Preview:
That was then.
And now, as Winter was aware, Qibli checking in on him was just another way that he showed he cared through his actions. As though he WANTED to know where he was, and what he was doing.
And Winter had eventually begun caring what Qibli was doing, too.
Three moons, Winter had fallen hard. There was no way Winter could ever go back to the way he was. Not with Qibli around.
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History with Webs occurred without a hitch and was about as interesting as Winter expected.
And his expectations weren't high to begin with.
He spent most of his time flickering his attention anxiously between Icicle, who had started giving him the cold shoulder, and Qibli who was talking in-length about the Outclaws.
When the gong sounded, Qibli looked to Winter expectantly. Winter slowed, waiting for Qibli to bid farewell to Moon, Kinkajou and Turtle.
He waited patiently. Winter had begun to grow used to Qibli wanting to touch base and discuss their course of activity during their breaks. At first, he hated that Qibli did this. Why couldn't Qibli just let Winter handle his own business for once? And if he was so interested, he could at least make an effort to speed up the process of asking. It seemed Like Qibli moved like he had all the time in the world.
That was then.
And now, as Winter was aware, Qibli checking in on him was just another way that he showed he cared through his actions. As though he WANTED to know where he was, and what he was doing.
And Winter had eventually begun caring what Qibli was doing, too.
Three moons, Winter had fallen hard. There was no way Winter could ever go back to the way he was. Not with Qibli around.
"What are you doing now?" Winter initiated as Qibli caught up and they began walking among the passing dragons.
"Well, I heard there's a music room that's calling my name. Can't let my drumming skills get rusty, can I?" he boasted, "You should stop by later, I'll even play you something."
Winter smiled at the promise and chuckled. Imagining a scene where Qibli played some heartfelt song for Winter. How would that go?
"You? Playing the drums? Yeah, alright." Winter teased, "And here I thought all you knew how to do was make little funny jokes all day. It's what you're best at."
Now it was Qibli who released a floodgate of unrestrained happiness. He leaned into Winter, resting his head on top of his affectionately.
"Yeah? I'm glad they're working on you." Winter shut his eyes, soaking in his comforting presence. Qibli emitted a certain protection and inclusivity to Winter that Winter never realized he needed or craved.
"What about you? Plans? Course of action?" Qibli asked a moment later, lifting his head from Winters.
Winter was silent for a moment as he thought.
"Well, I don't know how to play any instruments," he rationed slowly, "so I think that I'll check on Bandit and see how he's doing." Winter devised. He'd been keeping a closer eye on Bandit ever since he had started making it a personal goal of his to obtain as much information as he could about Scavengers. Even little sulking ones like Bandit.
Truth was, he was terribly afraid that his pet was depressed, and Winter took it upon himself to help him. DESPITE Winter feeling like there was no good cause for Bandit to sulk, Moon had mentioned that Scavengers were social creatures that needed stimulation. He wasn't entirely sure that Scavengers were THAT deep, but it was worth exploring.
Qibli nodded and wished him luck as he and Winter parted ways. Winter allowed himself to watch the spot where Qibli had been until he was out of sight until he finally decided to return to his cave.
He frowned as he peered at Bandit (who was sleeping). Winter wanted to help Bandit but had no idea how he could possibly get another Scavenger to the school safely. He watched the creature's breathing rise up and down steadily, deep in its slumber.
Maybe the best thing I could do for him is to set him free, Winter thought as he hunched his shoulders. It took him a minute to realize that the same notion had once applied to himself, too.
He stuck around for a few minutes more, examining the careful and delicate decorations and furniture he had intricately made with his own talons, debating with the idea of setting Bandit free. Would he be happy if Winter built him more toys?
No, Winter moped, he would be happier if he was free. Not trapped in a cage.
Winter made up his mind. Tomorrow he would release the Scavenger. The same way his parents had to him and Icicle.
After he'd decided (and promised that he would stay true to his word), he wandered around the school, poking his head into occupied classrooms to observe other dragons.
After he exited the library, he touched his snout only to realize that he wore a small, content smile.
He was feeling freer and happier than he had in ages, no longer having his worth defined by ranking protocols.
A small part of him felt betrayal at his pleasure at the lack of overarching hierarchy. That was what he had grown up with and was expected to fit into, after all. But right now, he was just content as being himself. He felt content being friends with Qibli, Turtle, Kinkajou and even Moon, though he still struggled with admitting it. How could he ever show them how much they meant to him?
How could he ever repay them?
As sunset creeped into the windows, enveloping Winter in a tangerine hug, he remembered Qibli's offer earlie and how hopeful he had been at the prospect of Winter's listening to him play.
Maybe I'll take Qibli up on his song.
And when Winter padded his way into the music cave, he saw Qibli and few other dragons deeply entranced in focus as they played. Qibli's gaze flickered up at the shadow of a visitor and he immediately stopped. He smiled wide and remarked,
"Hey! Was hoping you'd stop by."
Winter's breath hitched as the light filtered and brightened through the window onto Qibli, making him glow and sparkle brighter than he already did. At seeing this, Winter's mouth automatically moved to say the words,
"Of course. How could I miss this?"
Qibli stared at him, his cheeks reddening, before he nodded to the other Sandwings and they resumed their playing,
It was music to Winter's ears.
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