The Heart of a Howl

Waves Crashing in Color

It's been a few weeks already, being at the guild. And honestly, it's not as bad as I initially thought. I, actually started spending time with the others. Marceline, isn't as clingy as I thought she was. She's really kind, and gentle. Of all things she made a plushie of me to commemorate our one week anniversary of knowing each other. She's a strange one, but she does have her cuteness. Hah, I can see why Nomad has a thing for her, even if he's always denying it. But, I do have to keep a close eye on him. He's literally on me case, so I can't do anything that gives away about who I am. Bathym has his moments. Seriously for a "personal guard" for Marceline he sure likes to spend a lot of time with Estelle. I'm surprised he has decent attire than his usual wardrobe. Honestly, I don't know why they don't just go out already. I mean, it's obvious they like each other. Vessel is a whole other story. Behind that somber and cold exterior, is actually an amazing artist. I really can't get over how well she does her work. Admin and Macan are probably the most strange couple I've seen. I don't know how but their dynamic is, something to behold. When Macan is at his absolute insane, Admin is always just, calm and composed. But I do think that a little bit from both of them is good for each other. I still don't get what Macan means by wanting to eat people. In all seriousness I really hope he doesn't actually do that. Hah, and Horkeu. Oh man, he's.. Horkeu really is something. "Hey Vio!" A hand lands on my shoulder, completely snapping me out of my train of thought. It was Horkeu's voice, and his familiar cold touch. "Hey, it's time we should be going back to the house. Oh! And let's not forget about Reina and Blair at the park!" In a way, staying in the guild kinda made me expect this, growing closer with other people. After, well, releasing all that stress with Horkeu during the bath a while back, I felt like a huge amount of weight was lifted off my chest. I told Estelle about what I said to Horkeu, but expecting her to be upset about it, she was glad. "I'm glad you're opening up little brother. Hah, who knew it took a whole guild for that to happen!" What she said stayed with me the whole walk home that night from Kaya's. When we got back, Horkeu was, a little different. But it was a good different. At least to my knowledge, what I told him in the bath, may have made him look at me in a different light? I don't know if that was a good or bad thing. But that night, he was always close to me, not like a clingy kind but, I didn't mind his company. But, honestly, it felt weird, not being alone. It's something I could get used to. His smile is so cute, and well, maybe I tried to make it a little obvious that I, admittedly, have a thing for him. But, things couldn't get any worse than they are now. Because Bathym knows I'm an assassin. And sometimes when we're near each other, I feel his gaze staring at me, but, he does it with no malicious intent. When Es and I got back home, Bathym told me Blair told him by accident, and boy let me tell you, I was furious beyond belief when I found out. But he said he'd keep my secret. But I still scolded the living daylights out of Blair for being so careless. Anyway, still feeling a little nervous knowing Bathym knows my secret, I still try to keep things the way they have been for the past few weeks. Horkeu and I walk to the front doors of the guild, but Snow stops us before we leave. "Masters Vio and HorkeuKamui, I have something master Claude wishes to give you two." Snow hands me a paper saying "Notice of vacational leave" "Wait, what is this?" "My master has noticed your contributions to the guild, and has chosen you and any others you wish to accompany you to have a temporary leave of absence from the guild. It's a reward from him! He's given you a full week of rest and relaxation! My master Claude also wanted to inform you that this during this break, you will be paid weekly as usual. So feel free to spend it however you please!" Snow bows and walks away to do who knows what. 