Redtail Rise [m] bolero

For the second time in half as many weeks, Ashlar's heart was pounding when he caught the way Ratio looked at him. He didn't think he'd seen that much care on any one's face, directed at him, and it made him regret making the man worry. He knew they were friends, but he hadn't considered that if his absence was noticed, it would be taken to mean something might have happened. He looked down, suddenly ashamed. But Ratio did not seem willing to hold the carelessness against him. He was too good for that.

He wanted to know how it had gone. Ashlar didn't think to mind telling, but he did have a moment of pause. There were some things that were private and rude to go into detail about, and this is one of those things he knew could fall into that. For her sake if not for his. Still - Ashlar wanted to share it with someone. Ratio seemed the natural choice. He was (naively) the last wolf Ashlar expected to be upset with him over it.

I didn't meet her pack. I stayed with her, and something... happened. I didn't know it was like that. He glowed remembering it. Her name is Chacal. She had to go home, and I had to come back here. I just couldn't leave right away. He hoped that this explained it. He hadn't wanted to make them worry, and it wasn't Chacal's fault. He just couldn't do it, not when it felt like she'd needed him most in those moments.