Sun Mote Copse A runaway once more

The light was fading far faster than Embry's laughter, causing her heart to swell. When it finally ceased, the brute padded softly to her side. It was a strange image, this brawny male moving so gently as he lowered himself to the hardened soil. She tilted her head towards him softly, meeting his darkened gaze. She was floored by the emotion in his eyes, finding herself hyper-aware of how close he was to her lithe form. He was so near to her that she could see the rivers of turqoise threading through his eyes. 

She loosed a soft breath; a gentle puff of air that shifted a portion of his topaz pelage. He was so near, and yet so very far. Her mitt reached out to playfully nudge his shoulder - but paused when he spoke. "I love you." At first she froze, her breath hitching before she regained control.The fae's paw withdrew with haste and she stood, nearly falling due to her trembling knees. She backed away from him slightly, blinking rapidly. No. That can't be true. How could he love her? They had practically just met. She turned away from him to hide the confusion and doubt seeping into her gaze.

When she spoke, her words came out raspy. "I-I don't know what to say...", her voice trailed off. She had never known love - had never believed in fairy tales such as 'love at first sight'. How could she respond without hurting him? If she were to reply with 'I love you too" and did not mean it that would hurt him more. If she refused, then she would also cause him pain. She stared at the terra beneath her golden paws, emotions disappearing from her face as fast as they appeared. What if I don't know how to love? What if he hates me now? Her head whipped up, searching his face for the emotion that would tear her heart into pieces.