Friends in need [KAT]

[toki333]

Kato was perfectly content to lie there, resting, as she watched Hazel playing. She'd never felt so at peace, despite being in the company of...well, strangers. Perhaps it was the feeling that she belonged to a family again that was comforting. The only pack she'd ever known was a birth one, and she'd left that quite some time ago. It was nice to have that feeling of being one in a unit again. Maybe she could stay. There was nothing stopping her, really. Who said she had to stay a wanderer for the rest of her life anyway? Wasn't the whole purpose of lone wolves to find a pack, or a mate, and settle down and try to make the most out of life? Besides, if she continued travelling, there was every possibility she may run into those bastards again.

She sighed, lost in her thoughts, only bringing herself back to the present when Hei spoke again.

"I have never seen her become so attached to someone in such a short amount of time. Coming from Hazel, you must be very special Kato. Hazel has a very unique intuition and she us rarely wrong with her gut instinct. If she wants you around, chances are that will be true, although I hope that doesn't displease you,"

"I wouldn't call myself special," Kato laughed nervously. "I suppose I just like pups." But then, she had yet to meet a female who didn't. It was her instinct to like pups, to want to be motherly to them. Maybe she'd even have some of her own some day. She liked the thought, that was for sure, but for now she was content with her current situation - minus the recent traumatic experience, of course.
"It doesn't displease me," she returned his pleasant smile, her ears pressed back slightly. "It's nice to know I'm capable of making someone so happy. If I can stick around for a bit and extend that happiness then...well, I'm happy to do so."

Probably, with her not having a mother - or any female around for that matter - Hazel saw her as some sort of mother figure, or would come to in time. She smiled at the thought. She wouldn't mind it, she supposed.

But, she was getting ahead of herself. Right now all she needed was to rest and recover. The future and her plans with these two could wait until she was in a better state to consider such things.

"You're right about that, she's a lovely soul. No doubt when she grows up she will definitely be catching the eyes of everyone,"

"And no doubt you'll be there to fend off the lookers?" Kato teased, poking her tongue out playfully. It was hard to imagine Hazel as fully grown - she looked the sort to remain young forever. But then she didn't know her very well. Perhaps if she'd watched her grow from a newborn to her current age, she'd be able to picture it better.

"Are you what people call a lost hope? So much trouble we can only just leave you alone? Hopefully those three you mentioned won't be coming around here,"

"Hah! That I am!" She grinned broadly, then lowered her voice again. "I'm sure I lost them though. If I hadn't, they probably would have found me by now."

"It's not silly. You're only being cautious and nothing's wrong with that. Stay with us though, numbers are always better than being solo. And I'm pretty sure with Hazel around you won't think much about anything else,"

Being cautious was one way of putting it. Still, he was right. Staying with them did ensure her better safety, and Hazel certainly was distracting. If it hadn't been for her, she'd have never been introduced to Hei. She'd still be sat by that pool of water wallowing in her sorrows and panicking over whether she had time to stop for a rest, or should continue fleeing in blind fear. The fear had died down a bit now though. It was more anger than anything.

"I hate them," she spat distastefully. "And what they did to me."
She turned her bright green eyes on Hei. Somehow she felt she could tell him anything and, even if he was just to listen and nod along, she'd feel comforted. "I wouldn't want to talk about it with Hazel around, but if I managed to find them and catch them off guard, I'll make sure to do them a good amount of damage to prevent them from doing the same to other females."
She imitating snapping her jaws to show exactly what she intended on doing, then looked away, resting her head on her paws again. "It's nice to get it out there in the open though. I've sort of been running with my head filled with all this emotion. It feels good to let it out, clear my mind." She glanced at Hei, forcing a small smile. "At least they didn't kill or maim me."

"She was abandoned by her parents and I happened upon her. We weren't with the best company back then, they had ill intentions for her so I took it upon myself to adopt her and leave. I didn't want her to experience the future the pack had for her,"

"Why would anyone do such a thing?" Her lips curled in disgust at the thought of Hazel's parents leaving her to, potentially, her death. If it weren't for Hei, she may not even be alive.
"Well," she frowned, then smiled at him warmly. "I must thank you for being such a brave, selfless wolf and taking her in. If you hadn't done so, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting either of you, most likely."

She went back to watching Hazel again, her smile remaining on her face. "It's just a shame she hasn't had a mother. I don't know what I'd have done without mine," she murmured, glancing at Hei. She hesitated for a moment before rolling onto her back to stretch out her legs, then rolling back onto her side so she was facing the male.
"I hope you don't mind, but I might see if I can get some sleep. I'm exhausted," she confessed sheepishly, just about stifling a yawn as she could feel her eyelids drooping. While she didn't want to be impolite and end their conversation there, she doubted she'd be very good company if she succeeded in falling asleep half way through their smalltalk.

[K.A.T]

It felt refreshing....a different change as Hei sat there talking to Kato. He found it difficult remembering the last time he had a friendly chat with another one closer to his age than Hazel.

Although he would talk with potiential families, it was always business but right now, talking with the female wolf, it relaxed him as he realized that he definitely missed company.

Having been raised in a very large family when he was young he had gotten used to having others around and when he had been with Hazel just the two of them, he found that holding a conversation with Hazel was funny to attempt but usually never lasted long.

And who could blame her? She was only a 4 month old pup. It was obvious she'd be bored with any talk of mature things that the older ones talk of.

Although Hei had been very surprised by her young intelliect and thirst to learn. That had always kept him sane.

"I wouldn't call myself special," Kato laughed nervously. "I suppose I just like pups."

Hei smiled at her warmly but his eyes held intelligence for his years of experience. Hei knew that females liked pups, but sadly at times it only extends to those of the same species.

He and Hazel had met many females who adored and doted their own pups but with Hazel, they were very different. He glanced at Kato from the corner of his eyes and wondered if this one would react the same way when she found out what he and Hazel really were.

"You'd be surprised that the saying doesn't apply to all. And I wouldn't say you're not special. Hazel and I have met many females along our journey so far and none of them have as strong of a reaction from her as she had with you. Don't count yourself out yet, there may be more to you than meets the eye," he reassured her as he thought she was indeed special.

