race me! race me!

Yet another difference between the brothers came to light, as Hanako was almost certain that Azure would have never done that. She couldn't really blame him, since the prince had seemed rather excited about joining in on the raid, but she knew that if Azure had been forced to stay behind like Mortis than his mood wouldn't have been nearly so chipper or as infectious. Hanako laughed, loud and gregarious as she bumped into Mortis' shoulder with her own, as if to scold him for stealing her thing. But it was fine really, she was more than happy to share. And besides, regardless of whether Mortis was there or not Hanako was certain that Aerie didn't stand a chance. In her eyes it was only a matter of time before their pack mates returned home victorious.

When Mortis offered to help her out with her den Hanako shook her head gently, as not to jostle him too much. She felt a little bad for denying him but she would've felt worse if she went behind Azure's back like that. She clung onto his promise and held it close to her heart, knowing that in his own little way Azure cared for her like no one else did. Hanako was quick to come up with an excuse.

"Nah it's okay. I'm gonna get Toshi to help me with it later, all he does is sleep all day. He owes me." She tutted, as though she didn't find his sleepy nature awfully endearing. "Oh but if you ever see a white tanuki wandering around and he doesn't say hi, he's probably not being rude. I just don't think he can talk, or at least I've never heard him."

Mortis then went onto give her a run down of all the fun things he did to pass time. In all honesty she was rather impressed, Mortis really did have it all made in the shade, didn't he? She hummed and raised her paw to stroke her chin, like a snooty customer eyeing a stalls wares.

"Colour me impressed." And then her jokey facade broke and she laughed once again. "I'd really like to check out your tree house sometime. Did you make it yourself?"