One little peck won't hurt
---
Sprouts Pov.
---
I looked over the town, as I see those towns folk talk in whispers, as some didn’t even looked at our way, I looked over Shelly who was In front of us seemed to be happy, as she settled down the horse, while Astro and Dandy stayed close talking, I looked over the moon, it's bright tonight…
I then heard a little girl crying, I looked over to see they’re mother, scolding her before she got picked up and walked away, I frowned slightly, watching as the mother carried the crying girl away. Her little sobs faded into the murmurs of the village, blending into the uneasy atmosphere that clung to this place like a fog.
Something was wrong here.
Even with Shelly’s excitement, even with Dandy and Astro keeping up their usual banter, I could feel it an unspoken tension woven into every glance the villagers threw our way. They weren’t just wary of us. They were afraid.
I adjusted my hood, instinctively lowering it further over my eyes. The bright red always made me stand out, but tonight, I wished I could disappear into the shadows like a ghost.
“Strange welcome,” Astro muttered beside me, noticing the same thing I had. His hand rested loosely on the hilt of his blade, a habit of his whenever he sensed something off.
Shelly, ever the optimist, waved dismissively. “They’re just not used to visitors, that’s all. The Northern Village isn’t exactly known for being friendly.” She stretched her arms before giving us a playful smirk. “Come on, let’s find the inn. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”
Dandy nodded, but his expression was tight, his gaze flickering toward the dimly lit streets. “Yeah… let’s not waste time.”
I didn’t move right away. My feet felt heavy, rooted to the ground.
The moon was bright tonight.
Too bright.
For a second, I swore I saw movement in the darkened alleyways shadows shifting unnaturally, too fluid, too quick. My breath hitched as my fingers instinctively curled around the hilt of the dagger at my belt.
A trick of the light.
It had to be.
And yet, the eerie silence of the village, the way the townsfolk whispered in hushed voices and refused to meet our eyes, sent a shiver crawling down my spine.
Something wasn’t right.
Something was watching.
I forced my feet to move, catching up to the others just as Dandy spoke, his voice crisp and businesslike.
"Alright, let’s split up,” he said, holding up a folded letter. “Astro and I will speak with the Chief and deliver this. Sprout, you and Shelly find us an inn to stay at. We’ll regroup here in fifteen minutes. Got it?”
Astro hummed in agreement, adjusting the sword at his hip. “Works for me. The sooner we get this done, the better.”
Shelly’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Sprout, let’s go.”
I took one last glance at the alleyways before nodding to Shelly. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
Dandy gave a quick nod of approval before turning to Astro. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”
As they headed toward the Chief’s home, I felt a strange unease settle over me. This village was too quiet, the tension in the air thick enough to choke on. Even the usual hum of nighttime sounds crickets, the rustle of the wind through the trees felt… muted.
Shelly walked beside me, her hands clasped behind her back as she hummed softly. “I know you’re on edge,” she said after a while, casting me a side glance. “I can practically hear you grinding your teeth.”
I exhaled sharply. “You don’t feel it?”
She tilted her head. “Feel what?”
“This place. It’s… off.” I glanced around, lowering my voice as we passed a few villagers. They quickly averted their eyes, hurrying past us as if our presence alone was a threat. “The people here. They’re afraid.”
Shelly hummed, tapping her chin. “Yeah… I noticed that too.” She sighed. “But it’s not like we can blame them, right? If the rumors are true and they really are considering changing the laws for wolves, that would mean a huge shift in everything they believe. Fear is normal.”
I clenched my jaw, my hands tightening into fists. “Fear is one thing. This is something else.”
Shelly’s gaze softened. “You think there’s more to it, don’t you?”
I hesitated. My instincts screamed that there was something lurking beneath the surface of this village something more than just rumors and unease.
“…Yeah,” I admitted finally. “I do.”
Shelly nodded thoughtfully but didn’t press further. Instead, she looped her arm through mine, tugging me forward with a teasing grin. “Well, if we’re walking into a trap or whatever, we might as well find a nice place to sleep first, right?”
I scoffed but didn’t pull away. “Yeah. Sure.”
