(from L to R: Au'drastus the panther, Tichan the minkcoon, River the wolf, and S.K. the cat)

"I'm sorry." Tichan whispered as Au'drastus clasped his hand on her shoulder. The little purple flame in his hand did little to take the minkcoon's attention away from River and S.K.. Her heart was racing; she wanted to push Au'drastus and Princess aside and bury her face in River's chest, like old times. She wanted to cry and beg for her to come back. To take her back. Au'drastus gripped her shoulder tighter. Her gaze met his; ruby red eyes on the verge of tears. He sighed quietly, the flame extinguished itself and he stuffed his free hand into his pocket.

"Look." He started, "I know it hurts, but she's happier now. She has someone to herself."

Tichan bit her lip, trying to control the sobs caught in her throat. River and S.K. were still within earshot, there was no sense in letting them hear her.

"Why did I fuck up so bad?" She whispered through gritted teeth, "I'm so stupid."

----

"I'm sorry." River whispered as S.K. clapped her hand on her shoulder. The cat's free hand was wildly gesturing in the air, illustrating the fantastic story that had long since been drowned out by River's thoughts. The wolf's knuckles were turning white under the fur as she restrained herself. Seeing the lonesome look in Tichan's eyes made her want to reach out and hug the minkcoon tight. She wanted to stroke her hair and tell her everything was alright. That she was alright. S.K. shook her gently, bringing River's gaze towards her. River's brow was furrowed, but not in anger. S.K. sighed, putting her illustration hand down.

"Look." She said, "I know it hurts, but she'll get over it. She still has the boys, right?"

River's pulse quickened at the thought of them. She wanted to lash out, considered striking the wall they were passing by. Au'drastus and Tichan were still visible, though, no sense in letting them see her.

"Why did I let it get this far?" She mumbled, turning her head away from S.K., "I'm so stupid."

-fin-

So, there's a segment of Tichan and River's past. Hoping to drum up some interest to write more, then start my own askblog for them :D Lemme know what you think!

Tichan ©  infinite_absol /  tichan
River, Au'drastus, & S.K. © their respective owners
art by  StealthSneak1_Diesel
For real, guys, he's awesome!