Love me tender

He may have gotten closer, but she tired of her idling before his dark paws could draw him nearer, and noticed him as she turned to leave. He was still, shrewd eyes focused on her, to read the nuances of her posture and expression, but she was utterly composed. He had played this game before, and had more often been met with anger and fear. He welcomed the change of pace, his mouth twitching into a roguish smile as she spoke. "My bad," he said with a smooth roll of his lean shoulders. His tail brushed his hocks as it swayed casually behind him. "I'll scuff around shouting and barking next time."