playing in the (early) snow

Hikaru honestly felt no worry about another Iga being nearby, if they really were part of the clan more likely than not it wasn’t that was anymore. All the way out here… They wouldn’t bother Kaiyo in the least. Mortis agreed that yes, he definitely wanted the smaller koi to be a part of the pack. Having a greater purpose, like serving a pack, would help bring him on his way to whatever path he belonged upon.

”I can fight, yes.” His voice interrupted with surprise as Mortis suddenly pulled him closer into a tight embrace. Hika felt a flutter in his chest, but leaned in to Mort’s warm embrace. He hadn’t even joined the pack yet but already Kaiyo felt more like he belonged than he ever had his whole life. Maybe this pack thing wouldn’t work out, but it sounded like he’d found a friend for life in Mortis.

They weren’t going to freeze here, Hikaru was certain about that, as Mortis held him the boy felt unnaturally hot considering where they were. He hoped that his skin wasn’t too flush, but Mort had already seen the way his cheeks lit up. None too soon though, the sound of the wind was gone. Not that Hika could hear it over the sound of his own heartbeat in his ears.

”Did we make it?” Had they weathered the storm with all of their ears, toes, and tails?