It was a day later after my sparing match with Red that I had found myself walking early in the morning. I was heading to a popular bakery situated near the edge of the landship by an exposed terrace to the outside. It was with a purpose since some produces at this particular bakery were exclusive for the first hour after they would open for the day. One had to wake up early, and they were pricey but well worth it. The Laterano styled chocolate croissant and the Ursian fish pie with certain selected vegetables. I arrived in time to buy two of each and a large cup of ceylon tea.

I went to the large exposed deck that was nearby and sat on a bench. Glad that I got in time for these rare snacks and ready to enjoy a good breakfast while I took in the sight of the green lands before me. It was a good change from the view of the wastelands I have seen in the past. However, as I turned my head slightly I thought I caught a glimmer of a red colour. I turned my head fully and saw a lupo wearing a red jacket at the same bakery. She turned around to leave back inside the landship, empty-handed. I couldn't deny that my heart ached just a bit at this sight, and I let through the impulse building in me.

-''Red! Over here!'' I shouted.

She turned around unsurprised. Not because she didn't know I was there, her senses were too sharp for that. But probably surprised because I caught her attention on purpose.

-Come join me!

I said as I waved at her in a friendly manner. She seamed to contemplate my offer, then she walked towards me until she was besides my bench.

-''They ran out of the specials you wanted?'' I asked, basically already knowing, and she nodded.

-''If you'll sit with me, I will share mine with you.'' I said as I showed her the bag of still steaming goodies.

She contemplated another moment and sat down, seeming to reach for her wallet.

-Hey, it's alright, don't give that any mind.

-''Why would you share it with me?'' Red asked looking at me.

-I like your company. So why not enjoy the start of this day together?

She looked a bit taken aback by my honesty, but she didn't refuse.

-You can have one of each. And you can drink from my ceylon tea if you like it. I bought a big cup anyway.

She nodded and shyly took out the Ursian pie first. We ate at our leisure and in silence as we admired the view far and wide in front of us. The morning view was inspiring as we saw the sun rising from our left, illuminating the far out mountains on our right. And it was joyful seeing this pretty lupo at ease, munching hungrily at her pie. And I did the same. I took a sip of my tea and put the large cup in the middle of the bench between us, though a little closer to her. She looked at it first and then decided to grasp it. She took it close, sniffing it before she sipped it herself.

-What do you think of the tea?

-''Aromatic, I like it.'' She said simply and content.

To soon we were already through the Ursian delicacy and while somewhat satiated we took it slower as we savoured our Laterano croissants.

-Hey Red.

She turned around to gaze at me, curious while she was still munching on her treat.

-Which of these do you like better?

-Hmm, Ursian pie... you?

-Hard to say, maybe the chocolate treat.

Soon we were done, and I gathered all the wrappers in the bag between us. Taking it and putting it at my feet.

-I'll dispose of this when we leave.

She gazed at me but gave no acknowledgment. However, I could notice that her tail was wagging slowly but intently behind the bench. Somehow I surmised she was satisfied and at ease with the time we had, and I was glad. I laid back onto the bench and relaxed, both of us enjoying the sight in a peaceful silence.

-Thank you, Tacet.

-You're welcome Red.

-You're nice to me.

-You deserve some nice things in your life too.

Her serious facade cracked as she seamed to give a small but genuine smile. It was two days later in the morning when I finally escaped a general meeting along with a large group of operators. I had even skipped my morning tea to arrive on time. More boring warnings and instructions on several matters that some new operators had abused and fucked up. Now forcing us to endure this instruction meeting out of our own free time. Mercifully it didn't last more than an hour before we were free to leave. I took my time first, checking my messages and my ''to do'' agenda on my smart device to pass the time while most of the room cleared before me. This way I avoided the crowd and anybody else trying to rope me into any activity. I left the large meeting room and was on my way towards the cafeteria when I happened to meet Projekt Red as she was coming out of an adjoining corridor.

-Morning Red.

-Tacet. Want to catch breakfast?

-Sure.

