#(( tfw your friend/crush doesn't realize you're the wolf that saved her so she compliments and calls you Cute to your own face dfdkjfkdj ))

[not-bcring]

✩   「   @from-across-the-stars​   」   ✩   -   Continued from ★

「 ☆ 」   Chihiro doesn’t hear them until they’re already too close.

Engrossed by thoughts of her newest project, of all the ways it could help people, the possibilities that will be open as soon as she works out the last few bugs, she hadn’t heard the hasty footsteps behind her. Hadn’t felt the eyes boring into her back, devious thoughts enveloping the men trailing like a pack of ravenous scavengers. Honed in like predators upon their prey, their intentions clear as soon as Chihiro hesitantly turned around to look behind her. Finally taking notice of her unwanted company, breath had caught in her throat, the beginnings of a cry for help already silenced by the terrifying realization that there’s none to be had. The walk up to this point had been completely devoid of life, nothing to aid Chihiro but the glow of the full moon.

Illuminating the men in front of her, covering the darkened world with a faint light that Chihiro didn’t realize was a ray of hope. All she saw was the expressions of her would-be attackers, the programmer stumbling back a few clumsy steps, tears already springing to her eyes at the harsh reality that her only chance is to run. Something that is barely a chance at all, her legs trembling at the mere thought of how quickly she’d be overtaken.  ❝  Pl-Please… Please don’t….  ❞  She breathes, slowly backing away as that evenly advance, reluctant to speed up her movements if only because they are certain to follow suit.

Right as one of the assailants takes a harsher step forward, Chihiro’s eyes widening when chase seems about to begin, there’s a disruption to their stalemate. Yelping at the sudden rush of fur and fangs in front of her, nothing but a large blur in the moment, Chihiro stumbles backward. Nearly tripping, she clumsily regains her balance before the ground could claim her, chest heaving from the spike of adrenaline, as well as stress of earlier. Hands clutching the strap of her book bag tight enough to hurt, big watery eyes dart over at the unfolding scene. It’s over in an instant, Chihiro flinching at the sheer volume of the canine’s roar. Despite this, she doesn’t make any further moves away from the creature.

Staring down in clear disbelief at the massive animal, breathing quick as she fights to calm down her rampaging heart, chest hitches as Chihiro fights back the whimpers clawing at her throat. Through no fault of the animal, merely the impact of what had almost happened trying to fully hit her now that the danger has passed and the fear is starting to settle. Stray tears cascading down her cheeks, Chihiro hastily wipes at them, white-knuckled grip released from her bag. Apparently having no fear of the formidable canine attacking while her guard is down, eyes shut as she rubs at her face, streaking the tears into her soft skin.

❝  S-Sorry…  ❞  She apologizes, polite even to the dog at her feet. Taking a deep breath, she slowly exhales, eyes blinking open, tears clinging to long lashes but ease starting to fill her gaze as she shakily smiles at her unexpected protector. He looks upset, perhaps even scared… and that simply won’t do.  ❝  It’s okay… I won’t hurt you.  ❞  Chihiro soothes, as if the formidable creature could actually be frightened of her. Yet she slowly moves closer, not wanting to risk startling him. Getting on her knees, a hand reaches out, hesitating to make sure it’s not unwanted, before gingerly petting the top of her protector’s head.

❝  Thank you for helping me. I’m sorry for causing you trouble though…  ❞  Voice is as soft as her touch, bittersweet smile faltering as she looks down. Free hand is clenched atop her skirt, trembling in a tell-tale sign of how shaken she still is. Scratching behind the canine’s ears, Chihiro attempts to soothe the meek creature. Strong in her softness, capable of more than her deceptively-delicate nature would attest, she focuses her attention on the one who saved her. Steadying her smile, Chihiro moves a bit closer, no longer as tentative in her approach. Wrapping her arms around the creature’s neck, cheek rests against thick fur as she hugs him.

Not a shred of fear to be found— why should she be afraid? —eyes shut and hold secure, Chihiro lets the affection calm her. Hoping that it does the same for the poor animal that had to storm in on her behalf. Racing heart finally beginning to settle, she happily chirps,  ❝  You know, you remind me of a good friend of mine. Big and strong and dependable…  ❞  Moving away, she giggles and affectionately ruffles the top of the canine’s head, reminiscent of what Mondo would do to her.  ❝  You’re just as cute as he is too!  ❞   「 ☆ 」