The Blackest Day

## Content Information

Arsling had gotten back from the Botanical Garden exhausted, they still had to tell Didi about their feelings, that the love was true, just so much of the wolf respect isn’t, it made sense, she didn’t want to treat Didi as better than her but as her equal, the love was still confusing, she didn’t understand how, she shouldn’t but she forgave Didi and even thru that hurt of being turned she still loved Didi

When she got there, she found an enormous box of Belgian chocolates waiting for her with a note from Didi saying that she’d visit soon.

And, sure enough, the blue-haired wolf arrived that evening -- freshly showered from her own adventures that afternoon, though Arsling would probably smell Pad on her.

She knocked on Ash’s door. It felt weird not just going to her window, but… she’d had her first hunt, she wasn’t Didi’s pup anymore. “Hey Ash, is this a good time?”

Arsling opened and hugged Didi "get in here" Arsling pulled her in, Tamzen had been gone since yesterday and...it somehow didn't show, although Arsling put a piece of paper on Tamzens door saying 'Royal Scholar on journey fighting Goblins'

Arsling grinned, her eyes full of life or sugar, and her mouth subtly stained by chocolate

Didi smiled at the redhead, noting the traces of sweets around her lips. The bubbly greeting was a relief.

“I see you’re enjoying your gift!” she said, as she came back inside. It smelled like Ash was in a good mood, too.

“Where did you get these from? Like these must’ve cost you a shitton” she bites down on a bar having a happy smile on her face

“It was a bit of an adventure,” said Didi. “But far less than what you’ve gone through. I want to treat you and help you relax… though I’ll leave you alone if that’s what you want, too…”

Arsling grabs Didis hands “stay, come on Tamzens out of town fighting goblins” Arsling says thinking about something “i talked to the moon, she said...my feelings for you...they’re real” Arsling nervously chuckles “i-i still love you”

It was so sudden, Didi froze, aside from squeezing Arsling’s hands back. With wide eyes, she blinked at the redhead. “The moon told you… you talked to the moon!? And you… you lo--” Didi swallowed. “How? Why??”

“Magic for how” Arsling puts a hand in Didis hair and another hold’s her hand “i don’t know why, i shouldn’t, but i love you...it still hurts y’know, but i think i you’re earning my forgiveness” Arsling smile blushing deeply “i-i called myself a werewolf for the first time today” she says nervous, clearly still unsettled by the idea that she is a werewolf

Looking up at the redhead -- who was at her full height again -- Didi bit her lip. “It can’t ever be as carefree as it was at the springs that day… but… I don’t think it was just your curse that attracted me to you, either. I still feel…” She shut her eyes and shook her head, a gesture that turned into pressing against the hand in her hair. “To be honest, I feel a lot of things.”

“Such as?” Arsling says concerned looking down her heart racing with worry if she botched this, she just wanted it to be clean but, well she knows better than to expect clean by this point

“Such as… guilt? Memories of fearing for my life, of hurting you… Being furious, being heartbroken… Wanting to take care of you and being so proud of you on your hunt.” She met Arsling’s eyes, seeing both the affection there and the fear, returning both feelings. “I don’t want to ever hurt you again…”

Arsling strokes Didis face swallowing their pride “y-you were scared, and you’d do anything to feel safe, i understand that more than most things” Self hatred has began to dig into Arsling being, not entirely coming to terms with the reality of what she did because of how scared she was

“You were scared, and surrounded by people you loved who were also scared, you did…” Arsling thinks for a few seconds, *“right”* passing her thoughts before saying “what you had to”

Suddenly Didi was hugging the tall redhead, crushing her face against Arsling’s chest and tearing up. “I feel like shit for putting you through all of that! I’m sorry I botched the first time and sent you to the hospital and dragged everything out and made it so much worse. Nothing went like I thought it would and I can’t apologize for the awakening but…” Her voice was tight. “Even when I was scared, when I was angry, I never wanted to hurt you.”

