Open ♪ Better when we're together

[pembe]

The edges of the lake were frozen over to an extent that Pembe was adventurous enough to press her paws onto them and step curiously out onto the ice. It was thick below her paws but the waterfall at the far end of the pool had broken up the ice. So as she stepped further across the pool, she took it more slowly until she was completely off the snow.

She stopped midway between the freezing waterfall and the bank of snow, and sat gently. Her soft almost strawberry coloured paws had knobbles of snow attached to them, and the same had happened to her underside. It was kind of a given with a thick winter coat and snow falling continuously for days.

It was her first winter in the valley, and she still wasn't sure whether she'd stay. Sometimes the wind whipped up around her fur and seemed to be calling her, telling her to move on, but something in her heart was telling her to stay as well. She was torn. Her eyes were bright, stunning light blue against the white snow and ice as she scanned the winter wonderland around her, waiting for a sign to stay or go.

She closed the lids of those brilliant blue eyes against the snow, so bright despite the grey skies. Snow made the world so much more magical, and she had to say she was a sucker for the snow. She loved the way everything seemed to move a little slower because of it. The predators, the prey, and time itself sometimes seemed frozen in a moment. If it was ever the right moment, it was pure bliss.

She opened her eyes again, smiling, still sitting dead center in the middle of the frozen pool.

[arbie]

Roan was always one to hear other people’s thoughts and ideas about basically everything, but one thing he disliked hearing happy thoughts about was Winter. His thick coat, although practical, was annoying as hell in Spring when he was getting rid of it. As he trudged through No Man’s Land, a place where he swore he rarely ventured, Roan wondered why he was there. Was it because he wanted to meet that strange yet… Intriguing female? Or perhaps other females? It was close to Spring, and perhaps he was getting a bit emotional because of the fact he didn’t have any family yet. He quickly took away that yet in his mind and rolled his eyes at himself.

Making his way towards the waterfall, thinking mainly negative thoughts about how the water would be ice cold and make him feel even colder himself. He stopped suddenly, ignoring the little bits of snow that fell on his paws. Through the bushes he could see a beautiful wonder. Something that dazzled him and made him literally stop in his tracks and take a double take. Sucking all his emotions in, Roan would attempt to play it cool, but his nostrils tickled and he sneezed.
Ah jeez.

Making his way towards her nervously, sending Pembe a nervous smile, he sat near her, but not so close that it was creepy.
“Sorry. I was talking a walk and spotted you…” he began, wondering where to go next. His eyes widened, “I wasn’t spying on you or anything! I was just… Kind of resting. Then I was wat-No, I wasn’t watching you…”

Aw bums.

[pembe]

The ice creaked very faintly below her and her ears flickered backwards and forwards as she turned to see the newcomer. She blinked for a minute, eyes adjusting not to the light but the figure. A flash of memory served her well, and she remembered his name was Roan. She smiled slightly, upon recognising him, and just caught the end of what he was saying.

He was a bit of a rambler, apparently. She frowned slightly, but he edges of her lips curled up more in amusement. She only tended to ramble on purpose, to confuse others, but he appeared to be confusing himself. It was kind of sweet actually.

"Nothing to apologise for," she dipped her head very slightly in greeting, keeping her bright eyes on him. He looked a bit uncomfortable, then again most wolves weren't quite so happy to be sitting on a potentially unstable icy surface.

[arbie]

He certainly was uncomfortable. Looking down nervously at the ice, he remembered a time when he fell into an icy lake back in the old valley. Fidgeting a bit, he looked at Pembe and smiled slightly but still didn’t look very happy. But if it meant being beside Pembe, then alright. He could do this. Roan just hoped he wouldn’t fall into the pool like he did back in the other valley… Alright, he really needed to stop thinking about that place. He could remember, sure, but not all the time.

