the difference between us

”Thanks,” Nagendra would say with a smile. So far, as opposed to Aki’s acquaintances, Nagendra hadn’t really met much of anyone yet. But he was a very social creature, and hoped to meet many more. There was a pause between the shifting of subjects and for a second before Aki answered, the brown wolf felt a faint flutter of worry; it would be embarrassing to have his suggestion shot down. The minute silence was just plenty to set that fear loose inside, his heart giving a quick pulse. But then his company replied, and a pleased smile lit upon his face – telling of his joy perhaps a bit more than he’d like. His tail lifted up some with a faint wag, and his whole manner seemed to grow a bit lighter. How exciting! Aki would explain that he had something to do, and Nagendra would nod. ”Of course,” he said, grinning. ”I’ll be somewhere around here,” he would gesture about with his muzzle, ”there’s still much for me to explore here. Do you know how long you might be, if I may ask?” His heart pounded now not for fear, but excitement and eagerness to please. It wasn’t every day that two perfect strangers were able to just… decide to become companions like so.