Arsling also begins to cry, resting her head on Dids scalp “im sorry...for making you scared of me…for scaring Burgundy and Iva” Arsling says not letting go mumbling just loud enough for didi to hear although seemingly trying to not be heard “for being a monster…” as part of Arsling internally breaks

“You went through so much,” Didi said, crying for Arsling and for herself. “You were just a kid…” Her strong arms pulled Ash close, as if she could hug her hard enough to protect her past self.

Arsling lifts up Didi bringing her into her room and planting her on Arslings bed pulling back looking at Didi “if we’re going to be upset, lets at least be cozy” she says a small smile on her face as she jumps onto the bed with her and places her arms over didi cuddling her

The bed was so cozy, smelling of Arsling, or her wolf form, of the plushies and of Fluffy herself. Didi didn’t mind being picked up, either, even if it was a surprise. She let out a long breath, shutting her eyes and holding Arsling tight.

“So are you going to be even more of a chocolate snob now that you can taste everything more clearly?”

“Ofcourse” Arsling says slyly “afterall american chocolate probably tastes even worse now” Arsling used a spare hand grabbing the quilt and throwing it over themselves trying to make them both as cozy as possible

A little giggle escaped from the blue-haired wolf, despite everything. It felt good to get the words out and to be in Arsling’s arms again as equals. No curses, no pup instincts, just two packmates. She didn’t trust love so freely given, but if the moon herself said it was real… she might be too on guard, too scarred over, too cautious or quick to question.

Because she did believe Arsling, now. Before she thought it had been the mindblowing sex at the hot springs -- Arsling’s first time -- and maybe the fear and the concussion talking. But she could feel the truth of the redhead’s feelings, now. She just didn’t think she deserved it, didn’t think she could reciprocate so soon, to risk her own heart so freely. Even if she did feel the pull.

“You really are a rare person,” she said, linking her fingers between Arsling’s. There was a touch of wonder in her voice. She breathed in the scent of the redhead’s neck, feeling her warmth and her love. With a soft breath that tickled Ash’s skin, she started to let herself relax.

Arsling giggled “i’m nothing special Didi, i’m just a girl from Kill Kildare” Arsling was trying to relax but at the back of her mind she was beginning to internally criticise everything she had done to get this far, finding more and more reasons to hate herself and how she tried to defend herself for so long

She did her best to shut that part of her brain down as she lay with Didi, she started to relax giving little playful nibbles on dids ear in response to the ticklish sensation on her neck

The shorter wolf squirmed at the nibble, pressing against Ash. Her lips brushed the skin of Arsling’s neck, then stayed there, soft and hot and close. Until...

“If you just got chocolate on my ear you’d better clean it off,” she said, only half-joking.

Arsling smirked and gave a single gentle lick to the top of Didi’s ear and then continued licking Didis cheek and then lowering herself face to face with Didi giving a small lick on the tip of her nose  “there, all clean ‘elder’” Arsling blushed, remembering how much easier it was to flirt with Didi than anyone else, sure Berry and Selene were hot with equally attractive personalities but they just weren’t the same as Didi

“You bratty pup!” Laughing, Didi pushed Ash onto her back and straddled her amidst a tangle of blankets. “I’ve half a mind to melt the rest of your chocolates on you and lick them up and see how ``you`` like it.”

Arsling put one of her hands on the back of Didi's neck “then i’d have to lick it off wouldn’t i?” she said her spare arm trailing up Didi's leg before using that hand to unbutton the top of her dress shirt

Didi’s voice was breathy as she replied. “I suppose… yes… it would be a better punishment if I made you lick the chocolate off of yourself instead of helping you with that part. But I might still want a ``taste``.” She licked her lips at that, their faces close enough now for their noses to brush each other.