"It doesn't displease me," she returned his pleasant smile, her ears pressed back slightly. "It's nice to know I'm capable of making someone so happy. If I can stick around for a bit and extend that happiness then...well, I'm happy to do so.

"By all means do stay, it has been far too long since I've had good company besides Hazel, almost forgot how to talk to people. And I'm pretty positive Hazel has been fed up with having old me around for company, it'll be good for her to have someone new, someone refreshing and of course female," he told her hoping that his words would be true when Kato found out about their mixed blood.

It would pain him and Hazel to see Kato react the same way as other wolves. Condescending, scorn, disgust...those were the reactions they received when the families asked about her strange appearance. It was always the same.

But as Hei looked at Kato, he had a feeling perhaps she would be different, she would be what he and Hazel were looking for.

"And no doubt you'll be there to fend off the lookers?"

Hei let out a jovial laugh, his deep melodic voice resonating as he did. Oh he did like her humor.

"Oh believe me, she won't be needing me much when she's older. I may try to fend them off, but more likely she can handle her own, I can see it. She's a tough one, probably will berate me for treating her like a pup if I did try to help chase off suitors. Mark my words though the male she chooses better be good enough for her," he played along as he mimiced whacking someone who pissed him off.

He hadn't felt this relaxed in many days. The stress of trying to find Hazel a family had been taking a toll on him but with Kato he felt rejuvinated with their talk.

"Hah! That I am!" She grinned broadly, then lowered her voice again. "I'm sure I lost them though. If I hadn't, they probably would have found me by now."

"Well I'm sure if they ever did they'd probably end up regreting the day they were born. They'll be annoyed half to death with Hazel and then we have you who can handle her own and I can always beat a little sense into youngsters," he answered her with a hint of seriousness to promise her that he would protect her should she need it.

"I hate them," she spat distastefully. "And what they did to me."
"I wouldn't want to talk about it with Hazel around, but if I managed to find them and catch them off guard, I'll make sure to do them a good amount of damage to prevent them from doing the same to other females."
She imitating snapping her jaws to show exactly what she intended on doing, then looked away, resting her head on her paws again. "It's nice to get it out there in the open though. I've sort of been running with my head filled with all this emotion. It feels good to let it out, clear my mind." She glanced at Hei, forcing a small smile. "At least they didn't kill or maim me."

Hei nodded his head as he listened to her, his eyes genuine, sympathetic but not pitying. He knew where she came from. He felt the same about Han's pack and how he despised the wolves there. A smile appeared on his face as he watched her snap her fangs in a pretend to bite someone. His black tail swished lightly as he gave her an understanding smile.

"Rant all you'd like, I'm always willing to listen so long as you don't rant my ears off. I'm sorry for what you've been through, though I'm sure you've grown stronger from the experience. Look on the brighter side, you taught those three that you're one female they shouldn't mess with. Remind me to never mess with you.

Perhaps I should thank the three hoodlums though, for not hurting you as then we would have never met you," he finished as his navy blue eyes sparkled with life as he gazed at her warmly.

"Why would anyone do such a thing?" Her lips curled in disgust at the thought of Hazel's parents leaving her to, potentially, her death. If it weren't for Hei, she may not even be alive.
"Well," she frowned, then smiled at him warmly. "I must thank you for being such a brave, selfless wolf and taking her in. If you hadn't done so, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting either of you, most likely."

Hei went back to a mildly serious expression.

"Things happen. No one is a saint although I do dislike her mother for leaving Hazel on her own. I can say that it was out of pity that I first took her in but as time passed I grew to love her as my own. Pleasure is all mine and I should be the one thanking you for being as kind as to stay and humor the little one," he told her with a chuckle but he could already see that she was getting tired and as he glanced at where Hazel was he could see that no matter how energetic she was, the young coydog was also beginning to tire.

It's just a shame she hasn't had a mother. I don't know what I'd have done without mine," she murmured, glancing at Hei. She hesitated for a moment before rolling onto her back to stretch out her legs, then rolling back onto her side so she was facing the male.
"I hope you don't mind, but I might see if I can get some sleep. I'm exhausted,"

Hei shook his head as he watched her get comfortable under the shade of the three she was sharing with him. A chuckle escaped from his lips as he watched Hazel come walking slowly back from her romp.

"No please rest. I can see that you deserve one. And it seems you won't be alone," he smiled as Hazel walked up to them.

The young pup was panting as she gave Hei a tired but bright smile and then walked over to where Kato was and situated herself next to Kato's chest and belly, curling up and promptly falling asleep.

Hei smiled at the picture in front of him, the image of Hazel and Kato, looking like a mother and daughter resting together. The warmth in his eyes were unmistakable as he chuckled softly.

"Sleep in peace, rest assured that I will allow no harm to come to either of you," he told them as he remained awake and alert, keeping his eyes scouring the area for any signs of trouble or danger.

[toki333]

OOC -- Don't mind me. Just busy aww'ing at Hazel. :love1: Oh, and I hope you don't mind but I skipped time a bit to when she wakes up from sleeping. If it's a problem just let me know and I can edit. P:

"You'd be surprised that the saying doesn't apply to all. And I wouldn't say you're not special. Hazel and I have met many females along our journey so far and none of them have as strong of a reaction from her as she had with you. Don't count yourself out yet, there may be more to you than meets the eye,"

Kato could feel her cheeks heating up under her fur and she looked away coyly, her tail twitching slightly with content. She couldn't understand why Hazel had taken such a liking to her. She treated her as she would any other pup - and there was nothing special about the way she did it.

Something about Hazel was different, and she knew it. While she couldn't quite put a paw on what exactly that uniqueness was, she could see she was, as Hei had put it to her earlier, 'special'. Still. Small details like that didn't matter. She was lovely whoever and whatever she was, and it was clear that Hei was very fond of her.
Kato smiled to herself. She liked that in a male - a family orientated side. It was just the females' job to bring up the pups, after all.

"By all means do stay, it has been far too long since I've had good company besides Hazel, almost forgot how to talk to people. And I'm pretty positive Hazel has been fed up with having old me around for company, it'll be good for her to have someone new, someone refreshing and of course female,"

"I haven't had too much pleasant interaction with other wolves myself, so maybe the socialising will do us both some good?" She smiled enthusiastically, before smirking. "And old? How old, exactly, is old?"
He didn't look old. He looked in his prime, though was most likely a little older than Kato - especially considering how he seemed to be so full of wisdom.

