Broken Antler Fen Grass-Munchers

His lack of a straight answer plunged her heart into her stomach. Did he not want her? Aduin spoke of their ages, but didn't think much of it. Sure, she did mean mates, but that didn't mean they had TO mate. It was simply that the more time she spent with him, the more she wanted him to be HERS. She wanted it to be official. 
      "That gap won't ever close, Aduin. I'll always be this much younger than you."
She took a half a step back, staying close but no longer touching. Slightly because she was hurt, but more because she wanted to look back at him. It might've been easier to speak without being focused on his face, but she felt the need to see his emotion. 
               "I didn't mean we have to mate, or anything. But I do want to be with you.... If we think it isnt working, we can take a step back."
The lingering doubt that he didn't want her pushed at her again, but that couldn't be true.... Of course he did.