The streets stretched before us, quiet and dimly lit, the flickering lanterns casting long, shifting shadows. My boots scuffed against the uneven cobblestone, and with every step, the weight in my gut grew heavier.
Something wasn’t right here.
Something was watching.
I didn’t know why, but just as we passed one of the buildings, I felt the overwhelming urge to look back. My gaze flickered up to a darkened window.
And for just a second so brief I almost doubted myself I saw them.
A pair of golden eyes..
My breath caught.
My heart slammed against my ribs so hard it almost hurt.
Golden eyes weren’t uncommon. Plenty of people had them. But these..
Something about them felt right.
Familiar.
I blinked, my feet stalling before I could stop myself.
“Sprout?” Shelly tugged at my arm, her voice pulling me back. “What’s wrong?”
I looked back at the window, but the eyes were gone.
Vanished.
Had I imagined it?
“…Nothing,” I muttered, shaking my head as if that would clear the uneasy feeling creeping up my spine. “Let’s just find that inn.”
Shelly shot me a side glance, her brow raising slightly. “You sure? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
I hesitated for a moment, then forced a scoff. “It was probably just my imagination.”
She hummed, unconvinced, but didn’t press further. “Alright, but if something does happen, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Warn me about what? That this place gives off a bad vibe? Trust me, I already noticed.”
Shelly grinned, nudging me playfully. “Hey, you’re the one spacing out and staring at buildings like they’re about to start talking.”
I huffed but didn’t argue.
Still, as we walked, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something or someone had been watching me.
And for the briefest moment…
I swore I had been looking into the past.
I clenched my jaw, forcing my feet to move faster, catching up to Shelly, who had wandered a few steps ahead.
Shelly glanced at me as I finally caught up, her sharp eyes scanning my face. “You’re acting weird tonight, Sprout.”
I scoffed, trying to play it off. “I always act weird.”
“Yeah, but this is different.” She tilted her head slightly, studying me like I was a puzzle she couldn’t quite figure out. “You keep looking over your shoulder like something’s about to jump out at you.”
I hesitated. What could I even say? That, for a fleeting moment, I swore I had seen something…someone…that had been haunting the edges of my mind for years? That a single glimpse of golden eyes had sent my heart spiraling into something between fear and hope?
I exhaled slowly, my grip tightening around my belt, fingers brushing against the cool handle of my dagger. Something solid. Something real. “Let’s just get to the inn. We’ll book a room, meet back with Dandy and Astro, and move on.”
Shelly gave me a long look, her lips pursing like she wanted to push for more, but in the end, she sighed and let it go. “Alright, fine. But you better not get all weird on me later, Mr. Red Hood. You know I hate dealing with cryptic nonsense.”
I huffed a laugh, though it lacked any real amusement. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
We continued walking, the sounds of the village dull against the thoughts hammering inside my skull. I kept telling myself to let it go, to focus on the mission, but no matter how much I tried to shake it, I could still feel the weight of that stare lingering on me.
Like it had been real.
Like it had meant something.
I glanced back at the window one last time, hoping no, begging to see those golden eyes again.
But they never returned.
Come back…
please…
The thought struck me like a blow to the chest, unexpected and painful. Why? Why was I begging for something that wasn’t there?
I clenched my jaw and forced my gaze forward.
Yet, as we neared the inn, my hands were still shaking.
I clenched them into fists, trying to ground myself, but the phantom weight of those golden eyes lingered in my chest. I forced in a steady breath, following Shelly through the entrance.
The inn was warm, lit with soft lanterns that flickered against the wooden walls. It smelled faintly of old parchment, firewood, and something sweet maybe honeyed bread. It should have been comforting, but all I felt was a gnawing unease curling in my gut.
Shelly approached the receptionist’s desk with a practiced ease, flashing a polite smile. “Good evening. We’d like to book a room, please.”
The woman behind the counter Teagan, her nameplate read looked up from her ledger with a welcoming smile. “Ah, travelers! Welcome to the Northern Coastline Inn. My name is Teagan. How long will you be staying, dears?”
Shelly hummed, glancing at me for a brief moment before returning her attention to Teagan. “Just for a few nights, at most.”
