"Stay?" She echoed, pulling back with a curious cant of her head.
"I-I mean..." Gareth shook the cobwebs out of his head and blinked a few times. "I can tell you like being around Mrs. Spikel but it costs a good deal of money to be there. We have extra rooms here. Farm workers have always lived on the property they work at. We don't have a bunkhouse here but the house is sort of big. Keep your savings, I'll slash your pay all you want. Leave you with money for food. Just please, don't risk just surviving. Stay."
Stay. One word, a million meanings. The small syllable meant everything to two mammals that had danced around what they felt. They had known instantly. Their kind knew their own. Something always got in the way, professionalism or devotion to the farm, something. But it wasn't strong enough to stop something meant to be. The call was too strong. Gisela delighted in the farming ram who kept his family name strong. Gareth was lost in her golden gaze, entranced by the amber waves of her golden coat. He finally said it out loud. Stay. She longed to do so. She needed to be asked, and she could answer. Ja, ich werde bleiben...
I've thought it before, Zootopian wolves are literally just atavistic doggos, they are choosing to serve and protect. This is especially true for the Howlmeyer family. They served unto pain. They served Lionheart, thinking they were doing right. And are caged up in thanks. The baby of the family didn't face that fate, but couldn't face the city anymore. Her brother-in-law tried to make it easy, but she couldn't stay knowing they were locked up. She roared out of the road in her sister's clothes and brother's Snarly-Dholeson Bristleback, into the Tri-Burrows. Into Gareth's life.
Stay.
She will. Soon enough newly minted Mrs. Ovine-Howlmeyer. Soon enough. From this moment, when she did as she wished after being asked to choose.
Gareth (c) Disney Gisela Howlmeyer is mine Art by Wastedtimeee
Wastedtimeee
