Harano

The man was sitting on a rusted old chair in what used to be the crew
lounge of the Bayou Belle. His dreadlocks hung around his face, obscuring it
from view. He didn't even turn around as the girl came quietly into the room.
She started to say something, but as soon as she spoke his name
he half growled at her to get out of the room, to leave him alone.

"Grinner, I'm not letting you stay like this, wallowing in Harano.
It's tearing the pack apart. I know you feel responsible for
your brothers' deaths, but-"

"SHUT UP! You have no idea how I feel. Get out, Cassie. That is a direct order."

"I can't obey it, I can't let you do this to yourself."

"Unless you want to die, Strider, I suggest you leave."

"No. If you won't get out of your little realm of self-pity and do something
for this pack, then I will. I challenge your leadership."

The man whirled around and surged into the war-form, crossing the room
to stand before the young girl in two steps. She didn't even blink.
The beast before her stared into her eyes, teeth bared. She stared back,
but the look on her face was calm. 

The seconds seemed like hours as they stood and gazed at each other with fierce
determination. The beast's eyes filled with bitter tears and he turned his head away.

"You win," he growled.

"No, Grinner. It doesn't matter. I don't want to lead. I just had to make you listen,"
she said, wrapping her arms around the huge creature before her, pulling it towards her.
"There, there. Let it go. Just let it go. It's okay to grieve.
You can't keep holding it in."

The beast shrunk back into a man, and as he cried the girl
held him, crying with him, stroking his hair and telling him things 
would be alright. As the light of the moon streamed in through the
windows, his sobs finally stopped. They looked into each other's eyes
again. 

"Cassie, I -"

He started to lean forward, then quickly stopped himself and lightly kissed the
girl's forehead.

"Sees-through-Shadows, you - I - well, want to thank you. I'm sorry I -"

"Shhhh...It's okay, Grinner. I know. I know. Don't say anything. Just hold me."

They stayed in a warm embrace until the moon's last rays had faded and
deep darkness had filled the room. And when they parted, they were not only
packmates, but also friends.