The Curse of Beasts (BEASTARS)

The Human and His Wolf

    Alan gradually recovered more, Jin staying by his side. Todd visited a few more times, mainly to keep him updated as to what happened at school. News about Riz had reached the student body— which meant the Drama Club would inevitably find out too. The story told was that Louis confronted Riz on his own and lost his leg as a result. Alan honestly felt like the role fit him, especially given the true reason for his leg being lost. Although, that did leave Legosi's fate up in the air...

"How are your hands?", Jin asked Alan as they got ready to go.

"They're still a little numb...", he said as his fingers moved more fluidly than before. "But they're moving better now."

The human spent most of his recovery time reflecting on everything. He felt that times like this were rare, given what he went through. He thought about what he'd do now that he was going to stay at Cherryton. With him making his own path, he had a lot to decide on. For now, though, he settled on making small changes before anything major. He and his father's relationship would be on the back seat— at least until they can find a therapist to hear their story.

He sighed as he slipped his gloves on and looked at the mask, I'm doing it for me...

The world felt fresh and new to Alan once they got outside. It was still cold even with the sun out, but it felt bright. The two were silent as they made their way to the subway, an unseen fog covering them. Trying to start anew, work towards repairing what they had— it felt daunting. The human still felt conflicted, even if he agreed to the idea. The emotions were there, but they were pushed down because of the Riz situation being at the forefront.

Soon enough, they stood in the tunnel, the track empty as they and others waited for the next train.

Alan glanced at Jin from behind the mask and rubbed his arm, "Will you be okay on your own?"

The wolf perked up at that, "Y-yeah. I should be asking you that, though. Given everything..."

"I got Todd looking out for me, and I know some others might be worried. But..."

"'But..?'"

"I'm going to change some things once I go back. I just don't know how they'll take it..."

Even with his face covered, Jin could tell Alan was thinking hard on this. He was relaxed before they left the hospital, but now he was tense. Anxiety over his absence, maybe? That would be part of it, but most of it could be over the changes he mentioned. Alan didn't say exactly what he was going to do, and the wolf didn't pry. It just didn't feel appropriate with where they were.

It's just too soon., he thought as he raised his hand. We're not at that point yet, but the least I can do is...

He patted his shoulder gently, "I'm sure they'll understand. If they've known you since you first came, then they'll trust you."

Alan relaxed slightly, "Part of me knows that, but I can't help assuming the worst-case."

He gave a brief squeeze, "You managed this far, right? And you're still going even now."

The tracks rumbled as the train slowly bounded its way forward. Their time was up...

The human looked at him, "Do you think we could have a chance..? Of making things better?"

"I'm not sure, to be honest. I know it'll take both of us to make it work, but..."

Alan raised his arm slowly, hesitantly touching his shoulder.

"I'll try. It's all we can do, right?"

He could feel his tail swishing behind him, "Yeah."

~~*~~