'A random leave of absence? That's, a little weird. But hey, if I still get paid then I'm taking it. Black Hollow has been quite these past few weeks. After I put Kaya to sleep, I got an email from the organization saying that Koro was already killed. They didn't have any details about it, so they told me to abandon the mission and await further instructions.' "Hey, Vio! Let's let the others know. Maybe this could be the weekend we get to go to the beach finally! Your sisters were planning on going right? It's still morning, so we should go while we have the chance!" "Hah, you know it's going to be really hot, right? Are you sure your cold can handle the heat there?" "Oh please, I'll be just fine as long as you're there!" I'm pretty sure my face blushed a bit, but I looked away hoping he wouldn't notice. We both leave the guild and walk to the marketplace, buying food and other things for breakfast. "Geez, everyone is always over for breakfast through dinner. I swear I should start charging for this." "Well your cooking is always delicious! Of course, with a little help from me it'll only taste even better." Okay, I'll admit, he can be a little charming when he's cocky, but if I was any worse I'd probably punch his face in. After paying for the groceries, we end up running into Nomad waiting for us at the storefront. "Oh, hey Nomad! What's up?" "Huh? Oh, you're here! Thank god, I was looking for you." "Hm? What's the matter?" "Well, uh, you know how you planned on going to the beach soon? Um, I was wondering, that when you go, if it's okay if Marceline and I could go with you?" "Oh, hah, we were actually planning on going today. Well, at least Horkeu and I were. We were just on our way back to the house to cook breakfast. I think Marcy's is there hanging out with Blair and Vessel. You can come along if you want." His face lit up when I offered him, and he jauntily followed us back to the house. Walking to the front door, Marcy and Blair greet us from Blair's bedroom window, just like the first time I brought Horkeu over with me. "Hey bro!" "Hey! Mister Vio! Estelle is about to breakfast! Hurry up and come in- uh, Nomad! You're here!" Nomad behind me actually looked a little embarrassed when Marcy called him out. He waved shyly at her and well, I kinda laughed under my breath. Entering the house, Bathym and Estelle are already in the kitchen getting things ready for everyone. "Oh! Little brother, you're back! I hope everything went well at the guild today." "Yeah, well, better than I expected. Horkeu and I just needed to help some of the newer guild members with training. Oh, and Snow gave me a temporary leave of absence from the guild. So I'm free to do whatever for the next week." "Really?! That's perfect! We should go to the beach today!" Wow, just as I expected. Everyone exchanges hi's and hellos, and we start making breakfast. It was a nice time, and let me tell you, everyone really does have their own tastes. Vessel and Estelle wanted pancakes, Bathym, Blair and Reina ate omelettes, Marcy and Nomad wanted waffles, while Horkeu and I decided on pancakes as well, since I kinda made a little too much with how much pancake batter I made without even noticing. Cleaning the dishes, everyone sat around, completely full from the large morning feast. Hah, hell, even Horkeu belches, which was the first time I ever saw him burp. Even if it was for a second, it was cute to see him loosen up a little. When we're in public, he's a little, I guess protective. He tends to call me his "hero" and I know what it means to him, but I don't know if my really worthy of being called that from him. At least, not yet. "Oh god.. man that was good. I haven't eat that much in a looooooong time." Blair says as she flops on the couch. "Hah, oh come on little sister. Let's go get everything we need for the beach later." Estelle takes Blair and Reina upstairs to go change. Marceline, along with Bathym, Nomad and Vessel head back to the guild to gather their belongings as well. As I'm putting everything in the kitchen away, I saw Horkeu standing by the staircase. "Hey, is everything okay?" He was silent for a second, until he scratched his cheek nervously. "I uh, I don't, own any swim attire." "Seriously? You didn't buy any last time we went clothe shopping for you?" "I, didn't think we'd have a need to use them! So, I was wondering, if it would be okay if I could, borrow a pair of yours. If that's fine with you of course!" I facepalm for a few seconds but I let this one thing slide. I took him into my room and rummaged through my drawers for any clothes fit for the beach. "Here, try these on. They're a couple sizes too big on me, but they might fit you." "Wait, why do you have a pair this big?" "It was in a pack I bought a while ago. Guess they put one extra in there?" I turn around as he changes, but the rustling of clothing behind me really tempted me