A mellowed hiss of cicada chirps filled the air. The porch light flickered, wafting in the gentle breeze. She could feel it, even as the soft leathery pad of paw against the grass of their meagre backyard, those old, familiar canine eyes.
‘So you’re home.’
‘You look surprised to see me, even though…’
‘Even though we moved in together?’
‘Yeah, beautiful. You look nervous. Something up?’
‘Oh, uh. Nah. You know.’
‘Vision fatigue?’
‘Vision fatigue.’
‘Gotcha.’
Earlier that day, she’d shot him a text. He’d already seen her coming, he knew he could keep Beth distracted with a hunt, but. The smile in his eyes betrayed the sheer joy in his heart, despite the stone expression in his face. It was, pride, right? She was never able to read him. Once had to ask Claire to translate during a Yuletide dinner.
‘Your fur looked soaked, Beth. Are you sure you’re okay?’
‘Hey, what’s a little windchill between girlfriends, right?’ The way her incisor rolled over Beth’s lip as she bent close, tugging at her lip, inviting her.
The kiss was warm, comforting. Temporary. ‘Never mind my being soaked to the skin, though, didn’t I tell you not to wait up tonight? Look, I’m flattered you’re wearing my hoodie but…’
Her hand snaked into the kangaroo pocket, and Beth could feel the soft tremble of the Seer’s cold skin, even with the hoodie separating them,
‘Looks like I’m not the one who should worry about windchill, right? I told you not to wait up, didn’t I?’
‘Claire said you’d finished up earlier than expected.’
‘Oh, did she?’ The way her curls always bounced against her furrowed brows was one of Beth’s more adorable qualities.
‘So you and Claire are best buddies then?’
‘Oh yeah. Gal pals. Ride or die.’
‘…we really have spent too much time together, huh.’
‘You say that like you don’t adore me, Beth.’
‘Aha, smartass. I can feel your pulse racing though, you sure you’re okay? Nothing to tell me?’
‘Beth, are you usually this paranoid?’ That furrowed brow really did run between Beth and Simon. Claire was right.
‘Eh, maybe it’s hunger right? We still got those leftovers?’
‘The venison? Yeah, Simon sent me over a few more cutlets, so while everyone was out I just had them seasoning in those little bags we got…’
A rumble betrayed Beth’s intentions, and the Seer couldn’t helped but laugh at her partner. ‘Oh my god, say less. I gotta admit, Beautiful, I’m starving.’
[Group chat created]
DADDY MAN: u know it’s customary to get the dad’s blessing rite
SEEING SHIT: I mean yeah, that’s why I also invited —
GO GO GADGET ALPHA WOLF: …so that’s what this is?
DADDY MAN: Claire.
GO GO GADGET ALPHA WOLF: Simon! How’re things going, when the Seer messaged me about this, I was a little hesitant
SEEING SHIT: So yeah, uh, I guess it’s not much of a secret, but
DADDY MAN: Claire, u owe me $20
GO GO GADGET ALPHA WOLF: On it. So. Not to get distracted
SEEING SHIT: So, as Beth’s dad,,,, and Beth’s Alpha, I thought I’d like, y’know, shit this is difficult
DADDY MAN: Language, Seer
GO GO GADGET ALPHA: Yeah Seer, you shouldn’t swear in front of the elderly. It’s bad form.
DADDY MAN: claire, I’m wounded
SEEING SHIT: Anyway
GO GO GADGET ALPHA: Yeah. Anyway. You know my answer. You two are good together. Beth does not stop talking about you, I think the canine tongue is the only thing holding her back from gushing about you on hunts. Frankly it’s a moment of peace
DADDY MAN: hey now, Beth tries her best, but yea, Seer, i can see how happy you make her. Please, continue to make her that happy okay? I know it’s what her mom would want
The living room couch was comfortable, even as the ratty blanket the Seer had attempted vaguely to knit slumped against the ratty frame. The scent of reheated venison caught the air, and even the Seer could admit that she would be able to eat again.
‘Food tax.’
‘What?’
‘Food tax. You let me eat one of your venison cutlets, I give you a kiss.’
‘Is that what this is? Hmm. Maybe I’ll just tell Simon not to make you any more of his duck dishes, right? You know those dishes you were craving and telling me on and on and on that they’d have to get Simon to cater for our wedding?’
Wait. Shit. She rapidly patted the pockets of Beth’s hoodie. Where was it? It wasn’t there, was it? She’d taken it out of that one place Beth wouldn’t look….
‘You okay, Beautiful? You look super nervous.’
‘Oh. Yeah. Yeah! I need to grab something from upstairs though.’
‘…Any reason?’
‘Not anything to stress over, it’s okay. I was gonna get you something after the hunt, you know? Aside from the honey glazed venison.’
‘Which is, by the way, fucking excellent.’
‘I learn from the best, clearly.’
Their bedroom was surprisingly clean for a chronic panicker and a beta werewolf, but the Seer was quick to find the closet, and the familiar lunchbox with Beth’s sewing supplies.
‘Mmmmmmnnnn, Beautiful, this venison is so good! Thank you!’ Beth’s compliments wafted like a sweet scent from downstairs, the red velvet box secured, hidden in her kangaroo pouch for the right moment to strike.
‘So glad you’re enjoying yourself, wolfie.’
‘Wolfie? I’m offended, Seer.’
‘Seer? Well I guess I won’t tell you what I have in store for you then, will I?’
‘Oh? Like what?’
‘Ah-ah-ah. You’re being mean, so that means I set the terms, right?’
‘Sure, Beautiful, can I wash up these plates before you…before….’
She had gotten on one knee, her eyes glazed, her smile wobbling, her balance teetering.
‘Then, Beth. My wolf, the love of my life, the moon in my eyes. Will you do me the honour of…’
‘Yes. Yes, you absolute, terrible fucking dork. I love you, beautiful. A thousand times yes.’