#and my metaphorical dog ears perk up and i wag my tail like “okay ^_^''

[stuck-in-the-ghost-zone]

love being a frequent inaturalist user because it means my mom and a handful of her friends will occasionally just send me random pictures of bugs

[originalhybridloverfics]

Ch 5 Don’t Give Up Now

A/N: Sorry for the long wait. My only excuse is life has been busy for me and I get distracted easily with a muse that is all over the place.

“Serkan, Hi,” Eda’s voice filtered over the phone. 

Serkan let out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. 

“Eda,” he said. 

“I wanted to apologize. I was being intentionally difficult. I shouldn’t have left dinner the way I did. The truth is it’s hard for me seeing you again and I’m struggling to leave our past behind us.”

“I understand.” And Serkan did. He did not come here to make things harder for her. “I didn’t come here to hurt you Eda or make your life more difficult. If you truly don’t want to see me-” 

“No, I do,” Eda assured him. “It’s just not going to be easy but I want to try and be civil. We’re not enemies, Serkan and I want to have a good working relationship. A professional one.” 

A professional relationship wasn’t what he wanted but he could work with that and with time he hoped Eda’s heart would soften toward him and she would remember how good they are together. 

“If that’s what you want but I want you to know you will always be more to me than a business associate.” 

“Serkan, please, I’m trying here. Let’s not make this difficult.” Eda said and Serkan heard the catch in her voice. 

“Okay,” he conceded. “Okay.” 

“I thought we could go for coffee, set some boundaries while we are working together on your project,” Eda said. “I promise, I’ll be on my best behavior. You can even pick me up.” 

Serkan felt hope surge inside him. “I’d like that. Tomorrow. I’ll pick you up around 8.” 

“Okay, I’ll see you, then. Good night, Serkan.” 

“Good night, Eda Yildiz.” Serkan returned, a smile pulling at his mouth as the call ended. 

He lowered his phone, placed it beside him, rubbing the top of Sirius’s head. “Not all hope is lost. Maybe, I can convince her to come back here before the day is over tomorrow. Would you like to see, Eda?” 

Sirius’s ears perked up, his tail wagging, and Serkan imagined if dogs could smile then that would be Sirius’s reaction right now. 

“I thought so,” Serkan rubbed Sirius’s head, allowing the presence of his dog to wash over him, calming him. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Eda pulled the phone away, a smile pulling at her lips.

It was ridiculous but she had missed hearing Serkan tell her good night. The way he said it, said her name, still brought a smile to her face. 

She had decided to give Ceren's advice a chance. 

If she wanted to know why Serkan was there she needed to approach the situation differently.

How did the metaphor go? You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.  

She would be charming and kind and everything Serkan fell in love with the first time. 

She will get close to him and learn why he’s here and then she will get him to go back to Instanbul and let her live her life without his interference. 

She clutched her phone in her hand. 

A twinge of guilt seeped beneath her skin at her plans of deception but she pushed it down, telling herself if Serkan would just be honest she wouldn’t have to resort to playing these games with him. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Eda swept her hair over her shoulder, giving herself a look over. 

Black mini shorts, white top, jean jacket. She looked good, the outfit itself was a strategic move on her part. 

Serkan loved her long legs and they never failed to distract him and she wanted him off balance. 

The more off-balance he was the better. 

The one thing she did not need was Serkan seeing through her and realizing what her plan was before she got what she wanted from him. The truth. 

Her phone vibrated on her vanity and she reached for it. A text message notification from Serkan. 

She opened the text. 

I’m waiting outside. 

She sent him a text back. 

On my way out. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Serkan slipped his phone into his jacket pocket and leaned against his car door. Waiting. 

He looked up when he felt a shift in the air. 

Eda was descending the stairs, she looked beautiful, the shorts she wore, showing off her gorgeous legs. 

He was glad he was not wearing his health monitoring watch for he knew without a doubt it would be giving away the fact that his heart was pounding against his ribs at the sight of her. “Good morning," he moved around to the passenger side door and held it open for her. 

“Good morning,” Eda got into the passenger seat and Serkan closed it behind her before rounding the car and getting behind the wheel. 

“Any recommendations for a good place to get coffee?” Serkan asked, starting the car up. 

“There’s this place a few blocks from work. It’s warm, quiet, and has the best coffee around.” Eda answered. “I’ll guide you.” 

Serkan pulled onto the road, his eyes drifting to Eda, a smile pulling at his lips, seeing her dark hair blowing in the wind. 

He had missed their car rides. It was something entirely theirs and held a special place in his heart. 

It was something shared between them but for him, it was so much more than that. 

Eda looked over at him when he looked back to the road, watching him.

It was surreal, experiencing something she never would again, and wasn’t sure how she felt about it. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Serkan pulled out her chair, looking around at the outside terrace. It was secluded, quiet, and beautiful overlooking a garden with a fountain. 

Eda took a seat thanking him as he pushed her chair in. She raised her arm waving at the barista.

Serkan took his seat, straightening out his jacket just as the barista reached the table. 

“Good morning, Eda.” The barista had long brown hair, with highlights of gold at the end, she turned to Serkan. “Good morning, Sir.” 

“Good morning.”

She smiled and turned back to Eda. “Coffee and a cinnamon roll.”

“You know me so well, Nazil.” Eda smiled. 

“You enjoy your sweets.” Nazil turned back to Serkan. “And for you?”

“Coffee, no sugar,” he paused, he was feeling a little nauseated. It was becoming a common feeling. “And some crackers if you have some.” Hopefully, something light would ease his stomach. 

“I’ll be back in just a moment.” Nazil offers another friendly smile. 

“You come here regularly?” Serkan wondered as Nazil stepped away to fill their orders. 

“A few times a week,” Eda answered. “Nazil and I have actually become good friends. She was my first friend here in Italy besides Efe.” 

Serkan felt his gut churned at the mention of Efe. “Let’s not talk about him.” 

“You know you will be spending time together, Serkan. I mean, you’re working together.” 

“No, I am not working with him. I am working with you. There’s a difference.” Serkan countered.

“It’s his company.” Eda reminded him. 

“Yes but you are the one I ask to work with. Any involvement from Efe would be nothing more than a formality.” Serkan responded. 

“You have an answer for everything, don’t you.” 

“Yes.” Serkan's lips pulled into a grin. 

Eda shook her head, a laugh pulling at her lips. “It doesn’t work that way.”

“It will when I bring in Engin, Piril, and Leyla to help the project along,” Serkan informed. 

“You can’t just bring in people into a company you have no say in. Yes, you're an important client but there’s a line.” Eda reasoned. 

