Chapter Text
Enzy and Solon had planned for a quiet evening in the city, a rare opportunity for them to enjoy each other's company away from their usual routines. They were on their first real date in months. Both had been so engrossed in the complexities of their lives—Enzy with his part-time work as a journalist and Solon with his studies—that they'd scarcely had time to enjoy each other's company. Tonight, they intended to change that. Enzy, wearing something far more dressed up than how he usually dressed, held the umbrella, shielding them from the occasional drizzle that had begun to fall. Solon, dressed as elegantly as ever, leaned close, finding solace in the warmth of Enzy's presence as they wandered hand-in-hand through the rain-slicked streets. The sky had been overcast all day, but their spirits were high. Their date had been a welcome respite from their usual challenges, a chance to find solace in each other's presence.
Their date had been a charmingly simple one—dinner at a quaint bistro, followed by a leisurely stroll under the twinkling lights of the town square, which is what they're doing currently.
But as the night deepened as they strolled along, so did the clouds overhead. A foreboding rumble of thunder and a sudden gust of wind were their only warnings before the heavens opened up and the once-gentle rain became a fierce cascade of water as it releases a torrential downpour upon the whole place, pounding the pavement and soaking through couples clothes. The rain was relentless, the kind that soaked through everything and left nothing dry. Enzy's protective instincts kicked in, pulling Solon closer as they searched for shelter.
"Damn, that was quick!" Solon shouted over the roar of the rain, his laughter mingling with the sound of the storm. Enzy, who was already soaked to the bone, pulled him even closer under his umbrella.
"This wasn't in the forecast," Enzy replied, his voice muffled as he tried to shield them both. The two of them ran down the street, seeking refuge, but the rain showed no mercy, drenching them completely. Just as they were about to give up hope of finding shelter, a kindly woman appeared from a doorway, waving them inside.
As they hurried along, their steps quickened, the rain creating a cacophony that drowned out all other sounds. It was then that a light appeared through the mist—an old-fashioned lantern swinging gently from a porch. A kindly woman, her face lined with both age and wisdom, appeared in the doorway of a small and modest building. and she had a welcoming smile despite the rain pouring down around her. She had been watching them through the rain, her heart warmed by their desperate plight. With an inviting gesture, she beckoned them inside.
"Come in, come in!" she called over the roar of the storm, her urging voice gentle but firm and her eyes full of genuine concern. "You'll catch a cold out there."
They gratefully accepted her offer, stepping into the dry warmth of the old orphanage. The place was modest but cozy, with the soft glow of lamps casting a gentle light on the walls.
"Thank you so much," Solon said, shaking off his umbrella as he followed the woman inside. Enzy gave her a grateful smile, his teeth chattering from the cold.
The woman, which they learned is named Miss Eliza, led them to a small room with with a crackling fireplace where they could dry off and offered them some hot cocoa to warm their spirits. As they sat down and settled into their new surroundings, removing their sodden clothes and placing them near the hearth to dry, Enzy and Solon noticed that the atmosphere in the orphanage was somewhat subdued. The walls, adorned with colorful drawings and hand-crafted decorations, seemed to tell stories of both joy and sorrow. The couple exchanged curious glances, sensing an underlying tension that didn't fit with the cozy environment. Suddenly, the couple's noses began to notice an unusual scent—one that spoke of wildness and earthiness, a faint but distinct scent of a werewolf. Enzy's werewolf senses, keen and trained, immediately recognized it.
Enzy's eyes narrowed. "Do you sense that?" He looks around. "There's another werewolf here," he murmured to Solon, his eyes narrowing in curiosity.
Solon looked up, his odd-colored eyes reflecting the firelight. "What? Where?" he asked, his own werewolf senses now at full alert.
Miss Eliza, bustling about and unaware of the significance of their discovery, continued to chat cheerfully. "We have quite a few children here, but we rarely have visitors, especially on such a stormy night. If there's anything you need, just let me know." She then looks at the window. "It's been a rough day," she muttered, shaking her head with a sigh. "The rain never seems to let up."
Enzy and Solon exchanged glances. The scent was distinct, a mixture of young innocence and raw, untamed energy. The couple's curiosity got the better of them. As Miss Eliza busied herself with other tasks, saying that someone will come with some food for them, Enzy and Solon decided to investigate, quietly slipping away from the room and began to search the orphanage discreetly, their senses attuned to the werewolf's presence.
As they explored the dimly lit hallways of the orphanage, the scent grew stronger. They followed it to a small, brightly decorated nursery. Peering through the glass window of the door, they saw a crib at the far end of the room. Inside was a tiny baby girl, her features serene despite the chaos outside. She was wrapped snugly in a soft pink blanket, she has a sweet, cherubic face with freckles around the nose, and her silvery-white bangs, a huge contrast to her raven black hair poking out from the blanket, is a wild tangle around her face.
But it was not just her cuteness that caught their attention. As they watched, the baby let out a small, yipping sound, a soft, playful bark that only a werewolf could make. Enzy and Solon exchanged astonished looks. They had found the source of the scent.