Teagan nodded, flipping through her book. “And how many are in your party?”
“Four.”
Teagan’s pen hovered over the page for a second before she looked back up, her smile never wavering but her eyes sharp. “You must be with the hunters that arrived earlier.”
Shelly tensed slightly beside me, but she recovered quickly, offering an easy shrug. “Word travels fast around here, huh?”
Teagan chuckled, tapping the ledger with the end of her pen. “It always does in small villages, dear. Especially when Red Hoods come knocking.” Her gaze flickered toward me, lingering on the edges of my hood before she returned her focus to Shelly. “Luckily for you, we have two rooms available. Will that do?”
Shelly nodded. “Perfect.”
As Teagan turned to fetch the room keys, I finally found my voice. “You seem… familiar with hunters.”
She didn’t pause in her movements, simply handing over the keys with a knowing look. “Let’s just say we’ve had our fair share of visits. Though, not many of them come with the kind of rumors following your group.”
My fingers twitched at my side. “Rumors?”
Teagan folded her hands neatly on the desk, her expression unreadable. “About why you’re really here. About what or who you might be looking for.”
Something in her voice sent a prickle down my spine. I held her gaze, searching for any hint of hidden meaning, but she simply smiled again, warm and polite.
Shelly cleared her throat, sensing the shift in tension. “We appreciate the hospitality, Ms. Teagan.”
Teagan nodded. “Of course, dear. Breakfast is served at sunrise. And… if I may offer a word of advice?”
Shelly hesitated. “Sure?”
Teagan’s eyes darkened slightly, the warm lantern light casting shadows over her face. “Don’t stray too far from the path at night. The forest has ears… and not everything that listens is friendly.”
A chill ran through me.
Shelly let out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. “That’s… comforting.”
Teagan’s smile didn’t waver in the slightest. “Well, I do try.” Then, just as casually, she added, “That’ll be 20 silver coins per night.”
I nearly choked.
20 silver coins?
Shelly stiffened beside me, blinking as if she had misheard. “I uh, I’m sorry, did you just say 20?”
Teagan nodded pleasantly, completely unfazed. “Yes, dear. 20 per night. That includes meals and the comfort of knowing you’re sleeping in a well-guarded establishment.”
I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms. “That’s ridiculous. No inn charges that much unless it’s in a capital city.”
Teagan simply tilted her head, her tone still light and sweet. “Oh, but you see, we’re not a capital city. We’re a village sitting right on the edge of very lovely territory. And, given recent… circumstances,” her gaze flickered ever so briefly toward my hood before returning to Shelly, “we have to charge extra for security. Hunters or not, I assume you’d prefer a place where nothing unwanted sneaks in during the night?”
I clenched my jaw.
She knew exactly what she was doing.
Shelly cleared her throat, clearly trying to ease the tension. “Alright, I get it. A bit pricey for peace of mind, huh?” She reached into her pouch and counted the silver. “We’ll take the rooms.”
I shot her a look. “Shelly, are you seriously going to pay that much?”
She gave me a small, tight-lipped smile. “It’s fine, Sprout. I’d rather we have somewhere safe to rest than waste time arguing.”
I huffed but didn’t push further. This whole place already felt off, and if Shelly wanted to play it safe, I wouldn’t argue at least, not in front of Teagan.
Teagan took the coins with a satisfied hum, handing over the keys. “Your rooms are upstairs, last two on the right. Enjoy your stay, and… do be careful where you wander.”
Shelly forced another polite nod, then tugged me toward the stairs.
The moment we were out of earshot, I muttered, “That was a scam.”
Shelly sighed. “I know it was a scam, but what do you want me to do, Sprout? Sleep outside? Let’s just get to the rooms and meet up with Dandy and Astro before we overthink this, alright?”
I didn’t respond right away. Instead, as we reached the hallway, I cast one last glance down at the lobby.
Teagan was still standing there, sorting through her ledger, but I could feel her eyes on me like she was waiting for something.
Or someone.
I turned away, gripping the key in my hand.
Something about this place didn’t sit right with me.
And I had the strangest feeling that whatever was happening here… was far bigger than we realized.
