a midnight storm (serafina/closed)

[Indigo]

The scent of rain tickled his nose, and a sound of relief escaped the lupine. His dark eyes casually lifted towards the sky, watching the storm clouds rolling in. After a summer filled with heat and hunger, this life giving water would do wonders for the land around the pack. In a way this rain would also wash away a lot of his emotions as well, Cross was tired of moping over his brother. He knew that Keiran would not want him doing this, and yet here he was. His brother had always been a asshole and yet the pack seemed a lot smaller without him around. Cross continued his midnight stroll, comfortable that his pack was resting. With the rain perhaps they could coordinate a hunt, and have a bonding experience. Rounding a bend the large white male approached Haloke, the stream itself was a shadow of it's former self. Water trickled along the sides but in the center the stream was bone dry, he stepped in the water. It felt great on his pads as he walked, endlessly exploring the lands he called home. Finally, he moved around another bend in the stream and saw a comfortable place to sleep for a few hours. Moving out of the water, he moved up the bank and approached a fallen log.

With a grunt, he flopped down on the soft ground, his body tucked against the fallen log. It gave him security from the world around. He knew there was a chance a bear may wander through in search of fish. Yawning softly, he laid his head down and tried to relax his mind. Those clouds continued to slowly roll in, the sound of thunder may his heart lurch for a moment. His ears flattened for a moment as lightning flickered nearby. He had always enjoyed the rain, and this time was no different for him. Cross had many memories that involved playing in the rain when he was young. How their parents always taught them to embrace the rain, and to take advantage of it.

However, he knew that a storm would not bring the herds back just yet.. now if the rain continued for a few days.. then yes. He hoped it would continue. Yawning loudly, he closed his eyes his nose and ears listening to the vast world around him.

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[Rach]

It had been a hard, dry summer. No rain at all, which led to the rivers and lakes drying up. With the drought and heat, the herds had moved on to find greener homes. But the packs, they couldn't just up and move like that. This was their home, no matter what. With prey so scarce it had made things hard for them all. The hardest of all though, was when their alpha's brother had been found dead. While Keiran had always been an asshole, he was still part of the pack. Cross had taken the death of his brother the worst, because the two had ended on the worst of terms. The siblings had been depressed and moping around the lands. It was sad and they all did their best to get through things. The pack was doing alright, but the dry weather seemed to be truly taking its toll for a while. Until finally, tonight, dark clouds blanketed the sky. The sweet smell of rain teased the air, a promise of water. They could only hope that it lasted long enough to replenish what had been lost.

Serafina had woken to a cold breeze blowing in to the den. Pink hued eyes blinked open, jaws parting in a long yawn. Legs stretched in front of her body before she got to her paws. Tail flicked behind her as she slipped free of the den and peered around. Pointed ears perked on her head as she quietly moved around the den area. Everyone was sleeping peacefully, or so she thought until she came to where Cross typical slept. Ears slanted back on her head, wondering where he had gone. Serafina looked up towards the sky as lightning flashed. A storm was getting close, but she would not be distracted. Black nostrils flared and she followed Cross's newest scent trail. Glad that it was the middle of the night so that the heat of the ending summer was not weighing down on her. The female walked calmly through the pack lands, trying not to be too eager or anxious. She still worried about Cross. He simply was not the same and she spent as much time as she could helping him.

The white lady came upon the stream, frowning at the pathetic amount of water flowing. Pink eyes spotted Cross's bright white pelt in the dark, a gentle look crossing her features. Inhaling a deep breath, she padded towards him. Serafina let out a soft woof sound to let him know she was approaching, not wanting to surprise him. Ears perked back up on her head as she walked up to him. "Cross..what are you doing out here?" she asked softly. What she meant was why had he come out here alone.

[Indigo]

Sometimes he needed time to himself, away from the stress of pack life. He had grown up in a family oriented environment. His parents had raised him and his siblings alone, and they had done just fine. Sure it had been a dream of his to one day have a large patch of land, and a pack to protect. He had those things but there were some days he just wanted to be alone. He enjoyed the silence, the lack of worry and committment. The large white male stretched out against the tree trunk for a moment. His eyes fluttered a bit as the cool breeze touched his face. Rain was finally arriving and he hoped it would rain enough to bring the herds back, other wise he had his doubts about this winter. The pack had struggled enough in the hot days of summer, it would be far worse in the snow. Perhaps things would change, the wind seemed to be changing now. His eyes flickered open as he watched the stream trickle on by, wishing it was filled to brim with life giving water. That fat salmon were beginning to swim here for spawning, oh he craved the rich fatty meat of a fish right now. Just thinking about it made his stomach roar with desire. Groaning to himself he rolled his body to face the log itself. Out of sight out of mind, or so he hoped anyway. Though it seemed his peaceful night was about to be interrupted. The soft woof reached his ears and he smelled silently.