to turn around, even to sneak a little peek of him. "Okay, you can look now. How do I look?" I turn around and see him in these, tight swim trunks. They're blue with different hues and, it kinda defines, there. So, I'm other words with my mind, he looks hot. "Uh- wow, they, look good on you." His face lightens up a bit, and it was cute to see him a little flustered. "I still have the jeans you leant me the first time I came here. I'll bring them along and change once we're at the shore." He changes back into his usual, more traditional attire and walks downstairs. "So, I'll see you in half an hour?" "Hah, sure, I'll see you then Horkeu." He smiles at me before leaving, and as he closed the door, I dragged Blair out from hiding behind the closet door next to the front. "Aww come on! How did you even know I was here?!" "You made it too obvious sis! Seriously, it's too quiet for you to not be plotting anything." Ugh, but you two were getting so cute! Really big brother, when are you gonna ask him out? You've obviously been acting more like friends." "Look, there's a time and place for everything, and well, I don't see that coming any time soon, got it?" Blair sighs as she goes into the garage. She gets a cooler and some beach things along with Reina. "Okay! I got the floaters! Oh Reina! Did you find the beach towels?" "Uhuh! And the beach chairs too!" While I'm getting food ready for everyone, I can hear the two laughing. It's been a while since they've been to some place like the beach, so I really do hope they enjoy themselves there. A good while passes and we get everything in the car, all is accounted for, except for Estelle. I walk upstairs to check if things are alright, but Blair catches my attention. "Hey bro! The others are here! What should I do?" "Just take count of how many people are here. The car is kinda big so it should be able to fit everyone." I continue my trek upstairs and find Es's door slightly ajar. "Hey, sis? Is everything okay? We have all the stuff we need." She pulls me in her room, and closed the door quickly. "H-hey?! What's the problem?!" "This! This is the problem!" Estelle points to the assortment of bikinis and swimsuits laid out on her bed in a frantic matter. "Look! I don't know what to wear! What would Bathym like? Does this one look good on me? Or does it make my butt look too big? This one makes my bust look small right? The frills make them look smaller!" "Seriously? This is what's been holding you up this whole time?" "Yes! This is important stuff! I just, want to look nice for this occasion." "Es, look, we're just going to the beach, okay? You don't have to wear anything extravagant. Look at me. I'm just wearing a normal swim suit. Besides you'll be in the water for most of the time anyway, right?" "Yeah but, I was, kinda trying to get Bathym to look at me and, well, say I look nice." "Estelle, I'm sure whatever you choose to wear, he'll find it cute on you, okay?" She sighs, and puts on a simple pink bikini. "Do, you think he'll like this?" "Really? His favorite color? You're just asking for him to keep his eyes on you." She laughs softly with a light blush, and she puts on a light sweater and shorts as she hugs me. "Thanks little brother! Hopefully Horkeu will think you're handsome in your swim suit!" "Uh- hey! This is about your little tantrum, okay?!" "Hah, you're the one wearing a skintight outfit." "Well it's the only other one I have! Agh, just hurry it up!" We both laugh at ourselves and walk downstairs, seeing the living room full of people. Bathym was the first to acknowledge us. "Hey there light wolf! About time you got, down here." His voice slowed down and his eyes widened, and I knew he was entranced by Estelle. "W-wow.. you, look, really good." Estelle blushes slightly, and what he was wearing was kinda expected. A skintight burgundy swimsuit with his back showing. A pair of beach gloves adorn his hands and sandals similar to his usual getup. Nomad was wearing a simple dark grey tee shirt, with a headband. He was wearing a speedo, of all things. Huh, thought he was a more moral kind of guy. Marceline was wearing a purple swimsuit that covered her chest, kinda like the one Reina was wearing, except Rei's was black. Blair wore a white frilly bikini, and immediately started posing with Marcy. I looked around a bit, and notices four people were missing. "Hey, Marcy? Where's Vessel and everyone else? And Horkeu?" "Oh! Admin and Macan will show up a little later today, said they had something