The Red Means I Love You

Redrum's heart skips a beat as Elara's words sink in, her presence a comfort and thrill all in one small package. He shifts slightly, feeling the warmth spread through his chest, a warmth that has nothing to do with the festival's bustling energy. Weird. Uncomfortable? Nice.

“Elara,” The young brute murmurs in greeting again, a soft growl underlying his voice that came with puberty, “Red always— finds you.” He steps closer, closing the distance she had just crossed, his towering form casting a protective shadow over her. Her teasing about his size brings a spastic boyish grin to his face, and he rumbles out a low chuckle. He moves to hug her, unwilling to let her go quickly. “Redrum can’t help— it. Maybe Elara is just —shrinking,” He teases back, his voice filled with a rare, playful lightness where usually he is serious and withdrawn. Then he steps back, tall ears twitching as he listens to her speak.

Her laugh, bright and tinkling, sends a shiver through him. He watches the way her cheeks flush, mirroring the warmth he feels inside. The scent of her is nice, too nice, but he doesn’t know why. He tries not to dwell on it.

“Redrum is glad— Elara came,” The vermilion wolf says, his voice quieter now, earnest through his choppy speech. “Red wanted to see— Elara too.” Golden eyes soften as they meet hers, his heart pounding wildly. Was she always so.. bright? Sparkly? What was that? It was like the sun was in his eyes, only much more pleasant. “Festival is more fun— now that Elara— is here!” He adds quickly, the words tumbling out awkwardly but sincerely. She made him mess his words up more, and it brought insecurity to the forefront of his mind.

He hesitates for a moment, then reaches out a paw to gently pat her shoulder, his touch feather-light. Like he’s worried about hurting her. “Stay close tonight?” Redrum says, his voice a careful, affectionate rumble. “Red wants to be with Elara, more… more fun that way.” The admission is simple, but genuine and sweet and he doesn’t know how else to put it.