Jade Fern Grove Sell your soul to make it, that's the modern way

for @Reiko
set for early morning 11/21

He wished he hadn't come here as soon as he passed through the line of trees that marked where the forest began. The last time he had been here had been with his dad, and the memories of that day came rushing into his mind as soon as his nostrils were filled with the scent of the moist earth beneath his paws. Tears welled in his eyes and threatened to spill over before he stopped walking and drew in a couple deep breaths through his mouth. He swallowed hard and took a seat, breathing in deeply a few more times. He couldn't keep falling apart anytime he was confronted with memories of his dad. But it was so hard not to be overcome with despair anytime he was reminded of when his dad was here, facing everything with him. Now, he had to learn to face things on his own, and it was a more difficult task than he was probably ready for. 

Tears staunched for now, he got to his feet and began to walk again. There wasn't much in the way of plant life; the cold air and strange happenings had made sure of that. Some of the trees still clung to their brown leaves, though. A flash of red caught his eyes, and he turned and watched the vibrant leaf flutter to the ground from the canopy. It landed in front of his paws, and he lowered his head to sniff it, wondering if it smelled any different than the green ones. The leaf held the same earthy plant smell as all the other ones, and he quickly lost interest, moving on from that spot in search of anything else that seemed interesting. He was desperate for something to take his mind off of things.

Since joining Ibis' little gang, this was the first time Reiko had left their borders. She was searching for anything, herbs, food, anything to bring back - even if she returned with a little more food in her belly with what little she could find out here would be a plus. It meant she didn't have to dip in their storage and feed herself rather than being a burden. Though it would be better if she could find some food to bring back instead. 

Rather, what she found was a young boy. Upon his coat was the smell of pack she had not encountered yet. It was foreign, and so was he. The floppy ears were so cute she couldn't help but observe them in awe from the distance. Forgetting for a moment that she feared the outside world and all its inhabitants... for just a moment. She found herself smiling at the sight, wanting nothing more than to come closer to see them up close; despite her desire, Reiko stood in the middle of the path, passively watching the young boy until she snapped herself back in reality.

Embarrassed, she turned her attention to the trees, only keeping tabs on him with her peripherals and audits. I apologize for staring. She quickly said, hoping that it would stop her from looking like some kind of weirdo.

He didn't hear her approach or scent her on the breeze, still sorely lacking in the skill of keeping tabs on his surroundings. But as he meandered sullenly through the trees, he got the distinct feeling that he was being watched. Pheiros paused, turning his head to look around until he met the gaze of the stranger. She quickly looked away, offering him an apology for staring. Why had she been staring? Did he have something on his face? Was he that weird looking? He lifted his leg and pawed at his nose, lowering it to inspect it: there was nothing there. He looked back to the woman with confusion. Is there something on my face? he asked, insecurity searing in his chest. If so, how long had he been walking around like an idiot with crap on his face? His cheeks heated in embarrassment, matching the shame heating his chest from the inside.

Oh no, she was some kind of weirdo now. Just staring at strangers like some kind of creep, she knew better than to stare! Her mother taught her better manners than this! Shame! For shame Reiko! 

huh?

his face?

Peeking back over, it seemed like the boy was just as embarrassed, but for a whole different reason. No! She started but quickly caught herself again, feeling bashful to even think of saying the next words. Your ears. She swallowed nervously. You're ears are incredibly cute! She shouted nervously, bringing her paws to her face while sitting up and resting on her haunches, balancing on her back legs. 

They're so floppy, I couldn't help but look. She simply couldn't look at him anymore, her face felt like it was on fire, like the little pink skin around her nose and eyes would be bright red and all she could do was look away and try not to be completely obviously a deviant of some kind.

Oh... She thought his ears were cute. He had never heard that before, and by her reaction, she though they were really cute. It made him feel very awkward for some reason, but he tried not to show it; he didn't want to hurt her feelings. She was paying him a compliment after all. And she seemed pretty embarrassed about her admission. Um, thanks, he offered with a small smile. He stepped closer, his smile growing. I'm Pheiros. He had wanted a distraction, and here one was. He never minded meeting someone new. Maybe she would have something interesting to tell him. Do you live around here? Maybe if he acted normal, she would feel less embarrassed by her statement about his ears.