Work Text:
The pounding of feet on the pavement.
The spray of water from disturbed puddles.
Panting; a heaving chest.
Hair and clothes plastered to skin, heavy and slick.
Darting eyes catch sight of a spot.
The thumps on the ground speed up, the concrete underfoot giving way to grassy dirt.
A stumble; the flailing of arms to balance.
A hurried crouch to fit.
The return within to concrete beneath.
The rain patters echo through the long space, filling the air.
The rain can’t reach inside the tunnel, but the wind can.
Shivering arms curl in tight, head bowing to take up less space.
Every rush of wind brings with it another chill.
The rain is heavy.
The fear is heavy too.
Alone.
The rain pours outside the tunnel.
As the adrenaline fades, so too does the warmth.
Heavy.
A small patter, further down the tunnel.
Different from the rain.
Head perking up, eyes dart to see what it is.
Yellow eyes peer back from the darkness.
A little shadowy head tilts, pointed ears poking outward.
Shoulders tick down further from their ears.
A hand stretched out, toward the little shadow.
Yellow eyes blink.
The darkness releases an inquisitive mrrow.
A shivering figure smiles softly.
Yellow eyes blink.
The little shadow steps closer, the darkness letting go of its companion.
The pattering of soft feet on the concrete.
A gentle smile, a trembling hand.
The little shadow pads right up, sniffing the hand.
Soft fur. Cheek brushed against the hand.
A hand softly rubbing between the ears.
Darting eyes notice a nick in one ear. A curious mind wonders how it happened.
A gentle prrr.
A cold heart melts.
The little shadow marches closer.
Darting eyes blink in surprise.
A shadow hopping into curled up legs.
A circle round on the stomach.
Then curled up right there.
Heavy.
Warm.
A hand finds its way to the shadow’s fur. Soft, dry fur.
The gentle prrr returns. Its echo rivals that of the rain mere feet away.
A weary head rests against the concrete wall.
The hand continues its run along the shadow’s spine, in fear of the gentle rumble ceasing.
Eyelids lay half-closed.
The rain patters outside.
The shadow purrs in their lap.
The figure rests.
Safe.