AN: you have no idea how hard it was to write this without busting out laughing XD or something.
Someone on another site ( a good friend of mine by the way) mentioned that in the last chapter Tsume was starting to talk to Toboe about Wolves and would then talk about Humans. My friend asked me "Why does he need to know about both if he's only a wolf?"
I have to admit that was a good question. And here is the answer: Because of the human illusion. As he grows and matures his illusion does to, as his wolf, form goes through puberty his human form appears to be as well. Also he might hear things from the humans while in a town or something so it's best he knows at least some about what happens to humans to.
That brings up the comment that was made at lunch with my friends one day "So the wolves go through puberty twice?" well in reality it's only one and depending on what form he's in it only seems to be one as well. But the wolf will notice not only he wolf form but his human form's changes. (that based off of my theories on the illusions that I don't want to get into here in a AN)
Also a question that came up: "Why do the wolves care if Toboe knows this stuff or not? So what if he runs off and gets a mate it natural right?" Answer: Toboe's curious and asking questions so they are just answering them. And they sometimes have trouble protecting themselves they don't need the trouble of looking after a pregnant chick and later her pups as well. That's why they are talking to him and hopefully it will help prevent any unwanted pregnancies, and that he will wait till he's older to have the commitment of a mate and pups.
Sorry this AN is so long but there is some helpful info in it.
Anyway:
As said in the last three chapters but repeating won't hurt right? I do not own Wolf's Rain.
Onward to chapter four! :
"So what did you talk about so far?" Kiba questioned.
"Puberty, in wolves that is, and I started to talk about mating but he wasn't even paying attention he just kept trying to block out my words. I stopped to calm him down and get him to listen again which he is not ready but is willing to do." Tsume answered. "I figured I was short of 'in over my head' here and could use help explaining it all." He finished, looking towards Hige and Kiba then over to Toboe.
Toboe's cheeks had lighted some and where starting to regain their normal color but there was no doubt in any of the other wolves minds that once they started talking to him again, his face will go back to be just as red as before.
"Well let's just get this all over with." Hige said.
"Agreed let just start this already" Kiba said nodding his head. "The sooner we start the sooner it'll be over. That is good because one: of course we all just want this done with and put behind us, but also we should get a move on, if we leave within the hour we should be at the next town by sundown." Kiba explain.
Everyone nodded.
"Let's begin...again shall we?" Tsume asked Toboe who just nodded slowly.
"So when someone is around your age they start getting attracted to those of the other gender. Sometimes they take it slow, and get to know each other, other times not so much. "Tsume began
"Because of puberty they get new sexual urges which can affect their judgment because they act on urges instead of anything else"
"Trust us no matter how you feel taking it slow is always the best for both people. " Kiba said matter-of-factly.
"Either way eventually they go further than just grooming each other. This is what wolves tend to call, mating or sex as the humans commonly call it." Hige explained.
"If not careful this could lead to pregnancy." Kiba stated, pausing he did not want to be the one to go into the details of it all let Tsume or Hige do that.
"How?" Toboe questioned.
Here comes the awkward and hard part.
Hige bravely to charge of the answer, he even turned pink some, despite trying to 'be cool' about it all.
"Well um…" damn, he was stumped for words….it was pretty simply really but… it is just so embarrassing to talk about, let alone explain. He took a minute to think over how he was going to word it before trying another hand at his explanation.
"Okay so mating, sex, call it what you'd like, is when two people express their love to each other. They do this by the male and female being on top of one another, and then the male inserts his…" Hige explained. Stopping only briefly to see if Toboe understood, then he continued on. He let out a sigh as he continued on and on to explain it all. He could not believe he had to explain this.
"And sometimes if that happens just at the right time, it can end up with a pregnancy." He finished letting out a sound of relief. Hige smiled to himself, he did it he explained it. As awkward, as it was it was the worst for now was over. And luckily, he was only slightly blushing.
"Which is not always a bad thing, but it is a commitment and both people should only do if they really love each other, have an unbreakable bond and are ready to be parents." Tsume continued.
"For wolves not only do the parents help raise the pups but the whole pack pitches in. The others help protect both the mom and the pups, so even the parents think they may be ready for it, it's really a pack effort." Kiba added in.
"It's all natural and all, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it, but there are times where it isn't always the best thing for one to do." Hige spoke again.
"For a pack like ours…it's hard to even take care of ourselves sometimes. Times like these…it is even harder when there is a pregnant member added into the mix. And things only get even more tougher once the pups are born." Tsume said.
