Beneath the summer stars

Akito isn’t the bubbliest wolf out there. Well, he’s actually quite stoic and severe, some might say he relates better to a wall than a wolf. But for Clove, he tried. Following along as they interacted, played, and eating snacks with the other teenagers until sleep started to crease their expressions. When Clove suggests going back to the castle to show him her’s balcony, he didn’t hesitate to agree and follow along. Some quiet would be welcome.

With the bonfire at their backs, Akito follows, keeping pace with her smaller form. The walk up to the castle and into its interior is indeed quiet with so few wolves littering the hallways. Clove points things out to him and he’d nod in acknowledgment. Somewhat lost in his head, he finally begins to realize where he was going. Her room. As they ascend the steps going upward, his heart begins to quicken. Was this more anxiousness or anticipation? Was she expecting anything of him? Did he even feel ready to want anything from her?

Breaching the fourth floor and tiptoeing down he hallway, he is as quiet as can be. There had been plenty of practice being silent within the bamboo. Coming to face her door, his muscles freeze as she leans up and whispers into his ear. We’re here. His breath catches in his throat, swallowing hard as he glances at her from his peripheral. This was it. He was going to be alone with her in her room.

Upon being urged inside, he steps in hesitantly, glancing around to examine the neatly picked up room. He really hadn’t taken her for a tidy wolf, more of the type that was far too busy to care for such menial things. Much the opposite of his own room, but he wasn’t one to judge or care. Continuing to step forward, his gaze is drawn to the tall glass doors and fluttering curtains, barely hearing the doors closing behind him.

No, it’s Clove suddenly standing out on the balcony, illuminated by the celestial blanket behind her and shadowed by the light of the room that draws his attention. Walking closer until he’s standing before her, his chin tilts downward so that he could look at her better. Only inches separate them and though a whole evening has passed, she smells just as wonderful as she had when the night had started.

“Beautiful,” he speaks breathlessly, eyes only for her, clearly not talking about the view behind her.