“May I remind you, I am Serkan Bolat. The PR from me coming to Efe for my business is good media and promotion for him. It would not be wise to not allow me to appoint my own workers.”

Eda sighed. She had forgotten how stubborn Serkan could be and how set he was in having things go exactly as he planned. 

“Then can I expect to see Engin, Piril, and Leyla today?” Eda asked. 

“Yes, they will meet us at the office.” Serkan nodded. 

“We could call them and have them meet us here,” Eda suggested. “We can work out on the details here now that way we can present it to Efe in a logical manner.” 

“No,” Serkan shook his head. He wanted this time to be just them, he would deal with everything else later. “Let it just be us,” 

“Us?” Eda repeated and nodded slowly. “Okay. Let today be the day of the start of our new relationship.” 

Serkan smiled widely. “Relationship?”

Eda’s cheeks heated. “Working relationship. Strictly platonic.” 

Serkan nodded. “Right. I would prefer an offer with friendship. I care about you more than you would a co-worker.”

“Friendship?” Eda asked, telling herself to ignore the way her heart had reacted when he spoke of caring about her.” 

“Yes,” Serkan nodded. “Do you think we can do that? Be friends?” 

Eda froze up, feeling like she had been put on the spot. 

Friends. Was it even possible to be friends with someone you were in love with once? Someone you had sex with? Someone you once considered your soulmate but now was someone who you were no longer close with. 

“Friends?” She repeated. 

“Yes, friends,” Serkan confirmed. Yes, he cared about Eda far more deeply than any friend should. He was still very much in love with her and would always be. She was his other half. 

However, if friends were all he could get Eda to agree to then so be it. After all, the best relationships were rooted in friendship. 

He just had to be patient and show Eda how good they are together and hopefully, she would open her heart to him. 

“Okay,” said Eda. Her whole plan was to get Serkan to open up to her and tell her why he was there. What better way to accomplish that than attempting a friendship with him. 

Serkan smiled and Eda returned it, ignoring the flutter in her stomach at the happy look in his eyes. 

She could do this. She could carry out her plan without getting her heart involved. She was sure of it. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Serkan and Eda arrived at the company. Walking in with Serkan it almost felt like old times, only it was not ArtLife they were walking into.

“When will the others arrive?” Eda asked Serkan as they made their way to her office. 

However, before Serkan could answer Nisa appeared in front of them. “Eda, Efe asked for you to come to the conference room when you arrived.” Nisa turned to Serkan with a bright smile. “Your associates are waiting for you there.”

“Thank you.” Serkan nodded at her and placed his hand on Eda’s back as she led the way to the conference room. 

She knocked on the door and stepped inside, Serkan following close behind her. 

Efe was seated at the end of the long conference table and Eda had been working with him long enough to know the smile on his face as he stood to welcome Serkan was forced.

“Eda!” Engin smiled widely at her, standing from his seat and pulling her into a bear hug. “Oh, how I have missed you.” 

Eda laughed and patted his back. “I’ve missed you, too.” 

He released her with a grin, his hands on her shoulders. “How could you leave me all alone with him?”

“I didn’t, you had Piril and Leyla and Erdem,” said Eda.

Leyla let out a scoff, shaking her head. “Erdem.” 

Eda laughed some things never changed. Erdem clearly was still driving everyone up the wall. 

Leyla nudged Engin out of the way and threw her arms around her tightly. “Eda, it’s great to see you again.”

Eda’s breath left her with the force of her hug. 

“Leyla,” Serkan said sharply. 

Leyla let her go reluctantly, mumbling an apology. 

“Hello, Eda. You look well,” Piril greeted. “I hope you and Serkan have been communicating civilly.” 

Eda looked at Serkan to find he was already looking at her. “We came to an agreement.” 

“Perhaps we should write it in a contract,” Serkan suggested. 

Eda’s lips parted unsure how to respond. Contracts with Serkan, she couldn’t explain but they were special to her. 

Efe cleared his throat before saying, “Serkan, do you want to explain why Engin, Piril, and Leyla are here asking where they should set up so they can start working?” 

“Because they along with myself will be handling the work that I need to be done,” Serkan responded. “I prefer to work with people I can count on, who I can trust”

“If you are just going to do everything yourself why did you even come here?” Efe asked, irritated. 

“For Eda,” Serkan said. 

Eda's eyes snapped to him. “Serkan.”

“I need a landscape architect and I have always loved Eda’s designs.” Serkan's eyes were on her as he spoke. 

Eda bit her lip, caught up in his words. She had always loved when Serkan praised her work. Even now, it still made her stomach and caused a warm feeling to spread through her chest. 

“Eda, can I speak to you in my office.” Efe’s request cut through the tension between her and Serkan. 

“Of course,” she followed him out of the conference room and into his office. 

“Eda, I don’t like this. Serkan is playing games.” Efe said, closing the door behind them. 

“You don’t know that. I doubt he came all this way to play games.” Eda argued. 

“No, you’re right. He came all this way for you and that is not acceptable. Eda, You can’t tarnish your professional relationship because he decided on a whim to fight for a relationship that died when you came to Italy without him.” Efe said passionately. 

“I don't understand what my previous relationship has anything to do with this. My and Serkan's relationship is in the past,” Eda argued. 

“Be sure it stays that way. Serkan is not good for you.” Efe said. 

“Stop,” Eda said abruptly. “You have no right to tell me about my past relationships or present. It is not your place and Secondly, I would not jeopardize the career I built for myself because of a past I left behind.” 

“I didn’t mean to offend you, Eda,” Efe said, choosing his words more carefully. “I remember when you first came to Italy. You were so hurt and Serkan did that. He caused you so much pain in the past and I don’t want you to open the door for him to do it again.”

Eda hated the reminder of the pain Serkan caused her in the past. She was trying her hardest to move past the hurt and pain. She didn’t need anyone reminding her of it. 

“Don’t worry. Serkan and I are the last thing you need to worry about. My relationship with him from this point forward. Is strictly platonic and professional. Still, even if it wasn’t it would be any concern of yours.”

Efe nodded. “I’m just trying to look out for you.” 

“I can look out for myself,” Eda turned to leave his office. 

Efe cursed under his breath as he was left alone. This wasn’t going to end well. He could feel it. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Eda returned back to the meeting with others forcing a smile. “How about we start going over the details and I will introduce everyone to our supply contacts that we’ll need for the renovations and everything.” 

“Sounds like a plan,” Serkan said, he moved closer to her, taking her coat and motioning for her to sit with the others so they could begin talking details. 

His fingers trailed across her skin as he took her coat and Eda fought against a shiver as goosebumps spread across her skin. 