"Even though it natural, and so are any feelings that are developed about it, one should try and hold back till they it's the right time for them. Sure, it is fine to get to know someone and have the pleasantries of kissing and stuff but some things like sex is a bit too far at first. One should have some self-restraint and know to behave and wait for just the right time and place." Kiba said matter-of-factly, Trying to not show his emotion. So far it work and he has not shown any signs of how embarrassed he really was.
The three older wolves had all so far more or less hid their embarrassment. Despite Hige's face being slightly pink, there were no real sign at all of how this conversation was making them feels just as awkward as Toboe.
Toboe just sat there quietly, face just as crimson red as before.
Nodding when asked if he understood. Shaking his head when asked if he had questions, at the moment he had none about this part of it. He made very little to no sound as he just sat and listened, just wishing it be over with, or that they did not talk about this at all. However, he knew that it was somehow in his best interest that he hears it and just paid attention until it was over.
"We don't want you making a mistake that you'll regret later on Toboe." Hige stated.
"We know how it feels, when you 'get the need to press for more' but if we can hold back so can you. I know it is a bit harder because of how young you are and that you are only starting to develop….." Hige went on.
"So everything like hormones and stuff are running a bit high right now, but if you meet a girl you really like, you'll be careful not to go past certain limits and not do anything you'd be ashamed of, especially to tell us about, or know that you would regret it latter right?" Hige asked as he looked over to the pup waiting for a response.
Toboe just sat there uncertain for a moment before he made his response. To everyone's surprise, he spoke instead of a nod of the head or something. "I…don't know...I can always try but…I can't say anything for sure…I don't even like girls yet." He said His face still red and warm. He was blushing all that bad, nothing like he just was, but he was still blushing. "I'm not interested in having any type of relationship…"
"Give those hormones of yours some time to kick the hell in kid, and then rethink what you just said" Hige said then he mumbled "my views on women sure as hell did a back flip once my hormones took over…." That last part earned him a whack in the head from Tsume.
"You may think and feel that way now but trust us you'll be in a different mindset sooner than you might think…." Kiba said trying to hide a smirk at Hige's comment and Tsume's reaction.
"At least think it all over before you do anything relationship wise, alright runt?" Tsume asked.
Toboe nodded.
"Good I guess we're good with this particularly topic. We should move on to the next, which is about humans, but we can save that for later. Like after we get to the next town or something." Kiba said.
They all looked at each other and decided that what they talked about for today was enough info for one day, And that they would start talking about the rest later when they reached the nearest town.
They really need to head out anyway, they could not stay in one place for too long. If they leave now they would be in town just at the dusk. That would give them some time to get food and find out some stuff about the town. The depending on what they find out, either find some shelter for the night or continue on till they come across another town.
Then after they get some sleep either at this town or somewhere on the way to the next, they would have another little talk with Toboe.
It would probably be the first of two or three. There was more to Humans than there was to wolves.
So after ending this little chat of theirs they stood up and slowly made their departure.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was a long brisk journey to the next town even though it was not all that far the weather and landscape made it much further.
Night had just come as the wolves reached the town. It was too dark to do much investigating. So they hunted some rats nearby then found an abandoned shed to rest in for the night.
Night soon turn to morning. And the wolves made a plan. Tsume and Kiba will check out the east side of town ,Toboe and Hige would be in the west side.
They split up and went their separate ways.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hige and Toboe were walking, looking for food more than anything else. Toboe was just walking more or less zoned out. He suddenly turned to Hige. "Hey Hige?"
"What is it runt?"
"Well can I ask you some stuff…just a few questions…you know... without you talking to the others about it…..just to be kept between us sort of stuff?" Toboe asked.
"Um…Sure kid…. What is up?.. What you wanna ask?" Hige answered
"Promise you won't tell the others?"
"I promise kid now ask away before I change my mind" Hige said after a quick debate about whether he should promise or not. I the end he decided it did not matter.
"When did you…um…you know….first start thinking about girls? You know…getting interested and attracted to them and stuff like that…" Toboe asked now stopping in his tracks and started to stare at the ground at his feet.
"Hhhmm I don't really know… But I guess I was around your age maybe a little younger. But, it was not till I was older that I got 'serious' but I never went all the way with anyone yet...you know what I mean right? When I talk about being serious?"
Toboe blushed and then nodded "…sex right?" Hige nodded.
"Seems that talk the other day did stay in your head after all." Hige said with a smile.
"what did you do? When you were with them?...your girlfriends…that what humans call it right?