“Well here's your taste” Arsling leaned in and kissed Didi on the lips pulling her as close as possible before rolling on top of her making out with her favourite ‘ex’ girlfriend, moving a spare hand and getting it to slowly take off her shirt and waistcoat

It was a good taste and she wanted more. Didi missed that fierce, sexy side of Arsling she’d gotten to know during their too-brief tryst, before everything had been pain and lies.

And here she was, hotter than ever, in tune with the wolf inside her, smelling of pack and arousal and ``Ash``. Didi didn’t give another thought to grief or pain, only to her gorgeous lover.

Arsling felt brilliant, breaking the kiss only to say in a voice filled with want “i love you” As she returned to the kiss and more, from the outside the quilt lay over the two, articles of clothing dropping to the ground

*Later*

Arlsing raised her head out of under the sheets sitting up nude bare back against the wall, feeling warm from the aftermath. Didi was languid on the bed beside her, eyes shut and one hand idly tracing the skin of Ash’s leg under the covers.

Her other hand went to the bedpost, and she opened her eyes to peer at it, then giggled.

“I think I left a clawmark,” she said, her voice carefree in a way Ash hadn’t heard for weeks.

Arslings heart melted more than any sexual act could at just hearing Didi sound so happy “oh really now?” She said smirking and looking at the bedpost “hmmm how much for a new bedpost, i think you owe me ten dollars” Arsling says teasingly as she slipped out of bed

Didi looked up in mock offense. “You’d ``replace`` something with such sentimental value?”

Arsling reached down, grabbing Didis shirt and throwing it on herself “well i am a bitch afterall” Arsling grins the shirt being just a little too short around the waist

“Mmm,” Didi purred, checking out the other girl’s abs and stretching in her bed. “``My`` bitch, from the looks of it.” The borrowed shirt was a soft scoop-neck shirt with an illegible, faded band logo on it.

Arsling plants her face next to Didi’s “absolutely with most of my heart and soul, gotta leave some space for chocolate afterall” Arsling smiles before going to take of Didi’s shirt and hand it back

The other wolf smiled, a tender expression with a hint of fang, then leaned forward to kiss the other wolf on the nose.

“You’re just a complete goof,” she said, warmly, reaching out to play with Arsling’s wild red mane. “But you do have good taste. Good priorities.” She let out a happy sigh. “A good heart and soul.” She stroked the redhead’s cheek. “I want to treat them right…”

Arsling smiles nervously, “i-i honestly can’t think of how to respond to that, other than that...” Arsling tries to think of the words but they can’t arrive, she doesn’t think she deserves to be treated right why is everyone, nearly every member of the pack treating her so nice

Why did she get a second chance

To the outside world Arsling has frozen like she just kinda blanked out

“Too gay to function?” Didi started to tease, but then sat up, worried. “Arsling?” She held the redhead’s face in both hands.

It takes Arsling a few second but she snaps back to reality “oh shit sorry i-i think i blanked out for a second” Arsling chuckles nervously, but its not an embarrassed nervous it’s a broken nervous, like Arsling is hiding something “im fine, im fine”

“You’re distinctly ``not``,” Didi said, pursing her lips. She felt Ash’s cheek with one hand. “Sit and let me get you some water…”

As Didi left the room Arsling sunk back into herself for a few seconds, staring out the window as it began to rain, she had a recollection of the full moon, her brain recalling the memory of celebrating with the pack after killing the bison, feeling their pride again, and deeming herself unworthy of that, as she recalled the night the pack chased her, remembering that she would’ve just killed the pack to defend herself, Arsling snaps back, disgust at herself washing over as she stares blankly at the rain pattering the glass

Didi returned with a glass of water and a bag of pretzels, setting them beside Arsling and then shifting to Fluffymode to leap up on the bed.

“Talk to me?” she asked, cocking her head. “Are you remembering something?”