As Shelly and I made our way back to the meeting spot to get Astro and Dandy, the eerie stillness of the town pressed down on us. The streets were nearly empty, save for a few wary glances from villagers peeking out of their homes.
“This place feels like a ghost town,” Shelly muttered, wrapping her arms around herself.
I nodded, keeping my eyes sharp. “Yeah… something’s not right.”
Then, without warning, my boot caught on something maybe a loose stone, maybe my own exhaustion and I stumbled forward, hitting the ground with a grunt.
Shelly turned back at the sound, letting out a long-suffering sigh. “Sprout, really?”
“I tripped, okay?” I grumbled, pushing myself up. But as I turned my head
I saw them.
A silhouette in the distance.
Golden eyes, glowing faintly under the dim lantern light.
The moment I locked eyes with them, they moved.
Without thinking, I shot to my feet and bolted after them.
“Sprout?!” Shelly called behind me, startled. “Where the hell are you ? Ugh, seriously?!”
But I wasn’t listening.
My legs moved on their own, my heart hammering against my ribs.
I didn’t know why.
I didn’t know how.
But something inside me screamed
Go. Follow them.
Find them.
And I wasn’t about to let them disappear again.
I pushed forward, my boots slamming against the cobbled streets as I pursued the fleeting silhouette. My heart pounded, not just from the chase, but from something deeper something clawing at the back of my mind, screaming at me that this meant something.
The scent of herbs filled the air, faint but distinct, curling around me like a memory I couldn’t grasp.
I picked up my pace, weaving through the narrow alleyways of the northern village, my breath coming in sharp gasps. The figure ahead was fast faster than any normal person should be. Every time I thought I was closing in, they turned a corner, slipping just out of reach.
Who are you?
Why do you feel so familiar?
My chest burned, my legs ached, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop.
They led me past the clustered homes, past the market square, and into the outskirts of the village where the buildings thinned, and the forest loomed in the distance. The moonlight spilled over the trees, casting long shadows that stretched like grasping hands.
Then
I lost them.
I skidded to a halt, panting, my eyes darting wildly.
The scent was still there.
The faint echo of their footsteps still lingered.
But they were gone.
I swallowed hard, frustration bubbling in my chest. My hands curled into fists.
"Dammit," I muttered under my breath, my voice barely above a whisper.
For a moment, I just stood there, trying to catch my breath, trying to understand why I had felt so compelled to chase them.
Then, behind me
A noise.
I spun around, my fingers instinctively reaching for my dagger.
"Who's there?" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended, my pulse thundering in my ears.
Silence.
The night pressed in around me, the only sound my own ragged breathing. My grip on the dagger tightened, my body tensed, every muscle coiled and ready. The forest was still too still.
Then
A whisper of movement behind me.
Too late.
A sharp impact slammed against the back of my head not enough to knock me out instantly, but enough to send my senses reeling. My vision blurred, my legs buckling beneath me..
I hit the ground hard, my hands instinctively grasping at the dirt, but my body was sluggish, unresponsive.
What… what was that…?
My head spun, a deep throbbing pain pulsing in my skull. My fingers twitched uselessly against the cobbled road.
I forced my eyes open, struggling to focus
And then I saw them.
Golden eyes.
A familiar shade, glowing softly in the moonlight, wide with something unreadable.
Cos…?
My lips barely moved, the name catching in my throat, lost in the haze of my faltering consciousness.
Was it really him?
My vision darkened, my body growing heavier, my thoughts slipping away like sand through my fingers.
And then nothing.
---
Cosmo’s Pov
---
The night sky loomed over us, the silver glow of the moon casting long shadows against the ground. My breath came uneven as I crouched beside him, my chest tightening at the sight before me.
Sprout.
This close, I could see everything the soft rise and fall of his chest, the way his red hood was slightly askew, revealing tousled hair with that damn red streak. His face had matured, the sharpness of adulthood settling into his once-round features, but… it was still him.
The same boy who once laughed beside me.
The same boy who once promised me forever.
The same boy who broke me.