She turned her head to look at him. He was close, she could feel his breath on her neck, brushing her cheek, she could see the dark ring of his iris. 

Her breath caught in her throat as his eyes flickered down to her mouth. Her lips parted almost instinctively, he leaned closer and she panicked, quickly stepping back putting some much-needed distance between them. 

Serkan fisted her jacket in his hands, looking away he blew out a slow breath. 

He just had to take this slow. She wasn’t pushing him away and it was the most he knew could ask for under the circumstances but he hoped down the line, she wouldn’t want to move away from him. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Aydan glared down at her phone. “Why is my son not taking my calls?” 

Seyfi stood a few feet away. “Perhaps, he is busy.” 

“He shouldn’t be busy!” Aydan protested. “He’s not well. He should not be working.” 

“Working is how he destress’s.” Seyfi reasoned. “If he’s working, he doesn’t have to think about what’s happening.” 

“Why can’t he let me be there? I could help.” Tears filled Aydan’s eyes. “Why won’t he let anyone help? I’m not ready for any of this.” 

Seyfi took a seat beside her and reached for her hand. “As hard as this is, this is his life and it’s his decision. He doesn’t want you to suffer more than you have to from his illness.” 

“But I will suffer.” Aydan assisted, wiping at her eyes. “I have lost a child before and now I am losing another one and I don’t think I will survive it. I need my son.”

“Maybe you feel better if you go and see him?” Seyfi suggested. “I’m certain, he’s at the office.” 

“Yes, let’s go.” Aydan agreed. 

Except Aydan and Seyfi soon learned Serkan was not in the office. He was not even in Istanbul. 

“What do you mean my son is not in the country anymore?!” Aydan demanded, staring a hole in Erdem’s head. 

“He left me to look after things while he, Engin, and Piril went on a business trip. Leyla was lucky enough she got to go while the rest of us were left behind but don’t worry I have everything under control.” 

“Mr. Serkan left you in control?” Seyfi’s voice was filled with doubt. 

“Erdem lies to you.” Ferit appeared sending the other man a reproachful look. 

“Serkan did not leave the country?” Aydan asked but her relief was short-lived. 

“No, he did but he left me in charge of things until Engin and Piril return.” 

“Why not tell he returns?” Aydan asked warily. 

“I’m not sure he intends to come back,” Ferit admitted. “Did he not discuss this with you before leaving.”

“He didn’t even tell me where he was going! He didn’t tell me he was leaving.” Aydan exclaimed, her heart thudding painfully. Oh God, her son left the city to die alone. He couldn’t do this alone. He just couldn’t. “Where did my son go?”

“Italy,” Ferit answered. 

“Italy?!” Seyfi turned his wide eyes to Aydan. 

“Do you think Serkan has gone to see her?” Aydan wondered. 

“He must have,” Seyfi nodded his head. “What else is in Italy for Serkan to go there.” 

Aydan nodded. “You’re right. Seeing as Serkan is not here, we will go,” she told Ferit and turned, Seyfi hot on her heels. 

Ferit watched her leave and wondered why Serkan hadn’t told his mother he was leaving town. It wasn’t like his business trips were some big secret from his mother.��

Once outside in the fresh air and away from prying ears, Seyfi asked Aydan. “Do you think he will tell her?” 

“I truly do not know,” Aydan answered. “I hope he does. If anyone could make Serkan change his mind about getting treatment it would be her.” 

Seyfi nodded in agreement. 

“Seyfi book us two flights. We are going to Italy.” Aydan declared suddenly. 

“We are?” Seyfi asked at her spontaneous request. 

“I will not spend what time I have left with my son away from him and if he doesn’t tell Eda, I will.” Aydan nodded to herself. 

Yes, all she needed to do was get Eda on her side and Serkan would have no choice but to seek treatment. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Eda worked out the details with the group and Efe with Serkan’s approval and input. 

Efe was soon called away to a business call and left Eda to finish up with Serkan and the Art Life crew. 

Once the meeting was wrapped up for the day. 

Engin and Piril excused themselves they had reservations at a restaurant that Engin wanted to try. 

Leyla excuse herself for the day, claiming she had to get everything in order and run a conference call.

“Did you arrange for them to leave once the meeting was over?” Eda asked, finding it too much a coincidence that they were left alone. 

“No, but I find it very fortunate. Come, let’s go.” Serkan stood and straighten his suit. 

“Go?” Eda repeated dubiously. “Go where?”

 “Don’t you want to see the property you will be working on before we make the rest of the plans? Maybe you’ll be inspired once you see it?” Serkan asked. 

Eda bit her lip. “Okay, let’s go.” she agreed, after all, she had to see the place before she could truly start in on plans for the project. 

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ 

Serkan put the hood of his car down and turned the radio on. 

Eda knew what he was doing as her hair in its high ponytail blew in the wind and one of her favorite songs played on the radio. 

She looked over at him and even though he kept his eyes on the road, she could see the smile pulling at his lips. 

It was that smile of his that was both sweet and innocent and she couldn’t help but shake her head at herself as a smile of her own pulled at her lips. Helpless to the feeling of lightness in her chest. 

This moment was familiar in a good way, sitting in the passenger seat next to Serkan, the wind blowing through her hair, moving in her seat to the music. This right here, it wasn’t complicated. 

Soon though the car ride ended and Serkan drove up a gravel road with scenery all around. 

Eda’s eyes widened as they rounded a corner and the house seemed to rise up. 

No not a house. A villa. A small villa but still a villa. 

“Serkan, you said were remodeling your house,” Eda said as they came to a stop in front of the two-story Villa.

“I said the project was my home and this is my home.” Serkan corrected. 

“It’s a villa,” Eda insisted.

Serkan turned the car off climbing out. Eda followed him. 

“It is.” Serkan agreed. “Originally, I was going to keep it simple. Something modest but when I saw the place, I couldn’t not buy it. C’mon,” he extended his hand to her. “I’ll give you a tour.” 

Eda looking around in wonder, caught up in the scenery placed her hand in his without hesitation. 

Serkan marveled at the way her hand still fit perfectly in his, he curled his fingers around the delicate bone of her hands and started leading the way inside. 

He kept her hand enclosed in his even as he fished the keys out of his pocket to unlock the door and opened it, ushering them inside.

Eda looked around the floor plan was open and wide and large windows, rich brown wood floors high ceilings. 

“It’s beautiful,” Eda murmured. It was empty of even furniture and it the staleness in the air made it clear no one has lived here in a long time. It needed some airing out and it was dusty but overall it was beautiful. 

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Serkan requested, watching as her eyes lit up as she took in his home. 

