Takin My Time [Hunt]

Not the most patient babysitter, but then, his own hadn't been either. Erik is gruff in the same way his older had been, with fewer of the yielding jokes and less silliness. No, instead he's a more keen teacher, a sharper protector. A bastard prince looking after a real one-- the start of how many high fantasy novels? It's okay. This narrative has doomed both boys in different ways. Erik just doesn't have the patience for complaints.

A fourth wolf joined them. Erik's expression drew for a moment, but he seemed... fine. It would likely take all four of them to dispatch the beast anyway. Right, the plan. It seemed like the darkest boy had something min mind, and it all sounded reasonable. A stiff nod, though Erik dropped his head to speak directly to Jiro. "Don't get stepped on." Erik's voice was ragged in his throat. While the warning is gruff, at least it comes from a good place. Couldn't have him getting squished, Hattori probably wouldn't let Erik take the pups out anymore.

They take off, Erik taking the lead to cut the injured individual away from the pack. Pushing it off in the opposite direction from the original boy, chasing intently, nipping at the creature's heels with reckless abandon. Though Erik isn't fast enough to catch it, he's certainly fast enough to make sure this particular takin has a bad time. Driving the beast away from the herd, towards his companions, Erik couldn't say he wasn't having fun.