The Wild Side

The Lion And Her Cub

Willow Ajina's POV

As I moved my heart rate slowly picked up, blood pounding in my ears while my heart hammered against my ribcage as if it were trying to break through, the feline scent getting clearer with each passing moment. Stopping in place, I reached out to a wall as I steadied myself, my breathing coming in rushed gasps as I stilled and read the sign above the large door that stood before me... The library. Of course it would be here. I knew who this was. If I wasn't certain before, then I knew who it was now. It would make the most sense for her to be here. Even with just having been moved here to Beacon she probably could've found the library with ease; after all, her nose was almost attuned to the smell of books.

The hardwood felt cold beneath my warm hands as I pushed forward, the doors swinging open and allowing me access to the archives they protect. I smiled as I stepped through the doorway, turning right and heading deeper into the library to where the scent was coming from. The maze of shelfs shockingly proved to be no problem as I navigated through them with ease, easily grasping just where she was as I weaved through the rather expansive room.

I turned around the last corner, my eyes falling upon the chieftain's daughter, her arm outstretched as she reached for a book just out of her reach. I moved up behind her without notice as she was obviously more concerned with the book than paying attention to anything around her.

I lent forward, my chest pressing against her back as I used my longer arms to grab the book she was reaching for. "This is the book you were reaching for... right?" I murmur softly, amusement dancing in my golden eyes as I gaze down at her. When my arm slid past hers she glanced up in surprise, head almost colliding with my chin though I tilted my head back slightly.

"I-... It is. Thank you" Her voice was close to a whisper, small and uncertain while her ears flicked beneath her bow as she pried the book from my hands, clutching it to her chest as a small blush coated her cheeks. "It's an honour to see you again, Blakey." My voice by comparison was just as soft but more assured, a slightly playful note in my voice. "It has been far too long, Will." It seemed as the realisation was slowly sinking in, her amber eyes wide as she continued to look back at me. Stepping away I allowed her to turn, meeting her gaze when she turned to face me, the book still clutched to her chest as she cradled the item in her arms.

"I'm... surprised to see you here." Her tone remained startled as she continued to gaze up at me, soft yellow eyes incredulous and slightly perplexed by my presence. In response I simply rolled my shoulders in a shrug, humming softly. "Ozpin." I said simply, my tone betraying my slight annoyance as I reached into my pocket, withdrawing the silver and gold gilded ring to hold it up to the light.

Amber eyes widened slightly at its presence, her head tilting to portray her curiosity. "He... He has a ring?" Her tone was startled as she focused on the band, my head inclining as I twirled the wretched thing between my thumb and forefinger. Here because of a simple band of metal. Stuck like a fly in a spiders web. It seemed so unfair, but it would dishonour my fathers legacy to let the returning of the ring go unpaid, even if it brought me to a place I didn't wish to be.

For a few long moments she remained still, muscles tensing and untensing with imperceptible twitches, hesitation in her gaze until she took a few steps forwards towards me. I was startled by the hug, glancing down when her arms slid around my shoulders. Instantly my body tensed in response, somewhat startled by the touch till I awkwardly slid an arm around her waist in return.

"It might be selfish to say considering the circumstances... But I'm just glad you're here. I missed you." The cat faunus muttered, her face buried against the crook of my neck. My mouth felt dry, the words not coming to me as I found myself confused, not sure how to respond. "It's good to see you too." I murmur tentatively in response, my tail slowly flicking behind me as I tightened the arm around her waist in a tentative squeeze.