Ayame Claim Set 1 Theme #48 Early Hours of the Evening
It was early evening before Ayame was able to return to the den.
“Tsu-chan, I’m back, did you have a nice nap?”
The den was empty.
Oh no, Tsuki was gone!
Where had she gone to? It wasn’t like she could wander off on her own anymore. Someone had to have helped her.
This was bad. It was her turn to watch her and she let her slip away somehow!
She had to do something!
“Hey, what are you doing?” Kouga asked.
“Nothing!” she said.
That sounded way more panicked than she meant.
“Is everything alright?” he asked.
“Everything is fine,” she said with a smile.
“Okay then. “
She had to find Tsuki before he noticed anything!
She checked the river.
Nothing.
The cliff.
Nothing.
The forest.
Nothing.
Where could she have gone?
“Are you looking for something?” Kouga asked.
“Looking for something? Why would I be looking for something?”
“Because if you are, they’re right over there.”
Kai was carrying Tsuki on his back.
Thank goodness!
“Kai-kun? Why is Tsu-chan with you?” she asked.
“I took her to go pray for the dead. She didn’t want anyone to see her. So…”
So she worried over nothing?
Kouga flicked her lightly on the forehead. “Next time, tell me if you can’t find her and I’ll help you look, alright?”
“Sorry,” she said. “I didn’t want you to think I was being irresponsible.”
“Why would I think that?” Kouga asked. “She used to pull stunts like this all the time back home. Tsuki probably arranged with Kai to be taken out of the den when you’d be busiest and come back before you even noticed she was gone. It’s because you thought to check on her that she got caught. She may be silent now, but she’s still sneaky, isn’t that right, runt?”
Tsuki grinned sheepishly.
So it was true.
Kouga turned his attention to the boy. “Kai, if you absolutely have to go by yourselves to do this prayer thing, at least take some of the wolves with you for protection. You’re both just kids, after all. Now give her here, it’s my turn.”
“Yes, sir,” Kai said. He waved at her. “Goodnight, Tsuki-chan! I’ll see you in the morning.”
Tsuki gave a small wave back.
“Don’t think you’re off the hook, kid. You worried both of us for no reason. Just for that, you get to stay with the little kids for a day while Ayame and I settle things. And no, Shinta doesn’t count because you like him.”
Tsuki puffed out her cheeks.