I swallowed hard, forcing my hands to remain steady as I inspected the hit I had delivered. I had made sure not to strike anywhere dangerous just enough force to knock him down, just enough to make sure he wouldn’t fight back right away.
Still, seeing him like this, vulnerable and unmoving, something twisted deep inside me.
Why does he look so… fragile?
I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t feel this guilt clawing at my chest.
But then his lips parted slightly, and a quiet, broken sound escaped my name.
A weak, barely-there whisper, but I heard it.
My ears flattened, my throat tightening.
No. No, no, no.
I shouldn’t feel anything. He hurt me. He he betrayed me, held me down, let his father
And yet… the way he looked at me before he fell, those desperate, searching eyes it felt real. It felt like he knew.
Like he regretted everything.
Damn you, Sprout…
I clenched my fists, my claws digging into my palms.
What was I supposed to do? Let him wake up here, alone in the cold? Leave him behind like he left me?
I wanted to walk away. I should walk away.
But my body refused to move.
Instead, without thinking, I reached out, my fingers hesitating before brushing against his forehead warm. Too warm. Was he sick? Was he injured beyond what I could see?
My heart pounded violently in my chest.
“Damn it…” I muttered under my breath.
I couldn’t leave him like this.
With a shaky exhale, I moved closer, slipping my arms beneath him, lifting his unconscious body into my hold. He was heavier than I remembered, but he still fit against me too well.
I pressed my lips together, willing my emotions to stay buried.
Just take him somewhere safe, I told myself. Nothing more.
But deep down, I already knew
I swallowed hard, my grip tightening around him as I cradled his unconscious form against my chest. His warmth bled into me, seeping past my fur, past my skin straight into the heart I had spent years trying to guard.
I shouldn’t be doing this.
I should have left him there, on the cold dirt, to wake up alone just like I had all those years ago.
But when I looked at him really looked at him he wasn’t the same boy who had pinned me down beneath his trembling hands, torn between loyalty and fear.
He was older now, hardened by time, by regret… by things I didn’t know and wasn’t sure I wanted to. But in sleep, with his guard down, I could almost see the Sprout I once knew. The one who had laughed at my terrible pastry skills, who had traced shapes in the dirt with me while we talked about the future as if we could outrun it.
And now here we were.
Older.
Colder.
Strangers in everything but history.
I let out a shaky breath, shifting him carefully as I started walking. Each step felt heavier than the last, like the weight of him wasn’t just in his body but in everything we had lost.
His head lolled slightly against my shoulder, and for a moment, I almost stopped. Almost set him down. Almost let go.
But then he made a small sound, barely audible a weak, barely-there breath of a word.
“…Cosmo…”
It was so soft, so fragile, but it cut through me like a blade.
I froze.
My grip on him tightened, claws digging into the fabric of his cloak.
Why did you say my name like that?
Like it still meant something.
Like I still meant something.
I clenched my jaw, shaking my head. Don’t do this to yourself. Don’t read into things that aren’t there.
Sprout had already proven where his loyalty lay.
Hadn’t he?
I swallowed the lump in my throat, my ears twitching at the sound of rustling leaves in the distance. I wasn’t alone out here. I had to keep moving.
Adjusting my grip on him, I forced my legs to keep going.
I wasn’t doing this for him.
I wasn’t doing this because I still
No.
I was doing this because I wasn’t like him.
Because I refused to let someone suffer when I could help.
Even if that someone was the one person who had hurt me most.
Even if I wasn’t sure who he was to me anymore.
I looked over the hit I had cause, I guess I’ll bandage it up, it’s not bad to do it now, I guess, I began to lay Sprout down on the floor.
“I’ll fix you up okay?” I said, as I play with his air abit..
Okay WHY THE HELL IM I SAYING THAT TO HIM, HIS ALREADY KNOCKED OUT COLD WHY DID I EVEN NEED TO SAY THAT…
out of assurance I guess..?...
I sighed, running a shaky hand through my fur before shaking my head. Get a grip, Cosmo.
Sprout was unconscious he couldn’t hear me, couldn’t respond. And yet, here I was, whispering assurances to him like we were still those kids sneaking pastries in the moonlight.
Like he hadn’t broken me.
