King Elk Forest the sweet relief of knowing nothing comes for free

so sorry for the wait!

mona's press of affection feels like a wax seal on an official document, some signed declaration of -- what, delight can't quite tell. he does not flinch away from the touch as he might have some time ago, though neither does he exactly react, but for the slight tensing of his muscles, nerves taut. "it is," he says quietly, allowing the small admission before his expression pulls back into something closed. not shut off, but his vulnerability shuttered away once again. he clears his throat. "um, so, that's the whole story," delight tells her, and seizing on a need to talk about anything else, says, "why? i mean, besides the obvious," his eyes flicking back to the collar, nearly forgotten, "why ask after mato and i specifically?"