She blinked up to the branches of the trees—the beginning of the rising sun giving the promise of another day—this one, with the hint of a blue sky and a warmer air.
“Reyson,” she murmured, languidly stretching next to the man, a paw lifting to push into his side, her lopsided smirk revealing just how amused she was at this morning ritual. She was surprised he did not grow sick of her yet—how each day, he remained steadfast in her life.
Just as he had promised—that one day, with a cheeky grin—that he would show her wrong.
And she found she loved that he had.
“Reeeyson,” she murmured again, this time rolling over, ignoring the light wince of pain that still twinged in her side, though it healed much better now. Her nose went to the crook of his neck—to snuff at him—to wake him.
“Pay attention to me.”
A tattered ear twitched and he shifted to look into her face. A small smile on his face. A muscle jumped in his side as she pressed.
He curled large paws around her suddenly and tugged her towards him as he shifted to his side. He was blinking up at her then.
What do you want woman?
he teased gently. Though he curled his nose into her ruff with a snuffle.
phone post shorty
Her eyes widened when he suddenly struck back—large paws looping around her to pull her snug against him, eliciting a chuff of amusement from her. What do you want, woman, he rumbled to her, and a salacious smirk crept to her muzzle, her muzzle snaking up to nibble at his cheek. “Many things,” she offered, squirming lightly in his grasp. “But you’d have to make an honest woman of me,” she teased.
But, now, perhaps wasn’t the time—
—“Or, we could consider… taking a bit of a vacation together?” The idea was sobering. The shadow that clung to Epoch and to her heart was heavy—and she wondered perhaps if it would be best for them both to at least take a little alone time, away from the dramatics and stares.
And...he was wide awake now, blinking owlishly at the coy thing atop him. A swift dip and he nibbled from the very dip of her chest fur up to her ruff and then leaned his head back down, that was a bit of a pain in the neck from his current position. But he didn't regret it.
Anytime, just say the word.
He wriggled slightly so that he could hold her easier, without causing serious pressure on his side and back. She was tiny and light, so it worked out.
Where would you want to go?
He was thinking a furrow in his brow. I've never been to the sea long term and the mountains are always pretty.