27. Stargazing

One cold night in late autumn, Jaden and Vervain are making their way back home from an event held in town that day. They walked hand in hand, chatting together about nothing important, in no hurry despite the chill. Jaden is warm enough in just their fluffy, fluffy fur, and Vervain with their little fluttery wings held close around their shoulders. Ver also wears the lovely green scarf that Jaden had made for them earlier in the season, they wear it every chance that they get.

They talk about how much fun they had, and how nice it was to see this person, or to catch up with that neighbor. Wonder at how many kits are running around these days. Hoping that those young kitsu had had the most fun of all, made wonderful memories that would last their whole lives. Neither Vervain nor Jaden had experienced any amount of time as kits, having been brought into the world with adult bodies, but they both have fond memories of their earliest days, and that almost counts.

As they walked across the field, nearing home, keeping to the trail that had been worn into the tall grasses of summer, with every trip they had made to and from town, something above catches Jaden's attention and they stop in their tracks, tugging Vervain's hand when the celestial steps out of sync.

"Ver, look." Jaden whispers.

"Hm?" Vervain looks back at Jaden, seeing how their face is tilted up towards the sky they turn back to stand with Jaden, looking up in the same direction.

"Have you ever seen so many stars?" The terrestrial's voice is still soft with awe, blue eyes glance over and catch Vervain smiling at them. 

"Um, maybe? But they are beautiful, aren't they? It's surprisingly clear tonight." They tilt their head up, looking all around.

"Yeah… when?" Jaden's gaze returns skyward.

"Ah, well. There's been nights when I was up late. For whatever reason." Vervain answers, but dismissively. Not wanting to distract Jaden from the view. 

Vervain gives Jaden's hand a squeeze and a tug, towing them along towards home, but walking even slower now, guiding Jaden as they take in the sight of the sky.

"I've been up late, too. Some nights, busy with… whatever. I guess, I never really looked up? Wow."

"It helps that there's no moon tonight, and we're away from the lights of town. Less distractions."

A few hundred yards off was their house, one lit lantern on the porch to guide them home, behind them Silverlight, the lantern clock tower, a beacon for all kitsu to navigate by. They were far enough out from town that the only thing they could hear was the breeze in the grass and the occasional squeak of a bat somewhere above them.

It took them a long while longer than usual to get home that night, what with Jaden staring up at the sky the rest of the walk home, Vervain having to guide them, but neither of them minded.

(WC: 504)