“What I’m thinking?” Eda repeated, bringing her focus back to him. 

“Yeah, tell me what ideas you have for it. I want you to design this home as if it were your own. How do you picture it?”

“Well,” Eda turned slowly taking it on in, the fireplace, the open floors, and high ceilings, the glass windows one that looked out at a pool. 

As she started speaking, Serkan soaked up every word she said like a sponge, filing it away. He had missed the way she shined with excitement, her big dark eyes were so expressive and her smile. God, her smile made him feel like anything was possible. 

“What do you think?” Eda asked as she detailed her ideas for the first floor.

“I want you to have full control over the details of the project. Do whatever you want to it, whatever feels right to you.” he grabbed her hand. “Come, I want to show you something upstairs.” 

Eda let him lead her to the master bedroom on the upper floor, he released her hand, drawing back floor-length curtains and pulling a set of double doors opened, revealing a wrapped around balcony of the entire villa. 

Eda’s stepped out onto it and her eyes widened there was a stable and large expanse of land going for miles and not far below was a garden in need of some love and care. 

It was gorgeous with so much potential. 

Eda gripped onto the barricade with her hands, taken the breathtaking scenery in. 

Serkan stepped forward, leaning into her pressed one hand on the barricade next to her, and brought the other around her, extending his arm to point at the land below. “I was going to buy some horses, take care of them here, build some high fences so they can run free, and update the stable.”

Eda could feel him at her back and it sent a shiver down her spine, having him close, his arms practically around her had anticipation filling her. 

She turned slowly and Serkan’s arm fell grazing her arm as his eyes found hers again. “What do you think?”

Eda was too distracted to hear his words, he was close, the heat coming from his body comforting. His scent was intoxicating as she fought not to breathe him like she used to. 

“Eda?” Serkan asked, he lifted his hand on the barricade and placed it on the side of her neck. 

Eda’s eyes snapped up to his at the contact, his skin was warm against hers. She swallowed hard. “It’s a beautiful home.”

Serkan slid his hand up to cup her cheek. “This is the house I bought when I was going to follow you here to Italy for your studies.” 

“What?” Eda felt her heart skip a beat in her chest. “This was where you were going to live?”

“When I bought it, it was with the hope that you and I would live here together, walks along the grounds, horse rides, stargazing, anything you wanted. I would have gladly given it.” Serkan brushed across her bottom lip but his eyes never left hers. “I would have given you anything, I still would.”

“Serkan..” Eda felt breathless, his words, the way he was looking at her was pulling her back into his orbit. 

He has the same look in his eyes as he did when he first confessed to being in love with her and she was as helpless now to him as she was to his confession then. 

Eda lifted her hand, cupping his cheek, feeling his stubble scratch against her palm. 

Serkan inched closer and she leaned in, the brush of their lips as soft as rose petals. 

Her hand tightened on his jaw and she arched her body, trying to get closer, Serkan's arm came closer and he slid his hand to the back of her neck.

Their lips pressed more firmly together. 

Serkan’s eyes slid shut, savoring the feel of Eda in his arms and the touch of her lips. 

He wanted to commit the feeling he was feeling in his chest to the memory. It’s the memory he wanted to live in when his time came to an end. 

Serkan tilted her head up, deepening the kiss as her mouth opened beneath his. 

God, this felt like home and he never wanted to leave. 

Eda faintly heard the sound of a door and heels against the floor but she was too consumed by the feelings merging inside of her, coming to the surface as Serkan kissed her like he was learning every single inch of her. 

“Serkan! Serkan!” The sound of Aydan’s voice echoed through the empty home. 

Eda pulled away from Serkan her eyes wide in surprise. “Did your mom come with you, too?” 

“No,” Serkan shook his head. “Mom is in Istanbul.” 

Serkan reached for her again just as his name was called again this time by a male voice. “Mr. Serkan?”

Serkan's hand dropped eyes wide. “Seyfi?” 

He turned and Eda followed moving toward the stairs. 

“Serkan, thank god!” Aydan exclaimed. “I have been trying to reach you. I thought the worse when I couldn’t get through.”

Serkan stared down the flight of stairs and there his mother was with Seyfi. 

Serkan knew he shouldn’t be angry to see his mother but damn it, she just interrupted a vital moment between him and Eda. 

Can something he wanted go right just once? 

He didn’t think it was too much to ask. 

He was a dying man and all he wanted was Eda. 

A/N: I want to say thank you to everyone who is still reading when I am the world's slowest updater.

[sexysilverstrider]

Thundering Heartbeat (Raymond/Resident Rep)

Told yall I’ll write this scene because I’m a romantic sap.

 She often saw herself as a stubborn fool.  The rainstorm wasn’t about to calm down anytime soon. She could—could—just make a mad dash for it back to the resident area. But Hana knew the distance between that western side of the island and eastern side—the side where she woefully stood on—was quite far even if she ran. And that didn’t add up the fact that her mansion was at the top of the hill. She would be a soaking mess by the time she reached her door.  Damn her and her architectural planning.  “Ugh…” A groan, slipped between clenched teeth was swallowed by the manic drum of the rain. Luckily she managed to find shelter under a roof of a small stall. While there wasn’t much room to begin with, Hana was at least glad her top half was dry.  She didn’t mind the rain. In fact, she loved it.  But ever since she got a terrible cold the last time she walked around under a heavy rainstorm without an umbrella—and being lectured by Judy for hours afterwards—Hana learned her lesson to never, ever, repeat that foolish mistake again.  Still… Lips pressed tightly at the consideration of making another dumb move—  “Hana?”

