Phoenix Maplewood li pale [m]

Few of Totoro’s previous partners had indulged in the afterglow. They were in no particular hurry, happy to bask in the warmth of their brief connection. They hummed contentedly as Marie nosed at their ear, lazily tipping their head to give her better access.

Part of them wanted to ask if they might ever see her again, though their mutual understanding stayed their tongue. This was it. No matter their fluid and spiritual bonds, Marie would go back to her sisterhood and Totoro would do what they had been doing the past year: wandering from place to place, meeting all sorts and experiencing all the world had to offer.

They didn’t know it yet but something about this tryst had shifted something inside them. Perhaps it was this deep, subconscious knowledge that finally allowed them to slip from Marie’s embrace and find their feet. They grasped her paw between both of theirs and kissed both of her cheeks, murmuring well wishes, then with some reluctance began to walk away.