Phoenix Maplewood The Hazards of Love [M]

Countering Reek's attempt at tangling himself with Tavi in mid-air, she quickly dodged the coming onslaught with a side step, allowing gravity to take its course and Reek's forelegs to meet the ground once more. With tongue lolling and butt wiggling with elation, Reek bounced around like a pup and quickly levied a counter attack. This went on for few rounds. They nipped, growled, and laughed in play; jubilant like children. He didn't want it to end, but his breathing soon drew labored.

Tavi, however, was so quickly able to shift gears that it left Reek nearly jarred. Their play stopped and Reek suddenly skidded to a hault when Tavi's expression lit with realization. A visitor? There were so few who traveled this far north to visit the Maplewood, especially to see Reek himself. He realized Smash was still in the area, so he could assume it was her, but once Tavi launced into song and dance— Reek had his answer. Of course it was Smash; who else would go to such great lengths as a musical telegram to bring a smile to Reek's face?

Her off-key delivery, coupled with the awkward enthusiam of Tavi's movements, prompted Reek's grin to widen even further. By time she had finished relaying her message, Reek could barely hold in his laugher. The message, however, made absolutely no sense at all, but Reek chalked it up to being a normal Smashism— Light-hearted and fun gibberish. "Not a damn clue," he answered, sniggering. Reek playfully shook his head. "I swear, that Smash likes to speak in riddles or something—" He paused and rolled his eyes, before finally adding, "She's absolutely nutso, but a wonderful friend."