Wolf pack

Ice Skating Date

Snow was falling outside, the air growing chilly.
Light frost was seen outside the hotel window.
Hot breath reached the glass, the fog sticking.
Anu could not help but remember those past times, riding on the bus to school. It was always discouraged, but no one really cared as fingers ran across the windows. The fog would melt and clear of the window will show underneath. Water would drip lightly from the cold glass, distorting the image that flickered with the outside views flying past.
Then, the image would start to disappear again with the outside cold taking over, or another heated breath.
The world would again be clouded over, just as blurry as before.
It was a rare, peaceful moment in his young mind. If only 20 minutes each day, it was a time that all the loud voices around him could fade and he could focus. His reflection would stare hazily back at him like a ghost.
Like so many other things in his life, the memory turned dark.
School bus windows changed. They changed to those white, expensive car windows in the backseats of the scientists.
Those moments out the windows was one of the only things that kept him sane.

Those times were long ago.
Now, 24, Anu stood and looked out the window of the hotel room. So much had changed.
This moment, like so many of the others was the peace before the storm.
Conversations ensued in the other room. He could hear through the walls all of the discussion, but tuned it out. He could not just go wherever he wanted now. He had a pack and they would predict exactly where and what he was doing.
If he moved now, they would know.
So, as if telling himself he looked into the hazy green eyes of his reflection and nodded slowly. He needed to wait.

The whole next few days passed slowly for the pack, especially Anu. He held his temper patiently, not letting on anything. He simply went with the flow while they explored the mysteries of the human world. Malls, movies and amusement all came and went. There was little to do with the cold winter outdoors.
Melody led, doing all the things she had not had a chance to do in so long.
At first, it was hard to get back into this world. Part of her thought she would be able to step right back into it. That was not the case. She was still just as awkward, still had to remind herself of the culture and rules of courtesy.
This time, however, she had friends at her side. That helped.

Nate was what really made the difference.
Melody sat there one morning, staring out at the world and thinking on this. She turned when she heard someone walking up behind her. It was Nate, holding out a folded piece of paper.
She turned and took it from his hand, opening it up to find a poorly written note.
Hey Melody,
I think it would be great
If you took the time
to join me for a date
yours truly, me
The handwriting was atrocious and he totally missed his chance on the last line. It was adorable.
It was her turn to be embarrassed as she looked up at him. She realized she too had limited experience answering for a date. After thinking a moment, she replied. "Sure."
"Okay."
They looked at each other for a few awkward moments.
"What do you have in mind?"

About 30 minutes later the pack was organizing themselves into the van.
Jynx was able to buy a vehicle easily. Of all the cars he could have bought, it was a conservative van. Lokan was a little sad it was not nicer, but what mattered is all of them fit.
It was intended as a group date, but Lokan and Fay wanted to go. Nimera did not want to be left alone so the whole group found themselves driving through the streets wherever google led them. Thankfully Jynx had little difficulty following directions or finding a phone.
Parking at the lot, Jynx walked to the other side and opened the door for Anya. "Will you accompany me, my Queen of Chaos?"
Anya smirked and took his arm. They led the way off to a large round building.
Nate got out next, following Jynx's example by opening the door and holding out his arm. He was really unsure what to do and overall felt very awkward, but Melody did not mind.
The winter snow was not near as cold when she was standing next to him.
Anu, climbing out looked at Cleo and winked. "Let's show them how it's done."
Cleo moved to the edge of the seat and Anu wrapped an arm around her waist, swinging her into his arms and smirking at the others. Annoyingly, they were not watching and had already headed off.
Before he could sulk, Cleo nuzzled into him. Needing no other motivation, he followed after the group.
Nimera carefully stepped into the snow and walked after them without saying a word.
Lokan jumped out, then turned and looked at Fay. "We are the singles today yeah?"
"Single pringles." She responded with a laugh.
Lokan frowned slightly, thinking.
"Wanna be my date so it's not awkward?"
"Awkward is fun though."
He looked over at the couples that were already a ways away. Anu was obviously trying to one-up them all. He could do better.
"Hey Fay, piggy back ride!"
She did not hesitate and nearly leaped onto his back. Lokan shut the door quickly and started on a run, stopping only to slide in the slush past them all. "MUAHAHAHAHA!"
Nate only rolled his eyes.