I was surprised she wanted to engage in some time with me out of her own initiative, truly, and I wouldn't refuse. I found I liked being around this lupo. The conversation was short but natural as a water flow. We walked besides each other saying no more. Not caring if any more whispers came out of it. Anybody could go out with whoever damn else they wanted to on this landship. Red seamed to follow my lead. I decided to avoid the cafeteria and passed by it. She looked up at me in question.

-I know of a better place to have breakfast undisturbed.

She then straightened her gaze ahead and continued to follow besides me. We arrived at an Ursus old style café that was more out of the way and less frequented this early in the morning. We went inside and sat on one of the more retreated alcoves with a table for two. There a surprised attendant came to take our order. I ordered a cup of vanilla-cherry tea with a bundle of four croissants while Red chose some tea as well as well as a square looking pie that I never tried before. We were a silent but not an awkward couple. We just had little to say, and it was natural for both of us. Still I decided to engage in a little conversation at least.

-Are you going to have a busy day?

-''Yes.'' She answered before she decided it was too little.

-I have an intense training waiting for today.

-Don't overdo them.

-I always give my best. It is what Red is good at.

-I meant don't overwhelm the training room to destruction.

-Oh. I'll try.

Like that, we enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and our warm drinks in peace while glancing at Red now and then to savour the look of this wonderful lupa at ease. Outside the window we could see distant mountains, colored in a bright orange glare that was rising in intensity.

-It's alright. I'll pay.

-''I can pay.'' Said Red.

-Are you going to fight me over it?

-''No.'' She said, surprising me. Thinking she backed down a bit too easily.

-''It's fine. We're both elite operators, so I know money is not a problem for either of us.'' I said as we exited the café.

-Besides, I took you here. Next time you'll choose the place, and you can cover the tab.

She nodded looking at me, and I felt as if almost a hesitation to depart from her. As if something was unspoken. Yet we turned around, maybe just a bit slower than usual and went our own ways. It would be surprisingly earlier I thought that I would meet her again when I did. It was on one of the higher levels. As I stood in a corridor on the margin of the landship. The large windows revealing the sunset and a crescent moon close behind it. I heard footsteps coming from the opposite end and I saw her. Red was walking in my direction and stopped close by. This time regarding me strangely.

She wouldn't say anything. Possibly waiting to see if I had anything to say before moving on. I felt a bit out of it myself for some reason at that time. So I just settled to nodding and moving on to pass by her when she caught the end of my sleeve. I was surprised and turned to look back at her. She was avoiding my gaze but then with determination she locked it back with mine, her expression a bit unsure.

-Tacet... can I come with you? I don't want to be alone tonight.

The light of the setting sun shone on her alluring visage. Now that I looked at her, she seamed quite tired. She must have had a gruelling day until now I figured. I nodded, and she followed, coming up besides me on our way. We came to my place, the windows were already presenting a bleak dying blue in the distance outside. A desk lamp was faintly giving a warm yellow light in the quickly darkening room.

Red looked at me somewhat strangely. Almost as if reminiscing something. I switched the main lights on and Red stood there for a moment, taking in her new surroundings. She then without a word went to the bathroom. Soon I could hear the shower in use. She had no spare clothes with her I realised, so I decided to fetch a bundle of fresh ones of mines for her and left them on a small table in the bathroom. The glass of the shower being opaque preserved her intimacy though she didn't inquire of me coming in and out. I brewed and prepared two cups of warm tea and just in time as she had exited the bathroom. Wearing one of my longer black shirts that covered her lower intimate parts though I could tell she was also wearing the given fresh pair of smaller size boxers that I bought by accident once. The rest of her outfit she carried and set neatly on a small table along with her boots near the entrance.

-Care for some tea?

She nodded, getting into a spare pair of soft slippers and walking down to the table. We savoured our cups.

-I like this tea. It is soothing.

-''I am picky with my taste in tea so I have quite a few good ones.'' I said before continuing.

-Had a rough day Red?

-Yes.

-Is doctor Kal'tsit pushing you too hard?

-No, it is the usual.

-Isn't it too much?

-I have to constantly keep my abilities sharp. It is normal for me.

