my lungs will fill and then deflate

Aesop huffed a laugh, tipping his muzzle up to feel the warmth of the sun on his neck. This was all very pleasant, and he found that he quite liked Thistle's company.

Her words meant more to him than she could have possibly known, and when he smiled in response, it was genuine. "Now you're just flattering me," he deflected, but every inch of him made it clear that he was glad for the compliment. "There's not a whole lot to say. Spent my years wandering, goin' where the wind takes me. Nothing all too remarkable. No kids, myself."