She felt a pang of sympathy for Hazel. It must be difficult growing up without a solid mother figure in her life. Again, she couldn't understand why a mother would do such a thing, but then she'd never been in a difficult situation where she'd had to think not only of herself but her pups. Maybe, given the circumstances, abandonning her had been the only choice if both of them were to have a chance of surviving?
She didn't know, so kept quiet. She doubted neither Hei nor Hazel knew the reason behind the female's actions, so there was no point in bringing up the matter.

"Oh believe me, she won't be needing me much when she's older. I may try to fend them off, but more likely she can handle her own, I can see it. She's a tough one, probably will berate me for treating her like a pup if I did try to help chase off suitors. Mark my words though the male she chooses better be good enough for her,"

"Independent!" She mirrored his laugh. "I like it!"

She was beginning to feel perfectly at ease around the pair now. Hazel was hard not to like, and Hei was...different to how she expected. A good listener and a thoughtful talker. She could already see herself becoming good friends with him if she stuck around which, the more she thought about it, she was tempted to do. Still, time would tell if she would or wouldn't.

"Well I'm sure if they ever did they'd probably end up regreting the day they were born. They'll be annoyed half to death with Hazel and then we have you who can handle her own and I can always beat a little sense into youngsters,"

She smiled at his reassurance, her tail thudding happily on the ground and she watched him, taking in his words. She'd hate to think that, should they have found her, they would bring Hei and Hazel into it. She didn't want them involved, and possibly hurt. She kept silent though, merely nodding to show her appreciation. They probably would end up regreting the day they were born - not least because if everything went her way, they'd all be running away with their manhoods missing and their tails tucked firmly between their legs. Bastards.

"Rant all you'd like, I'm always willing to listen so long as you don't rant my ears off. I'm sorry for what you've been through, though I'm sure you've grown stronger from the experience. Look on the brighter side, you taught those three that you're one female they shouldn't mess with. Remind me to never mess with you."

"I wouldn't have thought you'd even dream of picking a fight with me!" Kato teased, feigning surprise. "I'd have thought you a better judge of character than to mess with a girl like myself!"
She smiled to let him know she was joking. "But you're right. I have grown stronger. For one thing I suppose I should learn to run in the future, instead of turn and confront my attackers. I should stop being so proud." She pouted slightly, mulling things over, before giving a light shrug and staring back at him, distracted for a moment by his dancing navy blue eyes before she shook her head to clear it and looked away again.

"Perhaps I should thank the three hoodlums though, for not hurting you as then we would have never met you,"[/quote]

She smiled at him gratefully, then went back to watching the playing Hazel. Just because she'd gotten away didn't mean to say they hadn't hurt her. She knew she'd most likely never shake off the memory of the events, and at the time she'd been a mess of emotions, and her neck was still tender from them holding her...but she wasn't one to beg pity from others. She'd never needed sympathy the rest of her life, so why should she seek it now? She had a feeling, too, that despite his apparent friendly nature, Hei wasn't the sort to take kindly to those who wallowed in their own self-pity and sorrow.

"Things happen. No one is a saint although I do dislike her mother for leaving Hazel on her own. I can say that it was out of pity that I first took her in but as time passed I grew to love her as my own. Pleasure is all mine and I should be the one thanking you for being as kind as to stay and humor the little one,"

Again, she couldn't help but smile in response to his words, despite the slight seriousness to their conversation.
"No need to thank me," she said, not taking her eyes off the now-tiring Hazel. She'd be sound asleep soon, no doubt, if she succeeded in wearing herself out enough. "She could probably do with a bit of female company. I'm happy enough to provide that for her while I can."

"No please rest. I can see that you deserve one. And it seems you won't be alone," he smiled as Hazel walked up to them.

The young pup was panting as she gave Hei a tired but bright smile and then walked over to where Kato was and situated herself next to Kato's chest and belly, curling up and promptly falling asleep.

Kato managed a small smile as she could feel herself drifting off to sleep, and yawned widely as Hazel came and curled up beside her. She shuffled slightly so that the pup was snuggled into her fur, then licked her lips and let herself slip off to sleep, not hearing Hei's last words.


---


A few hours later Kato woke. It was dark - though not much light seemed to reach the rainforest floor anyway - and as she sat up she stared around looking for Hei. Hazel was still asleep, no doubt having exhausted what had seemed like her endless energy store. Kato gave her a tender lick on the head, careful not to wake her, before crossing over to where Hei was.
"That feels better," she smiled at him and stretched, grunting as she could feel the muscles in her body waking up and her back and neck clicking. She glanced back at Hazel, then frowned.
"I meant to ask you earlier..." she said slowly, "Hazel's not a wolf, is she?"
She looked at Hei with genuine interest - no hostility, or amusement. Hopefully he wouldn't take offense in her asking, as she had gotten the impression that he was protective of the pup, but curiosity had gotten the better of her. She wanted to know more about the pairs past so that she could try and piece together what sort of individuals they were. While she liked what she saw so far, she knew full well some people were able to be quite deceitful when it came to getting strangers to like them. If she was to stay, she wanted to make sure that what she saw was what she got.

[K.A.T]

Hei silently watched the two sleep, his navy blue eyes soft as he gazed at them.

He chuckled at what Kato said to him earlier.

"I wouldn't have thought you'd even dream of picking a fight with me!" Kato teased, feigning surprise. "I'd have thought you a better judge of character than to mess with a girl like myself!"

Honestly, he had taken a liking to the female wolf. She was special indeed. Different than any others he had met along the way. She gave off a sense of vitality and acceptance, humorous and considerate and yet still had a tough edge to her.

So complex this girl was...and that's what drew him to her.


But of course he told himself not to fall for her. He pinned her age to around 2 years old, he was more than double her age, not like she would like an old-timer like himself anyway. He was way too old for her. He doubt he was likely to find a mate anyway with the way he was.

He could see Kato with someone younger, a young male who could rival her fire or tame it..


...No....

He couldn't see Kato's flame being tamed, kindled, but not tamed, she was not someone who could be tamed, and he liked that. She had life...something that he saw in Hazel too.