I let out a breath, kneeling beside him. His face was slack in sleep, his usually sharp features softened by unconsciousness. He looked so… tired. Dark circles under his eyes, tension still lingering in his brow even now.
What had happened to him?
The Sprout I remembered was full of warmth and stubborn fire, someone who had laughed even in the worst situations. But this man lying in front of me… He was a ghost of that boy. A stranger in familiar skin.
And yet…
I reached out before I could stop myself, brushing stray strands of hair away from his face. My claws grazed his skin for only a second, but that second was enough to send something twisting in my chest.
Damn it, Cosmo.
I clenched my jaw and pulled my hand back quickly, flexing my fingers like I could shake off the feeling.
“Okay,” I muttered to myself, grounding myself in the moment. “Just just focus. Get him patched up and then figure out what to do next.”
I dug into the satchel at my side, pulling out a small bundle of herbs and bandages. The hit I’d given him wasn’t deep, but it still needed tending to. If he woke up in pain, that would only make things harder.
Carefully, I pressed a cloth to the wound, wiping away the dried blood. He twitched slightly, and I froze, watching his face for any sign of waking. But he remained still, his breathing steady.
I should’ve left him.
I should’ve walked away.
I should’ve let him wake up alone, the way I had all those years ago.
But instead, I was here, patching up someone who had nearly destroyed me.
And I hated that I wanted to.
I sighed, shaking my head as I wrapped the bandage around his wound, securing it tightly. “There. That should hold.”
Not that he could hear me.
I sat back on my heels, staring down at him for a moment longer than I should have. His lips were slightly parted, his breath slow and even. His hands rougher than I remembered, more calloused twitched slightly, like he was dreaming.
Even unconscious, there was something painfully familiar about him.
I hesitated, my breath unsteady as I leaned in just a little closer.
He looked so different now sharper, older, hardened by years of hunting. And yet, beneath it all, I could still see him. My Sprout.
No.
Not mine.
Not anymore….
I clenched my jaw, willing myself to move back, to put distance between us. But my heart betrayed me.
Instead, I reached out, my fingers brushing against the strands of his hair, ghosting over the scars lining his jaw. Scars that weren’t there before. How many battles had he fought? How much had he endured while I was gone?
How much of him had changed?
A lump formed in my throat.
Before I could stop myself, I leaned down just a little further… and pressed a soft, fleeting kiss against his lips.
The moment it happened, my entire body tensed.
What the hell am I doing?
I pulled away instantly, my face burning. My heartbeat pounded in my ears, deafening against the quiet of the night. My hands trembled as I curled them into fists, as if trying to hold onto my last shred of self-control.
Why?
Why did I do that?
Why did it feel so right even after everything?
I forced myself to swallow the emotions rising in my chest. I needed to breathe. To clear my head.
I pushed myself to my feet, dusting off my hands with more force than necessary. My eyes flickered back to Sprout, still motionless on the ground, completely unaware of the storm raging inside me.
Stupid feelings.
They made me weak.
And yet, as I stood there, torn between my past and present, between resentment and something far more dangerous, I realized
It didn’t feel like weakness at all.
It felt like longing. Like a thread that had never fully snapped, no matter how much I had tried to sever it.
Something deep inside me ached, a slow, relentless pull toward him, even after all these years. Even after everything he had done.
Was it hatred?
Was it love?
Or was it just the ghost of what we used to be?
I let out a shaky breath, my eyes tracing over his face one last time. He looked… peaceful. As if the weight he always carried had finally lifted, if only for a moment.
But the second he woke up, that peace would be gone. He would see me, and I would have to face everything I had buried.
And I wasn’t ready.
Not yet.
With one last lingering glance, I forced my legs to move, turning away from him. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if something inside me was screaming at me to stop.
I clenched my jaw.
No.
I needed to leave.
To get as far from him as I could before I did something even more foolish.
Before I let myself believe that things could ever go back to the way they were.
I barely made it past the trees when I heard my name being called in the distance, the voice urgent.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep going.
I didn’t look back.
But just before I disappeared into the night, I whispered, so softly that not even the wind could carry it
"Goodbye for now… Sprout."