Red Hot Gardener

Takeshi could see the moment that the realisation about his condition dawned across her face, and he would be remiss to say he didn’t feel a stab of displeasure. It wasn’t a look of pity or disdain like he was used to, though, but rather a look of embarrassment. Embarrassment over what though? It wasn’t as though she could tell he was any odder than his general appearance. It certainly wasn’t her fault he was the way he was; rather, it was fate.

The look was quickly wiped from her face and she surprised him by replying in a manner that clearly indicated that she knew how to read. His brows rose in surprise, just barely, but a small grin curled on the edges of his mouth. Now that was exciting! Someone new to talk to instead of just staring awkwardly! She commended him on the growth of the bamboo, then assured him that he hadn’t scared her, which was a relief for him. He knew his appearance and rank could be intimidating, and that mixed with his generally stoic nature and inability to speak...well, nobody was flocking to fall for his witty charms.

The boy extended a paw and quickly wiped away his previous message to start with a clean slate, his tail giving a small wag behind his large frame. ”Good, I’m glad. My grandmother would have my horns if I let a lady run head first into a sled if I could help it,” he remarked good-naturedly. His paw swept quickly across the earth as he continued, ”My name is Takēshi Ani Ōritsu Abraxas, but just call me Takē. May I ask your name?” He couldn’t recall his parents mentioning any new wolves so he was a bit confused about her, but curious all the same.