Dawnlark Plains when god falls fast asleep

*dies*

it was soothing, the little tongue running along his leg, and he was beginning to drift off into a contented stupor when his name was chirped up at him. he grinned down at river, meaning to give him his name back, when the pup voiced something else, too. something he hadn't expected.

aditya swallowed, suddenly overcome by emotion. his breath was hitched, shallow, as he responded, "i love you too, mithra." he hugged the boy close, tucking him into the curve of his neck and chest, the thickest part of his pelt. a downy blanket for the child that had wormed his way into his heart.

"pyaar--that means love, in my mother's language," he explained gently. "never let go of pyaar, bachcha. love is the most important thing." he rested his head next to where the pup lay, feeling sleepy. he wondered if the kid would be amenable to a little nap.