Bright Futures

by WolfDan

Taking place at around "Black Love", the story focuses on Amanda's older brothers Titanium and Timber, who form incredible relationships with Nero's cousins Allina and Tenana, who are Kodi's daughters. With ups and downs of their relationships, what would be standing on their way to achieve their goals to have their relationships sealed with these two females?

5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Allina's First Date

Soon enough, as the mail deliveries were quite often, two to three times per week, Ryan's team, Tayer's team and Titanium's team were all excelling in mail deliveries. All three teams were quite well trained dogs and each of them had a formidable leader to start with. The biggest surprise was Titanium who despite his age, was capable of leading his team well.

Furthermore, after around two or three weeks after the beginning of the season, things had been quite well. Other than Timber and Logan, none had suspected the possible relationship of Titanium with Allina. It was very likely that no one was really caring at the moment. Maybe for some other instance?

Even if Allina was the oldest dog in the team, whereas the others were around one or two years old, she was pretty much impressed with Titanium's leadership skills. As he was the leader, Titanium was a bit awestruck when Allina was directly talking to him. As if she... as if she felt like she saw more than a friend and a leader in Titanium?

Once when they were stopping in White Mountain, but this time they were heading immediately home because there was no blizzard on their way, they were talking again. Allina was seen talking to Titanium: "Why do I feel impressed by your talent and the talent of the others when I know you're younger than I am."

That was true. Titanium knew that Allina was older to him, but did that even matter to him? He continued where she stopped: "It could be the fact that all of us except you are being the same year of birth. Allina, don't be discouraged, no one is making fun of you for being born another year."

That was also true. The younger dogs, including Logan, were impressed by two things. First, Allina was the only one standout thanks to her age. Second, if she was the oldest one here, then how come she was not the lead dog in the team? Then again, there were some questions where the answers seemed to be useless.

Looking back at the post office, Logan just commented: "Guys, get ready, our musher is coming back." True to his words, the musher returned to the sled in a few seconds, placed the bag in the sled and shouted: "Hike!" That was the obvious signal for the dogs to start running back to Nome now. It was just another few hours long run for them like any other day.

Titanium's team was running for hours back to Nome. If a man was running that long, that man would've died from exhaustion. However, a dog like Titanium and his team could run for hours without rest and survive the coldest of what the mother nature could give to the land of Alaska. All in all, the team made their way back to Nome, in the dawn.

Once in front of the post office in the town of Nome, the team was resting as usual and had their bowls of water as a refreshment. But as the fall was embracing this town, liquid water was hard to obtain due to below zero temperatures. It felt more precious than a gold itself. Eventually, they managed to lap their waters to the last single drop.

After being refreshed, the dogs were ready to move on. Logan, before heading home, asked Titanium: "Ey, Titanium. Wanna come later to the boiler room? Boys have some show for us!" Of course, he was not going to deny that offer, but he had something else in mind. Titanium responded: "Sure, I'll be there later on. First I need to do something."

Even if it mattered around Allina or not, Logan decided not to peek his muzzle into something that was not his business so he headed off. As Allina was about to head back home, Titanium approached her: "Hey, Allina. Do you mind if I ask you a question or two, perhaps three?" He hoped for the best now.

Allina looked right into his eyes and just replied with: "Oh... okay, sure." She was wondering where this conversation was going to lead. For the better or for worse? She was hoping it was going to lead for the better. Thus, Titanium could ask: "What are you up to later? I mean, this afternoon or evening?"

Being asked something like that left Allina surprised... sure, she did have some friends, around her age... but being asked something like that from someone else... Looking at him, trying to stay calm, she thought to herself what to say next. Realizing that there was no point of freaking out, she replied: "Nothing special. My daily routine like every other day."

Now that sounded quite reasonable and too good to be true for Titanium. Making his next move, he asked her the second question: "Allina, would you like to go out with me later this afternoon or this evening? You and I... as friends." He almost stuttered that last one, but managed to conceal it pretty well.

It was at that point when Allina was left speechless. Did Titanium just ask her out to go outside... or was it a date?! Did a younger dog than herself ask her out for a date today? Many questions rambled in Allina's head and she was wondering what was the right choice to do. The problem was, what was she supposed to do?!

