Bearclaw Valley if he fell in love

-sometimes,- he signs with the hesitant twitch of a smile. -not all of it. but parts. my siblings. the mountains.- his gaze drifts for a moment, caught in the hazy edges of memory, before returning to her. -it’s... complicated.-

her kiss pulls him from the depths of his thoughts, grounding him. his lips twitch into a small, genuine smile, and he nuzzles her lightly in return. -thank you,- he signs, brushing his nose against her temple before leaning back slightly to meet her gaze.

after a beat, he tilts his head, his eyes warm but curious. -what about you?- he signs, his paws moving with careful precision. -your family? your past?-