to take care of. Vessel is actually waiting for her boyfriend at the Transient Train Station in Chiyoda-ku! She'll arrive a little late too. And Horkeu met up with us as we were leaving the guild, so I'm not too sure when he'll show up." Oh, hm, honestly I was kinda excited to go with him, but oh well. With mostly everyone here, Estelle showed everyone to the car, and it was big enough for everyone, except one. "Okay, so, how are we gonna do this?" Estelle spoke up. Blair and Marcy were both already in the back seat, playing some gatcha game on their phones, apparently it's really popular here. "Hm, well, everyone fits in but one person right? Well, Bathym can ride shotgun, Reina, Marcy, Blair and Nomad can sit in the back. Or have Marcy sit on Nomad's lap for more space. Horkeu isn't here yet, so I'll just take the bike in the garage when he gets here. I'll catch up with you guys." "Oh, are you sure?" "Yeah, I know where the beach is. No worries sis. Well, alright then. We'll see you there! Alright everyone! Get in!" The rest of the group gets in and they drive off. I wave goodbye, and I notice the snowflake emblem on my hand. It's still cold to the touch, and a small smile comes across my face. 'You seem to be really reserved. There's no need for that with me. You'll always be able to confide in me if you need anything. You've told me how your only family are your siblings, but for now on, think of me as a part of that family.' He makes me, feel comfortable, after so long. I walked back into the house and into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Taking the cup to the living room, I crack open a window showing the backyard. The cherry blossoms in full bloom, with each petal falling off and flowing in the wind. The chilled breeze flows into my fur and brings along a comforting feeling. I take a sip of me tea, and just let my head wander in my thoughts. 'Is, this how the rest of my life is going to be? Just some assassin being paid for killing people? What would Horkeu think if he found out?' I stop immediately, wondering why I started thinking of him. Even with all this time, I still find it hard to believe I'm more worried about someone else rather than, myself. A small smile comes across my face again, and I take another sip. "Hah.. Vio, you're so weird sometimes." "Well, I can agree to that." The sudden voice made me spit out my drink, almost choking on it too. I turned around and say Horkeu standing in the hallway, smiling that smile he always has around me. "H-how the hell did you get in here?!" "Ahahaha! Well I can't give you all my secrets now, can I little wolf?" He smirks, and holds out a key, one similar to mine and my sisters. Did Estelle give him our spare?! Is that why she didn't have a problem with leaving without me?! And what's with that "little wolf" nickname?! Is he trying to be charming or something?! Trying to shake the thought out of me head, I didn't even notice he moved closer to me. When I looked up, he was mere inches from my face. "Hm? I didn't expect you to wear something like this." He pointed at my swimsuit, checking out from all angles. "Uh- um.. well, I just, don't normally show off the scars on my back. It's, not exactly the prettiest thing to look at." "Hah, it's alright, I get it! Now, let's get going! I'm the last to show up right? Are we gonna walk there?" "Oh hell no! It's almost a two hour walk there! We're taking my bike there." "Wait, your bike?" I lead Horkeu to the garage, turning the light on, a black and silver motorbike can be seen, leaning against the wall. I walked to it, opening the garage door for the outside. "Vio! You never told me you owned a motorcycle!" I start it up and rev the engine, using a pair of sunglasses to block out the sun's harsh rays, and I pat the back of the bike's seat. "There's a lot of things you don't know about me Horkeu. Now get on." He hops on behind me, and his weight was easily noticed as the bike bumped a little as he sat down. Closing the garage door from outside, Horkeu and I locked up the house, and finally drove off. I tried staying focused on the road, but knowing he was so close behind me made it a little difficult. I felt his hands around my waist, and his grip tightened whenever we made a turn. We made a stop when one of the traffic lights turned red, and we got a second to relax. "Hah, I guess I still have a lot to learn about you, huh?" "Hm? Oh, right, the bike. Well, I've had it for a while now, but never really had a need to use