"It's a super selfie !" exclaims Mina
"I didn't think Diane could smile on that kind of picture. It makes me happy," says Shawn quietly. "I knew you'd get along well together."
"Don't worry, Shawnpet ! I even took a picture for you. I'll send it to your cellphone. I know you don't have one."
"What are these whispers ?" I ask
"Nothing, my Didi !"
"Don't call m like that !"
"We're friends, so it's decided."

Wolf laughs in his corner while we leave the airport. It's the end of the afternoon, but the heat is sweltering. It must be 40 degrees outside.

"I can't stand this heat !" grumbles Wolf. "Luckily, Delphi is in the heights."
"But... the sea ?" I ask
"Not now. We're not doing tourism. We're on a mission," explains the recruiter.
"We could stay and sit here," insists Shawn. "It's late, I'll reserve hotel rooms by phone."
"That's not a bad idea," comments Lisbeth, crossing her arms. "Thomas, be cool ! You know that it's Diane's first trip outside the village. Seeing the sea is her wish, you could grant it to her."
"And what will I get in return ?"
"What do you want ?" huffs Lisbeth while putting her glasses back on her tiny nose.
"A diner. With you !"
"Oh !"

Lisbeth seems shocked. She squint her eyes. Mina takes her arm and whispers something in her ear. We don't hear a thing of what they are planning.

"I accept the deal !" announces the assistant

Mina does a thumbs up and winks at me.

"What did you promise her to have her say yes ?" I asked while Shawn reserves rooms under Lisbeth's control.
"I told her I have a limited edition of an Hello Kitty pen and that I would give it to her."
"But, Mina, you love Hello Kitty, from what I see of your accessories (bag, hair clip and even key ring). Why would you give her your favourite pen ? "
"Because that's one friends do ! We help each other realize our dreams, right ? You want to see the ocean and I want you to be happy. Plus, Shawn will be happy to see you smile, so I'll be happier. If it costs my pen, why should it bother ? Diane... why are you making this face ?
"I don't know."

I turn around blushing a little. It's the first time someone tells me that. It touched me. It's stupid. But that's how it is.

"You're really sensible for a tough girl," remarks Wolf. "Do I have to wear pink too to live with the hugging-bears in the riding hoods' forest or I can go throw up now ? Because your dripping feelings, I don't want it anymore."
"I want to tear out your fangs one by one," I say
"Oh, love words now ?"

He takes my hood and pulls me to him. His steel blue eyes scrutinize me.

"Don't make promises you can't keep. Not even false threats, Diane. I'm a wolf master. It's the equivalent of a high ranked hunter for you. I know how to fight and I'm not scared of you."
"You don't impress me either, wolf."

I get away from him and take a quick step back. My fists are clenching and I punch him but he avoids it easily before I give him a well returned kick. His hand stops my ankle at the height of his cheek.

"Trash !"
"I know how to defend myself but also attack. I have a riding hood training, don't forget it."
"Diane is good !" says Shawn playfully, stepping between the tow of us. "She could've been a huntress if she wasn't so disobedient toward the superiors' orders"

He puts a hand on my shoulder and makes me turn around to the exit. His sport bag his huge on his shoulder. It looks like nothing, but in two seconds, Shawn calmed Wolf smoothly and pushed me to the taxi.

I didn't even have the time to react.

The sheep know hot to act with smooth and strength. From my seat, I see Mina lecturing the wolf before they take a second taxi.

We are going to the hotel. Shawn explains to me that our room overlooks the sea.

"How come we're sharing the room ?"

I'm blushing head to toe. Luckily, my skin is caramel so it shouldn't be to apparent.

"You will be with Mina."
"Ah..."

At the moment, I thought I would be with him.

"You wanted something else ? I didn't have enough money for individual rooms."
"No. NO, it will be fine."

Oh boy. I had not clear thoughts. I see again Shawn at my house, on my bed, his black curls wet, going out of the shower. Luckily, Wolf can't read my mind at this moment.

"Diane ?"
"Yes ? (Think about something else, quick !)"
"Will we go see the sea together ?"

Shawn puts his hand on mine, our fingers intertwine.

"I would like to talk. Just the two of us."
"Oh, I... Okay."