Bearclaw Valley and heaven knows,

Cole turned his head as the faint sound of movement caught his attention. A flicker of white and soft brown—the familiar figure of Milana—emerged from the shadows, standing still as if tethered by uncertainty. His golden eyes softened at the sight of her, but a grin tugged at his lips.

Well, there she is, he said quietly, his voice warm with a teasing edge. Turning back to Frederick, Cole reached out and gave the younger man's shoulder a firm, encouraging brush with his paw.

Don’t mess it up this time, he added with a smirk, his tone light but carrying the weight of expectation. Cole stepped aside, giving the two space, his presence retreating just enough to let the moment belong to them. He cast a brief glance back toward Milana, a subtle nod of reassurance before settling a short distance away, ready to let whatever needed to unfold between them play out.

exit cole