Julooke had finally made her decision to tell Verrine how deeply she cared for him. She loved that he had been there for her for so long, and through so much. He was the one wolf she could count on to be there for her, and she hoped he realized that, even as friends, she was there for him as well. She was finally confident in her decision, and even if he didn't feel the same, she was no longer worried that their friendship would falter because of it. I mean, if she really looked at the friendship, it was kind of like they were already a pair. She hadn't heard of Verrine hanging out with any other females in any way other than friendship, and she didn't have feelings for any other males. They slept in the same hollowed out tree, which, to her delight, was rather tight-fitting. Ragnar had been surprised when they showed up at the borders and weren't mates. With a smile on her face, she laid in front of their den in the sun, thinking about how it would be when she finally got the chance to tell them.

Like he was reading her mind, his howl reached her ears, and they perked to find the direction it was coming from. Her smile brightened, and she took off in his direction. It didn't take long for his form to come into view, and she slowed to a walk as she approached him. Her tail wagged as she stopped in front of him, You called for me? she asked lightly. They didn't have any plans today, so she wondered if he wanted anything specific, not that he had to have a reason to call her. She would come no matter what.

His face was full of joy and it made her smile even more. Her heart fluttered when his muzzle touched her cheek, her tail wagging. He stepped back and let her in on the reason for his call- deciding on a den. She thought for a moment, What's wrong with our tree? You don't like being all cozied up to me? Her face took on a hurtful look, but she couldn't hold it for long before grinning, letting him know she was joking. He had never complained before, and if he did have a problem with it, she would have known long before now. I suppose you're right- we do need a proper den. And he wanted one with her!!

Actually, there is this one spot I found just the other day that might fit us, she said. Come on, I'll show you. She began walking, looking to see if he was following. So, she began a little hesitantly. Do you think it's a little funny that friends are sharing dens together? She looked at him to gauge his reaction to her question. I mean, usually it's brother and sister, or Mom and pups, or... mates. She let the last word hang in the air, and waited for his response.

Her eyes grew wide and her mouth opened in shock. What? she said a little loudly. No way did she smell like a buffalo! She turned her head to sniff her body and then turned back to him with narrowed eyes as he spoke again. Coming up next to him, she tried to push him with her shoulder in fun, grinning now. Well, you smell like a squirrel that's been holed up in a tree all winter! she retorted. Good thing I like the smell of Sequoia, she added.

The conversation seemed to get slightly tense when she brought up the potential weirdness of their sleeping habits. He admitted that he hadn't even thought about it, and she frowned a little. So, it's just kind of a habit to you? she asked, not accusingly, as she showed the way to their potential new den. He asked how she felt about it, and she took a moment to think before answering. I'd miss you if you weren't there, she admitted. She stopped when they reached the spot, but didn't bother yet to even look at the den. Instead, her gaze was steady on him. I look forward to coming home to you every night, she said boldly. I never not realize that. She took a breath while she studied his reaction.

Inwardly, she was sighing of relief that she was not just a habit to him, and instead something natural. She nodded, thinking the same thing. Their relationship had never seemed forced; it was always like it was supposed to be there. It had come and blossomed and it had taken her some time to even see it. She had been distracted with the passing of her parents and their travels. But, now that they had found a new home, and were currently trying to find a new den, there was one thing that needed to be addressed that hadn't come so naturally yet.

She smiled softly at his words, letting them wash over her like the warm summer sun, warming her all the way down to her soul. Verrine, she began. If we're going to continue living together, I need to tell you something. She stepped forward, bringing her face closer to his. It was now or never. The moment felt right, and this time she wouldn't pass it up. Verrine, she said, her voice soft and almost breathless, her heart beating so hard she thought it would break through her chest. I love you.

"Jules…I love you too. It took a moment for the words to register in her brain, for her to convince herself that she had heard them correctly, for her to realize that all she ever wanted had just become real. She hadn't realized she was holding her breath until she released it with a joyous laugh. She didn't even know what to say after that because all that needed to be said just had been. She leaned forward, attempting to kiss his cheek. Her heart continued to race and beat frantically in her chest, but it was no longer from fear. It was from happiness. Her laugh wouldn't stop, it had taken over. She had waited so long for this moment, and it had finally come.