Serafina.. He had leaned on her a lot since Keiran's death. She had managed to help him get over the majority of his guilt. There were times that he missed his brother dearly. He exhaled softly and rolled again in silence. His eyes looked upon her and a softness crept across his face. His ears flickered for a moment and he slowly sat up as her voice finally touched his ears. The white wolf smiled lazily for a moment. She was always so good to him, and so caring. It amazed him. When he wanted Vera she had never shown such kindness to him, she was always out for her goals. Those goals, caused a deep conflict between the two.. and she had left him. Only to return here yet again, and try to ruin what he had going on. She had attempted to much to ruin things. Always trying to throw him and Keiran at one another and it had worked over time.

She could be the reason why they had fallen apart. Why he had left.. why all of it had happened. No wonder she had jumped ship soon after that happened. Cross shook his head and he returned to the present and the female before him. The female that had taken on his grief, and didn't turn away. His feelings for her had deepened, a lot. "I just wanted to enjoy the night. It's hard to do that in the suffocating heat of the pack. What about yourself.." He asked her softly, wondering why she was here with him.

[Rach]

Being in a pack meant duties she had a lot to do, even with no rank. She cared about those around her, they had grown close and closer through the months. Especially after Keiran's death. Serafina had taken it upon herself to do her best for Cross and his siblings in their time of mourning. Many times she would take only Caedus with her on hunts in the beginning, letting the family have their grieving time. But after so long, she began to force them out of it. To force them in to doing things as a group together, to show them that while Keiran was gone, they still had each other. It was hard at first, but once her mind was set nothing could deter the woman. So often had she let Cross lean on her for support, she'd given him everything he needed. While some might have taken advantage of his state, she was merely there for support. He needed her, they all did. And she would never abandon her pack. Unlike that red woman who had come in. Oh how she still detested the she devil that had tried to work her way back in to Cross' good graces.

Everything she blamed on that red vixen. Because until the shewolf had come along, everything had been fine. More and more did the brothers bicker after her arrival, and more and more did tension settle in with the group. Funny how after Keiran's death the bitch had completely disappeared. She hadn't trusted Vera from the very beginning, but never rubbed anyone's nose in it. Only picked up the pieces of the mess that the girl had left behind. A pack hurting, but not quite broken. Fixable with the right amount of time, patience, and care. Serafina had given it time, showed them all patience, and cared for them. Although they were still hurting, they were coming around. Just in time for the weather to break, to show them that there was hope.

She stood below the log, staring up at his handsome features with a soft smile. So many times had she hoped that he would realize just how much she did for him, how much she care for him. But ever silent the shewolf stayed, not ever wanting to pressure her closest friend. Ears twitched on her skull, head tilting as he spoke of the heat of the pack. She blinked as he then asked why she was out here. "I noticed you were gone and wanted to make sure you were alright" she told him softly. She'd found him off on his own many times, though not always did she make her presence known to him. Serafina kept an eye on them all, making sure always that they were safe. This was her family after all. The thunder crashed overhead, lightning lighting up the entire sky for a moment. It caused her to catch her breath, flinching slightly with surprise. She wasn't afraid of the storm, but sometimes the sounds and lightning caught her off guard.

[Indigo]

Cross watched the pale female for a moment, his eyes kind and filled with rather tender emotion. Serafina had been his rock during all of this and for that he was grateful. A part of him wanted to deepen their relationship some, make it more legit to the pack. Perhaps he made her his mate, the pack would rally better. The security of a mated Alpha pair was immense, and he knew that it would help make things more normal for them again. His eyes flickered towards the dark storm clouds, before he slowly got to his paws, a smile crossing his face. Now that he had company sleep was far away in his mind, he wanted to spend time with her instead. Approaching the female slowly, he smelled her delicious scent, his tail wagging in response to her. He was rather new at this flirting game, the only female he had ever really flirted with had been Vera. That had been different, he had wanted to own her. With 'Fina it was different, he wanted her by his side not beneath him. Cross felt his smile grow at the thought of her becoming his mate. He didn't even know if she had feelings for him at all, she may just see him as a friend.

"For some reason, I don't want to sleep anymore. Perhaps it is because you are here with me?" Cross spoke quietly his gaze watching Serafina for a moment, before stepping forward to rub his body against her. The movement was meant to be flirty and seductive, his body shivered slightly. Nudging his muzzle against her neck, before he bounded off into the shadows. He wanted to run free with her, to roam their lands, perhaps hunt together. Cross did crave intimacy with Serafina. The sweet scent of rain tickled his nose as he loped along, the first few drops splashing on the ground.

