{PRP} Old ties (Blake, Raine, Akemi, Cody, etc)

[Cornetified]

Circumstances? He'd yet been told why it was Raine was leaving so suddenly. Turning as Raine headed to her room, Blake suddenly noticed how tense Raine was. He'd been so shocked by the announcement... he hadn't seen how upset she was.

His head ducked slightly as Akemi reprimanded him. She was right though. At least he hadn't stood there with his jaw slack or anything... "Her father?" That was news to him! He looked to Akemi in surprise, and then understanding. There was a reason... If Raine wouldn't talk about her family, then it was probably a very good reason.

"I'm not making puppy eyes," he pouted, feeling his cheeks heat up a little. Akemi always managed to make him feel like he was a teen joining the pack again. Yet, her words caught him yet again in surprise, his ears perking right up. He should take charge? Raine... needed him? Those were like magic words, bringing to life what he'd so wanted to ask. Grinning brightly, he tossed the big spoon at Akemi. "Just keep stirring it!" he said as he dashed on by her, slipping into his room for his travel pack. It hadn't seen much use in quite a while. Not since he'd left the pack to set up a home... He remembered what was needed though, as though it had been yesterday, and had it filled soon enough.

Ah. Nina. While in the room, he wrote out a note for his daughter before heading back to the kitchen, tossing his pack off toward the front door. "You didn't burn the soup already, did you?" he asked lightly, fetching a third bowl and spoon for Akemi to eat as well.
 

[Sabra Knight]

“Uh huh. Sure you aren’t.” Akemi replied with a slight snort, “I’m also very bad at throwing knives.” All the wolftaur could do was shake her head in amusement before catching the spoon without missing a beat. Even if he had the body of a strong adult all the female could see sometimes was that same energetic teen that she had met so long ago. It was amusing how far just a little nudge could go with him. Ah she stirred the soup Akemi grinned, “Yer welcome, Raine.” Her tail twitched up in amusement before she playfully stirred the food more.

As Raine finished up packing her bag the wolftaur’s hand lingered just a moment longer on the chest. Who knew how long it would be before she could come back to reclaim this thing again? The pale blue wolf bit her bottom lip thoughtfully; hopefully it wouldn’t be that long. Hopefully. Forcing herself to her paws Raine tossed her traveling pack over her shoulder and creeped out from behind Blake. Holding her own pack in her hands the wolftaur peered around him and paused at the sudden light energy she felt in his tone. What had changed? Her gaze narrowed as she looked towards her best friend who just shook her head at Blake’s question.

Her answer was found though as she moved to place her own pack by the doorway. There was another one there? It wasn’t Akemi’s pack…so who? Blinking she looked up at Blake and placed the pieces together, “What are you doin’ Blake?” Her voice was soft and made Akemi pause mid stir. She couldn’t…not up there. The idea of him seeing that place made her stomach clench. It was far too dangerous and – and the things there…he could hate her for that place. Her ears tipped backwards. Why would he even want to think of going to such a place?
 

[Cornetified]

Tail swaying a little, he looked over to Raine's concerned expression and smiled. "I'm just getting out another bowl for Akemi~" He set the bowl and spoon onto the table and his face took on a slightly more serious expression. "If you're asking about what I think you're asking about though... Akemi told me you're going because your father is ill. So, I figure you'll need all the support you can get. A man you haven't seen in years, you're gonna have a lot on your mind." Never mind Akemi telling his there's been a reason Raine had left her home behind... That the pack was bad news...

His smile rose the tiniest bit, softening aa he stepped closer to Raine. "Besides, it's either worry about you from here, or worry about you from where I can at least see you." Before he knew it, he'd bent to kiss her cheek. He would make sure she got back home... Here.

He straightened quickly, and spun toward the kettle of soup. Hopefully Akemi hadn't seen that... "Now, it sounds like a bit of a trip. Better eat and be on our way!"
 

[Sabra Knight]

Oh he was enjoying this way too much. Akemi had to hide the spreading grin from Raine as the wolftaur glared her down before Blake’s head. Shrugging lightly she just waved the stirring spoon in the air before innocently sticking it back into the soup. She motioned behind Blake as he spoke nodding with each word that came from the male. Yep, yep. It really was hard to contain the laughter which was building up in her chest. But that was honestly mixed with relief. This whole idea of going there had the rust wolftaur worried from the beginning. At least with Blake going with them now she felt a little bit better. And whether she admitted it or not Raine truly needed him with her.