 Fortunately, before her legs could take control of her brain, she instead jumped at the voice. Quickly she snapped forward, blinked once, twice, then thrice at the cat in front of her.  Raymond stood before her, a single eyebrow raised in curiosity. “What’re doing here?” The silly question was out before he could stop himself. One look and he wanted to slap his head for not realizing there wasn’t any umbrella near her.  Still, he was glad she didn’t point out the obvious.  “I uh…” Arms crossed across her chest. “I…got stuck here.” Decided that it was stupid to deny the reality that was her idiocy, Hana let out a sigh. “I thought the weather would give some calm rain when I got out today, which is why I don’t have an umbrella or raincoat with me right now.” A guilty smile curled her lips. “By the time I reach here, it started raining cats and dogs.” Biting the insides of her lower lip at the metaphor being used, Hana once again breathed out a sigh.  A verbal response wasn’t immediate. But his ears perked as he listened to her ‘woes’. “Ah,” was all he managed, somewhat feeling amused at the situation. The umbrella in his grasp was brought closer. Even though she was sheltered under a roof, Raymond couldn’t help but to bring him—his umbrella—closer.  His umbrella. Not him. His umbrella.  Swallowing the blush that threatened to rise, he replied, “Well, it is pouring heavily right now.” Even he could feel the weight of the weather under his umbrella. “Didn’t you hear Isabelle’s announcement today?” Pushing the lens of his glasses comfortably, a laugh was then gulped down to see her adorable grumble.  “Every time I listen to her announcements, it’s always how there’s no new announcements…” She looked away, warmth kissing her cheeks.  Oh, she’s too adorable indeed.  The laugh he sadly tried to hold back escaped in the end. “Well, that’s because those are morning announcements. I’m talking about the afternoon ones.” One paw holding his umbrella, Raymond placed his other paw on his hip. “You do know she makes weather announcements too right? Sometimes? On the speakers where everyone can hear?”  Raymond swore he heard a growl from her.  His tail swished left and right at every action she did.  “Not everyone has super sharp hearing, Ray…” Crossed arms tight across her chest, she attempted a glare at the smartass cat. The blonde tuft of his hair was a slight mess, probably due to the humidity of the weather. His ears were perked, his right ear twitched ever so slightly, maybe being alert at the sounds of raindrops around them.  She wondered what it was like to scratch the back of his ears—  Stop!  Immediately shaking her head back to reality, Hana forced a sheepish cough. “A-Anyways,” Once again she looked away, “long story short, I made a mistake. I should make a mental note to listen to more of Isabelle’s announcements.”  “And you should bring an umbrella.”  “And I should—” She stopped herself, once again glared at the snickering cat.  The weather was gloomy, but the moment between them was anything but. His laughter was genuine, bright like his brilliant eyes. It’s a shame they were hidden behind thick glasses, but Hana was oftentimes glad he wore them for it brought out the shine of his irises.  Her smile appeared so easily around him.  “In any case,” Another sigh, though this time more relaxed, “looks like I’m stuck her for a while. I’d love to rush back home but knowing me, I’ll get sick again and I don’t feel like earning another lecture by Judy.” She loved the bear cub, and she knew Judy loved her too, but Hana could only take so much when she decided to be a ruthless mother hen.  “Well, if you want, there’s still room under mine.”  Wait.  Surprise mirrored them perfectly as none didn’t expect those words to come out of him.  Brown eyes stared at the beautiful gleam of green and gold. Apparently shock was evident in him too, and this, in truth, sent a sort of relief in her. “I—” Dumbfounded, she merely blinked in hopes that the conversation didn’t die there.  Thankfully to her, it didn’t.  Unthankfully to him, it didn’t.  “I ah—” Why would he say that? Why would he say things? Mouth snapped shut and ears pressed lightly, Raymond brought one paw up and coughed. “I mean…if you want to go back home, there’s still room under my umbrella and I can escort you…back.” The word died down slowly, quietly. While he was a gentleman—he truly couldn’t bear to leave her alone in the rain—realization hit at the meaning of his invitation.  This wasn’t his first time he made a blunder in words. Raymond was just forever glad that the residents and Hana, most of all, mostly found him amusing instead of being offended by his mistakes.  She wasn’t responding. Perhaps today was the day she would actually be offended.  Eyes torn away from her judgmental gaze, Raymond tried to lick his wounds. “I-I mean, I’m sor—!”  “You mean it?”  The apology died under the weather.  Shock still vivid in a pair of slit pupils, Raymond gaped at her. “I—of course!” Attempting to rid away the awkward moment, he raised his free paw. “Like I said, there’s still room.” It wasn’t that big per say, but considering her petite figure, the cat figured they both could fit snuggly under the umbrella.  Snuggly.  Oh.  He wondered if the cloudy weather could shield his blush.  She didn’t say much, but consideration was evident on her face. His tail was back to swishing left and right, and Raymond had to force his tail to curl around his right leg. His grip on the umbrella handle tightened. His posture was straight, patient, hiding away the emotions that were the exact opposite.  She seemed so cute, so adorable as she pondered on his invitation. It was a harmless suggestion. Nothing more, he convinced. Sharp eyes realized her foot started moving forward, started moving towards him. His heart started to pick up its pace. His mouth pressed lightly.  “Okay.”  Her answer was short. Simple. Accompanied with a smile that took his breath away.  And that was it. That should be it. The harmless invitation was received. She would walk towards him and they would share an umbrella. She would hold the handle while his paw was positioned under her hand. Their shoulders might bump but he would keep his distance as he escorted her back as promised. That was it.  But alas, expectations were merely expectations when Raymond had to open his big mouth. “It is raining heavily right now.” Stop. “There might be thunder.” Stop! “If you get scared, don’t be afraid to leap into my arms!” His mouth still ran. His tail still wagged. “I won’t be able to protect you in any way, but it might look cool.”  Dumb. Ass.  Once he finally managed to shut his mouth, Raymond could feel his tail poof out of agitation.  Idiot! Dumbass! What the hell are you thinking?! Screams of the damned plagued his mind. Torn between running away and never talking to her again or just digging himself a hole to hide into, Raymond instead froze in place as panic vibrated his soul.  She was as shocked as he feared. Brown eyes were wide as saucers. Pink lips parted to a gape. Though arms still crossed, he saw the muscles tensed, and he knew damn well it wasn’t because of the cold.  He should leave.  He should make a run for it and never talk to her again. Maybe he should apologize first, then leave so that he could spare her of his disgraceful—  “I’ll take you on that offer.”  “Eh?”  Time seemed to move slowly as Raymond felt his body being embraced.  Pupils were round as they could be. Jaw dropped down until fangs shined at the little drops of rain. The umbrella he held was almost released, almost dropped if not for his paw tensing hardly around the handle.  Tick…tock…  Eh?  Tick.  EH???!?!??!?!?  Raymond honestly almost screamed if not for the fact that he was utterly stunned. His whole body stiffened. His tail frazzled uncontrollably. Echoes of what he assumed later was his rapid heartbeat deafened flat ears. Luckily, there were no thunderstorms to alarm them from the shock. Unluckily, the lack of loud thunder made him hyperaware of the heat that began flowing from the petite human.  “Um…” He should say something. “I…H-Ha…” He should say anything! “Ha…na…?” Eyes glazed to the side, spotting an image of crimson and a splash of pink as he felt his left shoulder being nuzzled by…her…face…  That hole might seem intriguing now.  While Raymond fought with bewilderment, Hana herself had all her willpower not to pull away and run away, screaming, in complete shame.  What was she thinking?! What the hell has gotten into her? Sure he offered. She took the offer. Sure maybe the whole ‘leap into my arms’ was a jest. She was used to that from him. Sure she might take it as a chance to act out on her crush. She was just acting out of sheer, idiotic, heart-driven impulse.  He was the nicest cat she has ever met. And she didn’t want to ruin this friendship they had.  And yet…  Arms snugged around his waist, she bit the bullet. “You feel cool yet?”  Smooth. Absolutely stupid. Sherb would be proud.  Both stunned in the flaws of their own actions, Raymond cast a peek at her. “I—” Gulping once, twice, he quickly positioned the umbrella above them. “A bit.” He was feeling the exact opposite.  He held a breath to hear her delightful laugh.  Finally—unfortunately—she let go. “Sorry…” The apology a meek murmur as she looked down.  Please don’t apologize. He couldn’t stop looking at her. Please look at me.  Her shoulder raised slightly. Hana then lifted her head. Brown eyes met gold and green. Both pairs of pupils were an eclipse in a sea of irises. “I just…teasing.” It backfired on her part. She wanted to apologize more. To say more. To say anything to dispel the awkward air around them.  Surprise flickered to feel her hand being grasped.  She loved seeing his smile.  “I guess I deserve it.” Breathing out chuckles to shield his embarrassment, he gently cupped her hand around the umbrella handle. “We’re even, then!” Another laugh, more sincere than the last. Cheeks tinted by kisses of red, Raymond slowly released his grip and held his part right above her hand.  He missed her warmth.  “Well,” Carefully he stood beside her, “shall we go, milady?”  One hand cupped her mouth as laughter bubbled adorably.  He loved her so much.  “Lead the way, Sir Ray!” Distance merely a brush apart, they walked side by side. END