Titanium was dearly anticipating for Allina's answer, hoping that he asked her at the proper moment. Looking at left and at right, Allina was struggling with a really hard question. Not wanting to crush his hopes yet, Allina placed her paw on his and whispered: "Meet me up here in one hour, okay?"

While that was not the answer he was hoping for, it was a good sign of something. Nodding slowly and shyly, Titanium agreed on her terms. Then, Allina turned around and walked off to the another street. It was seen that she had something in her mind, but what was that exactly? Whatever it was, Titanium thought it was worth waiting for now.

Back at Allina, who was heading towards the another direction, she was not heading away in order to stay away from Titanium. In fact, him asking her out made her... pretty happy! Yet she needed to talk to someone. Anyone. Anyone whom she finds on her way, whether related to her, Titanium or their friends!

While she was walking, she did hear someone calling her: "Allina! Allina, over here!" Looking behind her, she noticed that it was none other else than her beloved brother Koda. She did slowly head towards him. However, Koda's face showed concern so he had to ask: "Allina, are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

It sounded pretty funny when Koda said that. Shaking her head off as she was trying to remain herself, Allina looked in her brother's eyes and asked him: "Koda, I need to talk to Taiga, or even you if she's going to delivery today!" Koda felt like this was becoming quite urgent.

Wasting no more time for this, Koda just replied: "Come on, we can still catch up with her. Besides, I should be looking after Leela today." That was right, as Ryan's team was to set off for White Mountain later on. Hopefully, Allina thought she was going to be on time in front of post office with Titanium.

In a few minutes only, they managed to reach Taiga's house. Even better, they saw Taiga talking to her daughter: "Listen, Leela, your father is going to be for you here now. Maybe Timber can join him... oh there you are, Koda! Hello, Allina." Taiga noticed them both as they appeared there. Eventually, Leela came to greet her father and aunt.

Looking at his mate, Koda said: "Taiga, Allina wants to talk to you. I don't know why, but she seems that she's out of herself for some reason." Noticing that Allina's eyes were still wide, Taiga raised her eyebrow in confusion. Then again, she wanted to know why and asked: "Allina, what is it that you need me?"

As Leela moved back to the porch, Allina got back the attention on why she was here right now. Coughing twice to clear her throat, Allina let her know: "It was just a normal day for me and the team with the mail delivery... but when we were dispatched afterwards... Believe it or not, but Titanium asked me out!"

While Leela didn't pay attention to that, both Koda and Taiga were quite pleasantly surprised by that news. Looking at each other, they tried to say something to each other, but there was something that prevented them from saying what they actually meant. Meanwhile, Allina asked again: "The thing is... should I accept it? Should I go with with on a date or should I stay?"

It seemed like it was quite reasonable from Allina to be reluctant. It was sweet of Titanium to ask her out for a date, but at the same time, he was younger than her! Taiga somehow immediately recognized this situation and then she just said: "Does it bother you that he's younger than you are?"

That question had her quite speechless, as she didn't want to say anything bad to Taiga's stepbrother. Koda knew that Allina was speechless at the moment. He walked up to her, placed a paw on her shoulder and reminded her: "Allina, don't shy yourself. Look at me and Taiga, she's hours older than I am. In fact, I think it'd be cool that you have a close friend to be much younger than you are!"

These words did seem encouraging, as at that point, Allina hoped that there was no point of shying herself to date someone younger than her. Looking back at Taiga, Allina timidly asked her: "Taiga... you sure that no one is going to look down at me for going out on a date with your stepbrother?"

Taiga chuckled on that statement, finding it pretty much amusing in the end. She just kept saying: "Why'd they? I mean, you are pretty, you have good friends and it's your time to find someone for yourself, how's about that?" These words meant a lot to Allina that she eventually got to embrace Taiga tightly, that she almost ran out of rain, saying: "E-easy, Allina!"

And Allina let her go, thus Koda came to pat Taiga by her back, saying: "Well, you just had to ask for it." They all shared some laughs before Koda went to look after his daughter. Looking at him as he was leaving, Taiga turned her face back to Allina and then Allina said: "Titanium is going to wait for me in front of the post office in less than an hour."