it. Everything was always so close to the house. But now that we're going to the beach, no reason why I shouldn't take her out for a ride!" The light turns green, and we start moving again. While driving through the cities road's, we make it through the a tunnel, and finally to the ocean side. The side of the hill we're on showed us a clear sight of the sea. The sun shining on the surface in gorgeous ways, like a mirror. "Vio! Look! Right there! The sea! Isn't it beautiful?!" I stayed silent, gazing at it but also keeping my eyes on the road. I felt him lay his chin against my shoulder, and thankfully, he couldn't see my blush. "It's, been a while since I've been to the beach." "Oh, right. About, five years, right?" I nod, but smile and smell the air around us. "And it smells like how I always remembered it." Or, was I smelling Horkeu next to me? I didn't know, but it stayed in my head for a while. After navigating our way around the road, we finally managed to find the others. Easily, Blair spotted us and pointed out to Estelle. "Hah, she's always spritely. She kinda reminds me of you a little bit." "Uh- Seriously? I'm the last one you should compare her too." He laughs drowns out from the cars rushing past us, and I felt his grip around my waist tighten slightly, and well, I did smile a tad bit, and I hoped he saw it too. Going down the hill, we met up with the others, and luckily managed to find parking next to them. "Bro! You're here! Took you long enough!" "Big brother! You made it! I was worried you took the wrong turn!" Blair and Reina jump at me, almost tipping over the bike with Horkeu and I on it. "Hahah, oh come on you two, I know my lefts to my rights! I would've been here just fine." "It's been so long since I've seen you ride the bike! Bro! You gotta give me lessons some time!" "Hah, well maybe one day sis. But where are the others? Already setting up?" "Yes! Estelle sent us here to get you two! Bathym, Miss Marceline and Nomad are getting everything together! We found a really good spot! Come on! Let's go!" Reina yanked my arm and Blair and Horkeu followed behind us. It was nice seeing the two of them enjoying themselves. I picked up Reina on my shoulders and even Blair protests to me picking her up too, but she quickly stop as Horkeu does the same. "Hey Violet! I'll race you!" He runs ahead of us, Blair calling him her "noble steed". 'Aagh.. I wish I was up there..' "Hah, well if that's the case big brother, let's show them who the best rider and carrier are around here!" "Hah, sometimes I'm glad you can read minds little sister." Reina and I run up to Horkeu and Blair, and I managed to catch a glimpse of his smile. His handsome smile, without a care in the world. "Hey! Big brother watch out! We're gonna fall in a-" Reina's voice goes silent as we both fall over. I was so caught up in catching up to Horkeu I didn't notice the tree root protruding out of the sand. Thankfully Reina was okay, at the expense of my back. "Ahahahahaha! Look before you leap big bro!" "Blair? One more joke, and you'll have nightmares for a week!" My muzzle was so full of sand, and if anyone else had an experience like that, you'd probably guess it's not a very pleasant feeling. Blair and Reina get off our shoulders and run to the other, laughing and joking around. Horkeu lends me his hand and helps me up, a warm expression on his face. "Hah, you two took a bit longer to get here!" Estelle said so jauntily. "Well, you guys used a car, and we did run into some traffic. And the added weight with Horkeu made it a little slower than usual." She laughs, and everyone walks up to us. "Okay! Now that everyone is here, let's get down to business! Food and drinks are in the coolers, towels are in my bag, and floats and everything else is in the beach bag! Have fun!" Our group immediately separated, going in all different directions. Marceline, Blair and Reina ran into the sea with all kinds of floats and beach objects. Nomad walked to a small hut, covered in shutters at the windows. Already Estelle was laying down on a reclining chair, and Bathym was rubbing sunscreen all over her back. Seriously, just make out you two. Horkeu runs with the girls to the water, splashing around as he entered the shore. "Hm? You're not going in the water Vio?" "Huh? Oh, not right now Bathym. I'm just, gonna stand by the shore and watch over the girls." I stand up from under the umbrella and walk towards the others. The light seemingly shining on Horkeu the most as he was in the water.