HOLD ON TIGHTER / joining

[dallas.]

Johnny was never supposed to follow him here. Hell, Dallas had left the gang because of Johnny. Not because the little rabbit had done anything wrong, or because he disliked him or anything, but because of how much he did like him. Hell, he had been able to feel his heart soar every single time Johnnycakes had just smiled at him, and his infatuation with the other was the whole reason why he had kept the "Dallaslights" name he had been given. Still, even though Johnny made him feel amazing... it was wrong for Dal to like him so much, and he knew that. Not only was it wrong because they were both boys, but it was also wrong because, well, Johnny was just so much better than him. The little pygmy rabbit deserved someone who would never bring troubles into his life, and was more open about his emotions, and didn't get into fights every five minutes. Dallas couldn't be that person, so he had left before things could escalate, and he would end up blurting out his love right in Johnny's face. He had always figured that the moment he stepped off of the gang's little territory and into the big jumbled swamp of Tanglewood, that would be the end of it. But of course, Johnny just had to follow him.

The still very scrawny canine had been gradually but slowly trying to explore every part of the Tanglewood territory, just so that he could get used to it all and how he was supposed to get around. Through most of this exploration, his wandering had been silent, with little to get in his way except for the occasional piece of prey or encounter with another Tangler. He had liked it this way, even though it meant he couldn't get into any trouble, because it also meant he would actually remember where he had been, and how everything was laid out. However, soon the peaceful walk around would be interrupted, as a soft and scared voice called out from nearby, far too familiar, "Dally? Is that you?" The familiar nickname made Dallas's heart speed up, and soon enough he was rushing towards where Johnnycakes was, pressed cowering up against a large tree root. Dal arrived just in time to see Vathmos nearby, the hyena's eyes narrowed as she readied herself to pounce. The nearly pure white canine was given little time to think, and knew that his only option now was to act. Taking a deep breath, the canine leaped forward to block Johnnycakes with his own slim form, his voice coming out in a strangled howl, "NO! Don't touch him!" The words were slightly cut off, however, when strong jaws buried themselves in his side, a wheeze leaving the male immediately. Even though Vathmos hadn't been applying a lot of force – since breaking the rabbit's spine would've been relatively easy – Dallas also didn't have a whole lot of fat or muscle on him either, so her fangs burrowed deep into his flesh, closing down on the ribs that pressed up against his skin. He let out a howl as a sickening crunch filled his ears, and his legs trembled beneath him as he struggled to stay up, slumping against the tree beside him. The pain was overwhelming and stunning, and he found himself just frozen, still standing protectively in front of Johnny as his side began to bleed, trails of blood staining his white fur an unpleasant pink tone.