"Just hanging out , spending time together you know? We also got into the standard teenage mischief like grooming each other. Think to humans that is like kissing and holding hands. Simply stuff….I thought about 'second base' a few times and almost…never really did though." Hige said.
Toboe was a bit surprised. Hige never really opened up about things let alone personal things like this.
"Second base?" Toboe finally asked once the surprise wore off.
"Sex kid…second base is sex."
"Oh" Toboe answered.
They started walking again. Passing some food carts, all of which Hige grabbed some off of each. Always handing some to Toboe. Who took it gratefully. They were all hungry, it has been days since a real meal. A few small rats do not fill you up all that much.
"So got any more questions kid?" Hige asked. But Toboe was not paying attention. He was staring off into a distance. Sniffing the air , moving his head and ears around as if to try and hear better. Then suddenly he was off.
Leaving a alone and confused Hige behind, till he caught a both the sent and sound that Toboe appeared to have picked up and gone after.
The sound: It was the sound of a whimper almost like a cry, It at the moment appeared human but he knew this was of a wolf.
Then came what he got a whiff of, the sent was of a female wolf , who seemed to be around Toboe's age but Hige couldn't be sure of it yet. But all wolves around that age did have the same recognizable sent on top of their own unique one. The sent? Hormones..
Great one minute the kid doesn't have any interest what so ever in girls, now not only a day or so later he's running off on his own towards one.
Hige had to admit it now: he hated moody, hormonal, unpredictable pups that are the equivalent of teenaged humans….maturing pups are nothing but trouble.
Hige had to smirk at his thought, he was sure one to talk. Every time a girl comes, he's the one that has his tail wagging.
Hige sighed he went to find the others Toboe would be back and if not they would have better luck if they all searched for him and not just him.
XXXXXXXXX
Tsume and Kiba where on their way back to the center of town to meet up with the others. When Hige came towards them. Alone.
"Hey pokey, where is the runt?" Tsume asked.
"The kid ran off when he caught the whiff of a girl…figured I'd give him some alone time. And that he'd be back. If not we can just all go looking." Hige said shrugging.
"You think it's a good Idea to leave two growing pups unsupervised?" Kiba asked.
Tsume nodded as if agreeing with the question.
Hige shrugged once more. "I don't think Toboe would do anything just quite yet. This is his first time seemingly having an interest in a girl. Knowing him no matter what nothing will happen yet" He answered.
"But that would also make him more curious. And when you mix hormones with curiosity…it might not be that good." Tsume said.
"So what? You want to go find him" Hige asked. The other two wolves nodded.
So they set out to find Toboe. Howling every now and then , to the human though all they heard where other human shouting a name…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Toboe was wandering around trying to find the female he smelt.
Sure enough there was a female wolf about his age, sitting in her human form on a windowsill outside of some type of a shop. She looked sad.
"What is the matter?" Toboe asked her coming up to her and sitting on the opposite side of the sill.
"Someone I was very close to died….the last member of my pack…went missing and I can't find their sent." She said.
"Oh…I'm sorry to hear that." Toboe said.
"It's fine" She said with a small smile "My name is Cassidy what's yours?"
"It's Toboe, nice to meet you!" He said with a grin. He paused…is that howling?
the others must be looking for him!
"That's my pack!" he said with a smile. "They are looking for me…I kinda ran off..."
"Why would you do that?" Cassidy asked.
"I heard your sad lonely sounds so I fallowed." Toboe answered her. She nodded.
Toboe answered his pack next. "I'm by the book shop" He said as he howled to the others.
They heard his reply and started their way to the book shop.
When they got there Toboe and Cassidy where talking to each other. Laughing and joking. They already seemed to be friends.
The other decided to stay close by but out of the way, and sight.
Toboe would be mad that they were spying on him but they figured it was for the best.
They would be there if and when needed and they got some alone time together, to get to know each other. It was perfect.
If things went too far…..someone was there to stop it.
But they just kept on talking as if they always knew each other. Wow only knowing each other for not even half an hour and they talk like life long friends.
It was getting late, and right when the other wolves where about to come out and make him say goodbye, Cassidy ,after giving Toboe a little kiss to the cheek, got up and left.
After that Toboe looked around as if looking for the others.
They came out from where they were and came up to him smiles and knowing glances on their faces.
"So kid what's her name?" Hige asked with a grin
"…Cassidy…her name is Cassidy." Toboe replied a bit hesitant. Would Hige make fun of him for liking her?
" So you like her huh?" Hige pressed on for more information.
Toboe blushed "…no…Not like…as in like….or anything like that…" Toboe answered blushing.