Looking down at the ice again, he looked at Pembe and gave her a bashful smile.
“So. Pembe. How have you been?”
Making conversation was a good start, and it would help him get to know Pembe. Tilting his head to the right, giving her a curious look, he truly did wonder how she’s been. It’s been a while since he last saw her, or so it felt, and Roan wanted to know everything. Well. Not everything, that’d just be too nosy. And besides, what if she asked about him? He didn’t want to ramble any more, although when he was around most females he rambled.

A strong wind picked up, ruffling his grey fur and sending goosebumps up his spine. It certainly was getting into Winter, and it'd probably be a tough one too.

[pembe]

Pembe half-smiled curiously, bright eyes raking across Roan's uncomfortable expression and body language. Why was he so uptight? It was kinda cute, to be honest. Still, she half-turned on the ice, ignoring it when it creaked dangerously below her. Truly, she found a little danger once in a while quite exciting. The cold wind picking his fur up whipped hers around her as well, and she was glad for her thickening winter coat.

She turned back to face the waterfall for a moment, lost in thought as he spoke. Then she turned back and blinked a minute before processing what he'd said. A few moments later, she realised she was supposed to answer. Whoopsie.

"How have I been... hmm. Well, good I guess. Also, kind of bored," she gave a small smile, which was uncharacteristically bashful for her normal nature. She shook her head slightly at herself, and then told herself to stop paying so much attention to her own actions and more to him. "What about you? Things been good for you, Roan?" she smiled.

[arbie]

His legs shook very slightly. Staring at Pembe, his eyes widened a bit when it creaked. Oh god, what if they fell in? What if Pembe fell in, and Roan was coward enough to run away? How guilty would he feel? Very. Very guilty. Like, so guilty he’d… He’d like to die. Frowning, he stared at her as she watched the waterfall. His frown slowly grew bigger as he grew more uncomfortable, his imagination making him hear more creaking noises in the ice. Looking down at his paws, he quickly looked up at Pembe when she looked at him and he immediately smiled, although it was obviously forced.

He only noticed that she didn’t answer him when she actually did finally answer. Pembe looked really pretty when she smiled, Roan noticed. Blinking rapidly, he shrugged casually, attempting looking cool didn’t really work for him. His tail wagged slightly, happy she remembered his name. it wasn’t a difficult name to remember, he knew that, but the fact she remembered it made him happy.
“Oh, well, it’s been… Okay.” he answered, taking in a deep breath as he glanced at the ice. He admired Pembe’s confidence.

“Kind of bored? That’s a shame.” he commented, tilting his head to the left, “Met… Anyone new?”

[pembe]

That waterfall was darned interesting. Pembe gazed at it curiously, blinking slightly, wondering why it wasn't cold enough to freeze over yet. Curiosity got the better of her, and she stood up slowly, walking ever so lightly towards the waterfall. She could almost sense Roan's tension, so looked back with a carefree smile.

"Haven't met anyone interesting since you, Roan," she grinned back. Sure, she was flirting... but why not? Who knew, maybe a broody instinct would kick in closer to Spring. There was a slight twinge in her stomach though. Pembe had never really been one to stick around for long. Still, the more she looked at Roan, the more she liked what she saw. She tilted her head in return to him, smiling a little more.

He'd be good to her. If he liked her, at all. She kinda hoped he did now, for once in her life she felt a little excited at the idea of sharing more than a friendship. Something more, something truly meaningful. But... she was pretty impatient. If he was one to dance around with words and constantly hint, then that wouldn't do. Pembe was far too straightforward for that.

She began to pace slightly, more towards the waterfall, and then back. The ice kept creaking underneath her. She was wondering whether to just say something straight out loud, or keep it hidden and see if things would change. He was being perfectly lovely, but was he like that with all females? Was she even slightly special to him? Ah, what the hell. What did she have to lose?

"Roan, I-" she began, but mid-pace the closest she'd been the waterfall, the ice cracked loudly beneath her paw and she only had time to look down before the ice caved beneath her and she fell into the icy water with a shrill scream.

