Walking on foot seemed to give Coran a whole new perspective. The snow fall seemed gentle, not whipping against their face. Soft crunching accompanied their every step, and more often than not, a cold gust would cause them to draw their cloak tighter around them. When the two of them had almost reached the next town on their way south, Baize began fidgeting. By the time the town was in view, Coran decided to question his odd behavior. Baize never seemed nervous, and he was usually very chatty.

"Is s-something w-wrong?"

"I..." He looked down at Coran, stopping in his tracks. "Before we travel together any more, I have a... confession to make..." Coran tilted their head in confusion.

"Confession..?"

"I... I'm really fond of you." He seemed to be fidgeting with the white string around his hips. "Like, REALLY fond. I don't know how to put this in any other terms than..." He was blushing. "C-Coran, would you be my mate?"

Coran blinked, not having been prepared for that at all. Mate..? Why would he want them of all people? Coran didn't find themself to be anything special, really. And they didn't think they would be a very good match. Coran's lifestyle was full of interaction with other humans, and Baize just couldn't be with them in that case. There was always the danger of him being hunted for his fur. Baize bit his lip at Coran's silence.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..."
"N-no it's okay, I-I was just..." They paused, and restarted their sentence. "I-I'm the one who should be s-saying sorry. I've n-never thought of you th-that way... And our l-lives are too d-different. How could we f-form any sort of r-r-relationship when I'm c-constantly surrounding myself with other h-humans?" Baize looked down.

"I guess I'm just selfish. Maybe I want you all to myself."

"Baize, I'm s-sorry..."

"No, I know." He smiled. "You have your life. I can't take that from you. I'm sure I'll find someone else." Coran frowned.

"I... Y-yeah..." Baize put a hand on their shoulder.

"Hey, don't worry about this. It's not too big of a deal."

"B-but..."

"No buts! I want to see that smile on your face again before I leave!" Baize was smiling at them, but Coran only frowned more.

"You're l-leaving me?" They felt cold inside.

"Yeah... I don't really want to, but if I stay my feelings are gonna get out of hand and I don't wanna force myself on you. I hope you remember me with good memories in mind."

"Baize..."

"Hey, maybe we'll meet again! I promise to look all over for you as soon as I move on!" Baize continued smiling, though it looked a little strained. "Come on Coran, show me that smile…"

"Is that a p-promise?" Baize nodded firmly, and Coran smiled. "Then I'll w-wait for the day I can s-see my best f-friend again."

With that, the Taguel turned around and walked away. Coran saw him transform in the distance, and prayed that he would stay safe until they met again. They turned on their own path and started their journey alone for the first time in their life.

Word Count: 528

In which Baize leaves.

Coran has literally never been on their own until this moment

Next Saturday: Coran isn't completely prepared to help people out, but they try their best.