That was most probably true. And it most likely was her choice as well.

-Want a bite of something?

She nodded, and I picked out a few filled buns that I had bought earlier that day. To my surprise she ate all five of the six while I only ate one. Realizing that she became a bit embarrassed and excused herself.

-I'm sorry.

-Think nothing of it. They are only good as long as they are fresh.

We drank our tea in the dimly lit living room. The low light making a better ambient to watch the dark sky filled with starts and the clouds partly lightened by the bright crescent moons.

-You seem tired.

-... I am.

-You can rest on my bed tonight.

I said as I was planning to just sleep on the couch in the living room. I had more sense than to take advantage of her though I actually was unsure of what she meant when she said she didn't want to be alone this night. She felt indecisive though it took courage for her to ask to come to my room. Maybe we were both just treading on unknown territory. We were both lone wolves in our own way after all and sometimes interaction with others was... hmm, tricky. But I was to be proven wrong as she pulled on my arm looking at me.

-No. Please stay with Red, just like that night.

She must have longed for the warmth that she experienced probably for the first time in her life back then. It was a life or death situation, yet she must have felt the ease of one's soul that companionship would bring... just as I felt it back then. I lead her to my dormitory, and she sat on my bed, saying nothing. I felt that it wasn't what I thought she wanted. She wasn't in heat, nor did she seeme to wish for that kind of intimate fun. She... just didn't want to be alone. This lone lupa was weary and wanted company.

We laid together, and she leaned close onto me. In turn I pulled her closer as I wrapped my arm around her gently. She said nothing, her mild look of uneasiness melting away in my comfort. She looked at me, and she seemed blissfully at ease. She soon closed her eyes. Her breath slowed down quickly as the weariness of the day overtook her, sinking into a peaceful slumber. Yet I was still awake, my heart beating faster than before at the wolf girl I was infatuated with all this time. Which was now in my bed, almost half naked. I focused and calmed my heart rate. This already happened before in an even more dire circumstance and I gave in to my feelings for her, beating my trauma back. I enjoyed her presence, her fluffy ears brushing my cheek. I soon entered a deep sleep myself. Only to wake up some time later at an unknown hour into the night. I was puzzled, but then I noticed that Red and I had entangled through the night. She was more onto me, an arm around me with her head snuggled close to my own visage. I was mesmerised by her. My heart rate was starting to pick in this intimate twist we found ourselves in. But I dared not do anything to wake her up. Her deadly aura was at this moment as dim as it could ever be, and I felt captured by her. This deadly lupo, that nearly killed me that day was now in my arms and all I wished to do was to embrace her tighter onto me. To say those words to her.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

-Tacet.

I heard her whisper ever so faintly. Was she dreaming or did my heart rate tickle her senses awake? She spoke no more after that, and I calmed down. Wallowing in this heavenly moment. I woke up, surprised to find myself alone in my bed and I wondered if it was all just a dream. Yet as I noticed a single string of light grey hair on my shirt I knew it wasn't. I came into the living room and heard the shower in use. I took the liberty and made another two cups of tea. When she came out she was in the same clothes that I had given her yesterday.

-''I'm sorry. We slept in, and I have to head out soon.'' She said simply.

-No problem, how about some quick tea and breakfast before you go?

-Yes please.

We enjoyed our cups in silence and a few slices with butter and some fine jam. After she clothed up in her trousers, jacket and boots while she kept on the shirt and boxers I gave her. Of course this time I watched shamelessly, especially as she pulled her trousers up her beautiful legs and over her bewitching bottom. And she had no intent to complain nor did she look bothered in the slightest or embarrassed to have done it in front of me.

-''You stare at me with eyes like that of a lupo, Tacet.'' She said matter-of-factly.

-I am still a healthy man in my youth.

I said as I smiled, and I chuckled inside of my mind while I took another sip of my tea.

-I have to leave now before Red's late. Thank you, Tacet, it is... comforting with you.

She said sincerely and with a bit of a mellowed expression. She seamed to have gotten her batteries recharged over the night. She left. And I was left to wonder over this curious get together. She was genuinely warming up to me, I realised. I couldn't think of any other explanation. This situation was deepening. And I felt I wouldn't be able to hold back if it went any further. Maybe I never could hold back against her.

