Nathan smiled at Draven. "Yeah, Dray. We're friends aren't we?"
Draven stuttered, "O-Of c-course." He looked at Griffin in confusion.
"Don't look at me," Griffin said, a grin spreading across his face.
As Draven looked back at Nathan, the confusion in his eyes made Nathan smile wider. "Don't get me wrong, I like your name. But, it's a little too close to Draken for my tastes. So, Dray it is."
Draven eyes widened at the clarification. A light blush spread across his face as he looked down, a shy smile beginning to show. "I like it. Can I call you Nate?"
Nathan giggled. "Of course. You don't need my permission."
Stunned at the morning's unexpected events, Dray moved to the kitchen in a daze. As he was getting himself a bowl of oatmeal he couldn't help but feel joy at the idea that he'd finally made real friends. Sitting across from Nathan, Dray ate his breakfast quietly, lost in thought.
"…llo? Dray? Are you there?"
Nathan's voice broke Dray's trance causing him to jerk. "Hmm? I'm sorry, what'd you say?"
Nathan looked at him in concern. "Are you okay? You've been eating air for the last few minutes."
Dray had been so zoned out he hadn't even realized he'd finished eating and was just going through the motions.
Dray set his spoon down in his empty bowl. "Sorry, just got lost for a little bit."
Nathan chewed his bottom lip as he stared at his new friend. "We can wait to start training if you want."
"No!" Dray exclaimed. "No, I'm alright," he said again, softer. "We can start training now, if you're ready."
Nathan glanced at Griffin, sharing a look with him. Nodding, he turned back to Dray. "Okay. Where are we going to do it?"
Dray looked out the back window, gauging the amount of space in the yard. Deeming it acceptable, he turned back to Nathan. "We'll go for a run first to warm up, then move to the backyard."
Nathan nodded happily, standing and grabbing his bowl.
"Leave that. I'll clean up," Griffin said, getting to his feet.
Nathan furrowed his brow at him. "But you cooked. I should be the one cleaning."
Griffin walked up to his mate, using his thumb to smooth the furrow. "Go start your training. My only plans for the day were carving some new spoons and ladles. I don't mind cleaning up."
Nathan reached up, pressing his lips against Griffin's in a chaste kiss. "Thanks. Come on," he said, turning to Dray.
As Dray moved to follow Nathan out of the house, Griffin stopped him with a light touch on his shoulder. "Keep an eye on him."
Dray nodded solemnly. Once outside, he looked over at the stretching wolf. "Ready?"
Nathan grinned at him. "Ready."
Together they took off down the cobblestone street, heading for the entrance to the village.