Arsling smiles shakily “yeah, i remember celebrating killing the bison, the howls, the feast, feeling the entire pack’s pride…” She says shakily as she sips on her glass of water *“that you don’t deserve”* she thinks to herself  using a spare arm to stroke fluffy’s head

The wolf licked her in return, her tail wagging just twice, tentatively. She didn’t know what was the matter, but being Fluffy helped her not spiral into worry about it. She could just be there for her packmate, her friend, her lover…

Arsling relaxed, stroking her therapy werewolf girlfriend, contemplating shifting herself, instead just leaning into Fluffy, face to Fluffys side

"I should get dressed, then we could go on a walk" Arsling says running her hand under Fluffys chin and scratching

The enormous wolf leaned into the chin scratches and shut her eyes, giving just a grunt of agreement at the idea of going for a walk. As Arsling dressed, she got down from the bed and stretched, deciding she could just leave her clothes here and retrieve them after their walk.

“Any destination in mind or just want to wander the territory?”

"Just wanna wonder, see if we find a spot or something" Arsling shoved her sunglasses and scarf on giving a pat on Fluffys head "maybe just someplace to clear my head"

Before long, they were out in the woods, Fluffy trotting about happily, taking in the scents and enjoying the sense of movement.

“Your eyes,” she asked suddenly. “Are you choosing to keep them wolfen? I don’t know why they’re not green again yet.”

Arsling sighed removing her sunglasses "I can't change them back, I've tried focusing, closing my eyes and nothing... it's like Cutie is still trying to break out or tell me something" Arsling sighs again, frustration bubbling to the surface "I miss my eyes, it's a weird disconnect, seeing your wolf eyes on your human face"

“Huh.” Didi had no idea; it wasn’t until needing to guide Arsling that she realized how little she really knew about being a werewolf in a lot of ways. “I bet they’ll come back!”

With that, she darted up the slope, taking some joy in just running, just being in her wolf body. She was back before long, running a loop around Arsling.

Arsling smirks “hay these legs are long but they’re not werewolf fast” Arsling scratches Didi’s ear “you find anything?” she internally thinks about her eyes a stray thought entering her head that she pushes out before she process it properly

Fluffy wags at the ear pets. “Mmm, some boar tracks, an invasive vine, and a spooky old cabin that wasn’t there last week. Normal woods stuff.”

“Oooh spooky Cabin, lets go get murdered” Arsling says in a jaunty tone before skipping in the direction “oh also i got tickets to Xanders game in a few days”

Fluffy happily trotted beside Ash towards their probable murder. “Game? You mean his fencing championships? Well, have fun. I’m sure it’ll be a nice break from all the nonsense that happens here in Night Falls!”

"Yeah, be nice to visit Indiana, it'll be my second state after... whatever state Night fall's is in" Arsling smiles as they approach this old cabin, abandoned as the sun is warm, but still somewhat liveable "this could be the start of cabin in the woods, staring us"

“I just hope we’re cast as the monsters,” replied Fluffy. “We’re far too sexually liberated to survive a horror film otherwise.”

"Hmmm think I'd like to die in that case" Arsling winks, before walking into the cabin, it's spacious on the inside and filled with dust and cobwebs "jease, this must be like sixty seventy years abandoned" she picks up a picture of old couple from the fifties and gives a little smile

Fluffy followed Ash inside, peering underneath the ancient furniture. “Oh, I think they whittled,” she said, but her head was too large to fit underneath the cabinet where the little wooden animals had fallen. “I don’t think there’s anything alive here larger than a squirrel, so unless the rodents are possessed I think we can rule out the horror movie tropes.”

"Awesome, it's nice, charming" Arsling opens a few of the windows "if we fix this place up it could be our little hideaway from Tamzen and The Pack" she smiled wondering until she found the bedroom, the bed surprisingly surviving all the rot that should've destroyed the mattress and quilt

“If it’s still here next time we come by, at any rate…” Didi stepped back outside and pawed at the ground, claiming the entrance with the scent glands between her toes, then peered at the structure. It was run-down cosmetically, but the construction was solid. And it might not be too haunted, not by local standards. “This could work.”