Wild Berry Meadow sweet surrender

He smiled just a little thinly, at this, wondering if by 'seasoned' she meant the sort of salt and pepper that could now be seen around his muzzle. But he didn't really mind, and was secretly pleased by the praise — whatever 'seasoned' might mean. Certainly, he was glad (relieved) she thought him even stronger at six than he had been at four.

He was amused by it, but flattered all the same.

His smile warmed even further as she spoke again about things that were meant to be. This was not the way that he was accustomed to thinking about these things, and he wasn't sure it was something he wanted to shift his perspective on. But this, he thought, he could go ahead and believe.

He nuzzled her, taking in her heady scent. If they were meant to be, and if this was meant to be, then there was nothing to worry about. Everything was perfect. Everything was safe.

"You want this, then?" he asked her. "More family? With me?"

He knew the answer. He wanted to hear her say it, now — perhaps just for the bright spark it lit in his chest. He trailed his nose down toward her shoulder.

Would you like to fade/time skip soon?