Moonspear Even Doves have pride

As ever, her smile evoked instant reciprocation. He beamed back at her, dizzy with delight at making her laugh. He meant it, though. He wanted to court her with all intention — but that, too, would make her laugh. Because she liked to laugh, and she deserved every opportunity to do so.

Katmai stepped a little closer to her, hesitating just a little to check her expression. His own was soppy, endlessly endeared. Half-lidded as he breathed in her familiar scent.

"I think that we are already in it," he told her, reaching out to touch his nose to her cheek in a daring kiss. An action he'd performed a few times, by now — but this time he lingered, his heart fluttering like a bird in his chest.