A thought passed my mind. ''Wait, did she take her intimate clothes that she changed out of?'' I didn't see her carrying them. I went to the bathroom and looked inside the bin of used clothes. And true her original shirt and a small pair of boxers were there. Oh boy. I had to think of a way to return these inconspicuously and without making it awkward. Hmm. Another thought had struck me. Could she have possibly left these on purpose? I closed the bin. Whatever the reason I wouldn't be tempted by this sort of lowly perversion. If I was to taste and savour the lupa I loved then I would do it with her in person! It wasn't even an hour later after I exited my apartment that I heard a scream down the hallway.

-Aaaaaaaaah!!!

What the Hell was happening now!? Were we under attack from the inside? I rushed ahead cautiously. Yet soon I found myself cornered by a pack of three bewitching and dangerous lupo girls. Lappland, Texas and Provence were visibly annoyed if not more. As if I broke their most sacred law or something.

-''Bastardo! Demone!'' Lashed out Lappland in her native Siracusan.

-''That was cruel Tacet, even for you.'' Said Provence.

-''I have to agree with both of them. You went too far with this prank.'' Said Texas.

-I have absolutely no idea what you are all talking about! How about you enlighten me?

-''Non fare lo stupido! (Don't play the fool!) You know very well what we are talking about. You probably wanted to get a bit of pay back and a laugh at my expense didn't you!? If true, I bow to your plan, ha funzionato perfettamente (it worked perfectly).'' Said Lappland.

-I still have no idea what enraged all of you.

-Aspettate... (wait).

Lappland went up to me and smelled my chest up close.

-You are free of her scent. How is that possible!?

-Texas. Can at least you explain to me what is going on?

-Projekt Red caught us by surprise when she came with her own errand into the room we were all in. Normally we would have noticed her by her scent long before we saw her but all we sensed was your scent instead.

-When we finally looked around she was already fluffing up some of our tails. It was shocking to say the least to find her in our midst. You can understand our distress. Especially Provence's.

-''But why are you free of her scent when she was covered in yours!?'' Demanded Lappland.

-''You are still unmarked, unclaimed by any lupo scent, yet she carries yours!? What did you do you seduttore diabolico (devilish seducer)?'' She asked with a grin.

-''Have you ''fluffed'' her up in your sheets all night and only claimed her one-sidedly!?'' Asked Lappland while her smile increased.

The others were now regarding me uncertainly. As if surprised by someone's titanic deed yet apprehensive by someone who could be owned by a deadly monster. I realised my folly. She did sleep on my sheets. She was in my room for a whole night. And was wearing my spare clothes. Even if bodily fluids weren't exchanged to mark each other the scent of my room stuck on to her clothes while two showers dimmed her own scent by the beginning of the day. I had to somehow diffuse this situation quickly.

-Ah. I understand now. Red needed a pair of spare clothes yesterday after her training. I was the closest nearby, so I lent her some. I didn't imagine it would cause such an uproar.

-''Your explanation sounds like stronzate (bullshit).'' Said Lappland.

-''I have to agree with her.'' Added Texas.

-''It was no prank. And I didn't plan this. Now back off Lappland.'' I said seriously with a meaner streak in my voice.

-''Oh? Maybe we should all teach you a lesson for this.'' Lappland said.

-I'd like to see you try. I'd wipe the floor with you.

-How cocksure of you! I will make you taste my metal while I'll taste your blood.

-''Hold on Lappland, we never agreed to this.'' Said Texas.

-''Yes, It's not necessary.'' Said Provence trembling a bit at the developing situation.

-''Too late.'' Said Lappland.

-''Sparing arena twenty-three. In an hour. If I defeat you then you'll stop nagging me about you being spooked by a meaner lupo than yourself.'' I said.

She growled at that statement and left. ''Looks like I proverbially inflamed the spirits rather than defusing them.'' I thought to my own stupidity. But to some things I would just not back down. I had my own principles.

