Dinner time

The boy is surprised by her sudden appearance from the snow and a small, apologetic smile crosses the girl’s lips. Unagi moves to join him in sharpening the sticks, not uttering a word because she feels that they are not need. Snow still clings to her form as she settles beside the boy, deftly picking up a stick and rock to help him in his endeavor. Suddenly, the stranger challenges her, turning to face her as he demands to have his stick back. She stops mid-stroke, turning her mismatched gaze to him and lifting a brow in silent question.

Eyes shift down to the stick trapped beneath her paw as she considers the strange demand before shrugging her shoulders. Placing the stone down, Unagi offers the stick back to the strange boy and lifts her eyes to meet his lavender gaze. She says, “Just tryin’ to help. You want to make a trap and I want to hunt. Unless… you want to sharpen all these sticks by yourself?” A paw gestures at his pile, knowing that two wolves working together will get through them faster than just one. Maybe he thinks she trying to take over his work so, she offers, “I’ll follow your lead if that helps?”

It is an olive branch to the stranger, who she does not know from Adam. If he likes to be the one to give orders, she will play along because, in the end, it will get them food. Unagi’s belly rumbles its agreement to her thoughts.


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"