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When Gonta told Shuichi of the forest he lived in, he didn't really know what to expect. Grown up in the city, a forest is a very relative thing. A couple of trees maybe. But Gonta talked so reverently about his former home, and Shuichi didn't think twice promising him to go back there once they get released from the hospital.That was a couple months ago.When he exits the car on this spring morning, a vast blanket of green stretches endlessly into the distance. Birds sing up in the branches, and a hare runs away when he steps away from the car. "That's the place?", Shuichi asks in awe. Gonta looks at the trees fondly, like old friends reuniting. "Yes. Gonta would recognize it anywhere."Shuichi spots a deer peeking through the bushes. It's a peaceful sight, but he also knows there are bears and wolves in there, and he's just a little bit worried."Shuichi doesn't have to worry", Gonta assures, "As long as Gonta is with him, he will be safe." It's like Gonta has read his thoughts. He looks at him excitedly, and how could Shuichi not believe him? He'd trust him with his life in a heartbeat.He still clings to Gonta's arm as they start walking into the forest. Gonta has told him they'll have to walk quite a bit before they reach the part where he lived, because he didn't want to enter from his parents' house. The light falls through the leaves and freckles the grassy ground. There are berry bushes and flowers all around. A soft breeze plays Gonta's hair, and Shuichi thinks he's never seen him more confident.He doesn't know for how long they walk, but eventually, Gonta abruptly stops. "Company", he mumbles. Shuichi looks around, but he can't see anything. Gonta stares at a spot in the foliage, brows furrowed in alert. "Shuichi stand back", he says calmly, "Gonta promises this isn't dangerous."Before Shuichi can ask what Gonta means, something slowly stalks out of the bush. It's a light grey wolf. Lips rolled back in a silent snarl, yellow eyes fixed on Gonta. "This is one of the puppies Gonta's wolf mother had while he was there", Gonta says softly and gets down on his knees. Gonta told Shuichi that she probably has passed away since he left the forest. "She was like Gonta's sister", he continues, and Shuichi watches in horror as Gonta lays down flat on the ground and rolls on his back. The wolf has stopped moving, curiously watching."Gonta-""It's okay", Gonta whispers, "Gonta shows her he's no threat. Gonta is sure she recognizes him."The wolf takes a step forward, then another and stares at Gonta's face. The snarl leaves for a more neutral expression, before it licks across his face, tail wagging. Gonta lights up and reaches up his hand, scratching the back of its ear.Shuichi remembers to breathe. He trusts Gonta, but what could he have done if this went wrong? Gonta slowly sits up, and the wolf completely relaxes, whining softly while Gonta brushes through its fur. "Shuichi can approach. Slowly", he instructs. Shuichi takes a step forward and the wolf freezes. Gonta makes a low sound and it flicks an ear.He can't help but admire the way Gonta communicates with the animal. He makes it look so effortless, but Shuichi has deep respect for the wolf. "Gonta wouldn't tell Shuichi he can come if he wasn't sure it was safe", Gonta notes. Shuichi shakes himself out of his daze. "Sorry. I never had pets, and I'm usually more of a cat person, so, um... I'm a bit intimidated."He slowly approaches and sits down closely next to Gonta. The wolf eyes him with narrowed eyes. "Gonta will make Shuichi discovers his love for wolves", he proclaims. Shuichi can't help but smile. The wolf seems to tolerate his presence and continues to jump around Gonta, before it stops. It huffs out a bark, and another wolf appears. This one is only half the size and nearly black. Gonta's eyes go wide. "Gonta's wolf father was black too", he explains, "Takes after him, Gonta thinks. Gonta unfortunately doesn't know the current leaders of the pack, but he's glad his sister still recognizes him."The pup doesn't approach, just watches from afar."Gonta is glad they'll be alright." He sounds a little sad. Shuichi looks up to him, but Gonta's eyes linger on the wolves. "Gonta had to leave so abruptly, he was so worried what would become of them. Which is weird, Gonta knows the pack is strong. But..." He trails off, kneading his hands."But you're worried about your family regardless", Shuichi supplies, and Gonta nods. The wolf returns to the edge of the clearing, licks the smaller one between the ears, before it turns around. Flicks its tail, and then they disappear into the foliage. Gonta sighs. "And now they're gone. Just like Gonta left, they moved on."Shuichi gets up and rounds him, bowing down to offer him his hand. "They still think about what you've done for the pack", he says, "I know I'm hardly competition, but I am still here." Gonta blinks up at him. His eyes sparkle in a watery shine. "Shuichi means that?" He slowly takes Shuichi's hand. "He does", Shuichi responds, and yelps when Gonta promptly pulls him into a hug.His heart beats faster and he sinks into his embrace. A distant howl makes them both pause, and then Shuichi chuckles. "I guess I got your family's approval?" Gonta blanks and furrows his brows. "Does Shuichi mean he wants to make a family with Gonta?"He can feel his face heat up instantly, and his gut churns with a strange yearning. "If... if you want that-" Gonta only hugs him tighter. "Gonta would like nothing more."It's a nice prospect for the future, Shuichi thinks. With Gonta... It feels like he has a chance at a future again.