The wolf and the gnome

Theron loved being a gnome. Everything about his race fascinated him: their sharp minds, quick hands, and the pride they took in their inventions. Theron fit the mold perfectly. His small stature was no limitation; in fact, it often gave him an edge when maneuvering through cramped workstations. And today, in the Gnome Engineering and Innovation room, his first class after the assembly, he was completely engrossed in his latest project-a wind-powered generator.

The class was alive with activity. Gnomes, dwarves, and a few elves and orcs were bent over their workstations, their chatter blending with the hum of machines. Mr. Bellgrip, their stout and no-nonsense instructor, moved briskly through the room, occasionally barking out corrections or advice.

Theron barely noticed his surroundings as he tightened the last bolt on his prototype. The joy of creating something tangible-something brilliant-was second only to...

A muffled shuffle drew his attention.

His head snapped toward the back of the room just as a shadow ducked behind one of the supply shelves. Theron squinted. Was that-? No, not again.

The door creaked slightly, and a dark-haired, six-foot wolf crouched down and tiptoed toward his direction.

Oh no.

"Theron," came the familiar whisper, low but insistent.

Theron froze, gripping his wrench tightly. "Kael, what are you doing here?" he hissed without turning around.

"Shh," Kael whispered back, peeking over the top of the shelf. His six-foot frame made it nearly impossible for him to hide among the room's clutter. "I'm being sneaky."

"You call that sneaky?" Theron shot back in a low voice. "You're the size of a small bear!"

Kael grinned, inching closer. He crouched awkwardly, attempting to stay out of sight. His muscular build made him look absolutely ridiculous as he tiptoed past the desks.

Theron pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath. *Why does he do this?*

Mr. Bellgrip cleared his throat at the front of the class, and everyone's heads snapped back to their workstations. Theron used the distraction to glare at Kael, who was now crouched behind a stack of toolboxes.

Kael whispered again, this time so low only Theron could hear. "Miss me?"

"Kael," Theron whispered, his voice dripping with exasperation, "get out before Mr. Bellgrip sees you."

"Relax," Kael said, waving a dismissive hand. "I just wanted to see what you were up to. And, you know, make sure you hadn't been crushed under one of your fancy machines."

Theron glared at him, his ears turning red. "I can handle myself, thank you."

"Sure, sure," Kael teased, his grin widening. "But I'm a good friend, so I thought I'd check anyway. You're welcome."

Before Theron could respond, Mr. Bellgrip turned around. "Theron!"

Theron jolted, snapping to attention. "Yes, sir?"

"Focus on your project, not on whispering to yourself!" Mr. Bellgrip barked, his eyes sharp.

"Yes, sir," Theron mumbled, heat creeping up his neck. He shot Kael a murderous look as the werewolf stifled a laugh behind the toolbox.

Kael waited until Mr. Bellgrip turned back to the chalkboard before creeping closer. He crouched low, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he whispered, "He didn't even notice me. I'm practically invisible."

"You're six feet tall!" Theron hissed. "You're about as invisible as a troll in a teacup!"

Kael chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "And yet, here I am. Tell me I'm not good."

"You're not good," Theron shot back, rolling his eyes.

Kael rested his chin on his hand, watching Theron fiddle with his project. "You know, you're pretty cute when you're angry. Like a grumpy little squirrel."

Theron's wrench slipped, and he nearly dropped it. "Don't you have a class to go to? Or is sneaking into mine the only thing you're good at?"

Kael shrugged, unbothered. "Class is over. Thought I'd see how my favorite gnome is doing."

Theron groaned. "You're going to get me in trouble."

"Nah," Kael said, leaning back against the toolbox stack. "You're too good for that. Besides, I just wanted to see your little project."

Theron glared at him. "Don't call it little."

Kael grinned, leaning closer. "Fine. It's miniature."

"Kael," Theron growled under his breath, his grip tightening on the wrench.

Kael raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll behave. For now."

"Mr. Dravenheart, I wonder how long you plan to remain hidden in my class," Mr. Bellgrip said suddenly, making Kael trip and fall over in surprise. Theron, on the other hand, didn't seem too surprised, since it was so obvious that everyone in the class could see the genius who thought he could hide his six-foot self in a room practically filled with short people.

"Idiot," Theron muttered under his breath, watching as Kael straightened up, brushed himself off, and gave Mr. Bellgrip his most charming, roguish grin.

"Ah, Mr. Bellgrip," Kael began smoothly, folding his hands behind his back. "You're looking as sharp as ever today."

Theron pinched the bridge of his nose. Here we go.

Kael wasn't done. "I must say, your class is always a beacon of intellectual brilliance. Today's lecture, in particular, was so enlightening, I felt inspired to… well, observe from a more discreet position." He gestured vaguely toward the back of the room, as though his earlier attempt at stealth had been a deliberate act of genius.

Mr. Bellgrip raised an unimpressed eyebrow, but Kael, undeterred, gave an awkward, sweeping wave. "Bravo, sir. Truly inspiring!"

With a theatrical flourish, Kael turned and swaggered out of the classroom as if he'd just delivered the keynote speech at an academic conference, completely unbothered by the snickers and murmurs trailing behind him.

Theron buried his face in his hands. "Unbelievable," he muttered. How does he manage to survive on sheer audacity alone?

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Mr. Bellgrip dismissed them with a wave, and Theron quickly packed up his things, eager to escape before Kael caused any more chaos.

As the students filed out, Kael fell into step beside Theron. He had been waiting outside his class, towering over him as they walked down the hallway.

"So," Kael said casually, "what did you invent this time?"

Theron glared at him, shoving his bag over his shoulder. "You're impossible."

"And you're adorable," Kael said with a grin, ruffling Theron's hair.

Theron swatted his hand away, but he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the teasing, he knew Kael meant no harm. That was just Kael-big, annoying, and somehow the best friend Theron could ask for.

"Next time," Theron said as they rounded a corner, "stay out of my class, or I'll invent something specifically to keep you out."

"Looking forward to it," Kael replied, laughing as they headed toward the their next class.