in this world it's hard to get it right.

I'll start us a new one!

For a few moments, there was no sound between them other than their soft breathing. Elwood was happy to keep it that way -- there was nothing else that he felt needed to be said, not yet. At some point, they would have to disentangle themselves and make their way back to the caldera. He supposed they would resume their "normal" lives, for the most part; fulfilling Beta duties, spending time with each other and with their packmates. But how would things play out now that the dynamic between them was different?

He didn't have long to dwell on that thought -- and it was one that would be present in his mind for days to come -- when Finley whispered a playful comment in his ear. He grinned and leaned back just far enough to look down at her with an incredulous expression. "Are you sure about that?" he teased good-naturedly, then wrapped his forearm around her. Dropping his weight against her, he pulled her to the ground and began attacking her face with kisses, laughing all the while.

Once their play fight had ended (though Elwood dragged it out for some time, enjoying the ability to connect with Finley in a way that he hadn't before) they eventually got to their feet and meandered slowly back home.