Miss Eliza appeared behind them, her face gentle but serious. "That's Neoma," she said softly. "She's a bit... different. She's been here for a little while, but the other children don't understand her."
Enzy and Solon turned to her, their curiosity piqued. "Different?" Enzy asked. "In what way?"
Miss Eliza's expression softened with empathy. "Neoma was found abandoned in the woods, only a few days old. She was brought here, and we've tried our best to care for her. But she's been ostracized by the other kids because she exhibits... peculiar behaviors. She's never been able to properly communicate or fit in."
Solon's eyes softened as he looked back at the baby. "And what kind of behaviors are we talking about?"
The woman sighed. "Well, she's very playful, often behaving like a puppy. She has a strong sense of smell and an affinity for the outdoors. She also bites everything in sight. The other children think she's strange, and it's hard to watch someone so little be so isolated."
Solon's heart ached. He thought of his own childhood, a time of confusion and rejection. His brothers had gone their separate ways, leaving him to fend for himself in a world that had little mercy. He knew the sting of loneliness all too well.
Enzy, who had his own share of hardship, felt the same pang of empathy. He had grown up on the streets after his sister died, surviving through sheer will and sometimes questionable means, plus has seen the harsh realities of life and has seen some shit. The idea of a child being left out, misunderstood, and unloved struck a chord deep within him.
As they stood there, looking at the baby, Solon made a decision. His eyes, once clouded with the weight of his own troubles, now shone with a new determination. "Enz, can we... can we adopt her?" Solon's voice was barely a whisper, but his determination was palpable. "I want to take her," he said quietly though clearly firm. "I want to give her a family."
Enzy looked at Solon, surprise etched on his face. "Are you sure? We don't have a lot of money, and we're still trying to find our footing."
Solon nodded, eyes downcast. "I know... But I see myself in her. I don't want her to grow up feeling like I did. She deserves more. We can't let her face the same isolation we did."
Enzy, seeing the resolve in Solon's eyes, felt his own heart swell with affection. He had never imagined himself as a father, but the thought of giving this little girl a chance at happiness and belonging resonated deeply with him. He reached out and took Solon's hand, squeezing it gently. "Then let's do it, pup." he said. "Let's give her a home."
They returned to the nursery, where the woman was now rocking Neoma gently in her arms. She looked up in surprise as they approached. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice filled with hope. "She's a wonderful child, but it's a big responsibility. Neoma's story isn't an easy one, and she needs a lot of care."
"We're sure," Enzy interjected gently. "We might not have much, but we have enough love to give. And we can't bear to see her suffer like we did."
Solon smiled, his eyes reflecting the determination he felt. "We're sure. We want to give her a family."
The woman's eyes filled with tears of gratitude as she handed the baby to Solon. Neoma, sensing the warmth and love in their presence, looked up with wide, trusting eyes. Solon and Enzy smiled happily at the baby in their arms, feeling the weight of their decision but also the joy of giving this little girl a chance.
The adoption process was swift, given the circumstances. Miss Eliza was touched by their sincerity and agreed to the arrangement, though she warned them of the challenges that lay ahead. Neoma's story was one of hardship, and her werewolf nature that no one was aware of had made her a target for misunderstanding and exclusion. Also, general baby care.
As they left the orphanage, the storm outside had begun to subside. The rain had slowed to a gentle drizzle, and the sky was clearing. They walked together, Neoma nestled securely in Solon's arms, the promise of a new beginning brightening their path.
They knew the road ahead would be challenging. Their financial situation was strained, and their lives were far from perfect. But they also knew that they had each other, and now they had a little girl who needed them. In that moment, as the clouds parted and the first stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Enzy and Solon felt a profound sense of hope and purpose.
Neoma cooed softly, her tiny hand grasping Solon's finger. Enzy looked at Solon, his heart swelling with love and admiration. "We're going to make a great family," he said, his voice filled with conviction.
Solon nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "We will. And we'll make sure Neoma knows she's loved every single day."
As they continued their walk, the stormy night had transformed into a serene and hopeful beginning. Enzy, Solon, and their newfound daughter were ready to face whatever came next, together.
The first few days were a whirlwind of adjustment. Enzy and Solon had to navigate the practicalities of parenting while dealing with their own uncertainties. They found solace in each other's support, their bond growing stronger as they faced the challenges together. Neoma, despite her initial fear and discomfort, slowly adapted to her new life, her cries replaced by gurgles of joy as she became accustomed to the warmth and care of her new family.
As the weeks passed, the rainstorms became less frequent, and the sun began to shine more often. Enzy and Solon, though still young and struggling, found their lives enriched by the presence of their little girl. They discovered that love was not measured by material wealth but by the heart's capacity to care and nurture.
In the quiet moments, as they watched Neoma sleep peacefully, Enzy and Solon would exchange smiles of contentment. They knew that despite the hardships, they had made the right choice. Neoma had brought a new kind of joy into their lives, one that transcended their pasts and gave them hope for a brighter future.