-''I'm not sure this was the best decision.'' Added Texas as she and Provence remained.

-Maybe it will shut her up for a while. God knows we could both use that.

-''Amen. I will root for you.'' Said Texas and with that the entrapment by the lupos ended.

An later hour true to her growl Lappland was there. The sparing arena I chose was one that had no windows for anyone to peek in. It could be closed from the inside as well and all security systems I turned off.

-It is time I taught you a lesson about messing with lupos Tacet.

-Curious, I was about to say something of the same thing.

-Hah! Sei uno sciocco (you are a fool)!

-I saw you fighting four times at least. I know your moves and what to expect. But you've never really seen me fight at my fullest.

-''Are you going to continue to talk or are we going to clash steel?'' I asked.

And indeed we clashed as she suddenly rushed at me in full anger! It was different than my clashes with Red. She was a deadly fast and calculated whirlwind of attacks. Lappland on the other hand was a raw force unleashed. As illogical as it may have seemed I had to keep a closer distance to her in order to impede her from using her devastating ranged Arts attacks.

She was a beast, her power was incredible. And while I could have applied the same tactic with Red I knew there was a difference. The more Lappland used her powers recklessly the more the oripathy would grow in her body. Little. But battle after battle that little would add up. Huh. Even being in mortal danger I still couldn't help but think of their wellbeing, even Lappland's. My best chance was to use all my skill and power and try to end this match as quickly as possible instead. A much more dangerous feat considering we both used our actual melee weapons. Her own deadly swords for which I brought my katana in expectation that she wouldn't just use any blunt weapon for this match. Her anger increased as she couldn't land a solid blow on me. I always parried, always deflected, always found me missing the spot where she expected me to be in as her swords slashed through empty air. She would be a tough nut to crack. She attacked without any regard. It was madness, yet I slowly got the upper hand. I evaded and heaved my knee into her gut hard. She flew and landed on the floor coughing hard. I remained on the spot, catching my breath and my strength until she regained some sense. Yet sense was far from what she had in mind.

-''Why did you stop!? Do you think you can toy with me!?'' She shouted, enraged.

She quickly picked herself and her swords up, resuming her relentless attacks. She wanted to kill me. I could see it in her crazed eyes. She wanted to butcher me. An intent so clear and so evident that it even surpassed that of Red's! I was getting greatly annoyed myself. Instead of accepting defeat... no, that there was my mistake. A crazed and prideful lupo like Lappland wouldn't capitulate, would never accept defeat. I had to beat her down until she lost her consciousness in order to subdue her. Our metals clashed furiously. Steel upon steel grinding hard and fast.

I ventured into the fray and fought aggressively, earning a few bloody cuts on me but managing to succeed in punching her face, her ribs and her stomach area. She gasped and spat blood on the ring. She lost grip of one of her swords. I was enraged by this point. I gave one more punch into her gut and then one in her head, felling her with a pained scream on the floor. I thrust my sword at her neck stopping at the last second.

-''Do you want to die?! Is that what it will take for you to stop?! Yield!'' I growled the last word monstrously.

Lappland was out of breath and couldn't speak, yet her eyes said everything, she was enraged, but quickly that was consumed by fear as she stared into my eyes. A droplet of my blood fell on her face and then another on her lip. She slithered out her tongue and tasted it. Her ears lowered, and she gave in a pathetic defeated whimper. I then realised what I was doing. I wasn't myself. I was filled with anger... the old anger. The bloodthirsty filled rage that had almost no break from killing. I shouldn't have let myself become immersed in that again. The kind of stare I had at that moment. The kind that feared no death, that desired only pure vengeful and slow murder of a being. So deep was my hatred back then. It was so intense that it subdued Lappland even. I sheathed my katana and picked her up in my arms gently. She flinched and tried in vain to subdue another whimper. I laid her on one of the side benches and pulled out my phone.

-Hello?

-Tacet here. I need a favour of you. I'll owe you.

-What is it you need?

-I need you to pick up your old friend and... tend to her for a day.

-What happened Tacet?

