re trying to help him, but…we aren’t constantly there by his side when someone shows up and is a total jerk to him.” The blue haired werewolf winced. “He hasn’t been the same since Ein made him the omega. Daniel was always so…alive, I guess. I dunno how to describe it. He always used to find some good out of anything, but now…he can’t find any good at all. He’s quiet, and scared, and I see him hurt a lot, and I just…”

She let out a deep breath, looking around for a moment. There was a small park to their left, and on their right there was a sign that indicated the road ahead was closed for construction. He hadn’t acknowledged it until she had stopped her words for a moment to calm herself, only to eventually continue, “It hurts me to see him that way. Daniel was my first friend alongside Rylan, we’ve all been together through everything. So…”

“Yeah, I get it.” Blaze nodded, feeling a slight sprinkle of water dropping down on him. He ignored it, putting his full attention on her. Seeing her turquoise eyes droopy and saddened made the weight in his heart hurt even more. “I’m sorry.”

Dottie shook her head. “It’s okay. We’ll get through this. Plus…you’ve really helped us all out. Everything you do for us—for everyone at school—it’s really sweet of you. So…thank you. For everything.” She offered him a smile. A genuine, hopeful smile. Despite the exhaustion in her eyes matching his, she still chose to smile at him. For him.

He weakly smiled back, even if it was smaller than hers. “…Happy to help.”

“But…how are you doing?” She asked. “You’ve been helping everyone else, so…I dunno if anyone’s had the time to really ask if you’re alright. How are you holding up?”

His smile dropped slightly, words echoing in his mind.

She was the first person to really ask him that in the last week.

He didn’t know how to feel about that. All he knew was that his heart was swelling, making his chest tight as he thought of how to respond. Words he thought he knew escaped him, mixing in his brain as he doubted every possible thing he could reply with. It was such a simple, kindhearted question, yet it was driving his head in circles. He couldn’t pick an answer. Couldn’t see whatever outcome each answer would have.

Dottie cared so much. And that somewhat made it harder. Because he wanted the perfect answer for her, to try for once to actually find the right words to use for her. But he couldn’t. His brain wouldn’t let him, and it was making him confused and concerned at the same time.

But before he could reply, a larger drop of rain fell on his nose, making them both stop to look up. “…Crap.” The rain only kept getting stronger, droplets growing larger, quicker, and more abundant . “I thought it was only supposed to rain later today.”

“Shoot.” She whispered beneath her breath. “Look, there’s a bus stop! Come on!” She grabbed his hand, running with him towards the small area of the bus stop, standing beneath a canopia.

They both caught their breaths and looked in front of them at the pouring rain that only seemed to grow stronger. “…Damn it.” The red haired werewolf sighed. The two of them took off their backpacks and dropped them agaisnt the small waiting bench. “Man, should’ve brought a hoodie.”

“My mom’s gonna kill me.” Dottie shrugged, looking at her uniform to make sure it wasn’t too wet. A small snicker left her mouth. “I should’ve just cleaned my room last week.”

Silence.

They watched the road again as the rain hit it, forming puddles on the pavement and streams against the street gutters. Neither properly looked at the other as the clouds darkened what was meant to be noon.

His hands balled into fists again as he looked down at his feet, letting out an exhausted sigh and raking his hand down his face.

The world must’ve really hated him. Crappy weather for his crappy mood because of a crappy week at school.

So much for cooling off after school. He didn’t even get a break then.

Yet, Dottie snickered again. This time, it was more like a faint laugh, and it caught his attention enough where he actually turned to look at her. She took a step forward, extending her hand to the rain outside the cover of the canopia. “…The road’s closed, isn’t it?”

“Shoot. You’re right.” He groaned in irritation, remembering the construction up ahead that they could’ve passed if it hadn’t been for the stupid rain. “So we can’t even use the bus to stay dry.”

“That means we got the road to ourselves.” She beamed, looking back at him with excitement in her pretty torquious eyes.

Irene, he loved that color. He could stare at it until the day he died.

“Huh-?”

“Come on, it’s Friday!” She laughed, stepping out of the canopia and letting the rain pour onto her, soaking her hair and uniform. “Loosen up, Blaze!”

“Dots-!”

Before he knew it, she was running into the free street, laughing to herself and opening her arms, smiling at the sky. The rain fell down onto her face, strands of loose blue wet hair sticking to her cheeks and forehead. She jumped in puddles and couldn’t stop laughing and yelling with joy, and it was like he could visibly see all the stress leaving her body as she spun in circles, seemingly dancing with the water of the sky.

It was beautiful.

She was beautiful.

