Sun Mote Copse Shedding aches for truth in a shape that's new

Wildfire really tried. She asked @Eljay to stay close and keep watch over her but absolutely refused to indulge the hormones setting her insides on fire. (Was that why they called it heat?) It was a little torturous for her and probably even worse for him. But she felt safe, if not entirely sane. She knew she could trust Eljay to be a total gentleman. He wouldn't even touch her unless she asked him. Maybe not even then, she mused.

She'd tried to sleep, yet she was so restless. For the nth time, she rose and circled inside the small space they shared among the tree's roots. Wildfire took a deep breath, peering down at her companion's still form. Predawn light crept over him. Whether he was actually asleep or only pretending, she couldn't tell. She wondered if he was dreaming about puppies. Suddenly, a terrible guilt gripped her.

"Eljay," she said quietly, nudging him. "Eljay, wake up."