Fan Fiction: Spice and wolf

Title: Eternity and wolf

A/N: Lol! Well, I just keep getting very interesting reviews from very interesting people ( You're a sweet one, renielle14! You as well, waffle dude!) Reviews really do liven up my day, as well as help my progression of this story (thinking of a way to rephrase the sum btw) so thanks a lot, you guys and gals! Heh, it seems as though I have unintentionally left some sort of finality with the last chapter, but re-reading it for myself I have no one to blame for that other than myself. But it's not over just yet! However, I was recently looking up when the light novel would be released and it had the description on them. And...got extremely bummed. Felt low to the ground. Not in my happy place. Here I was thinking I was staying linear to the "true" story, but lo and behold, I see that volume 6 of the light novel is being released and it details the progression of their blooming relationship (if I read correctly, v.5 of the novel is where they become a couple) and I apologize if I've ruined anything for anyone. By my understanding, the 5th volume of the manga (which I have yet to go out and get for myself. Damn...) is barely up to the point where Lawrence slaps Holo's hand in frustration (as opposed to the anime's "brushing away of the hand" approach). Still, I prefer the manga version myself. I still love the light novels and the anime though. I hate to play favorites with anything, and manga is no different. Anyway, I feel I've blabbered enough, so please read on and enjoy! -HELLO! ... I've got nothing important to say about this fanfic nor is it related to it in any way. I just wanted to add stuff here to take up space while my dear sis is clipping her nails on the bed... Review if you love the fic or just love the characters. Blah blah blah blah... Raise your hand if you love ulquiorra or grimmjow! :D -Grimm-Inuoka004

Chapter#9- Letting go

"Welcome back, Mister Lawrence! I and the misses were starting to worry about you two."

The hearty inn keeper had greeted them widely upon their return, previously chatting with his wife at the counter before they had come in. Lawrence waved politely to them as he and Holo stepped up to their desk. Lawrence handed the stout man a small pouch, a jingling sound coming from it as he handed it over.

"Mm?"

"Interest. For watching my horse and my wares while we were away."

Beneath the protection of their cloaks, they held each other's hands, giving a reassuring squeeze when he said while they were away.

"By the way, I wanted to let you know that we'll be leaving your lodgings by nightfall. As my way of thanks, I wish to entrust my horse to you."

"W-What? Your horse, you say? Young man, I'm grateful but that would be too much to take from you."

The old man sees Lawrence shake his head evenly.

"If I may, would you follow me out to your stables?"

The inn keeper nods and walks around the desk to exit the building, looking to his wife before leaving. Going around the building of the inn, they came to the stables. Lawrence sees his horse in a separate pen away from the owners', a knowing and wry smile coming across Lawrence's face as he notices the mare in the other holding pen. He let's go of Holo's hand and walks up to the horse, placing his hand on its snout.

"This horse has been with me since I started out as a merchant years ago. He has weathered the elements alongside me, as well as having to suffer whatever came our way. He is a sturdy and stubborn one; all that and above all, a very faithful companion."

Lawrence spoke in a nostalgic tone, petting the horses' snout as he spoke. He eyed his horse as one would when parting with a member of his family.

"And like me, he has grown tired of the lonely life on the road and wishes to settle down in a stable. Where he could eat on a regular basis and also, be around others like himself and have friends. He has served me well, so I wish to return the favor and give him a home of his own. You have a very nice stable, very cozy and large in size. So I would be grateful if you would accept him."

His horse neighed lightly and drew near him, as if to thank him. It made the atmosphere warm all around, touching all who were present. The inn keeper chuckled and raised his hands in a humorous gesture of defeat, giving up on trying dissuading the young man any further.

"Fine, fine! You win, lad. Although I feel as if I were stealing from you if I give you nothing in return. At least let me and my wife give you and your companion something for your travel tonight. How does three wine skins and some dried meat sound?"

At the very mention of wine Holo's ears perked up beneath the hood of her cloak. Kraft chuckles lightly and looks to the inn keeper.

"Very well then. It's agreed."

Kraft stretches his hand out and the two men shake hands.

"You are too kind, sir."

"Oh, but your merchant here is an even kinder man, miss! I just so happened to have need of another horse, so its as if fate brought you two here to my inn. I'll go and prepare your things for the evening, as well as give you some time to part with your horse properly."