Thunder rolled above the tree line. The rain continued to fall, it's sound giving him a sense of peace and serenity. Looking back over his shoulder, the white male watched his girl in silence. Oh, he hoped she would be interested in him and what he could offer her in their future.

[Rach]

For months her feelings for him had been growing, and for months their relationship never changed. She was there for him, but only ever as a friend. When Vera had come in, she'd gotten rather hostile and cranky. From the moment they'd met, Serafina had known that the other woman would be a threat to her. It was obvious that the red devil wanted Cross, but in the end had been unsuccessful in catching him. Much to her satisfaction, even if she herself hadn't been able to catch his attention. At least they were close, and she couldn't really ask for more. If he didn't feel the same or wasn't ready, then she'd be satisfied where she stood. Every fiber of her soul though longed to be by his side in every way, not just as a rock.

Her ears twisted sideways atop her head as pink eyes watched Cross get to his paws and move towards her. Unable to stop the smile on her face when he spoke quietly about not wanting to sleep. A blush flushed her skin beneath white fur as he suggested that it might be her presence which had him so awake now. "I'm not sure whether I should apologize for waking you, or not" she said with a smile. A tingle ran through her body as he rubbed his body against her, leaning in to him happily. A soft whine escaped her lips as he nudged his muzzle in to her neck, but she was unable to return the gesture before he bounded off. She stood staring for a moment, head tilted to the side. Then the thunder cracked and she jumped just before taking off after him. Her paws carried her quickly after his white form, just as a drop smacked down upon her nose. Rain, finally. It sent a thrill through her, and Serafina felt suddenly more energized. Chasing after him now as they had done once back when the pair first met all those moons ago. A soft bark escaped her muzzle as the shewolf loped behind him, attempting to catch up. Ears pinned against her skull and tail flowed behind her body for balance, wanting to either pounce him or be able to run by his side. She hadn't decided yet which idea sounded better.

[Indigo]

Large white paws carried the male wolf through his home without a second thought. His body moving purely on instinct. He didn't have to look back to know she followed after him now, her form only a few paces behind his. Cross felt a burst of joy as the rain drops splashed onto the parched earth beneath them. The soil greedily sucking up every last drop that fell from the dark clouds above. As he moved into a meadow, his gold eyes watched a herd of deer. He wasn't interested in hunting them this night, at least not yet. The thunder roared and a few of the younger animals spooked and ran into the trees, their white tails waving as bright flags. The adults however didn't seem to move from their position, instead they grazed. No doubt enjoying the feel of cold water on their coats. Cross moved past them in a white blur, the herd barely reacted to him. They could tell the wolf was not in hunting mode and so they watched him in return probably just as curious. He laughed to himself and glanced back at his lovely companion. As he watched her move he felt his heart jump into his chest. His feelings for her seeming to burst from his body, and he slowed down almost abruptly.

He stopped running, and turned to face her in the rain. The water splashing down his face as the rain poured around them. Breathing heavily from the sprint a grin crossed his features. Perhaps this was the right time to ask her, considering that they had gone through so much as of late. The pack needed a unified team to lead them and he could think of no one better to stand by his side. Serafina would make a wonderful Alpha female, she had pride, courage, a heart, and was loving. Perfect. Exhaling sharply, he looked at the sky for a moment and silently hoped this was the right path for him and the pack. That she was his future, and was the packs future.

"We've gone through a lot, you and I. I've come to realize how much you mean to me 'Fina. You've been my rock in all of this even though as your Alpha I should be yours. When I had doubts you soothed them, when I grieved you listened to my words. I can never repay such a thing to you. Being around you so much as made me realize a lot in this past season. You would make a wonderful Alpha Female, the pack already adores you. I adore you..."

He whispered softly, his voice nearly being drown out by the storm. Though he knew she heard his words. Keeping himself calm he met her eyes for a long moment, before asking.

"Will you be my mate? Will you stand beside me and rule Morrow Waters.. Will you bare me pups and bring a future to this land.. Will you be my everything"

[Rach]

She was graceful enough that there was no need for her to watch every step she made. Her eyes purely focused on his back as Serafina chased after him. The shewolf still had yet to actually catch up to his side, but the view from behind wasn't all that bad. The rain coming down upon them felt absolutely magical. It was as if everything was finally falling in to place, here in this moment. A fresh start, with all of the bad left behind them. The rain signified a new season, a new beginning. Nothing could have been better at that very moment, as Serafina ran with him in to the meadow. To her surprise the area was occupied by a small herd of deer, but the pair hadn't come out here to hunt. Leaving the quiet creatures be, she followed after Cross as he bolted through the group. Doing the same, only a few of the deer stirred a moment before continuing on with their grazing. If the rain kept up, the herds would be back in full force soon enough. There would be no more scavenging from other predators, no more half satisfied bellies because of the lack of food. Every member of the pack would get their fill, none would ever go hungry again. It was both a pleasing and exciting thought.