Enough said, Taiga just walked next to her and said: "Then what are we waiting for? Follow me!" It was obvious that Taiga had to assemble her team in order to get ready for the mail delivery. While on their way, Allina agreed to stand by the team's side until they were going to leave so she could rendez-vous with Titanium.

Eventually, Taiga's team assembled before the mail delivery could begin. Since Taiga was the only one there, along with Allina, who knew about their date, Taiga decided that she was going to tell the team later on. In a matter of minutes, the team set off for White Mountain, leaving Allina behind.

It didn't take too long for Titanium to show up. Sure, Allina was waiting here and there, but with her patience, Titanium was precisely on time in front of post office. Wondering what kind of news she was having, Titanium headed straight to Allina and asked her at once: "Well, did you decide? I'm okay if you aren't coming."

Allina saw how Titanium looked at his wish as some kind of foolish movements. In the next moment, Titanium didn't see that coming, as Allina embraced him so tightly that he almost went out of air. Laughing happily and delightfully, she whispered in his ear: "Yes, Titanium. I'd love to go out for a date with you!"

At that point, Titanium's eyes widened in surprise and happiness. So his wish did come true despite him being two and a half years younger than her! Again, Titanium couldn't conceal his joy so he hugged Allina, but not as tight as she did him before. He just barked out: "Thank you, Allina! Thank you!"

Now that the two friends parted from each other, Allina giggled shyly and just asked him: "Well? Uh... Maybe we can tell our families about this... maybe friends too?" That seemed quite reasonable. While it wasn't the first thing in Titanium's mind, he replied with only: "Yeah, okay." And then, both of them headed off to their families to let them know what happened.

First, at Titanium's...

The very first one he came across was none other else than his favorite brother Timber. Upon finding him and telling him the great news, Timber yelled in surprise: "You're not kidding?! YOU ASKED HER OUT!? Awesome!" Titanium couldn't hide his enthusiasm as both brothers were patting their backs and laughing delightfully.

Then, Timber continued: "If only I had as much luck with Tenana like you, Titanium!" Sharing the good news, Timber and Titanium decided to visit their sister Amanda. Because she was dating Nero, she could help them on some tips. Recently, she'd been ill, but her recovery, thanks to Nero's support and affection, was miraculously successful.

While heading to Amanda's house, Titanium let Timber know: "Oh, I just hope that Amanda's advice or two could help me a lot here." Since Amanda was on a several dates with Nero, she could provide some help. Once they made it inside, they noticed that along Amanda was their brother Geed. Still, Titanium was cheerful enough to say: "Hello, Amanda! Hello, Geed!"

Both Amanda and Geed noticed the joy in Titanium's eyes and of course, Geed was the one to ask: "Hey, brothers. Wow, you are really cheerful, Titanium!" And the reason for so was about to be revealed. Timber was the one who announced it: "Believe it or not, Geed... but Titanium's going out for a date with Allina!"

Upon hearing that, Amanda and Geed rose on their paws and rushed to their eldest brother, with Amanda saying: "Geed, that's amazing! Congratulations." Geed just added: "That's right, Titanium! We knew it you'd make it!" Timber was laughing as Titanium was just blushing, trying not to be attention-seeker.

Titanium eventually got to speak at last, saying: "I know. Look, I just wanted to come to you, Amanda, in case you got some dating tips." While it seemed really good and considerate for him to ask his sister, Amanda raised her eyebrow and said: "I'd love to... but the thing is that I'm not that good in boys' advice. Sorry."

While it seemed like a backlash, it wasn't until Geed spoke: "But I can help. I have been dating Amber as of recently and I can provide you some tips." Truth to be said, as neither Titanium nor Timber spent too much with Geed, that was a surprise for both of them to know their youngest brother was dating someone. Still, not wanting to show any bad intention towards him, Titanium just said: "Speak away, Geed."

Happy to have his opportunity given, Geed smiled and got ready to talk. It started with him saying: "There's nothing to worry about if you don't give her a gift now. Her biggest gift is you and her being on a date. Impress her with some knowledge you have been given by some others. Eventually, if she becomes affectionate, you just go for it."