She did admittedly have to raise her hand over her mouth and twist away from the two before a teasing comment left her. Oh boy~ Soup, soup, focus on it. Akemi raised the spoon to her mouth and blew on it lightly before tasting it. Yep, that was good. “I agree!” She chimed in before Raine could even mutter a word of protest, “Let’s eat this and get goin’ already!”

Her heart was still thumping against her chest. The blue wolftaur blushed madly at Blake’s actions and found herself at a lost for words. Normally she would throw more of a fight and chastise Akemi for doing something like this but –but…he was going to worry either way. Raine swallowed and blinked, “Wha-what about Nina?” She managed to ask quietly. Would she be okay without them? A flicker of her own worry flashed across her features.

“She’s an adult now if I noticed correctly.” Commented Akemi as she pushed the other wolftaur gently towards the table, “I mean she’s not mine to worry about but if you two trust her then I say it’ll be okay.” Jeesh. Leave it to Raine to try to find any way out of this. Whether she liked it or not Blake was going to be coming with them! Her gaze relayed that message to Raine as well and the wolftaur just sighed softly in defeat.
 

[Cornetified]

Fighting to keep his own face from flaring up red, he fetched up some fresh water for their mugs. "Like Akemi says, Nina's an adult. And a tough little cookie. She can handle watching the house for a while. I already wrote her a note. She'll understand."

Back at the table, he tried to not look over at Raine for a bit. Surely he would lose the battle with his blood pressure if he did. He filled each bowl and set them at the table. "If you want anything else to eat, just ask. Otherwise, dig in!" He hadn't been on a venture in quite a while... Hopefully home life and a child hadn't softened him up too much! It would be nice to explore again... Too bad it was for such an unfortunate reason... taking Raine to a place she didn't want to go, but had to... "So, about how long will it take just to get there?"
 

[Sabra Knight]

Raine just nodded in response. Really she had no more words to protest with. Since it was also Akemi who seemed determined to drag Blake along then Raine just had to accept it. If all else it just made her more determined to protect her companions. Clenching her fist beneath the table the wolftaur let her hands relax before reaching for the food. She just needed to eat now so that they could get on their way. The sooner she saw her father the quicker she could leave and return here…her azure gaze slowly looked around the room taking in every feature. This was something she would never forget even if she did have to truly leave one day. This though was just a visit – that she had to keep telling herself. A haunting feeling lingered though especially as the thought of her father being ill lingered there. How long would she have to stay with that pack again? Her gaze slipped down into the food as she took another bite. Knowing her father…if he had his mind even while sickly then there was something plotted for her.

Akemi scooped spoonful after spoonful of food into her mouth, “Nope this is good.” Swallowing she beamed at Blake, “Maybe I should consider settling down so that I can get food like this on occasion.” She laughed and shook her head, “Nah.” Too boring. The thought of settling down, especially for a male, always amused her. That was definitely not going to happen to her. Raine could have all this, but the hunt was forever in Akemi’s heart.

Raine just smiled lightly at Akemi's actions before finishing up her last bite. It wasn't much that she ate, but still it was something. "Alright I'm ready whenever you guys will be." Taking her bowl from the table the wolftaur slowly rinsed it before leaving it back on a shelf. In her mind she was checking her list...bow, arrows, food, blanket...it seemed everything was packed then. It really was about time to go.  

[Cornetified]

Finally, he dared to look over to the two females. These two who had been so influential in his life... His eyes lingered on Raine a moment before he lifted his bowl and tipped it back to down the rest of the stew. "Glad you liked it," he said, plucking up Akemi's empty bowl as well. "Don't worry. I'm sure Raine wouldn't mind you visiting once in a while for a home-cooked meal~"

Washing and putting away the bowls and spoons, he pulled the kettle off and put it into the cooler. He made sure the fire was completely out, set the note on the table, and looked to the ladies. "Okay. Looks like we're all ready then. You two can lead the way." His own eyes flicked around the little home. He was going to miss it... but he would see it again. Sooner rather than later, hopefully.
 

