There has been something that Calico Jack has been meaning to do for some time now. After Rivin almost drowned, the young man had retreated from the world, afraid of what had almost happened. It was in this time of self-reflection that he finally came to realize just how much the young woman means to him. They had grown up together, found their love of the ocean together, been almost inseparable as youths and… he had almost lost her. Carefully, he makes his way over to the islands that the pack has claimed as he mulls over what he wishes to say in his head.

Rivin has been working on an herb garden on the islands and, since spring is in full swing and life has returned to the lands, the calico wolf has a pretty good idea that she might be over there, tending to it. Doves flutter overheard, their soft calls music to his ears as he wanders slowly along underneath them. A smile forms on his lips as Jack spies the familiar red streaked form of the girl who has captured his heart and he lets out a soft ‘woof’ to alert her to his approach. Unhurriedly, he moves to join her in her herb garden, taking a moment to cast his gaze around and admire all the work she has done.


"Calico Jack"

Rivin had already finished preparing the garden, clearing a patch further inland where the sand mixed with just a bit of soil. She hoped that it would be enough to have the herbs grow on the islands, especially since while she could bring back more soil from the mainland, she was limited to what she could carry. The first plant she had set to tending to was one she would need herself, the herb that she had been taking to keep the one inside of her at bay. There were a couple other seedlings she planted, and to help guard the garden would be her companion Lark, who was currently off hunting. Her paws were still muddied with soil, but the earth where the seeds were planted had been watered now.

A soft woof caught her attention as she was packing some of the dirt around the seeds and she lifted her head. Jack. Her green gaze softened and she pulled away from the garden, her tail wagging back and forth. She hadn’t really spoken to him much since she had almost drowned. He seemed to be in thought much of the time, and she had been busy tending to gathering plants and treating minor wounds. She closed the distance between them, invading his personal space as she reached to give him a hug in greeting.

“Hey Patchwork,” Just as he had given her a nickname when he rescued her that day, she gave him one in return. She drew back, her expression softening. “I never got to properly thank you, for saving me that day…” Her voice was quiet. “So… thank you… if it wasn’t for you… I…” Her gaze fell. The events of that day still troubled her. Especially now that she knew what had led her to the island that day… but that was why she needed that one herb. To keep herself normal. To keep from worrying Jack again.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The sight of Rivin carefully tending to the first plant in her very own garden has Jack’s smile growing, the hard work that she been putting in as a healer is truly coming to fruition. While the easy saunter that he uses to approach is relaxed, the boy’s heart is actually thundering in his chest as anxiety sends sparks of nerves running through him. At some point, she had become the young man’s entire world and, while he cannot pinpoint the exact moment that happened, he can name precisely when he realized that he was afraid to lose her.

Icy blue eyes find her green gaze and Rivin closes the distance, enveloping him in a hug and Calico Jack greedily accepts the affection. Slender forelimbs wrap underneath her armpits as he leans the side of his neck against hers, his head draping across her shoulders as he holds her tightly. Gods how he loves her. The nickname she speaks brings a soft rumble of laughter forth and he buries his face in her fur for a moment before she is pulling away.

Reluctantly, he releases the embrace, awkwardly shuffling his paws as her expression softens and she thanks him. Heat floods his cheeks and the young man almost loses his resolve to speak to her but she is suddenly stumbling over her words and her eyes divert to the ground. Without hesitating, he lifts a paw and Jack gently places it underneath her chin to gently, yet firmly, as he attempts to lift her gaze to meet his own. Once he has her full attention, the young male’s lips pull into a warm, tender smile and he softly says, “Anytime, my Little Flame. I will always catch you… I promise.”

While the words are heartfelt, they seem terribly inadequate in trying to voice what he feels but, with his paw still under her chin, he decides to lean in to capture her lips with his own in the pair’s very first kiss. It is passionate and sloppy but it conveys all of his feelings better than any words could. After several moments, Jack breaks the contact, sucking in a breath and cocking a grin at her as he says, “Just… try not to make it a habit… okay?” While he attempts to make it a joke, he cannot help but feel like it falls flat between them.

Clearing his throat, Calico Jack lowers his paw and squares his shoulders and it is evident that he has something extremely important to say. Taking a deep breath, he says, “Rivin… there is something I have been meaning to ask you. Since that day, I have been thinking… like a lot.” Heart flutters and stomach flip-flops but Jack holds steady, keeping his resolve as he gazes at the one wolf who brings out the absolute best in him.


"Calico Jack"

Her feelings tumble and swirl within her heart, a mix of emotions caused by the event where Jack had saved her life. That day still scares her, but she finds comfort in him, that he had been there for her when she needed him most. His paw moves under her chin, gently and firmly lifting it so that her gaze meets his own. Her heart flutters at seeing his smile, ears shifting awkwardly as she manages a small smile back. Rivin knows that she can trust his word, that he will always be there for her to help her when she needs him most. The she-wolf gives a slight nod, but then Jack is moving toward her.

Rivin’s eyes widen in surprise, but there is no resistance as he brings his lips to meet with her own. Her heart races in her chest, pounding with excitement now, and the love she feels for the young man before her. Eyes close as she leans into the kiss and returns it - her first kiss. Their first kiss. It is strange, and far from perfect, but the single action captures the feeling of both wolves better than their words ever could. When they part, taking in breaths and looking at each other once more, Rivin grins at his joke.

“I don’t plan on making almost dying a habit, so no worries there.” She teases back, but it is a serious statement. Rivin considers herself a strong wolf, and she does not wish to ruin all the plans she has or work she has put in by dying because she made a stupid decision. But Jack is not finished, and as Rivin regains her composure she tilts her head ever so slightly to the side as she observes him. She knows their relationship is a strong one, and yet she doesn’t even realize what he is about to say… maybe because it already felt like an unspoken truth between them.

“You know you can ask me anything, Jack.” Her words are softer now. Whatever he has to ask of her, she will do her best to do him right by it. She waits, green gaze lovingly fixed on the young man she has grown up with.

"Speech," 'Thought.'