That was something that left both older brothers in awe. Before any of them could ask how in world he'd know that, Geed only replied with this: "Don't thank me for this. You can thank Nero later on for helping me." Now that was pretty obvious. Since Nero was dating Amanda and now that Geed was dating Amber, he could have asked Nero for some tips.

With that being clear, Amanda didn't have much to say but this: "I suggest you, Titanium, to let Annabeth and Noir know about this." And that was something Titanium was going to do, with Timber following him. Agreeing on that, both Titanium and Timber headed off towards their youngest and eldest sibling.

It didn't take them too much to find, as like these two and Amanda and Geed, Annabeth and Noir were quite close to each other. Interestingly enough, when they found them at Annabeth's place, not only that Noir was there, but eventually Sarah joined them. It was seen that Sarah was Annabeth's closest step-sibling.

"Hey there, guys." Sarah greeted her stepbrothers, with Annabeth and Noir noticing their arrival. All three noticed the joy on Titanium's face, which prompted Sarah to ask: "Titanium, you seem to be quite overjoyed. Is there a reason for so?" She was willing to know why her stepbrother was so happy about.

It didn't take Titanium too much to respond. Simply enough, he just said softly, but proudly: "That's because I asked Allina out for a date. She said "YES!"" And from that moment on, all three females raised on their paws and came to embrace or pat him, with Noir first one saying: "That's so wonderful to know, brother!"

Timber just added some more sugar on this treat, saying: "The third one in the family to find a date! Right after Amanda and Geed!" Unlike Timber and Titanium, who were clueless about Geed dating Amber, Annabeth and Noir knew it well, with Annabeth saying: "And funny how Geed was the first male to go on a date in a family!"

They all shared some laughs, knowing that this was a really joyful day for them. Sarah was tempted to ask: "You know what to do about your date with Allina? We can provide you with some tips." But that wasn't necessary because Titanium ended up narrating to them what Geed had told them. True, in the end, Sarah shrugged with her shoulders off and commented: "I guess that's not necessary then."

Watching how their brother had a luck, Noir leaned on Annabeth's shoulder and whispered to her beloved sister: "If only we were lucky as Amanda, Geed and Titanium, Ann." She knew that she called her older sister by a nickname, but Annabeth didn't care, because as she was watching Timber and Titanium leave, she whispered: "We know... we'll have luck as they do." Not to forget that Sarah was there believing in her stepsisters.

Meanwhile, at Ryan's team...

They were now far from Tundra's territory and were focused to get to White Mountain. With their panting and barking, they were losing no optimism as they just had to deliver the mail in there. However, Taiga wanted to tell the team about Titanium asking Allina out. She was too impatient to wait for it.

"Ryan, Tenana! I have to tell you both something!" Taiga yelled out loud so the others could hear her speaking. While it wasn't the smartest time to talk as they had to run, Ryan and Tenana didn't care too much for that so Ryan responded with: "Speak away, Taiga! Keep the focus on the path is the only thing you should do now!"

Looking in front of her, next to her at her brother Rodney and behind her, noticing two of Ralph's pups Dolph and Sylva, as long as their musher, Taiga was ready to let the others know about these news so she started with: "Believe it or not, but Titanium asked Allina out for a date!"

"WHAT?!" Tenana yelled out so loud that she lost the focus of her path and ended up braking on force, being followed up by Ryan, then by Rodney, Dolph and Sylva. Taiga was expecting that the least and in the end, they all managed to tumble down on the ground and created the snow rough on their way. The team was put forcefully on halt.

The musher noticed this and just commented: "Oh great!" Now that all his dogs were in the rough, he had to get them out of there. First he got Dolph and Sylva out of there, with them saying: "Watch it for the next time!" They were both displeased that they ended up being shoved in snow because of this surprise.

Then the musher continued rescuing Rodney and Taiga, and Rodney took this incident satirically, saying: "This has to be the fortune in misfortune! But I am glad that our little stepbrother won someone's heart." While Taiga was shaking off the snow from her ears, she just said: "So am I."

