Alpine Lake Even children get older

It was kind of funny, she thought, as the sun began to set and the air began to cool as signal.  She was on her way to meet with @Penn, but her mind was racing.  She'd been most worried about Fig, but in the end, it was Bronco and her dad who had been the worst.  She remembered Phox's tone and her ears fell, even as she felt herself get a little angry all over again.  She wasn't a kid anymore.  He didn't get to tell her what to do any more than he could Fig, not just because she was blind.

She felt the slope rising and sensed the familiar trees nearby.  Penn!?  Hey, dickbreath, ready to go?  The insult helped to bolster her a little, and she knew when he asked how it went she was going to definitely lie about it.  It didn't matter now anyway... something to worry about whenever they came back.

Penn hadn't gone far after Fennec had left. He'd considered going to the Copse too--he had a couple of his own good byes to say, after all. But in the end, he'd decided to go the route of avoidance. Wraen would probably have said something wise and thoughtful about it that would've just made him doubt his decision and Eljay would've cried. Avery was really the only one he might've gone back for, but their good byes had already been said.

So, he'd just sorta hung out. He'd amused himself for a little while by chewing on a stick, and then he'd tossed it aside and taken a nap. By the time he heard Fennec calling for him, he'd been nearing the beginning of his second hour of wading around in the shallows of the lake, trying to catch a fish to snack on. Unfortunately, he hadn't had any luck, so he had nothing to bring when he answered her call. But, he was so relieved and excited to hear from her that he probably would've just left any catch he made behind anyway.

"I've been ready for like nine hours," Penn replied, trying to sound exasperated through his smile, "You're the one who had to run errands." He couldn't tell by her demeanor how her conversations had gone down. He thought about asking, but immediately dismissed the idea. She'd talk if she wanted to. And honestly, if it had gone badly, he didn't want to hear about it and let it bring them down.

Terrible errands.  She hadn't left on nearly the note she wanted to, but at least Fig had given her a hug.  And mom... before.  Then let's get out of here.  I'm feeling nice, so suppose I'll let you pick which way first.  Truth was she was feeling tired, but she was not going to let her dad ruin this.  Penn and her were going to have loads of fun.

I remember something about seagulls? She added, coming closer to where his voice was coming from.  It was weird... had she ever really been alone with Penn this long before?  Usually Bronco or Fig or someone interceded and they went their separate ways. Well, guess this trip would be a good chance for him to make up his leaving to her and reclaim his rightful spot as best friend.  If he was up to the challenge.

Fenn thankfully didn't take the opportunity to elaborate on her farewells with the pack and Penn was happy to not ask. On some level, he knew that it was shitty of him to not have gone and done the same. But, he was in mourning--who could really expect him to be considerate given the circumstances? Also, he was just a shitty person in general, and he wasn't at all inclined to take his conscience off 'mute'.

"That's shockingly gracious of you," Penn quipped with a smirk when she conceded the lead to him in their venture. He felt a flutter when she came a bit closer. He too began to think about how they were alone together, and how they would be alone together for some time. He also began to think of all the ways he could ruin this thing between them (whatever it was), though he didn't recognize the potential for relationship destruction in them as he considered the possibilities.

"Seagulls, yes," he answered, shaking off the thoughts and turning to set off, leaving her only his voice to follow by way of guidance, "As far as birds go, I've found them to be decently dumb and pleasantly under-cautious. It's pretty sad for them, but it'll be enjoyable for us."

Don't get too used to it.  She smirked as she waited, his voice and paw steps letting her know when and where she needed to go.  She'd follow for now, because in truth, she was nervous.  She wouldn't let Penn know it (and she'd kill him if he suggested it) but her last significant trip out had been a disaster.  She was excited, mostly... but the other as well.

Hey, just like someone else I know! You sure you aren't part seagull? She asked as she began to follow, containing her smile as she set the tone that would likely follow for the rest of the trip.  Just a whole lot of shit being thrown back and forth, her absolute favorite.

Penn hadn't realized just how close his description of seagulls had been to himself. But of course he wouldn't--as far as he was concerned, he was an incredibly brilliant specimen. The pleasantly under-cautious part though, yeah. He could admit to that one.

He rolled his eyes at her jest and stuck out a paw to trip her. He probably could've said something clever and witty, but this seemed more appropriate. He could save the hilarious quip for when she fell down.

She did fall, right on her face.  And as he laughed at his own stupid quip like an ass, she knew exactly where to lunge.  So they lost a good few moments of their first trip to a hearty tussle, one that Penn may or may not have let her win (I'll leave that up to Stevie).  By the time they did set out, Fennec was laughing too... excited to be seeing new places with her complete dick of a best friend.