Bearclaw Valley for every life,

with a smile meant for only himself, he watched as his dove dug into the cold earth, small paws slowly but surely making their indents. it was disarming, how affection bloomed in his chest at the sight of her determined expression. cute, he found himself thinking, staring hopelessly down at her. something he never thought he'd utter, but it felt right. 

"well i'll be damned. lookit' you go." a deep rumble of a laugh, though short, before he too began to paw at the ground. larger paws flung larger clumps of dirt to their flanks, though perhaps he wasn't trying his hardest. savoring the odd, domestic bliss of digging beside her. something so simple that somehow meant so much. "atta girl."

"big 'nough for two." he grunted. he hadn't meant it the way it sounded; he was a large man, simply needed more space than she. but he let the words rest between them, perhaps in hope it'd spark and light a flame. "ain't exactly all dainty like yourself, dove."