In the end, Ryan and Tenana were out of the snow. First they looked at each other and Tenana said: "Can you believe that our little sister has a date?!" Ryan couldn't believe it at first, with his first response being: "If that's so, our big sister sure has some luck." She noticed the joke in Ryan's words about big and little and proceeded to laugh.

And then, both Ryan and Tenana faced Taiga. Instead of being mad or something, Ryan just laughed delightfully and said: "You have caught us all off the guard, Taiga. Then again, you were clearly waiting for this to tell us." Now all six dogs were laughing, forgetting about this incident fairly quickly, even quicker as the musher yelled: "Hike!"

In the matter of the minutes, the team continued their journey towards White Mountain. This small incident of theirs was not going to be left in bad memory, but it was going to remind them about how the timid, sweet and pretty dog as Allina was having a date that night. If only they were going to arrive home that day...

Back to Nome...

Now that it was official that the two young dogs, Titanium and Allina, were going on a date that evening, all they had to do was to tell their parents. In fact, with the word being spread quite fast, they both found their parents, Steele and Elizabeth, Kodi and Dusty and even Balto and Jenna on the main street. It was obvious they wanted to talk to them.

Elizabeth embraced her dear older son first, saying: "Oh Titanium, you're so young, yet so grown to ask a female for a date!" While Titanium was known for his confidence, toughness and masculinity, his mother's words were causing him to blush slightly. After all, he was mama's boy and all he could say was: "It was about time, wasn't it, mom?"

That made Lizzy laugh out of delight, not out of joke. Plus, with Allina placing her paw on Titanium's back, he felt like his confidence was returning to him. Before he thought what to say, Steele approached his son and just let him know: "I never doubted you, my son. First Amanda found Nero, then Geed found Amber and I knew it that you'd be next."

Hearing the tone of sincerity in his father's line, he felt like his confidence was raising out of control. Since he asked Allina out for a date, it was clear that he was in the charge of the game. Plus, this conversation was going to continue as Kodi was heard talking: "Titanium, may I have a word with you?"

He knew that Kodi meant no bad intentions towards Titanium. Still, if Kodi was going to say something, then it should have been taken in account. Walking up to Kodi, who placed his paw on his back, Kodi asked him one simple, yet important thing: "Titanium, if you're going to start a relationship with my beloved daughter, may I have your word that she's your responsibility and you'll keep her safe from the harm?"

It was really important coming from Kodi what he said. It was true, Allina was Kodi's beloved baby and thinking how terrible it'd be if he was going to fail his mission... He looked into Kodi's eyes confidently and Titanium just said: "Kodi, I shall do everything to keep Allina safe. You have my word on that!"

As sincere as he was in his words, Kodi patted him by his back out of understanding, saying: "That's more like it." Thus, as much humor as she kept, Dusty came by and just said: "Don't you worry, Titanium. There is nothing terrible going to happen to you two as long as you are together." What she was referring to was that she knew that Kodi wasn't capable of being intimidating or menacing as he had the pure heart.

Now that their parents were approving their date, all that they had to do was to arrange when exactly they were going to meet. Titanium was in charge of this situation so he asked her: "So, do you want to meet me near the boiler room at dusk? More precisely, at sunset?" As if he couldn't have chosen more romantic time.

Allina, before she was going to head home, leaned her head on his shoulder and whispered: "However you like it, Titanium." She said that in a sweet and romantic tone. With both of them nuzzling each other, they parted their ways to go home, leaving their parents and Allina's paternal grandparents behind.

Since neither Balto nor Jenna said anything about this, but enjoyed seeing their second oldest granddaughter finding someone special, it was now when Balto said: "It appears to be that this is getting as great as with Nero and Amber, ain't it right, Jenna?" She couldn't disagree on that one, seeing how both Nero and Amber were happy with Amanda and Geed, so she just said: "And I'm sure that Titanium's going to be a wonderful young dog for Allina."

Jenna's comment made the others blush slightly. Since Steele's reputation rose again two years ago, he felt like that with her saying nice things to his family was something special. Without hesitating, Steele told her: "Jenna, thank you." It was a genuinely compassionate tone he used and Jenna nodded to him delightfully. Elizabeth just commented: "You see, that's more like it!"