Like a guardian, he watched over the two and took in the serenity their picture gave him and smiled to himself as he continued to gaze.

If only he could provide that kind of life to Hazel, the kind she unconsciously yearned for. It was obvious that Hazel liked Kato a lot and liked the idea of having the female wolf for a mother....

Only time would tell what Kato would decide to do and if what she decided to do affected Hei and Hazel.


----------------------------


Hei was gazing at the setting sun and darkening sky as he heard rustling noises from the other side and turned his dark head so that his eyes settled on Kato's waking form. The rainforest provided a ton of shade for them and soon the nights would get chilly and they would have to find shelter in a cave soon.

Luckily Hei had spotted one earlier and left very quickly to investigate it, mark it, and then return to the two sleeping beauties before anything could happen to them.

He quietly watched the tender lick that Kato gave Hazel, maneuvered herself around the little pup and came over to him with a fresh look on her face.

Seems the nap did her well.

"That feels better,"

Hei chuckled as he gazed at the younger female.

"I'll bet, you look better already. Oh and to answer your previous question about my age, I'm 6 years old. I am old, but that's minor details. I'm glad to see you feeling better," he told her thinking that perhaps telling her his age would put a small line between then that neither could cross.

They were just to be friends (lol not gonna happen ) and he didn't want to destroy her chances of finding a more suitable mate with old him around.

"I meant to ask you earlier..." she said slowly, "Hazel's not a wolf, is she?"

Her question did shock him alright. His blue eyes widened slightly as he looked at the intuitive female wolf and then went speechless for a moment thinking of how to answer her.

Hei certainly didn't want to lie to Kato yet at the same time didn't want to break Hazel's heart in case Kato left them because of trivial details.

A moment of silence passed between the two and Hei glanced at Kato to read her expression.

She looked...simply curious...not spiteful...not suspicious...just wanting to know who they were.....perhaps it was time to trust again?

Hei sighed as he turned to set his now serious blue eyes on Kato.

"Kato....understand that I'm trusting you, that I'm about to let you into our hearts, Hazel and mine. This is not something that I easily tell people because it usually ends up with both of us getting hurt and rejected. I am hoping you are the kind of person I think you are, but underestand that I will not forgive you if you use this information against us," he warned her with saddened yet determined eyes.

He was opening himself and Hazel to her, trusting Kato to be the understanding person Hei thought she was. If not...well....what was he expecting?

"No...Hazel is not a wolf...and neither am I, completely that is. The little one is actually a coydog, a mix between a male coyote and female dog. Her mother was a village dog, I'm guessing and her father a wild coyote. That is the reason behind her unusual appearance. I myself am part coyote. I am a Red Wolf and Eastern wolf mix and in that blood runs the blood of coyotes.

I don't tell others this easily as, if you can guess, full blooded wolves are not too keen on mixed breeds. They are very prideful creatures that value themselves greatly. Not all mind you, but many look down upon coyotes and those not fully wolves. Hazel and I have gotten many derogatory comments and looks of disgust because of what we are.

And you? Are you like them Kato? Or are you different than the rest?" he finished and seared her with his sharp blue eyes, eyes that held saddness in them from remembering previous encounters with wolves and then anxiety as he awaited her answer but his eyes showed that he hoped she was indeed different, that perhaps he finally met someone who could understand them both.

[toki333]

Kato smiled at Hei's chuckle, and shivered to shake the dew droplets from her fur. Every part of her felt more awake, refreshed now. While she still ached from her exhaustion and mild injuries, she felt much better now she was rested. And apparently, that showed.

"I'll bet, you look better already. Oh and to answer your previous question about my age, I'm 6 years old. I am old, but that's minor details. I'm glad to see you feeling better,"

"Why thank you," she grinned, batting her eyes at him playfully as she sat down. She nodded when he gave his age. Old? That wasn't old. Sure, he was old enough to be her parent, but you were only as old as you felt, right? Besides, he looked fit and in his prime - not a grey hair in sight! "You're not old," she reassured him. "And if it's any consolation, age isn't something I take into consideration when it comes to friends."


At his response to her question she frowned. What? Had he thought she wouldn't notice, or wouldn't want her curiosity satisfied? His reaction was confirmation enough, though, that her assumptions were correct- unless his sighing and eye-widening was down to him being so insulted that she could even let such a thought enter her head. It didn't matter, really, what species Hazel was. She could have been a rabbit for all Kato cared - the pup had shown her kindness and understanding, and she was more than happy to return that favour.

"Kato....understand that I'm trusting you, that I'm about to let you into our hearts, Hazel and mine. This is not something that I easily tell people because it usually ends up with both of us getting hurt and rejected. I am hoping you are the kind of person I think you are, but underestand that I will not forgive you if you use this information against us,"

She frowned, wondering why he looked so sad and sounded so cautious, frightened. Was her question really that much of a big thing to him?

"I...I know," she nodded. "Why would I ever turn against you because of who you are?"

She waited for his answer, listening carefully.

"No...Hazel is not a wolf...and neither am I, completely that is. The little one is actually a coydog, a mix between a male coyote and female dog. Her mother was a village dog, I'm guessing and her father a wild coyote. That is the reason behind her unusual appearance. I myself am part coyote. I am a Red Wolf and Eastern wolf mix and in that blood runs the blood of coyotes.

I don't tell others this easily as, if you can guess, full blooded wolves are not too keen on mixed breeds. They are very prideful creatures that value themselves greatly. Not all mind you, but many look down upon coyotes and those not fully wolves. Hazel and I have gotten many derogatory comments and looks of disgust because of what we are.

And you? Are you like them Kato? Or are you different than the rest?"

Well, perhaps that explained why her mother had left her. If Hazel's mother was a village dog, perhaps she was in a circumstance where she couldn't keep her pup. If it was a choice between keeping her offspring and having humans kill them, or leaving them to their own defences and giving them a small chance at survival, Kato was sure she would chose the latter.

Her eyes widened slightly when Hei admitted to being part coyote. She hadn't though he was. She said nothing though until he was finished, and when he stared at her with his thoughtful blue eyes she felt her stomach flip with nerves.

