Kierra

It's well past sunset by the time I make it into my woods, feet hurting so much I'm limping, and I still have that damn leash around my neck. I get maybe a couple hundred yards in when I catch a whiff of something familiar. I stop with a sore forepaw held up, lifting my nose and being pointed to my left where Asher is standing on a small hill.

He walks towards me, not hurried or fast, but with purpose. I stand with my head held high, defiant as ever with tail out and ears raised. Ocean eyes are filled with exasperation as he gets closer, coming all the way up to me and headbutting into my neck.

Well...that's new.

Too tired to do any more fighting right now, my tail lowers. The midnight wolf rubs his head into my left shoulder, I wince, but stay still. Feeling his amusement as he grabs ahold of the leather around my neck, he pulls it over my head with a few tugs. Once off, I shake my fur out in gratitude, feeling like a fluffed out owl. Or how I'd imagine it anyway.

His concern fills my head, but I let him know I'm fine, just really sore, then ask him about Bastion.

"He's fine, worried. He was quite upset with me when I came back without you. Asked me to go out looking for you several hundred times at least."

I feel his annoyance at that, but also his smile. Tucking my head into his neck, apologies and gratitude that he continues to put up with me are sent. His answer is to lick around my muzzle, drawing back a little when he catches human blood.

"Couple dogfighters thought they were gonna get a prize, hence the leash."

He laughs in my head as he turns towards home, me falling into step beside him. On the way, I tell him what had happened and why I ran, as well as my learning a spiffy new trick. That, he's interested in, and I explain how it theoretically works.

Telling him of my meeting up with the old man again and the information I got from him, I can feel his tension about it all, but he stays silent. Going on about my trek all the way to the two idiots and the strange man who let me go.

"You know, for someone who wants to remain hidden, it seems you do everything in your power to advertise yourself."

I'm about to snap back at him, but feel his laughter, so just knock my shoulder into him instead, sucking in my breath when it twinges irritably at me. I had been able to ignore it most of the way here, but now that I'm starting to relax, it's letting me know that it needs attention.

"Asher? Do you know how long ago the people in that house left?"

I'm back to thinking of that awful smell that came from under those doors. Shaking his head, I quiet and keep walking. Limp getting more and more pronounced, I'm all for going all the way home, but my legs say differently.

Just about collapsing as they give out from under me, I stubbornly trudge on, legs shaking. Or do as far as the other wolf allows before halting in front of me and telling me to sit for a few minutes.

"Asher if I stop now, I will pass out, no joke. I just want to go home, check on Bastion, and lose consciousness for many hours."

He doesn't move. Of course not. Man is just as stubborn as I am. I plant my butt grudgingly, sending him a scowl. Standing firm, he ignores me, parking in front of me to keep watch and keep me from moving.

After a few minutes of me trying to plead with him, he finally lets me up. Doubt it was from my pleas though, more like he was tired of my talking. We walk for another five minutes before I'm made to sit again. I sigh heavily and grouse the whole time.

Gets to the point that I'm talking nonsense just to annoy him to get us going again. Think he catches on though, his eyes pin me as I try not to laugh, can't help the wolfish grin though. Up we go once more, if he stops again though, I'm literally going to chew on his ass.

I get the strong feeling in my head of a brow lifting and a smirk, then images of what ass-chewing can turn into. I almost fall on my face right then and there, stumbling into him as I try to right myself. Even his laughter is enough to make me blush, so I keep my head down, feeling my ears burn with the influx of blood filling them.

That doesn't work either though, as being so focused on the ground doesn't reveal the tree that I walk into. Midnight wolf has turned into a damn hyena as I shake my head, trying not to fall over as I do so. My legs splay wide as I groan and just want to fall over and sleep.

The cold wind is doing nothing for my burning ears. Standing there and bracing myself, I feel a nudge at my side, his sympathy swamping me. I'd fallen asleep standing up. The temptation to curl up right there is so strong I'm shaking with it.

I get a headbutt to the rear as I'm pushed forward and whispered to that we're almost there. Asher directs me with his body as I follow with eyes that refuse to stay open. The cold wind feels heavenly, smells are familiar and signify home to me.

"Did I tell you about that demon woodchuck, Asher? It was possessed, it was. Crazy-eyed and everything."

Yawning for the umpteenth time, I try talking to keep going. Feel like I'm talking to myself for all the response I get, then realize I am talking to myself, not getting far enough to actually make the connection bridge with the wolf at my side. Luckily, he's maintaining it, but not really paying attention as he's keeping watch around us.

"You can open your eyes now, we're here."

Soft words whisper in my head. Prying my eyes open to see my home, the door's open and waiting. I'm leaning heavily on Asher, and when I notice, I stand upright. He had to have just called for Bastion, because the boy comes flying out the door at me.

No chance to even brace myself as I'm knocked back onto my rump, his blond head tucking into the right side of my neck. The male wolf leans into my left to steady me a bit better as small arms wrap tightly around me. I can feel his shaking sobs.

That helps to clear some of the fogginess away, guilt filling me as I had yet again left him.

"I'm sorry Bastion. It's getting to the point that I'll be apologizing every day for years to come, I think."

I meant it as a joke, but he'd pulled back, luminous blue eyes looking into mine.

"You promise?"

Not catching on till that second, I still smile and promise him. I'd said the word 'years', and in doing so made the commitment to him that I plan on him being with me for a long time yet.

"I don't know about you little buddy, but I'm dead on my feet and so ready to pass out. I'll tell you everything that happened tomorrow, but right now I need sleep...why are you barefoot?"

A laugh bursts from his chest. Not exactly what I was looking for, but it's still good. As we head into the house, I look back to Asher, who's turned and walking away.

"Asher? Sleep with us tonight? Don't have to sleep close if you don't wish to, but I know I'd welcome it."

I'm too tired to feel any more embarrassment, let alone looking dead at him while asking. He had turned his head when I called out, then hesitates, as if he's not sure. When he turns away, I take that as my answer.

Following Bastion in, I decide I won't ask again. After requesting for the boys help to get some water, I head downstairs. Trying hard to feel indifferent, but not managing it, I sigh and fall heavily onto the blankets, only rousing when Bastion tucks himself into me. Curling around him, we both sleep.