Redhawk Caldera run away with me now

There was silence for some time. His breathing was steady but rapid while his brain screamed at him to specify what he meant and another part of his brain screamed at him to please not ever specify what he meant because surely it would freak her out and drive her away!

She moved her nose against his shoulder and he wished he could see her face. Then maybe he'd actually know what she was thinking right now. The world stood still while he searched for words and she either contemplated what he meant, was still trying to calm him down or was waiting on him to finish his damn sentence.

Just as the world seemed to start moving again and the tweets of a passing bird reminded him of time's existence and the fact he still hadn't finished his sentence, Maia managed to stop it again by her next words. I do want kids. In some way, the fact that Maia understood what he meant was bigger and more important than the actual words. Of course, hearing her say it meant a lot for him too, and hearing her say it calmly rather than in a freaked out about-to-dump-him way even more. But the fact that she knew what he was about to say, and taking that pressure off him, that was somehow the best of it all.

Eljay did notably calm when she said it. His breathing steadied and he nodded. Yeah, he agreed softly, clearly a lot calmer now even though many of the actual questions were still unanswered. Later, then... Even though Eljay wished they could decide it all right now. He didn't need any time to decide whether Maia was the one he wanted to be with; he felt he'd wasted enough time on that shit. Do... Did you and Wraen find uhm, are thinking of a place yet for winter? Is -- are you going to make a pack, or..? he asked, not really intending to change the subject but.. wanting to know what was up with her, at least, and what to expect. Even though perhaps this too was a part of "later", he couldn't help himself.