Did he really think she was shallow enough to reject someone on account of their bloodline? The idea that he'd judge her as such hurt. She tried to see things from his point of view: they'd been travelling around and had been put down on multiple occasions by others who looked down on them fo who they were. They - or Hei at least - probably found it difficult to trust others because of that, in the same way she knew she would find it hard to trust others - particularly males - because of her experiences.

Well, maybe it was time they proved each other wrong. Hei was not a bad male she was sure. He would never hurt her, and he understood her, or so she thought. And she would not judge them because of them being part coyote.
The very idea of her walking off now because of him revealing this made a small smile break out across her face. She turned her bright green eyes on him, and gently lifted her paw and placed it on his reassuringly.

"I'm slightly insulted that you think me shallow and cold enough to reject you because of who you are," she feigned offense, but her smile soon faded as she leant forwards and gave him a soft lick on the cheek. "I'm not like the others," she added seriously, looking him in the eye to make sure he knew how sincere she was. "I promise you."

She removed her paw from rested on his and glanced over her shoulder at Hazel. Her stomach rumbled slightly and she grinned sheepishly at Hei. "Do you hunt, or do you scavenge? Because either way I think I'm going to need to get some food," she changed the subject quickly, not wanting to linger on a topic that obviously pained Hei to talk about. Anger niggled at her at the thought of them being treated so poorly just because of their bloodline. Still, perhaps her sticking around would prove to them that not everyone was bad - and in each other they could find good friends.

[K.A.T]

Being with Kato made Hei happy, he realized. For many months now, he hadn't really had another to talk to about more serious subjects that Hazel was too young for.

During his time in Han's pack, he remembered speaking to only one elderly wolf for some time and even that one turned against him when he found out about Hei's bloodline.

Talking to Kato, laughing and smiling with her, even being a bit playful--it filled the gap in his heart.

He hoped that perhaps she would stay longer with them, he found himself rapidly growing fond of her.

That fondness though might prove to be some problems in the future.....

....especially....

....if Kato stuck around long enough for heat......

"Why thank you," she grinned, batting her eyes at him playfully as she sat down. She nodded when he gave his age. "You're not old," she reassured him. "And if it's any consolation, age isn't something I take into consideration when it comes to friends."

Her personality was so refreshing to him, so much like Hazel's; it brought a smile to his usually glum face.

He returned her playful look and grinned as she replied to his age. Sometimes he even forgot his age, believe it or not when he was around Hazel since he usually felt like he was 3 or 4 instead of 6. It was probably due to the fact that he made sure he was in tip top shape so he could protect Hazel at all times.

Some use he would be if he was a rickety old wolf who could barely move and had a bulging belly. Thank goodness he wasn't. That would be some impression if he met Kato looking like that....

A smile graced his dark face when she told him he wasn't old that that age didn't matter with friends.

He wondered if the same applied to relationships. More than likely she didn't mind the fact that a friend of hers was 6 years old but when considering a long time commitment...probably not.

Hei mentally berated himself for thinking such thoughts. It had been a long time since he was in a grown female's presence...seems like he was still a young boy inside.

"Then I am honored to be in your company. It's not everday you find younger wolves in the presence of older ones. Young ones these days *sigh playfully*. You are special, proving it with everything you say," he told her with a playful wink and then a hearty chuckle.

She turned her bright green eyes on him, and gently lifted her paw and placed it on his reassuringly.

"I'm slightly insulted that you think me shallow and cold enough to reject you because of who you are," she feigned offense, but her smile soon faded as she leant forwards and gave him a soft lick on the cheek. "I'm not like the others," she added seriously, looking him in the eye to make sure he knew how sincere she was. "I promise you."

Her movement surprised him a bit as he looked down at her grey paw over his black one. The simple action warmed him greatly, more than he could ever imagine.

Her reaction to his secret made the side of his mouth twitch for a smile. It was the first time the person he told felt insulted and not him. Usually when he told someone it ended up with him and Hazel being insulted. A turn of events it surely was.

"I deeply apologize for my rudeness. I didn't mean any offense to you, I really hoped that you would be different--and I'm glad that I thought right," he said with a hint of playfulness as he relished the contact they had between them.

What surprised him even more was when she leaned closer to him and gave him a soft lick on his dark cheeck. It left him speechless for a moment as he just took in her action. It was the first sigh of affection and kindness from someone other than Hazel he ever had.

Unconsiously a small tiny blush decorated his dark cheeks afterward as he looked into her bright green eyes. A smile, completely genuine, warm, thankful smile appeared on his face as he gazed at her.

"You have no idea how glad that makes me feel. To know that you accept us when others don't. Thank you Kato," he said to her as he leaned forward and down slightly to press his nose gently against her cheek in a sort of wolfish kiss.

He pulled away from her, the blush still there but soon disappearing due to his dark fur color.

"Do you hunt, or do you scavenge? Because either way I think I'm going to need to get some food,"

He chuckled as he heard her stomach rumble and then missed the feeling of her paw on his but pushed the thought aside as he looked at her.

Before he could open his mouth though a tiny yawn interrupted him and he turned to see Hazel waking up, stretching her little bum in the air as she flexed her claws, tongue hanging out in her yawn and then smacked her lips, fluttering her eyes awake as she turned to the two.

Upon seeing Hei she smiled brightly but seeing Kato Hazel flew into ecstatics and ran to them.

"Yay you're still here! I was afraid you would have left us, but thank goodness you didn't!!!" she said bouncing up and down and being way to energetic after a nap.

Hei laughed as he stood to his full height, which was only 9cm taller than Kato, he wasn't even average height for wolves yet considering he had the smaller Red wolf, Eastern wolf and coyote genes in his DNA.

"I'd say hunt. Looks like all three of us will need it," he said as he heard a small growl from Hazel's stomach, to which she looked sheepishly for, and then he turned to Kato.

"Shall we then?" he asked her as he started walking and Hazel ran so that she could be in between Hei and Kato, a bright grin on her face, saying that she enjoyed the feeling of having a family again.

[toki333]

Kato could help but return the warm smile that seemed to grow on his face in response to her saying anything. It was nice to be in good company again. She hadn't felt that sort of companionship since she'd been with her birth pack - though no doubt he'd been without good, adult company for a while longer than her. Maybe if she stayed their friendship - or at least, she thought it was a friendship - would develop into something else.

