Redhawk Caldera The night is still young

he had not meant to be so vague, but the searching, kindly nature of peregrine's eyes brought a small shudder to lips closed tightly over thrumming grief and pent desire. he found he could not answer -- he did not wish to be a mere friend to the panther -- but chose in that moment to express the words that did not come through the movement of his body.

he did not allow the fire licking at his veins to take hold! those old desperate flames! but instead he laid his head against peregrine's firm shoulder, and the tension drained from his body in a quietly expressed sigh. for a long series of moments he remained as such, if the panther permitted, but presently he spoke.

"i have never ceased loving you, peregrine. i always shall, and it is not the mere pale affection of one friend toward another."

taltos then closed his eyes, silent and comforted by the familiar heady fragrance of peregrine's muscular body.