Blacktail Deer Plateau evolution of consciousness

Fox counterattacked him with licks and playful swipes. He winced dramatically and buckled his legs, toppling to the ground right alongside her. As she giggled to herself, he released a happy sigh and simply looked at her, admiring her spirited beauty. She was young and flawed but, damn, did he ever adore her.

"Hey," he said, voice soft but deep. Once certain of her attention, he caught her eye, grinned like a cat with a feather caught in his teeth and said, "There's something you should know about me..." Peregrine trailed off for a few beats, then, "I..." he said lightly, "love you." He then butted his head gently against her, rubbing it from her cheek down to her neck.