He was Happy

Chapter Two. Smile

Patrick was all smiles as he ventured back to the mines. The smile was still plastered on his face as he picked up his axe and went to join his brothers.

"What's got you smiling so much?" asked Watchy, the always observant dwarf.

"Wouldn't you like you know?" Happy smirked.

"It's that girl again isn't it? Better not let Bossy catch you." Stealthy warned. His sudden appearance made the others jump and then laugh nervously.

"Get back to work!" Bossy demanded. He came out of nowhere, like Stealthy. Happy's mood wasn't dampened though. After all, they didn't call him Happy for nothing. He began to whistle a familiar tune as he swung his axe over his shoulder and got to work.

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Imee carefully dodged the rocks littered about the ground as she neared her home. A small light illuminating the curtains let her know that someone was up and waiting for her. Assumingly her mother. She took in one huge breath of air as she opened the door. The heavy wooden door creaking as she did so.

"Mother," she greeted. Olivette looked up from the book and her face turned a bright shade of red.

"Imee!" She screamed and jumped to her feet. "What are you wearing, where are your clothes?"

"What do you mean mother?" Imee asked innocently.

Olivette grabbed her daughter and led her down the hall towards her room.

"Your father will kill you if he sees you like this. What have we told you about removing your clothing properly before shifting?" Her mother squinted her eyes at her as she tossed her a nightgown.

"This isn't mines," Imee protested and threw it back. The article of clothing belonged to her younger sister, Lillis, who managed to stay asleep through their bickering. Then again, Lillis could sleep through anything.

"You will wear it." Olivette said in a stern voice that left no room for arguing.

Imee opened her hand for it, silently asking her mother for the gown once more. She threw it into her awaiting palm and brushed passed her daughter.

"Clean up and then come eat supper. I won't have you going to bed on an empty stomach." Olivette added softly. She hated arguing with her children, but most of all Imee. It completely drained her of her energy.

"Yes mother," Imee mumbled sarcastically as she headed towards the washroom.

Imee let the blanket fall from around her body. As she looked down at it, the memory of Patrick flashed in her mind.

He was short, but he had broad shoulders, deep brown hair and a hint of facial hair, which was her weakness. His smile was probably the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. It lit up his face and it was so sincere. Her thoughts brought about a smile of her own.

She knew that she'd never see him again, but she'd cherish the memory. She'd never forget his kindness or his handsome grin.

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As the dwarves were heading home, Watchy placed a hand on Happy's shoulder causing him to slow down his steps.

"So what happened?" He whispered.

Patrick's lips began to twitch at the corner. It didn't take long for him to break out into a grin.

"You have it that bad, huh?"

"Shut up," Patrick bumped Watchy's shoulder playfully.

Tonight hadn't been the first time Patrick saw Imee. He had watched her a few times in wolf form. He wasn't a pervert; he would leave once he sensed her returning and shifting back into human form. However, tonight had taken him by surprise.

He went to the secluded area to have a picnic of sorts, party of one. He heard her as she came back from her run and that's when he noticed her changing. He'd be lying if he said he didn't want to look, but he wasn't that type of guy. So when he heard her crawling through the grass followed by glimpses of her still bare flesh, he knew he had to help her.

"Earth to Happy!" Watchy waved a hand in front of his face.

"What? Sorry. I was just thinking."

"Uh huh," Watchy said knowingly.

"I spoke to her. Her name's Imee." Patrick revealed to him. Watchy nodded his head as he listened. Out of all the dwarves, Watchy and Happy were the closest.

"I have to see her again, Raphael; as Imee not a wolf." Patrick said. He only used his real name when he was serious.

"Pat, you know Bossy would never allow that. Dwarves don't do love." Watchy reminded him.

"Yeah, well Bossy isn't the boss of me." Patrick said still with a smile on his face.

"You're crazy man," Watchy laughed. He had to admit that he admired his friend's determination though.