In the end, Kodi and Dusty were the only ones to say something about this. Instead of getting into that topic of compliments, Kodi leaned towards Dusty and whispered in her ear: "Hey, Dusty, wanna bet in a meat loaf that Ryan is going to be next?" As humorous as she was, she just laughed amusingly and added: "Alright, but I'm placing a bet that Tenana is going to be next!" Only the time was going to say which one of their pups was going to go on a date next!

The day went on and as it had, both Titanium and Allina were getting ready for their magnificent first date. Allina later on went to visit her parents and with Dusty's help, she helped her daughter be groomed and make her look exceptionally pretty for the date to come. All in while, Kodi was shining in pride to see his daughter being groomed.

With the dusk coming relatively soon, Allina didn't hesitate twice now. Knowing where she was supposed to be, Allina was slowly and steadily heading towards boiler room. Occasionally she'd hear the compliments coming from the other dogs, her friends, family, relatives... just to see how pretty she was now.

As the sun was setting on the west, Allina made it to the boiler room. Now only thing that was left was to find Titanium, who was eventually going to show up. How was he going to look like? Groomed like she was, but maybe more handsome? Would this date of theirs be a night to remember? Too many questions were in Allina's head...

"Allina! Hey, Allina! I'm over here!" As much as she was thinking in her head, she didn't notice that she went next through Titanium, who was pretty much disguised in the shadows thanks to his black fur. Allina turned around to see where Titanium was and once she looked at him, she gasped in surprise.

Not only that she was the one being groomed up for a date tonight, so was Titanium. However, he seemed much more handsome than ever! She couldn't believe that a younger dog than her, who'd ask her out, would be so pretty when groomed up to the tiniest bits of perfection!

After having her ability to talk, Allina couldn't resist but to ask: "Titanium?! You look quite handsome! Who did you groom up?!" This seemed like a work of professional. But what if it wasn't? What if there were more onto this, combining their experience to make it look as one professional job?

Titanium blushed and then admitted: "Not only that my mom helped me up... my sisters, all three of them did too! I knew my mom'd be the one to start... but when Annabeth, Amanda and Noir showed up... things turned awkward." He started laughing nervously, as he had no clue how'd he react anyways.

Smiling happily, Allina approached him and rubbed her head against his chest. Then she just added: "Since Tenana is on the delivery, my mom groomed me up. My dad felt like he was going to remain proud at me for the rest of the eternity!" Then the two young friends laughed at that one, knowing how much Kodi adored his baby daughter.

After sharing a laugh or two, Titanium partly raised his paw as some kind of offer. Smiling politely and delightfully, he just said: "After you." Allina realized that Titanium offered her his paw as a sign of a gentleman, or in this case, gentledog's behavior. She accepted it with ease and thus Titanium led his crush of his dreams that was older than him to the date.

They found themselves on the hills that had the good view on the sea and the town and at the same time, the bright moon shining above the forest where Tundra's territory was. This was a perfect spot, seeing how everything was on place as if it couldn't get any better than this.

Being prompted to ask, Titanium coughed a bit and asked Allina: "What do you think?" His response didn't take too much to come. In fact, Allina affectionately leaned her head on Titanium's shoulder, showing how taller he was than her despite the age. She softly whispered: "This is a perfect spot."

"Glad you think so." Titanium nodded in an approval, knowing that with this step, he actually managed to impress his crush female. Once again, he dared himself to rub his chin against her head and while doing so, Allina whispered: "Your chin fur is so much smoother when groomed up." Titanium chuckled nervously at that comment.

With the dark falling, it was the matter of time when the first stars would start shining brightly in the sky. Both Titanium and Allina noticed the Northern Star shining more bright than usual. Allina was intrigued by that so she asked Titanium: "Do you see what I see? Polar Star is shinier than ever!"

That was a really nice thing to happen! It felt like something good, no, not good, but great was going to happen! Indeed, there were the tracks of lights showing up in the sky and Titanium barked out first: "Look! The Northern Lights are forming!"

Now it came clear that whenever the Polar Star would shine brighter than usual, then the Northern Lights would show up in the sky! Indeed, as the both young dogs watched in amazement, the rhapsody of numerous colors shone in front of their faces. Allina couldn't resist but to whisper: "It's amazing!"

