Larksong Grotto A cheap sunset on a television set can upset her, but he never could

Reek had tried his hand at being strong for the both of them, but he found himself no longer able to stand the pressure. No longer the emotional anchor that he intended to be for Tavi, Reek was inconsolable: broken, with a soul rubbed raw. He fell silent, unable to speak in the wake of his increasingly unintelligible sobs. This, was what rock-bottom felt like. As the once chipper and lively alpha male rocked in place, he felt as if he would never be happy again -- it was as if all the joy in Reek's life had died in the span a single, terrible day.  

Tavi was quick to pick up on Reek's despair. His sadness had always been a subtle thing, hiding behind the tired lines on Reek's face, however, in this quivering and bloody mass, Reek was unlike anything he had ever been. Worthless. Small. Fearful.

She pressed in close and with it came a small comfort, however Reek's sobs did abate. He continued to rock in place, despondent. However, on the breath of a comforting tune, like a lullaby from Tavi's lips, Reek fell still. His sobs began to deescalate and Reek opened the eyes that he had tightly sealed. He watched, expression still silently pleading with Tavi as she moved in to drape his tattered muzzle with kisses.

Much to Reek's relief, she said she'd stay. However, it was bittersweet, as it still carried a teporary connotation. It was in that moment that Reek realized the true extent of his attachement to Tavi: he was falling in love with her and the feelings were unrequited. It was a soul crushing thing. "Okay," he responded, voice weaker than it had ever been.