Did she like that idea?

She supposed she did. It wouldn't be so bad, she supposed. And Hazel needed a mum, she could tell. Hei was no doubt finding it incredibly hard raising her on his own with a female's touch, and Hazel probably yearned for a mother figure. She'd be happy to be that figure, and they seemed more than happy to let her.

Still, she had to stop getting ahead of herself. She'd known them for a few hours at the most. These things took time - days, weeks, months, years even! She was trying to make life decisions in a matter of hours.

"Then I am honored to be in your company. It's not everday you find younger wolves in the presence of older ones. Young ones these days *sigh playfully*. You are special, proving it with everything you say," he told her with a playful wink and then a hearty chuckle.

"The honour is all mine," she bowed her head slightly, blushing slightly.


She bit back a laugh at his reaction to her words and actions, and couldn't help but chuckle slightly when she could see a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. Obviously her response was not what he had been expecting.

"I deeply apologize for my rudeness. I didn't mean any offense to you, I really hoped that you would be different--and I'm glad that I thought right," he said with a hint of playfulness as he relished the contact they had between them.

"I'm teasing," she assured him, grinning broadly. Though, she was touched he had hoped she was different. That at least meant he wanted her to stick around, and thought highly of her. She felt slightly smug at the idea. Were they falling for each other?

She chuckled at the sight of a small blush on his cheeks, partially masked by his dark fur, and grinned triumphantly to herself at his apparent dumb-struck state.

"You have no idea how glad that makes me feel. To know that you accept us when others don't. Thank you Kato,"

"Really, you've no need to thank me," she smiled awkwardly. It was her turn to brush as he leaned forward, his nose pressing against the side of her face, and she felt her tail wagging slightly from the show of affection. Obviously he hadn't minded her previous actions.

Did this count as flirting?

She arched an eyebrow at her thoughts. If it was, did this mean this - whatever 'this' was - would go further?

She looked around as she heard a small yawn, smiling fondly as she saw Hazel waking up. She stretched, yawning widely as she forced herself awake. Kato laughed as, once she was spotted, Hazel bounding over to them, her energy levels obviously fully restored once more. How pups managed to keep going with such bouciness was beyond her... She'd probably been like it herself, too, when she was younger.

"Yay you're still here! I was afraid you would have left us, but thank goodness you didn't!!!"

"Of course I'm still here," she batted the pup playfully, nudging her with her nose. "Besides, do you really think I'd leave without saying goodbye?" If she left at all, that was. She was growing so fond of them both she doubted she'd have the mind to walk off and leave them. And how could she disappoint Hazel like that? "You can't get rid of me that easily," she flashed the pup a grin.

"I'd say hunt. Looks like all three of us will need it," he said as he heard a small growl from Hazel's stomach, to which she looked sheepishly for, and then he turned to Kato.

"Shall we then?" he asked her as he started walking and Hazel ran so that she could be in between Hei and Kato, a bright grin on her face, saying that she enjoyed the feeling of having a family again.

She laughed softly at Hazel's rumbling stomach and she nodded to Hei. "Sounds good to me. Don't know what there is to eat around here, mind you," she shrugged light-heartedly and paused to sniff the air and try and pick up the scent of something edible. As Hei started walking she followed with Hazel running in between them. She looked so happy...

"I was wondering..." she started, trying to stifle the smile she could feel threatening to break her now serious expression. "If you two wouldn't mind me staying for a bit longer than I originally planned...?"
She glanced at Hei, smiled briefly, before turning to Hazel. "Does that sound good to you?"

[K.A.T]

Hei really wondered, if, and only if, his and Kato's relationship got better, as in if they remained friends for a while, would it progress? It was now on his mind the more he thought about it.

He was six years old already. When he was younger the question of his single status had never bothered him much but once he hit five years he started wondering if he would ever find a girl that he loved to such an extent.

The problem was, he had a trust issue with girls. There was one female he did like when he was three years old and she had told him she liked him too until he told her that he had coyote blood and she all just gave him the ugliest look she could muster, smack him in the face with her tail and go running to the next male waiting.

That kind of ruined his trust of females and of love. But he felt, he knew Kato wasn't like that and truthfully, now that he knew she wouldn't reject him or Hazel due to their blood, he was beginning to wonder if she could come to like him in such a way.

Well they certainly got along well, they had a nice chemistry between them. Friendly and not afraid to tease but they were understanding of each other, which he valued greatly in any relationship.

"The honour is all mine," she bowed her head slightly, blushing slightly.

He smiled at her when he noticed her cute blushed and chuckled as he thought how adorable she was. If only he could hug her but he didn't dare move so fast as he was afraid that would scare her away. He didn't want to lose her, that was one thing Hei was determined to do.

Hei valued their friendship greatly and if Kato wanted to just remain friends, Hei would respect that, he could keep an unrequited love, that was no problem for him, just as long as she was happy, so was he.

"I'm teasing," she assured him, grinning broadly.

As they walked in search of prey, he chuckled as he turned his sparkling blue eyes to her. His blue eyes had been glum but now they were full of life as he gazed at her with humor glittering in them.

"Well I hope you are. I'd hate to make you angry and I'm smart enough not to try m'lady," he told her as he gave her a grin which showed off his pearly white fangs.

Hazel walked between then and was giggling to herself as she saw how well Hei and Kato were getting along and wondered if their relationship even needed her help.

"Really, you've no need to thank me,"

Hazel was having fun weaving between his long legs again as he glanced at Kato, looking away from Hazel for a moment.

"I want to thank you though. I want express my gratitude and saying thanks is a way I think I can," he told her with a genuine smile as he then returned his attention to Hazel so he wouldn't step on her but knew the small coydog was smart enough to avoid being stepped on by him.

Hazel was ahead of him as she stopped weaving between his legs and walked closer to Kato as she smiled up at the female wolf.

"Hei doesn't usually say thanks to people, so him saying it to you must mean you're special to him," she said, pushing the subject further enough to make Hei look away and a tiny pink laced his dark cheeks again but soon they disappeared as he masked his embarrassment.

Trust Hazel to give him away.