[Sabra Knight]

Akemi just snorted in amusement at Blake’s reply, “I’m sure she wouldn’t.” The urge to tease was just too much. Since when had those two gotten so close? Coming to visit them like they were an old married couple, just the thought amused her greatly. Always and forever she had seen Raine as a mother of sorts, but this situation really defined the blue wolftaur as one. Just when was this knot going to get tied anyway? Akemi’s ears perked up. Maybe this trip wouldn’t be such a dreary one after all! Oh all the ideas~

Swinging her pack over her shoulder Raine nodded towards Blake, “I guess we’re off then…” Trailing off she took on last glance around the home before forcing her paws outside and onto the soft ground. She would miss the feeling of the earth here. Where they were headed it was harder and the weather harsher. There was a bit of happiness because she was a bit excited to see the trees and hunting grounds that she had all but nearly forgotten. The part of her, the huntress, was eager to move again and to live with the wind. But was it really that type of freedom if she was being dragged somewhere where chains used to bind her?

Noticing the flickering emotions on her friend’s face Akemi gently nudged Raine, “So we head towards the northwest then?”

“Oh-“ Blinking Raine emerged from her thoughts and nodded, “Yes, yes we do. It’ll take a week or longer to get there as well. Less if we don’t sleep much and walk straight on.”

“Sleep is key.” Akemi replied quickly, “I like sleep too much to waste it. Either way let’s hurry.” She picked up her pace and quickly over took her friend, “Tell me if I veer off! Last thing I want is to lose you two in the woods~”
 

[Cornetified]

Blake paused when they reached the edge of his property, and looked back at the house. What would the place be like without Raine there...? Dull. So very, very dull. Steeling himself, he headed after the two ladies with a firm step, and listened to the directions. A week of solid walking. Ouch. It'd really been a while since he'd done that.

Catching up to Raine, he reached out to gently pat her shoulder encouragingly. He felt bad for not being more observant earlier. Akemi had said Raine had left her old pack behind for a reason. Left her family behind for a reason. She was clearly reluctant to go see them again. "How long has it actually been since you last saw your father?" he asked cautiously, unsure of which questions he could ask, and which he shouldn't.
 

[Sabra Knight]

Fixing the straps of her pack Raine sighed quietly. This situation…was not one she had ever imagined possible. Her gaze watched the blur which was Akemi darting up ahead of the path. Of course that wolftaur would have no trouble with long trips. Raine’s mouth twitched into a smile. She could only begin to imagine how excited her best friend must be to get to travel this way again. Even with the dangers ahead the thrill only served to excite her fellow huntress. Excitement…how did Blake feel about this? Shyly Raine felt her cheeks blush at the memory of what happened earlier. Maybe she did owe Akemi for convincing her friend to come along. After all his presence was a great support to her.

Her blush spread as she felt someone touching her shoulder. Forcing herself to not spin around defensively the wolftaur slowed so that she could fall into step with Blake. At his question her ears tipped back, “How long?” Biting her bottom lip Raine shook her head, “It’s been a while…I was a teen when I left from up there.” Only a teen that had ran in fear for days…shivering and cold in the winter nights until she finally stopped due to exhaustion. There she had made a home until Akemi and Riker had come into her life and brought her into the pack. They had become her family then and even now she cherished each and every one of them even the mischievous twins who drove them crazy most days.

And then she found more. Peering over at Blake through her bangs Raine smiled warmly. That change of pace she had welcomed gladly despite the separation from the hunt which she had been raised with.
 

[Cornetified]

Blake gave her a small smile. Since she'd been a teenager. What sort of home life made a teen run away? He didn't know if teens normally left the homestead or not. Nina was still with him, and she was an adult! Though, he had left his guardian as a teen. Maybe it was a part of nature? Or was there truly something else behind her leaving them?

Shaking the thoughts away, he tried to look ahead at Akemi, and pursed his lips. "She doesn't seem all that concerned about losing us," he commented with a playful pout.
 