After a few minutes, though, she finally calmed down, but the smiled refused to leave her muzzle. It could stay there forever for all she cared, letting the world know how she felt, and how happy Verrine had just made her. Dipping her head, she tried to snuggle it under Verrine's chin, a liberty she didn't usually take. But, now that the feelings were out in the open, she figured she could try and do this all she wanted.

Julooke felt a sense of emotional weightlessness, as well. For weeks, she had an inner turmoil about whether or not to tell him, and what it would do to their friendship if he didn't feel the same way. But, all that had left as soon as he said he loved her, too. It felt so good to finally know how he felt and not worry about losing him. He put his arm around her, and she snuggled into him, embracing this new found expression of love.

His husky voice came through her thoughts, and she lifted her head. Her face showed how in awe she was by his question, before it turned into a smile. Well, if you insist, she said playfully. Then, she turned serious, which didn't happen very often. I'd be honored, and very happy, to be your mate, Verrine. In a moment of braveness, she attempted to touch the tip of her muzzle to his in a kiss.

She smiled when he insisted he was the one who was honored and lucky. She shook her head with a smile, I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest wolf in the world right now. She could have never imagined his kisses could be so sensual and warming. Her heart swelled like it had never before, and her breath caught in her lungs.

She laughed and shook her head again, I never said it was weird. I asked if you thought it was funny, she retorted. But, it won't be. It will be wonderful! she said excitedly. Really, it probably wouldn't be all that different, except they would know it was different because their relationship had just taken a major step. Suddenly, her face turned to excitement again. Oh! I forgot! I wanted to show you that den! She got up and walked the few feet to it. It was a hole in the side of a short hill, the entrance shielded by overhanging grass and moss. She turned back to Verrine, It hasn't been used in a long time, and needs some some work on the inside, but it's fairly big. She waited for his response, her tail wagging as she smiled at him. All she could think in that moment was, My Verrine.

Julooke laughed as he rolled his eyes, knowing it was all in good fun. She had always felt good around Verrine, but this feeling was just... different. It was better! They always had a good time, and their spirits seemed to always been high when they were together. That's what she loved about him. Even through her darkest times, he could make her see the light.

He seemed to be as excited about the den as she was. She smiled when he said he loved it, her tail wagging. He thought it would be a good idea to take a look inside, and she agreed, reaching out to try and kiss his cheek before turning and heading inside the den. It was a good opening, not too tight to crawl through, and the den itself was a good size, too. It fit the both of them perfectly, especially once it was cleaned up a little. It needs a little TLC, but not too much, she commented, her nose taking in some scents. They were dull, which told her the previous owner was long gone. Mostly, she smelled dirt and roots. Turning to Verrine, she asked, What do you think? If he didn't like it, she would immediately discard it and begin her hunt for another one. It was important to her that they settle on a den that they both liked.

He gave what sounded like an agreement sound, and her ears perked. She was hoping he would be a little more excited about it, but she didn't want to say that and come off sounding rude. She continued to sniff around a little, wasting a little time, hoping he would come around.

And he did. She looked up when he suggested way to make it better. Julooke wasn't an experienced wolf when it came to the physicals of a mateship, but even she knew what that look meant. Her face broke out in a smile and she began a giggle a little nervously. There was something in her that craved to give in to him, but her innocence made her pause. It was simple fear that she would do something wrong. She knew the day would come, though, that they would consummate their relationship. In a moment of courage, she went to him and attempted to snuggle her head into his neck. Maybe she wasn't ready today, but soon she would be.

The pair spent the next little while checking out their new den. Julooke quickly went to work on cleaning up and making it a little more liveable. She cleared out the loose dirt, and made sure there were no roots poking through the walls of the den. Later on in the season, she would find some bedding to put down to help keep them warm, but for now it was the coolness that was important.