-We had our match. She doesn't feel to well. Nothing broken, I think.

-Very well. I know where to find you already.

-I'm sending you the code for the lock now.

I sat on the bench besides Lappland. I felt tired and worn out. For some reason I also felt ashamed. But I wouldn't apologize for what had happened. It was better to say nothing.

-''Tacet.'' I heard the weak voice of Lappland's.

I didn't want to look at her, but I relented and laid my hand on her head to pat and put her at ease. She seemed to regain herself at this. And she also seamed to enjoy the patting and caressing of her ears.

-Heh, you are terrificanti when you are enraged. This is a side I never expected to see of you.

-''I... I admit my defeat, just this time.'' She said.

-''I'm not sure if I should feel relieved or forever watch over my back for a sword from the dark.'' I replied.

-Hah, well... you might never know. Still, I have this more to say.

-''You defeated me. You can have me if you want to Tacet.'' She said as she unzipped her jacket open.

I looked at her partially perplexed and partially still just too damn tired and worn out for this shit.

-Non tentarmi, lupo seduttore (Don't tempt me you seductive lupo).

And of course at that same time the door to the room opened as Texas stepped in carrying a medical trauma kit. That's what I needed, more awkward moments at the best of times.

-''What is going on here?'' She asked, strangely surprised as Lappland was still flashing her chest to me.

-Texas, let's share Tacet and have a threesome!

Texas was beyond bewildered and confused at what was going on.

-Relax Texas, I just punched her head too many times during the match.

-I... understand. I'll take care of her.

-''She didn't deny it Tacet. There's still a chance~.'' Said Lappland.

-''Shut up Lappland!'' Said Texas.

-''How broken are you besides mentally?'' She asked Lappland as she came up to tend to her.

-''I'll live.'' She said crisply.

I was about to take my leave of the room when Texas grabbed my shoulder and held me down. Squeezing only lightly, but it was enough to send a shiver of great pain through it.

-Where are you going? From what I can see you are the one who is really wounded here. Get your jacket off.

She was right. I was ignoring my wounds and as I focused on myself I could notice many cuts that continued to pour out blood and sting with pain.

-Hell Lappland. In comparison, you are untouched.

-You wouldn't say that if you'd seen how he was beating me up.

-Maybe you damn deserved that beating!

-Easy you two. Ah!

I flinched in pain as she ripped my shirt off.

-''Quite aggressive Texas!'' Said Lappland smirking at me.

-You'll get another shirt, I need to get to these wounds, stand still.

Without a pause or shame seen she expertly disinfected and bandaged my cuts.

-''Doesn't seem like anything vital was hit. Some cuts seem a bit deep though. I'd still go to a doctor to check on them.'' Said Texas.

-Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.

-''I'm sure she appreciated more getting to see you chest naked and touching you.'' Teased Lappland.

I ignored her while Texas responded with a customary ''Shut up you annoying mut!''

-''I'll take care of Lappland from here.'' Said Texas.

-''My angel!'' Teased Lappland.

-''Play nice Lappi.'' I said.

-Alright pack leader~.

I left without getting entangled in her games and teases. I zipped up my jacked now that I was shirtless beneath and made my way to my dorm. On my way I did catch a few stares at me before stumbling onto Projekt Red. She caught my gaze and looked at me strangely, worried and... antagonized? She then approached and pulled me aside.

-Who did this to you?

She asked, gripping my hand worriedly with her own, and it felt heavenly. This simple gesture I felt as if invigorating my tired body and lighting my spirits. She must have smelled the fresh blood on my bandages underneath and seen what everyone else had seen. The bloodied cut marks on my jacket.

-I had a match with someone. Please don't worry about it. I'm fine Red, really.

-''Hmm.'' She looked unsure of my answer.

-I am serious, I am alright. I'm going back for a rest now, I'll see you around.

I took my leave as Red continued to stare at my shape in the distance still. In the end I came to the conclusion that it was a good day still. I got to see the beautiful lupa I liked clothing herself up in my own room, and I've seen her worried face again as she clasped my hand.

All in all, it was a good day. Barring almost getting chopped up and killed.