[arbie]

Interesting since you… Seriously… Roan stared at her, the corners of his lips slowly rising. Was she lying? No, Pembe wouldn’t lie to Roan. He didn’t like the idea of her lying to him because he liked her. He really liked her. Perhaps he just felt lobe far too easily, but Roan didn’t mind. He liked Pembe a lot. He would go to the moon and back for her, he’d do anything for her! It’s not that he wore his heart on his sleeve, he just… He just liked people too much. Way too much.
“Oh, uhh. Thanks Pembe.” he said happily, tail wagging. For a moment it felt like they were on ice at all, they were in a field of long grass. Comfortable. Safe.

Standing up very, very carefully, Roan watched her walk towards the waterfall. She may be feeling cautious, but in Roan’s eyes, she didn’t look too nervous. Scrunching up his nose at himself, he watched her make her way closer and closer. His heart was beating faster and faster. He didn’t want to lose her to the freezing cold water that was death. Death. What a horrible thing. Pembe would die before Roan could even tell her anything. She would die before he could even hear anything close to ‘I love you, Roan’. Not even a ‘You’re my best friend, Roan’. Well. She did say he was interesting. It was good, but not good enough for a part of him. For the loving part of him.

“Pembe, I wouldn’t go so close-” he spoke at the same time as her. But then she disappeared. Waves of water replaced her. What. What just happened. What the hell. He stared, but then his body immediately reacted. His ears went against his skulls and he skidded towards the hole in the ice. But his brain took over, he had to be smart about this. Skidding to a halt, hearing the ice crack beneath him, he backed up and fell to his stomach with a thud. He froze, staring at the hole. He needed to help Pembe, he needed to save her! Be the hero… Roan the hero… It was good. Taking in a very shaky breath, unable to really concentrate fully, he crept forward.

“Pembe. Pembe!” he needed this confidence. He needed something… He needed help! But not physical help. Spiritual help. Roan was always a coward, he needed Xaka and Caerwyn to be there for him. And they were, in his mind. He looked down, dipping his head into the water, eyes shut tight, and he attempted to find any scrap of Pembe’s fur. He needed to grab onto her and drag her up. He needed ot get her out.
Now.

[pembe]

The force of the waterfall, with nowhere else for it to go, was pushing Pembe back towards the edge of the lake. She was holding her breath desparately, but she could only just hear Roan's voice over the sound of the water rushing in her ears. Her survival instinct was kicking in but there was nothing she could do. She could barely see through the ice as she opened her eyes, scrabbling at the underside of the ice to try and grab hold.

Her claws caught, and then slipped again. She couldn't help it, she screamed. I'm going to die, I'm going to die before I've even lived! she screamed furiously in her mind as a long stream of bubbles left her throat. The blurry shape of Roan above the surface was getting closer as she fought the abnormal current, and dug her claws into the freezing ice.

Do something, do something! she panicked, only just seeing Roan's head appear under the water, his teeth snapping but she couldn't reach him. The closer she got, the more the water fought. She started to see stars, and her lungs seized up. She could see more cracks in her ice, and she started trying to hack away at them. She needed air, even for a second.

[arbie]

He couldn’t get her. He was useless! No. He would refuse to let that thought take over his mind. He clawed at the ice, not caring if he fell in himself now. Logical thinking kept trying to take over, and his mind was filled with confusing thoughts. Scrunching up his nose, growling at himself for not getting Pembe out when he tried, Roan stayed absolutely still, thinking carefully. The only way to possibly get her out is to get through the ice and drag her out, but if he did that, then he would be stuck in the freezing ice as well. He would have to do that for Pembe though, he would risk his life for her. A bit major for someone he hardly knew, but she was nice to him. She was amazing in Roan’s eyes. He could see her blurry figure underneath the ice. He stared, trying to think of a better way of doing it.

f*ck it.