[Sabra Knight]

Raine’s smile grew warmer at the sight of Blake’s own smile. Just the smallest of smiles from him could relieve the tension building up in her chest, rather she felt tingles at the sight. For a moment the wolftaur just looked at him while walking and sketched the image into her memory. The glittering sunlight from the tree leaves and his handsome features…blinking she ripped her gaze away before watching as Akemi climbed over a fallen tree and continued. Blake’s comment only made her shake her head with a laugh, “It’s a sign of trust that we can keep up.” Her gaze gleamed at the challenge, “So I guess that’s what we’ll do!”

Looking over at Blake the blue wolftaur reached out and grabbed his hand before happily racing after Akemi.

A couple of days later they finally emerged from the forest. Akemi was ruffling through her backpack and had already killed all traces of the fireplace from their camping spot from the night before. Peering over she watched as Raine headed towards a small stream that was running nearby, “Tidyin’ up for him some more?” She teased quietly as she came over to join her friend.

“No-Not at all!” Raine’s face immediately bloomed into a violet blush, “I’m just washing off since we’re heading into that town today. We need supplies and should look presentable not like some ruffians.”

Laughing Akemi only shook her head before splashing cold water on her own face, “Sure, sure. If that’s what keeps you going~” Grinning some more she avoided the playful smack from her friend before actually taking a good drink of the crystal water as well, “Guess we should hurry though.”

“Oh give it some time.” Raine replied with a frown, “The sun just rose a bit ago.”

“Ah, but unlike you I’m not pushin’ this situation aside. Ya can’t forget the real reason we’re out this way. It’s not a pleasure trip.”

Raine sighed softly as she pushed herself off from the stream side, “I know.”
 

[Cornetified]

Still sitting where they'd camped, Blake was finishing packing his things up. Tying his pack firmly, he spared a glance over to the two females sitting by the water. What was going to happen when they reached their destination? Would Raine's pack try to keep her? Would they convince her to stay...? Could she be convinced...?

Biting his tongue, he focused for more intently than necessary on a bit of dirt clinging to his pack. He'd already tidied himself, and was ready to go. Well, sort of ready... Sighing, he walked over to the girls and smiled. "Ready when you two are." The sooner they got there, the sooner they could all go back home, right?
 

[Sabra Knight]

Raine smiled as Blake approached and nodded, “I guess we’re ready. Though Akemi is running on some sort of energy that is insane-“ She avoided her friend’s punch with a laugh, “But you know I still love you.” Her gaze lit up playfully before she hid behind Blake, “If I go missing you know who did it~” She whispered before picking up her own pack.

“Like I would take you out when torturing you would be so much fairer,” Snorted Akemi as she swung her own pack over her shoulders, “I’ll just leave you to the twins or somethin’.”

“Oh don’t be that cruel!” Replied Raine with a smile, “But seriously…” She looked at Blake, “There’s the town just ahead here so we’re going to stop there for the morning to get supplies. It’ll be a good break away from that relentless task master too.”

“I heard that.” Replied Akemi with a frown though it was hard to keep the smile from appearing herself. It was nice having Raine to bicker with. Just like good ole times. Too bad it took this trip for such interactions to happen again. A shiver went down her spine. Never would she let some male pull her away from the hunt! Love was such a silly idea.

“Well let’s go then before Akemi loses it.” Chuckling Raine fixed her bow on her back as well before heading back towards the path. Closing her eyes she felt the familiar rhythm of her bow bouncing against her back as she jumped over a fallen log. With every step though the chains that she had tossed away so long ago rattled back in the tension beneath the smile, her chest was tightening again. Still the wolftaur shoved away the icy feeling and replaced it with the smile that brightened up at the sight of the town. Oh so it was still here and thriving well too!  

[Cornetified]

Chuckling lightly, he threw his hands up and shook his head. "Hey! Don't put me in the middle of this. I know how wicked you two can get." He looked back at Raine and nodded in understanding. A quick town stop.

He followed after, keeping close and just behind Raine's side. He'd greatly enjoyed the trip. For the most part, it had been reminiscent of being in the old pack again. It was fun to travel again, and nice to see Raine enjoying herself with Akemi. The knowledge of their destination was always floating above their heads though. He could feel it. He could see it when Raine dropped her bravado for the briefest moments. The closer they got to it, the closer he wanted to be to Raine. The smile he suddenly saw lift at the sight of the town was encouraging though, and he relaxed a little.