[fishfingersandjellybabies]

Lazy Afternoon - werewolf!jason au

Characters: Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Titus & Alfred, bit of Tim Summary: You don’t give a wolf dog treats, Damian. Okay? A/N: This is plotless dialogue garbage but I miss this au and want to get back into it. They go on patrol with Tim, his butt isn’t too bony - but he is the butt of ALL JOKES of the night - and they turn it into tag when Nightwing and Batman try to get too close. Damian doesn’t say anything to Jason but he gets real emotionally stuck on being called a ‘good kid’ for like. Weeks. It’s so foreign to him. Sorry this sucks. Maybe I’ll update in less than a year this time and it’ll be better than this.

Other Werewolf!Jason things

It was a nice day. The colorful leaves wafting in the wind made a nice sound. The sun was shining. There were no scents, but still, even the air smelled nice. It didn’t make sense, but hey – he had the power to turn into a goddamn wolf, so nothing really had to.

He was sitting with Damian under a tree, in said wolf form. He was curled up on one side, head under Damian’s elbow, while the cat Alfred and dog Titus sat on the other. Damian was in the middle, sketching away in his notebook, the only real noises being the scratches of pencils, or the plop and rummaging of when he dropped a pencil bag into the bag by his knee and looked for a new one.

Oh and also – humming. The kid was totally humming. Nothing Jason knew, but it sounded nice all the same. Nice and relaxed.

And what a thing – to see Damian relaxed. While Jason still didn’t know everything about the kid, he knew enough to know that Damian only relaxed when he felt safe, or loved. Otherwise he was a little ball of pent up nerves and tension.

But he was relaxed, here, with Jason. He felt safe, here, with Jason.

(He might even feel loved, here, with Jason.)

And the weight of that was not lost on the wayward older brother.

He huffed, and without realizing it, snuggled deeper into Damian’s side.

Damian didn’t stop humming. Didn’t stop drawing. Just reached out his free hand and gently scratched at Jason’s ear.

(Hesperus began wagging their tail at this. Not that Jason tried to stop him too much.)

A few minutes later, there was the sound of the back door sliding open.

“Um…” Damian glanced up, and Jason merely opened his eyes lazily, ignoring Hesperus’ immediate tension. Tim stood there, a mixture of nervousness and annoyance. “Bruce wants to know if you’re going on patrol tonight?”

“Whom?” Damian responded.

“Both of you. Either of you. I don’t know.” Tim sighed. “Just…are you?”

Damian hummed again, thoughtfully this time. Jason felt him look down at him.

“…Yeah, I suppose.”

“Great.” Tim drawled. “Got anything I need to tell Bruce or Dick? Since apparently I get to play messenger between you two and those two.”

“Consider it an honor, Timbo.” Jason whined. “Means you’re held in higher regard than them. Unless you want to be shunned…?”

“Don’t start.” Tim snapped. “I’m aware of my weird limbo status, Jason, thanks.”

“Good.” Jason closed his eyes again. Hesperus relaxed. “Then go away.”

Damian snorted, and the noise sounded like laughter.

Tim sighed, but did as he was told, turning back into the house, no doubt returning to Bruce and Dick to inform them that, no, there is actually nothing to report. It’ll probably make them grumpy and stressed, and more bitter and emotionally constipated than they were normally.

Good.

He was caught in his reverie, enjoying the imagined angst of his brother and father, when suddenly, there was something being held in front of his nose. Meat of some sort. Not much, but…

He sniffed at it, and could feel Hesperus perking as he opened his eyes to stare at it. It was a little brown ball. “What the hell is this?”

“A treat.” Damian hummed. Paused, then revised his response. “A dog treat. You’re a dog.”

“I’m a wolf, thank you very much. And yes, there is a difference.”

“It’s just meat. Nothing processed. I called it a dog treat, but it’s not really. Alfred eats them too.” A pause, and Jason watched as Damian split the snack and offered the pieces to the other two. Titus chomped away happily. Alfred did as well, though much more quietly. “…Pennyworth helped me make them.”

Jason glanced up. “You made them?”

“Yesterday.”

“…Why?” Jason asked curiously. Watched as Alfred finished his snack and thanked his boy by leaning up to his face, giving him a quick lick with that rough tongue and rubbing his cheek against his chin. As Titus slapped his hand over Damian’s knee in equal gratitude.

“Because Grayson once told me when you love someone, you should do nice things for them. And because I felt like it.” Damian offered simply. “Besides, they deserve something nice, don’t you think? They put up with me after all.”

Jason blinked, and replayed the words.

Because he loved them. Because he loved them he made them something special.

And here he was, offering that something special to him.

…Does that mean Damian loves him too?

(And does Damian really think of himself so poorly that he believes he’s a burden even to his pets? Despite the fact that it couldn’t have been farther from the truth?)

If it was a slipup on Damian’s part, he didn’t seem to notice. Or at least realize. But still, it made Jason’s heart swell and beat faster. There was no odder feeling than being told you were loved or cared about, inadvertently or otherwise. By someone you expected to say it or not.

