"So you're in a relationship now?" Alex had asked me as soon as she managed to come back. She looked a little bit flustered, but that must have been from the wind. She gave me a grin, "That's great. I hope that the two of you stay together. I had no idea Soseki felt that way about you. I didn't think he had it in him to date again."
"I know right?" I beamed, "He's always complaining about his age. But it doesn't bother me too much. I had no idea either. He's pretty romantic though. It's kind of a nice surprise."
"He might even be your mate," she winked at me, "I feel so much better now. Where's Alison?"
"Asleep," I pointed to where the child lay. She had her eyes closed, so she must have not woken up while the both of us were busy, thank Goddess. Wouldn't want my best friend to be upset at me for that.
"Thank Goddess," she sighed, "She's such a cute child isn't she?"
"I agree. You're such a proud Mama."
"I am. But not as proud as Aunt Hazuki," she laughed, "I swear that you spend so much time with the child, that she feels like your her mother as well. I don't mind sharing that responsibility with you of course."
"Of course," I echoed, "I'm human Mama and you're wolf Mama."
"Please," Alex pushed me, "Enough about me. I'm not the lucky one. You have a boyfriend now. I have sooo much advice for you. We might be busy all day with this. Are you ready to learn?"
"Learn?" I lifted an eyebrow, "And what makes you a master?"
"I think she's evidence of that," she chuckled, pointing to her sleeping daughter, "I'm a love expert compared to you."
"Maybe I should hang out with my new boyfriend instead."
"You don't have to leave yet," she whined slightly, "I'll be a bit lonely. I'm waiting for Alison to wake up. And Allen's so busy with his job."
"Shouldn't you be working?"
"You sound like Neil," she frowned, "But I guess I'll go fishing or something. I guess I'll leave the child with you?"
"I think she'll want to see you since she couldn't during the full moon."
"I guess I'll stay home today then," Alex smiled back at the child.
"I heard the good news from Tina," Rod waved at me as I walked over to his stall. The pet seller looked happier than usual, so something good might have happened between him and his girlfriend, "Congrats."
"What happened?" Neil looked up from his stall, curiously looking at me. His eyes were brighter today.
"Soseki asked her out about a week ago."
"Is that so," the animal salesman's smile turned down into a frown, "Congrats I guess. I had no idea that he liked you like that."
"Neither did I," I scratched the back of my head in embarrassment. I had no idea that it spend around so quickly. But I guess word ran through this town quickly. Maybe even a bit too quickly.
"You're a cute girl," Rod pat me on the shoulder, "I knew it would be time."
"Good for you," Neil turned his back to us and concentrated on his animals. I felt a bit sad at that. My heart slowed down a bit and chills went down my back. Why was I feeling like this? It felt cold suddenly, as if someone turned on a fan.
"I guess I'll let you two get back to work," I waved to them, "See you guys later."
"Bye Hazuki."
"Whatever."
"It's pretty nice hanging out," Soseki gave me a grin. The older man had placed his hand in mine and took me to the area above the Harvest Goddess Spring. We even had a cute little picnic basket with us.
"Well I really enjoy being with you," I squeezed his hand slightly, "You are a really great guy."
"Thank you," he looked away with a red face, "May I kiss you?"
I nodded, "Sure you can. Since you asked and all. Well, even if you didn't ask, I'd let you."
Soseki nodded back at me, almost a bit uncomfortably before leaning in. His lips were soft and warm against mine. Our lips touched while my heart raced in my chest. I wasn't that good of a kisser, but he didn't seem to mind. Especially when his kisses got harder as he pulled me closer. I slammed against him as his hands tangled in my hair. I had to pull back to breathe. But what I saw made me jump slightly. It wasn't Soseki standing in front of me.
It was Neil
I jumped out of bed, my eyes bursting open and let out a huge gasp. What the hell was Neil doing in my dreams? I had no idea why he had such a strong impact. I should be dreaming about just Soseki. But you can't help what you dream about. I looked around my room and saw that it was only two in the morning. I let myself fall back into bed with a sigh. Maybe I should drink something to make myself sleep. Maybe I'll have a different dream. But I could still slightly feel my heartbeat.