"Of course I'm still here," she batted the pup playfully, nudging her with her nose. "Besides, do you really think I'd leave without saying goodbye?" "You can't get rid of me that easily,"

Hazel giggled as she walked next to Kato and smiled to brightly up at her it seemed like the sun was shining even though it was dark.

"Hehe that's good to know. I'm not done having fun yet and I want you to stick around more," she said and then beckoned Kato down to her level.

"Psst, and just so you know, I'm sure Hei likes having you around too," the little female whispered and then giggled.

Hei looked over at them with a playful suspicious look on his face.

"Hazel what are you telling Kato? Not something embarrasing is it?" he asked her with a wink of his eye as they continued to walk further into the forest which was good since the cave was this way.

"Sounds good to me. Don't know what there is to eat around here, mind you,"

Hei nodded his head as he lead them further into the forest until a moderately sized cave was in sight of them, across a little stream that ran through the forest.

"See that cave over there? That's where we'll stay for a while until we figure out where we're going I guess. Our shelter for now that I marked while you two were sleeping to secure a safe place. Now as for good, I'm pretty sure they should be some wild pig around here, you up for a hunt Kato? Those piggies aren't easy to take down mind you, but you can take then right?" he asked her with a hint of mischief in his eyes as he looked at her.

"I was wondering..." she started, trying to stifle the smile she could feel threatening to break her now serious expression. "If you two wouldn't mind me staying for a bit longer than I originally planned...?"
She glanced at Hei, smiled briefly, before turning to Hazel. "Does that sound good to you?"

Hazel jumped at the thought of Kato staying longer and practically jumped at Kato, scrambling up the female wolf's back and then bouncing slightly on her back as she looked ready to explode from joy that Hei let out a bark of laughter at the sight of the young girl.

"Stay stay stay!!!! Oh please do stay Kato!!! She can stay right Hei?" the young coydog turned her vibrant bright blue eyes on to her dark companion and her tail was wagging up a storm, her tongue lolling as she awaited his response.

Hei chuckled at the sight and nodded his head.

"I don't see why not. Do stay Kato, as long as you wish, we'll always welcome you into our circle. Now then," he paused as a small growl sounded and he turned his eyes to Hazel who was blushing and laughing on Kato's back.

"Seems more than one of us are hungry so let's go hunt. Hazel, stay close to either one of us and don't get trampled," Hei said as he took a quick drink from the cool stream, licked his dark muzzle and waited for them to follow him towards where he knew wild pigs hid.

[toki333]

Kato watched Hei carefully as they walked, trying to keep her glances as subtle as possible. He seemed to be thinking (and deeply at that) the majority of the time. She only wished she knew what exactly he was thinking about. Was it her?

She dismissed the idea with a shake of the head. No. He was probably busy occupying his mind on what they were going to eat, which was a good idea. Her stomach rumbled again and she grimaced to herself. It had been a while since she'd had a decent meal. She'd refused to eat anything those bastards brought her a day or so before she managed to run, as some sort of stubborn fasting protest. She'd achieved nothing by doing so, and her belly was making her live to regret not eating anything since. Her stomach felt like a hollow dead-weight with nothing but water in it, and she knew that to heal, grow strong again and return to old self she'd have to eat plenty.

She smiled back at Hei when he noticed the look he was giving her. He sure did seem to be pondering something very carefully.

"Well I hope you are. I'd hate to make you angry and I'm smart enough not to try m'lady,"

"M'lady," she grinned widely, "I've never been called that before." She shot him a devilish look, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "And I know you're smart. Hopefully you'll follow your head and heart, and not what's between your legs - else I might have to give you a thorough ass-kicking."

She glanced down at Hazel, wincing when she remembered the pup was there. She'd have to watch her language around the little one. Still she seemed quite happy walking in between them, staring up at them and giggling adorably. She felt her heart melt slightly at the sight of her: how could anyone give up someone so precious?

"I want to thank you though. I want express my gratitude and saying thanks is a way I think I can,"

-

"Hei doesn't usually say thanks to people, so him saying it to you must mean you're special to him,"

Kato smirked at Hazel's words, raising an eyebrow at Hei inquisitively. "Oh really?" She teased playfully. "Well I'm honoured to be regarded so highgly by him. But he should learn some manners if he doesn't say 'thank you' very often."
She felt a smile beginning to twitch at her lips, but she managed to keep a straight, serious face. She was interested to see what his reaction would be to her taunts.

"Hehe that's good to know. I'm not done having fun yet and I want you to stick around more," she said and then beckoned Kato down to her level.

"Well we'll have plenty of time for fun, that's for sure," she assured her sincerely, her tail wagging steadily. It was the first time she'd felt happy in a while. Not just content, but actually HAPPY. She wasn't worried about anything and she had found solid companionship. And perhaps with that companionship, maybe a family of her own. She'd be glad to step in and act as a mother for Hazel, it was just Hei she had yet to make a decision on. She didn't want to intrude on his life, make him feel like she was taking over, so she would keep her distance for a little while. Though she was sure he wanted nothing more than for Hazel to have that feminine figure in her life that she so needed, they had in all reality only just met. It would be...odd to rush things, she thought. That, and as Hazel had put it, Hei was like a dad to her. The youngster might start to get the wrong idea about Hei and Kato's relationship should they both start acting like parents to her.

But then...was that such a bad thing? He was a nice guy, as much as she could tell from what she already knew, and it was evident he was good with pups, a dedicated father and a good listener - what more could a female want in a mate, really?

She shook the idea from her head as Hazel beckoned to her, and she bent down slightly so that she could whisper in her ear.

"Psst, and just so you know, I'm sure Hei likes having you around too," the little female whispered and then giggled.

Kato grinned at her words. "Well I'm glad to hear that," she nodded in response. She caught Hei's suspicious look and her smile broadened sheepishly, her tail wagging frantically.

"Hazel what are you telling Kato? Not something embarrasing is it?"

"Oh, you'd be mortified if you knew what she'd told me!" She nudged Hazel playfully with her foot, indicating for her to play a long with the joke. But in all seriousness, she wondered if Hazel really was reading into something that wasn't there between them...

...or whether Kato herself wasn't picking up on the obvious signs?

She continued to follow Hei further into the forest towards a homely looking cave across a stream flowing in front of their path, stopping for a moment to admire it.