Serafina had been so lost in her thoughts, that when Cross stopped abruptly she had little time to react. Her paws skidded in the muddying dirt, and her back side back to the ground to help herself slow. Of coarse it would dirty her fur, but she wasn't afraid to get a little dirty. Besides her fur was quickly being flattened to her skin from the pouring rain pelting down upon them. Panting softly, she got to her feet and shook out her body. Pink eyes focused on the white male with a tilt of her head. "You okay?" she asked him, wondering why he had suddenly stopped that way. Ears twisted forward atop her head, watching him look up at the sky. She was confused and curious, waiting patiently for him to say something. Her panting quieted slightly as her jaws closed so that she could hear him. As he finally began to speak, she gave him her full attention. It seemed like a very serious talk that required everything from her.

Her heart skipped a beat and then began to pound in her chest while listening to his words. He was paying her one of the highest compliments at that moment, and in there had been a mention of her meaning to him. Once fluffy tail now dampened by the rain began to wag slowly behind her back, then grew more rapid as he went on to point out what her worth would be as alpha female. Her features softened a great deal when he admitted to adoring her, something she'd wanted to hear many times before. Even as he said it softly, Serafina had been listening so closely that there was no way she could miss it. Though her heart was beginning to pound harder, causing the blood to rush through her body. Staring in to his eyes for so long made her feel anxious. Why was he taking such a long pause? Was he rethinking everything that he'd just said? Her breath caught in her throat when he opened his muzzle to speak again, the words taking a moment to register in her head. Excitement, joy, wonderment, happiness, and every other positive emotion flowed through her at once which caused a pause in her response. It was everything she wanted, all that she'd been hoping for and more. "Yes of coarse! Nothing would make me happier" she barked excitedly, stepping forward and licking his face affectionately. "I love you Cross" she whined happily, rubbing her face against his. So overjoyed, she was unable to find words quite as eloquent as his had been, though the sentiment and message were there.

[Indigo]

He had hoped and prayed that she would respond to him in a positive way. There was always that chance that 'Fina did not feel the same way about him. Though as she responded to his words a more relaxed expression crossed his face. She was accepting her new role and rank within the pack. Cross had no doubt that Serafina would make a excellent Alpha Female, she had all the qualities a good leader needed. She had a endless amount of compassion, was capable of leading the pack without his influence, was good with the pack in general, and would make a wonderful mother. Though he did wonder how the pack would now react to them being a couple instead of just friends. He had little doubt that his brother and sister would be happy for them. The family desperately needed a new beginning and something that could make them all feel happier. This would certainly do that trick, and he hoped this good mood would continue for awhile. Her response made his heart clench a little, tiny butterflies exploding in his stomach. "I love you too Fina. I think the future just got a whole lot brighter.."

Cross murmured at the female before him, his demeanor actually joyful for a change. This was the first upbeat moment he had in quite awhile. Since spring when the spring had come and his new life had begun. Ever since Keiran had died he had felt a pang of depression and guilt. Now, however he felt his mood shift into a positive mood. His ears flickered around for a moment as they stood in the rain. The thunder rumbled again the rain itself pouring harder for a moment. He frowned slightly and noticed that the storm itself was picking up instead of dying down like normal. By the look of things the deer had vacated the area, disappearing silently into the tree line. He took that as a sign that perhaps he should find them shelter for the remaining storm.

"Follow me.." He told her and moved towards the tree line. Cross normally didn't worry about rain but the storm seemed to be taking a violent turn. It figured. He moved down a trail into the forest, knowing tha he would take her to a small den. It was built into the trunk of a tree, and he sometimes used it when he wanted to be alone. Truly alone. Looking his hiding place over, he decided it was safe for them both. Entering his hiding place he laid himself down on the cool earth. The dirt here was dry and the tree provided shelter from all sides from the driving rain and wind. "We can relax here for awhile. Perhaps if the rain continues we can start planning a actual pack hunt... it's been forever.."

Seeing the deer herd earlier brought him a sense of hope. They hadn't seen many deer since late spring, and now they were returning. Which meant soon elk and other herds would be returning to the lands. It was perfect timing since winter would be coming sooner then later. Watching his mate for a moment he smiled almost lazily. Oh a new beginning would be grand.