Totoka River turn of the tides

All her silent inquiry got in return was an apologetic smile from her friend. Ears swishing back, Tzila felt only a slight tinge of disappointment. She shouldn't force it out of him. Not now. The time wasn't right. His nerves...his emotions, they may still be too raw from the damage sustained by this terrible turn of events. Later, a quiet voice in the back of her head reminded herself.

Momentarily forgotten, the burning fire under her skin roared to life again as he stepped close, forcing her heart to pound against her ribcage. Confusedly, she gazed at him as he made to bury his face into the soft furs of her ruff, taking a single, hesitant step back. Some opposing force that she couldn't quite name compelled her to reach out to him like a magnet. I shouldn't. This isn't right. He cares for her differently than me. She tried to convince herself, unknowing of the true dynamic between him and the pale Ying. Yet it felt good to be touched, to have someone pay attention to her like this. For the very first time in her life. His scent, which she noticed for seemingly the first time, was comforting. Musky...strong. Intoxicating. Releasing a quiet breath, Tzila stepped into his touch, draping her chin over the gunmetal lined furs of his neck. Nudging an ear, she preened at the delicate skin with careful clips of her teeth. She needed Astaroth to know she was there for him, but also that she too, needed what only he could provide.