Greatwater Lake A silent heart ticking under the ground

Her question took him off guard, steering him back into territory he'd just swerved around. Peregrine blinked, then took a deep breath, held it a moment, then released it. His cheeks puffed visibly and his warm breath washed over her. He could see the tips of her fur quivering.

"Honestly?" he asked after a noticeable hesitation. "I think..." He paused, then started over. "I find you attractive." He paused again, then added softly, "I owe you an apology. It was wrong of me to do that. I am sorry and fully intend to treat you like a friend from here on out... if that's all right, of course." He felt awkward and a bit ashamed of himself, which was clear in his body language.

But there was also a little wriggle of excitement deep in the bit of his belly as he wondered what Fox would say to this frank admission.