Titanium couldn't agree any less, because this date was getting better and better as it carried on! Noticing the reflection in Allina's eyes, Titanium's face slipped towards Allina's and much to his surprise, her face slipped towards his! Just as they were least expecting it, out of surprise, they ended up touching noses!

Blushing on that action, both backed up their noses and laughed softly about it. In the next moment, Allina was curious enough to ask: "Titanium, I'm happy that you asked me for a date. It seems that the age does not matter to you, does it?" He knew what she was talking about and she was right about that.

Smiling delightfully, Titanium simply answered: "Not at all! Being with you, in your presence, makes my heart melt." Whether that was flattering her or not, Allina leaned her head on his chest and then joked on: "Funny, I can still hear it beating." Both laughed again, much louder than previous time.

Then, Titanium looked Allina into her indigo blue eyes and let her know: "Allina, one of the reasons why I asked you out is that I like you. You already know that..." He blushed upon mentioning a such obvious thing, which she didn't mind at all. He continued: "Guess what? When I was little, I wanted to become a sled dog! And guess who were my role models? Your parents, your father especially."

She didn't see that one coming, being surprised that her friend was a fan of her father. She didn't hesitate to interrupt him but let him speak: "Even if he and your mother are retired now, I'm still glad that he was the inspiration for me and my brother to become sled dog, though Timber didn't become one sadly..."

Now she presumed that Titanium said everything he wanted. She waited for a few seconds and in the next moment, spoke: "I must admit, despite me being a daughter of sled dogs, I'm not a big fan of being one myself. Then again, my owner thinks that if I am a sled dog, a part of mail delivery credit would go to him for lending me into the team."

Truth to be said, Titanium was partly surprised and was partly expecting that. She was a pretty good runner, but hearing how her owner wanted to earn the profit by placing her in sled team over her will, that made him feel sorry for her. He just let her know: "Don't worry, I believe in you."

Smiling happily at her lead teammate, Allina placed her head on his chest again and just said: "I'm glad you're by my side, Titanium." As they were enjoying the stars, lights and the date they had together, the silence was interrupted by the distant barking coming from behind the woods. It sounded like a group of dogs barking.

"What's that?" Allina asked first, not being focused on anything at the moment but to share her affection towards Titanium. On the other hand, Titanium perked his ear to the distance and judging by the look on his face, it came more clear to him that he was able to recognize the dogs barking. He let her know by saying: "Ryan's team is coming home."

Now that Allina had her ears perked in the distance, she realized that Titanium was right. Once the barking became louder, they spotted in distance six dogs, in the lead row led by bright brown male and slender gray female. Ryan and Tenana respectively. And then, Allina chuckled at something she just remembered.

"What's so funny?" Titanium asked her in a flirty tone, wondering how funny her thought was. She didn't hesitate to answer so she said: "I asked Taiga this morning if she could help me decide whether to go on a date with you or not. Wondering what's so funny? I can imagine her telling that to her team earlier this day!"

In a matter of seconds, Titanium imagined a scene in his head where Taiga tells the rest of the team about the date during the delivery. Then he imagined someone suddenly breaking and causing the snow rough and dog pile on that. Now he realized how funny that was so he started laughing normally, saying: "We gotta ask Taiga what happened if she said them during the run!" That made Allina laugh even louder.

The date went on the be quite peaceful and affectionate as both Titanium and Allina spent their date watching stars and lights, with Titanium telling her something about these. When it was already midnight, Titanium decided to walk her back home.

Once they were in front of Allina's house, Allina rubbed her head against his chest and licked his cheek, saying: "Titanium, thank you for a such wonderful date!" Embracing her tightly, yet carefully at the same time, Titanium softly responded: "It's all I could give to you tonight. Sleep well, my friend."

Then she embraced him back as if she wanted to say "Good night." and finally returned to her house. Titanium watched the house and whispered to himself: "Next time I will tell her what I think about her. But now, the next morning... I'll tell the others, especially Timber, about the date..." Without anything else to do, Titanium set off to his home, wanting to get some sleep.