Without another word, Damian held out another treat to Jason, and this time Jason took it. Slobbered a little bit on Damian’s hand on purpose.

And he had to admit…it was kind of delicious. Sweet, seasoned meat cooked perfectly. He could taste Alfred’s touch to the recipe, and even Damian’s kitchen inexperience, but eagerness to please, all the same.

Hesperus didn’t give a shit about any of that though. He downright loved it, and was already whining for Jason to get more.

(No wonder Damian still called him a dog. Hesperus, you’re embarrassing yourself!)

As he chomped away, he felt Damian’s hand go back to his ear, and restart stroking his head gently. He silently leaned into the touch, giving as much as a silent thank you as he could, just like Titus and Alfred had.

“Did you like it?” Damian asked after a moment. Jason nodded as best he could. “Pennyworth says we should try different styles. You may have to be a taste tester.”

“I can do that. I’ll taste them as a human and a wolf, to make sure it’s really good.” Jason decided. “…Thanks, though.”

“You’re welcome.” Damian replied, and he almost sounded relieved.

Jason hesitated, debating. But he decided – fuck it. He’d promised he was in it for this kid. And if he didn’t go all the way, that didn’t make him any better than Bruce and Dick, did it?

“…And I love you too.”

Damian’s hand on his ear hesitated. Jason could practically hear Damian’s heart speed up. Alfred meowed in laughter.

“…I didn’t say that, Todd.” Damian scolded.

“You didn’t have to.” Jason countered gently. Hesperus whined again. “Now give me another meatball.”

He heard Damian scoff in a pout, but did as he was told, and held out another treat. He hummed in enjoyment, and flopped onto his side, pressing tighter against Damian’s leg. Huffed a big sigh as he closed his eyes again, and secretly relished in the scratches Damian was giving to his flank.

“…What’re you drawing?” He asked after a moment.

“Various things.” Damian responded. “Profile studies of Grayson, Cassandra and Mother. Drake prior to and after coffee. You ripping the Joker’s throat out with your fangs, while a baby sleeps peacefully on your back, between your shoulder blades.”

“Are you the baby?”

“Absolutely not.” Damian almost sounded insulted. “The baby is a metaphor for the innocence you try to protect via violence.”

“Deep.” Jason grunted, listening as a window was opened somewhere in the house. He heard Dick’s quiet, grumpy voice coming from it. Hesperus growled quietly in return.

“Are you thinking about anything?” Damian inquired, sounding like one of those four-year-olds who ask ‘why’ four hundred times a day.

“Mhm.”

“What?”

“Meatballs.” Jason grinned. Damian frowned, and pulled his hand away. Jason rolled over further, so his legs were practically sticking up in the air. “Nah, I’m thinking about you.”

Damian paused, and looked down at him, embarrassment already heating up his cheeks. “What?”

“I’m thinking about how you’re a damn good kid, and am wondering why it took me getting temporarily turned into a werewolf to see it.” Jason admitted. Damian looked away instantly. Towards his pets. “So…sorry about that.”

“You don’t have to apologize. You’re not even right. But…you confronted Grayson and Father, that’s…amends enough for me.” Damian mumbled. Jason smiled again, felt Hesperus bark in amusement too as he tried to lean closer into his cub’s side, but didn’t push it. He and Damian were too much alike that way. Don’t push the emotional stuff they don’t want to talk about, at least not too much. Wait until they’re ready. “…You really think the wolf thing is temporary?”

“That’s what all the League magicians say.” Jason sighed. “Honestly, though I wouldn’t be adverse to being this way forever. Not to bad of a life, if I’m honest.”

“Only because you think you can piss anywhere you want and get away with it.” Damian smirked. Even Alfred seemed to laugh again, in his catty way.

“Hey, I haven’t shit in your room yet so I don’t see why you’d have a problem with it.” Jason joked back. Damian smiled and rolled his eyes. “And don’t worry, I promise I won’t shit in Tim’s room, or the girls’, unless they deserve it. I also promise I’ll make Dickie and Bruce be the ones to clean it up, not Alfie.”

“You’d have to go back to being a human once in a while to make Grayson or Father do anything, but you’d better stick to those promises, or else.” Damian scolded. “…What time did you want to go on patrol?”

“Dusk is good.” Jason countered. “You stealing a car or want to hitch a ride?”

“If you’re willing, I’ll accept a ride.” Jason heard the scratching of Damian’s pencil suddenly pick back up. “You’re faster than Father’s cars. And it’s less of a carbon footprint.”

“Yeah, okay Princess Mononoke.” Jason scoffed. Damian didn’t react.

“And…we should probably invite Drake to accompany us.” Damian admitted. “As you said yourself, he is not shunned yet. And I can tell he is doing what he can to stay neutral.”

“Neutral isn’t a good choice either, but I’m not about to get into a discussions of ethics versus oppressors with a ten-year-old, so. Fine. He can come with, but you have to ask him.” Jason agreed. “And I swear if his butt’s too bony, he’s gotta get his own ride.”

Damian just grinned, and continued drawing. Jason watched him for a moment, before rolling back onto his side, staring across the yard, and the colorful trees.

“…Thanks again for the snack. It really was good.” Jason mumbled. “…And you really are a good kid, Damian. Really.”

He didn’t sense a reaction, and Damian’s pencil never stopped. But suddenly his tiny hand was back on Jason’s flank, petting gently. Hesperus calmed under the attention, and in turn, Jason did too.

And he was almost asleep again, when he heard his charge whisper: “So are you, Todd. And you always have been.”

[toccarathings]

Rebecca - 1

August, 1982 - Mt Tamalpais State Park, CA Cara leaned back on her elbows in the grass, head falling back, eyes closed, soaking up the summer sun. It was two days past the last full moon and she finally felt fully recovered. Her small Airstream trailer gleamed silver in the sunlight behind her, unhitched from the pickup truck parked next to it. She loved this spot, her spot, within the confines of the state park in the hills across the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco. On clear days (and sometimes not so clear days) she would watch hang gliders launch from the cliffs nearby and soar out over Bolinas Bay far below them. Other days she worked as a guide for guests of the Mill Valley Inn, a small, quaint hotel a few miles away. But it was here that she felt most at peace, the scents of pine and leaves and sun and salt water filling her senses and lulling her into laying back for a light doze.

“Shitshitshit Zeus! No!”

