Haunted Wood Trails of Fire

The ashen boy smiles at him as he pressed into his ragged body and Valour's pupils dilate however much percent they're supposed to when staring at something you adore. His own tail tapped against his ankles as he gave a tentative on of his own, expression still tight with concern as nothing was said except suddenly Clay sighed his name and dropped. Time slowed for a moment as a physical jolt of lightning (felt like it) shot it's way down his spine causing a hot rush to burn toward his groin. Perhaps not the best reaction to a friend swooning but hearing his name be sighed so serenely from Clay's lips had been about the nicest thing he thought he had ever heard. Finally snapping back to reality he moved to press his nose into Clay's fur to comfort him before his gaze caught the approach of Santiago. Despite having a positive opinion of the man Valour's tail shot up high a growl rumbling to life as he stepped on front of Clay his intentions to rebuke Santiago ended by Clay's threat. Composing himself he shot Clay a look filled with fierce pride, supporting his display of backbone. He hadn't seen it in Clay before and secretly he kind of wished Santi would push Clay's buttons a little more to stir that fire up so he could watch. "Enough Santiago he's my-" he paused and shifted closer to Clay "He's an old packmate and my best friend. You won't hurt him"  he wasn't sure why he'd been hesitant to explain Clay as a friend. It seemed....like such an unimportant word compared to the loyalty and affection he felt toward the Easthollian. "Clay can you make it to my den?" he asked his voice falling back to soft concern, not giving a shit that Santiago was there to witness it.