And that sight. Staring at her, her hair waving in the wind while his only brushed slightly to the side. His eyes widened, face slightly hotter, sucking in a small breath of wonder. A smile grew on his face as he watched her.

It was a thing with her, Rylan, and Daniel to be chaotic together, but her carefree spirit lived on no matter what. And Irene, he adored that. He adored how vibrant and lively she could be, and he hated to see that part of her fade when she was sad.

Her.

Her happiness, her freedom. It slowly made the chains of exhaustion weighing him down seem a little more tolerable. Like the shields he’d put up against all the negative things in life didn’t blind him anymore.

Maybe it wasn’t enough to just see the good in any situation, but to actively make something with it. It was an undeniable part of her that rubbed off on him, that brought light into his life, that made her so fun to be around. With her, it felt like the world was a good place again, something worth living for.

And his smile grew. It grew without him even realizing it, and soon he laughed uncontrollably as well, taking off his blazer and opening himself up, stepping out of cover and rushing towards her in the rain, feeling it drench his hair and clothes. But he didn’t care. Because the feeling off the fresh wind passing by him, knowing she was by his side—that was good.

He wasn’t great with words, but he knew that one. It was good. Made his heart feel good. And maybe that was enough.

It felt like the painful fire beneath his skin was being put out. Not because of the rain. But because of her.

She laughed with him, jumping to wrap her arms over his neck as he caught her in an air hug, both of them spinning and splashing water around happily without a care. Her cold body against his warmer one, both of them bringing balance and comfort to the other.

Blaze eventually put her down, and she jumped into another puddle, letting out a cry of excitement. “Oh, shoot-!” She coughed, hitting weakly her collarbone with her fist. “Water got in my mouth.”

He only laughed harder at that. “Why are we laughing so much?!” He asked, hugging his stomach from the amount of giggles emerging from him, feeling all the weight leaving his shoulders, and he could finally stand up straight again.

“I don’t know! This isn’t even funny!” She laughed back, a giant smile on her face. Anyone passing by could probably hear them and thought they were crazy. But that was fine. They’d just look crazy together.

She kicked a puddle of water at him, splashing him even more, and his hands froze in front of him in shock. He grinned, shaking off the excess water from his eyes, even as the rain continued soaking him. “Ohh, I see how it is!”

“Wait, no, I’m sorry-!” Dottie laugh-screamed as he kicked a larger puddle at her, making her hair get stuck onto her face even more. She coughed out water again, and he froze to make sure she was alright, but her continued laughter only confirmed it and he joined her.

Eventually, the laughing died down. “Oh my Irene,” He said weakly, trying to catch his breath, his throat actually hurting from all the joy flooding his systems. “I haven’t laughed like that in forever.”

“Me too.” She admitted, voice also hoarse.

They stared at each other in the rain, with Dottie snickering as she looked up at him. “I’ve never seen your hair wet.” She put a hand on her hip. “It’s so pretty when it’s stuck to your face.”

He chuckled, shrugging and taking a step closer to her. “Thanks, Dots.”

“…Yeah.” Her voice grew softer. Turquoise met green and blue, the difference in height not seeming to change the way their gazes were completely locked on the other. The only sound was the rain as it fell onto the concrete, not even a breath escaping either of them.

Without even realizing it, they’d both inched their hands closer to each other, hesitating and pulling back slightly when their fingers grazed each other. They stood there, right in front of each other, and he could only focus on her face.

She was amazing. Absolutely, utterly amazing.

Whatever worry clouded his mind before completely left as he stood in the open with her. He felt something unlike ever before, and even if he was good with words, he couldn’t describe it. It was like all the darkness in the world was absorbed and vanished from the light she brought.

And he could see understanding in those eyes, enchantment as she stared at him. It admittedly made his face slightly red, a breath he’d unknowingly been holding escaping his mouth. Their bodies were nearly pressed against each other, her long blue hair inches from his arm.

When their hands finally found each other, the rain hitting against them grew weaker, and they both let go of each other out of surprise to look up. The water continued growing weaker, and fainter, until it completely stopped, and the clouds slowly moved, a sun peaking in throughout it all. The only sound was the drops of water from them and the roof of the canopia lightly falling onto the ground.

“…It stopped.” He mumbled, looking up at the glow in the sky. It felt nice against his soaked figure.

Dottie smiled. “That felt quick.” She snickered. “Guess we scared away the clouds, huh?”

An undeniable warmth bloomed in his heart. It was there before, but he’d been so overwhelmed by all the joy coursing through him, he hadn’t properly stopped to admire it. And it hadn’t been the sun, no. It was her. His sun, his light. Light of his life.

So, Blaze smiled back, staring at her. It was a small smile, one that naturally melted and showed all his admiration for her. “…Yeah. We did.”