Cover up the poison with poetry

Hanako's body language shifted and he could feel the change underneath his massive head. Muscles grew alert, her heart began to beat more rapidly, and she took her time in giving him a response with words. She could have been happy or angry, and stubborn Azure simply lowered further until his whole head was upon her, merely to drive home the point to himself that he did not want to watch her reaction.

The fear that gripped him was real, strong enough that it reminded him of the day Aureus nearly tore off his ear. Was Hanako even capable of hate? They hadn't discussed her relationship with her keepers at all beyond the fact that they existed and that she belonged to them. The specifics didn't matter to him, whether they were the kindest or cruelest masters in all of Boreas would not convince him to spare their lives. Hanako however had never appeared bothered by her lot in life, and Az had heard of wolves who began to adore and love their captors while in slavery. Now that he'd not only lied to her, but lied that he had purchased her freedom, would she be angry to have lost the choice?

Az felt her jostling him as she spoke, and only because her first words were 'thank you' did he allow her to find his gaze. His muzzle shifted so his cheek lay upon her, the sharp aqua in his eyes hopeful, but resigned. "You're welcome." He whispered in reply, his breath catching on the words.

Then Hanako continued, her words bringing forth first a laugh, and then succeeding in nearly stopping his heart. With him? Was she saying that with her freedom won, she might choose to stay with him? With him with him, and not simply as his newly freed packmate?

He swallowed, blinking rapidly as he tried to collect himself. There was at least the first half of her silly statement he could address, before trying to figure out the meaning of the latter. "There is no bid, Hanako. Consider it done and dealt with, please." In another scenario Azure might be offended at the implication that he'd (and by extension, the Armada) be outbid by anyone, though taking offense at her words was far from his mind. Instead he gave to her a reassuring smile, willing her to believe him. She'd never have to see her keepers again, that she was a free wolf. Free to be with him? Azure didn't know if he could even begin to let himself believe that she'd choose him over someone like Mortis, but here she was thinking that she 'really could be' happy with him.

There was the other part to address, words that touched him and were impossible to ignore or pretend away. Not responding to her confession would be more offensive then anything he could possibly think up, that much Az knew about women. Though their relationship was... difficult, and the yearling boy did not want her to feel forced into her feelings because he was someone she deferred to. Saying that outright was even harder for the selfish wolf, and a large part of him worried that given the open and honest choice to deny him, that Hanako would take that choice. "You make me happy." He managed, the statement twisting into an unspoken question.