He smiled understandingly and went out of the stables. Once they were alone Kraft looked to his horse again, bidding him farewell with his eyes while still stroking his long snout. From the corner of his eye, Kraft saw Holo move closer to his side in a way that reminded him of a person walking around a slumbering beast. She groaned silently as she moved her legs carefully to get to Kraft. At this, he chuckled again.

"You're hell bent on making me feel bad, aren't you?"

"It's your fault. And after I pleaded with you to be gentle with me, you end up ravaging me! Me! A docile female such as myself, being brutally ravaged under the merciless onslaught of a male! I didn't have a prayer as you fondled me roughly and-"

"Alright already! If I give you my share of dinner later on, will that be enough to make up for my ravaging you?"

He was quick to close his hand over her mouth to silence her verbal assault, and spoke over her in a rushed tone, his ears having heard the distant footfalls of the inn keeper returning. Holo smiled into his hand and nodded silently, her smile spreading as Kraft let out a breath of relief. His hand fell away from her mouth, but he did not step away from her immediately. Instead, Kraft pushed Holo against the wooden railing of a nearby support beam and pinned her there with his chest. A wry grin crossed his lips then, and made Holo look at him with a surprised expression.

"I admit to having been rougher with you then I had intended to be; However, I never once heard you complain, even long after the deed was done. Still, if I have upset you ..."

He leaned in close to her face and brought his mouth up to speak into her hood.

"...I would gladly make it up to you. In full. Right here."

As he spoke, Kraft brushed his hips suggestively against her middle, making Holo let out a subtle breath. She had to admit that Kraft had a lot of gall to even entertain the thought in broad day light, among the animals in the stable and the nearing inn keeper. She shuddered, her tail sweeping the dirt from beneath her skirts as it became restless. He was becoming even more spontaneous and more passionate...and, damn her own weak state of mind, she was drawn in even more than a moth to a flame! The thought flittered across her mind and for a brief moment, she considered taking him up on his offer; until she snapped back to her senses and pushed a smiling Kraft away from her, cursing under her breath.

"F-Fool!"

In a huff and with a splash of color on her face, Holo limped past him, brushing his hand away as he attempted to help her walk. She looked over her shoulder and grinned at him, her fangs hinting at her lips and making Kraft's' tail wag slightly beneath his cloak.

"We shall continue on this matter at a more proper time, merchant! And do not think you are completely forgiven either."

She spoke out loud on purpose, making it appear as if they had just had a little spat. Holo had especially stressed on the "proper time" thing, in her usual endearing manner that made him want to chase her again. Holo winked at him and went out from the stables, passing the inn keeper as she limped off.

"M-Miss Holo? Are you well? You seem to be walking rather stiffly. Is it your back perhaps?"

The man was clearly clueless as to the real reason why she was moving the way she was, and for that Holo wanted to burst out laughing. She merely smiled with a closed mouth and clenched teeth, and shook her head.

"I will be better with more rest. Our outing yesterday has made my leg muscles incredibly sore and my back to ache terribly. Thank you all the same."

With a mutual nod the inn keeper walked up to Kraft with a parcel all bundled up and ready for travel, whereas Holo disappeared beyond the stable doors. The stout old man hands the parcel over to Kraft wordlessly and smiles at him, patting the cloth material holding their things, as if to say "you're all set!". Kraft smiles sheepishly and nods his silent thank you and the two men shake hands. They both turn to exit the stables, with Kraft taking one last look at his old friend before stepping out. As they get farther away from the stables, Kraft hears a short series of long and loud whinnies erupt from behind them. He was grateful for his new ears and new perspective. If he were still human, Kraft would have missed the message entirely. He blinked back the sting of tears behind his eyeballs and walked a little faster; alarming the innkeeper and making him stumble over his feet as he tried to keep up with him.

''Farewell to you, my master! You did right by me and you have my thanks! I'll naught forget our time spent together! You wolves be well now! And good luck!''

-End

A/N: Short, I know. But I figured it was better than waiting another week or so for me to submit it. I'll try to make the next one longer. Sorry for the long delay too, I was swamped with work so I couldn't type for a while (gotta work for a living, what can I say?). And in case anyone's' wondering; yes, that last bit on the AN above was the work of my younger sister, who is also a writer on this site. -_-"