"Uh huh…sure you don't runt." Tsume added in.
"There's something….about this town…I don't know what it is but I want to stay and look into it some more…at least for a few more days." Kiba came into it, telling the pack of the plans, and unknowingly saving Toboe form more embarrassment curtsy of Hige.
The others nodded.
"It's almost sundown we should find somewhere to stay." Kiba added.
"And some food!" Hige had to throw in his two cents worth.
The found some food and an abandoned building and settled down for the night.
XXXXXXXXX
When morning came, they once again split up this time taking the side opposite to the side of town they were in yesterday.
Toboe this time went with Tsume. And Hige went with Kiba.
They walked in silence for some time before Tsume spoke up.
"So runt, you really like that Cassidy chick?" He asked.
Toboe stopped walking and blushed as he looked to the ground. "..Well yeah I think I do...even though I just meet her and all…" He said.
Tsume had a rare smile on his face. The pup's first crush how cute.
"Have you done anything?...like kiss?" He asked. He knew somewhat. He did see her kiss him goodbye on the cheek. But in the time that the others where there they never kissed for real. But who knows what happened before the showed up.
Again Toboe blushed. "…uh…well...kinda….yeah…we kissed once like on the lips. Then she kissed me goodbye on the cheek…nothing else happened….if that's what you're wondering…" Toboe explained as he stumbled over his words.
Tsume let another smirk appear the kid was definitely not comfortable talking about this kinda stuff…that runt would have a hell of an awkward time sitting in on one of the many bull sessions Hige seemed to love so much. "So just let me guess here but... you feel the need to press for more? Don't you?" He asked.
"Tsume!" Toboe's blushing face redden even more.
"Well?...come on kid I'm just curious…don't worry about any of it alright?"
"Well….yeah of course I do…..but I didn't really think about or like tried to. Do anything…you know…" Toboe again stumbling for words.
At this Tsume had to let out a laugh. Trying and failing to hold it in so he did not make Toboe feel bad.
Toboe looked a bit upset when Tsume started laughing. Tsume noticed this and stopped.
"Sorry…Look don't worry about it kid I understand…how it can be when you're new to it and all…don't be so worked up all those feelings you have are only natural." He said trying to comfort the pup.
Toboe nodded.
"Yeah….I know" He said weakly.
"You know what? I don't think we ever finished that talk sure we finished the part about wolves but we didn't say anything about humans" Tsume said.
"Let's not do this here or now." Toboe pleaded "Later back at the building. We can talk in our shelter alright?" Toboe said.
"Hhmm I don't know.." Tsume started. He was just playing around, he knew it would be better if then had that conversation back at the abandoned shed they had taken residence in for the time being.
Hell he preferred to anyway.
"Can we just drop it now? Talk about something else? Or don't talk at all?" Toboe suggested.
"Huh?...Sure kid…I think you had enough of talking about it…for now anyway." Tsume said with a laugh. As they, both started walking again.
"I was only kidding around anyway…Well kinda…we will need to talk later…but not here…back at the building should be fine." He said a minute or two later.
Toboe's face started to slowly return to its normal color. And he slowed his pace. Great. Another talk once they get back. That's going to be fun…plus that's going to take up some time he was hope they would let him go for a walk on his own, or that he could get away from them, so he could go find Cassidy.
He knew she was still somewhere in the town and he wanted to see her again…maybe even get a kiss or two.
He smiled at that.
Soon they made it back to the center of town and meet up with Hige and Kiba.
Then four wolves talk about their findings and then went to get something to eat.
It was around noon. Lunch time it is!
They had managed to get some hotdogs, hamburgers and a few other human food , mostly all meats.
They did not complain that it was human food one bit. All they could get here where rats and they were not very filling so any time they could get the chance to be filled up with a nice full meal, of human foods they took it.
When that was done, they sat down to relax in that abandoned building that over the last day or two they had made somewhat theirs.
After an hour or so of relaxing Kiba spoke up "So I think we should continue that talk or ours.." he started.
"Let's move on to the next part of it shall we?" Tsume added in.
"This time it'll be about humans" Hige joined in.
Toboe sighed here it goes again..
AN: wow this was a hard chapter to write. Anyway ,Here it is! Aw our little Toboe is growing up! Aw that pup, he might just get a girlfriend. This one was a bit longer than the other chapters so far! I'm pleased with how it turned out.
Also I forgot to mention this before but Cassidy is not my OC, She's my friend Rex's OC and the part about her pack is from his fanfic, that sadly, is not posted anywhere online yet.
Anyway thanks for reading, please review!
- Alley