Roan hacked away at the ice insanely, even attempting got bite at it. He needed her out! She would drown and it’d be all his fault. He didn’t warn her in time. His nose hurt, but he kept bashing at the ice to try and get her out. Clawing at the ice, hearing it crack, he backed up quickly, sliding about, and he still attempted to. Hearing a final crack, and spotting water sprout up through a small crack, he dived at it. This was insane! Roan kept thinking this, but his body kept moving. Clawing at the small gap, it got bigger and bigger, and he could see Pembe a bit more clearly. He called her name, taking a deep breath and diving his head into the water again, aiming to grab her by the small tuff of her neck. Anywhere. He was desperate to get her out.

Memories of falling into the lake in the old valley came back, but he didn’t care. He didn’t want them to die. Them? No. He was thinking about them again. This was all about Pembe. He called her name mentally, hoping she hadn’t lost air yet. As soon as he found her, he would drag her out away from the lake and to the side. Yes. That was it. That was what he would do, and he would do it while Pembe was still alive. He hoped the heartbeat he was hearing in his ears was hers, even if part of him knew it was his own. The adrenaline that was running through his body was amazing, but he couldn’t dwell on how good it felt. He needed to help Pembe.

[pembe]

As the ice cracked above her and Roan's face came fully into reach, Pembe crashed her nose through the broken ice and water for the quickest snatch of air. With that, she snapped her teeth down on Roan's fur, of course not to injure him but simply grab him like a lifeline. Her teeth found some purchase and she closed her eyes desperately, trying to find the strength to push the cracking ice aside and scrambling up onto it.

As soon as she was on parts of the ice that weren't breaking up beneath her feet, she slid to a stop and opened her eyes, coughing up water. Her usually bluish grey fur was now a dark inky color, and she blinked her blurry eyes and suddenly looked up for Roan, in a terrible panic that something had happened to him. How stupid was she?! Walking on thin ice was hardly an expression in this situation. Finally she found her airway was clear again, and she simply looked over at Roan, eyes wide.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry," she shook her head furiously, starting to shiver as the cold air hit her already icy body.

[arbie]

He felt her grab onto him instead of the other way around. Gritting his teeth, although he wasn’t in pain, Roan dragged her from the water. Or at least it felt like he was the one getting her out, but he decided it was both of them that got her out. His heart was stilling beating rapidly, and he stared down at her. My god, the last thing he was thinking about was how stupid she was. The thing he was thinking about was how worried he was, how cold she must be and basically everything else apart from her intelligence. His face was freezing and his teeth were chattering, but he ignored the feeling and dragged Pembe to the side of the pool, off the ice altogether. He didn’t care if she was talking or not right now.

Eventually falling onto his stomach, he could see Pembe shivering. Oh god, what if she got pneumonia or something? He did the only thing he thought of doing, his mind not really working properly. He snuggled close to her, hoping any body warmth he had went to her. He stared at her, dark eyes as wide as a bush baby’s.
“It’s fine… Really.” he said softly, nearly a whisper, “Are you okay? You’re not hurt are you? Just cold?”
He kept asking questions and questions. He knew he probably shouldn’t, seeing as she had just nearly died, but that wasn’t the point. He took in a deep breath through his nostrils and licked her on the cheek. It was a brave move, and he blamed it on the adrenalin that was running through his veins still.

“I… I was really, really worried about you there.” he said, not even attempting to smile. He couldn’t, he was too cold, “And before anything else happens to us… What did you want to see to me?”
He remembered Pembe starting with a ‘Roan, I’ before she fell in. He looked at her, his face still on caring mode.

[pembe]

Pembe was taken back, caught in those large, dark eyes as she felt her heart hammer and protest as it attempted to push some blood through her shivering body. She had to wait a minute, regain some thought, but the sun was miraculously appearing. She felt like a flower, craving the sunlight and warmth, but Roan was most definitely helping.

"Wow," she murmured slightly softly. "I didn't realise you... uh. I didn't know you cared, really."

Pembe paused slightly, one creamy ear flicking very slightly as she continued to stare into his dark eyes. She could be going out on a limb by saying what she'd said, or she could be just guessing. But maybe, just maybe, the look she was receiving was just as intense as the look she was giving. She smiled slightly, apprehensively.