Redtail Rise black flies on the windowsill

"It was," he said, stopping his gentle ministrations to meet her gaze. He smiled thinly, not quite to match her own but genuine enough to convey how he felt. It had been nice, certainly worth the venture beyond having come to sightsee through a slowly revitalizing land. The comfortable haze he found himself immersed in thought it all a hidden gem. He felt lost for words then, what exactly did someone say in the aftermath? That particular uncertainty was almost enough for his confidence to falter.

"I would say you did well yourself," he went on, resting his head along her shoulders. Amusement puffed on his lips—that sounded rather silly. He pushed ahead nevertheless. "A shame you have your station and duty to return to soon." But even that did little to sober him; he would take advantage of what time was offered time and time again, as before and now. Once more, his muzzle reached to preen the downy fur at her ear, merely content to share affection that was temporary at best for the both of them.