"See that cave over there? That's where we'll stay for a while until we figure out where we're going I guess. Our shelter for now that I marked while you two were sleeping to secure a safe place."

She nodded, smiling in approval at his taste of shelter. She didn't mind where she slept when it came down to it, but this place did look far more appealing than the majority of places she'd slept before.

"Now as for good, I'm pretty sure they should be some wild pig around here, you up for a hunt Kato? Those piggies aren't easy to take down mind you, but you can take then right?"

Kato puffed her chest out proudly, standing up to her full height - though she was still several inches shorter than Hei.
"Me? Take down some pigs? Piece of cake!" She teased him back, walking past him and brushing her tail over his shoulders and wafting it in his face playfully as she went. She stopped at the stream and dipped her head to it, lapping at the water. She looked up again, licking the water droplets from around her muzzle with her pink tongue, laughing lightly as she watched Hazel bouncing around at her proposal of staying longer. She took that as a 'yes', then.


She just about managed to stifle a yelp, which was a mixture of pain and surprise, as the pup scrambled up her back, jumping up and down playfully. She ground her teeth together at the feeling with Hazel's paws pressing into her sore neck, shoulders and hips.

"I don't see why not. Do stay Kato, as long as you wish, we'll always welcome you into our circle. Now then,"

"Thanks," she said through gritted teeth, forcing a smile. She sat down, allowing Hazel to tumble off her back, and sighed with relief once the pain subsided again. She'd have to be careful if it was going to get bad like that, especially around Hei and Hazel. She didn't want their sympathy nor their care. The less they knew about what had happened and the less they interfered, the better. She could just heal and move on that way.

"Seems more than one of us are hungry so let's go hunt. Hazel, stay close to either one of us and don't get trampled,"

She padded after Hei, quite happy to let him lead the way. She smiled at Hazel, motioning with her head for her to follow them. At the thought of food her mouth watered slightly. Oh, she could almost taste it...

"I haven't hunted in a while, just so you know," she explained to Hei. "So if I'm a little rusty..." she shrugged, smiling diffidently at him and blushing slightly.

[K.A.T]

Hei had a feeling that Kato went through some trouble before she met him and Hazel, and from the looks of her, she was hungry, hadn't eaten in a while, weak and tired. But he could also tell that she didn't want pity or anyone to know.

Since he was a very analytical person, he read her like a book but to respect her wishes he didn't say anything about it in front of Hazel and he probably wouldn't anyway since he liked her independence very much but if he got to a point where it was evident she was hurting, he would help her no doubt.

Right now though, Kato looked like she just need a big fat juicy pig to fill up her empty belly.

He could grant her than much.

"M'lady," she grinned widely, "I've never been called that before." She shot him a devilish look, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "And I know you're smart. Hopefully you'll follow your head and heart, and not what's between your legs - else I might have to give you a thorough ass-kicking."

A smile appeared on Hei's face as he sniffed around for some prey and listened to her speak. Her voice was very soothing to him and he enjoyed listening to the sound of her. He caught her devilish look and smirked at her slightly with a chuckle.

And thankfully Hazel was too busy sniffing the ground to have paid attention to what Kato had said, otherwise she'd be asking questions.

"Oh don't you worry about that m'lady. I am in perfect control of my body, my brain and heart dominate and the little one down south is thoroughly whipped into shape," he chuckled as he winked at her playfully.

A little flirting could never hurt right? It felt nice to just exchange playful words like that with a hint that he liked her. Of course he liked her, he found her very charming and attractive but he kept it to a minimum since he didn't want to scare her off.

"Oh really?" She teased playfully. "Well I'm honoured to be regarded so highgly by him. But he should learn some manners if he doesn't say 'thank you' very often."

This caused Hei to laugh as he shook his head at them.

"Really? I do not have manners? I say my please and thank yous....in my head....and with my eyes....so I'm good right?" he told them playing along and then turned away from then in search of the piggies.

"Well we'll have plenty of time for fun, that's for sure,"

"Well I'm glad to hear that,"

Hazel giggled as she beckoned her again and whispered into Kato's ear something that perhaps might get some gears clicking together.

"Oh for the record, I think Hei..likes..you," she said and then laughed, bouncing off and around and then came running back to Kato and winked at the older female.

"Trust me, I'm never wrong," she said as she stuck her tongue to the side of her mouth cutely and winked.

"Oh, you'd be mortified if you knew what she'd told me!"

Hei turned around and pretended to give both of them suspicious looks, especially eyeing Hazel but then smirking and turning away.

"Hmm I know I'll be mortified by anything she says about me. No secret of mine is secret with that little one, the snoop knows everything about me, I just can't hide it from her," he said with a chuckle as he spotted a small group of piggies in the distance.

Hazel grinned up at Kato while Hei had his back turned to them.

"See, I told you, he's embarrassed now," she said and then bounced off to stand next to Hei, looking out to see where he was looking.

"Oh I see dinner dead ahead!" she said and Hei had to shush her to calm the little girl down.
"Oh oops right, sorry," she said sheepishly as her ears flattened and she blushed at how her loud voice would scare their dinner away.

"Me? Take down some pigs? Piece of cake!"

Hei beckoned her over and pointed to where the wild pigs were.

"Those pigs are no joke, they've got ugly tusks and hairy snouts, you sure you don't want me to bring one to you m'lady?" he asked jokingly as he was sure she would insist she catch one herself.

"I haven't hunted in a while, just so you know," she explained to Hei. "So if I'm a little rusty..." she shrugged, smiling diffidently at him and blushing slightly.

Hei leaned down and looked into her eyes, a mischievous glint in their navy blue depts.

"Oh don't worry. I'll be sure to catch you if you fall...of if you land on your butt. And even if you did I'm sure you'd still be beautiful," he said and then turned away as he started stalking closer to the piggies that were ahead of them.

The closer they got the more they could see of the wild pigs, which in reality looked more like wild boars and Hei was right...they were ugly and looked vicious.

Their ivory tusks were ugly, some green mold growing on them and their eyes were yellow and beady as they greedily munched on the shrubbery and grass growing around them

Hazel stuck close to Hei's side and the grasses nearly hid her perfectly as she laid low and tried to look serious.