The female voice penetrated Cara’s consciousness, but not before she was bulldozed by the warm, soft, and very large bulk of a rottweiler whose sole mission at the moment seemed to be to lick her to death. The entirety of his hind quarters wagged in excitement at his discovery as she tried half-heartedly to fend him off. “Okay, okay,” she said, laughing as she sat up and tried to get the upper hand. A bright red leash trailed from a matching collar as he hopped around excitedly. Having gotten her attention, the dog flopped to the ground next to her and rolled onto his back, tongue lolling from his open mouth, a clear indication that belly rubs were to commence. Cara complied. “What’re you doing out here, huh boy?” she asked him.

There was a crash of brush and a disheveled, out-of-breath woman appeared in the small clearing Cara called home. She wore khaki shorts, a loose black tank top, and a pair of scuffed and worn Doc Martens boots with the whites of athletic socks peeking just over the tops. A blue check flannel was tied around her waist, the ends flapping in the light breeze. The woman bent at the waist, hands on her knees, catching her breath. The ends of her pony tail fell to hide her face. Cara couldn’t help but admire the rest of her as she stood and brushed at grass and leaves and pine needles that had stuck to her skin. The dog performed an awkward wriggling flip and gained his feet as well, standing next to Cara, head the size of a boulder looking from one woman to the other.

“I am...so sorry...” the woman said between breaths. She stood upright and shook her head to get the ends of the ponytail behind her once more. Women don’t sweat, they glow. The old adage came to Cara’s mind and she’d remembered scoffing at it every time she heard it. Now she understood. The woman before her stood in the sunlight wearing a sheen of perspiration from her exertion chasing the dog and she absolutely glowed brighter than the silver of her trailer, brighter than anything she’d ever seen before. Flashing from the glow were a pair of piercing amber eyes that seemed to cut through her. She became acutely aware of the beating of her own heart, surprisingly slow and steady but very loud in her ears.

“It’s fine,” Cara finally got out after realizing she’d been staring for far too long. She scratched the top of the massive head and the dog sat down and leaned against her leg. “He’s a great dog. Zeus, is it?” she asked, chancing a look back, forcing herself to look away now and then. It was the other woman’s turn to stare and Cara grew increasingly self-conscious in her bikini. It wasn’t the first time she’d gotten a look like that, however the growing crease between her brows was new.

“Yeah. Zeus.” The dog’s ears perked at his name and he sat panting contentedly. The woman tipped her head, staring curiously at the pair, Cara barely dressed - distracting enough - and her dog standing there as if this was his long lost mother or something. “He never does that,” she said, her voice distant, confused. “He’s also never run off on me like that before. What is it...?”

Cara caught an accent once the woman strung more than a couple of words together at a time, a metered southern that reminded her of magnolias and molasses and hot, lazy summer days. Cara couldn’t say anything about the bond she shared with the god-named creature beside her, distant though it may be. “I’m kind of a dog person,” she explained, her senses and a smile beginning to return. “They can sense these things.” Zeus continued to look back and forth, his dark brown eyes following the invisible current passing between them. “Or maybe he caught the scent of a rabbit and then he came across me and decided I was easier to catch?” she offered with an amiable shrug.

The woman’s face relaxed as she laughed. “He’s never chased a rabbit. Looks at them sometimes, but never even tenses up like he’s thinking about it.” The woman took a few steps closer and Cara felt the dog’s hind quarters bump against her as his stub of a tail wagged, taking the back half of his body with it. “C’mere boy,” she called, clapping her hands lightly and holding them out as if he would run in for a massive hug. Which, Cara figured, he might.

Zeus looked up at Cara, body tensed, waiting for...something. She gave a low chuff, one she hoped the woman a few feet away wouldn’t hear, and the rott took off, excitedly greeting his owner. The laugh that came this time was magical, the high tinkling of a windchime catching a breeze before stilling again. Cara folded her arms loosely across her bare stomach as she watched, moderately jealous of both the woman and the dog. She barely concealed astonishment as Zeus took the woman’s hand gently but determinedly in his mouth and pulled her closer to Cara. “He’s quite a character,” Cara noted with a chuckle. The closer she got, the more entranced Cara became.

“Oh he’s that alright. Just not usually like this. He’s acting so strange today,” the woman said with another shake of her head. Pleased with himself, Zeus sat, then lay down with a deep sigh and rested his chin on his paws. “I really am sorry if he scared or disturbed you. He didn’t hurt you, did he?” she asked. It was obvious concern in her gaze that traveled quickly over Cara’s form, but that wasn’t all that was there.

“No, not at all,” Cara assured her. There were a couple of light scratches, but those had already healed. “He just came up like we’d known each other forever. I’m Cara,” she introduced, offering a hand.

“Rebecca,” the woman answered, shaking it. Her grip was firm and warm and Cara felt a jolt run up her arm and land in the pit of her stomach where it grew a thousand wings and fluttered about. They were still holding hands, gently pumping up and down. They both seemed to realize at the same time that it was far longer than it should have been and let go. Color rose on Rebecca’s tanned cheeks and Cara could feel the matching heat in her own. Rebecca looked around at the trailer, the truck, the folding lawn chair, the fire pit. “Camping?” she asked.

“I kind of live here for the moment,” Cara admitted. “I prefer the space to cramped apartments.” And I turn into a wolf for a night every month, so that makes city-dwelling a challenge, she didn’t say. “Plus the glider launch is just over there,” she said pointing. As if on queue, one took off, leaping from the cliff’s ledge and dropping a few feet before currents caught the wings and he rose out over the bay.

“You hang glide?” Rebecca asked, shock plain on her face.

“What? No! Oh gods no,” Cara answered vehemently. “It’s fun to watch but I’m not crazy.” She turned back and met Rebecca’s eyes again. “What about you? What brings you up to Mount Tam today? Or did Zeus drag you all the way from the city?” she teased. Rebecca seemed relieved to hear Cara didn’t jump off the sides of cliffs. That would have been the least of things to worry about, Cara thought.

“Oh, um, hiking with some friends,” Rebecca replied, glancing back the way she’d come. “Kind of a last hurrah for my post-grad group before we have to knuckle down and get to work,” she explained with a casual roll of her eyes. “One of them suggested coming up here to hang out. Said it had nice views.”

Cara wasn’t exactly sure if Rebecca was being literal or metaphorical. “They weren’t wrong. Wildlife’s incredible here.” At this point Cara wasn’t sure which one she was going for either.

“You can say that again,” Rebecca muttered in a voice most wouldn’t have been able to hear, but Cara could. She cleared her throat and tucked her hands in her pockets. “I should, um, probably get back. To my friends,” she said, and Cara thought she heard a twinge of reluctance, but it might have just been wishful thinking on her part. “If I can find my way back,” she added, looking around at trees that all looked exactly the same.

Cara just smiled and shook her head a bit. “Give me a minute to throw some clothes and shoes on. I’ll help you find them.”