Bearclaw Valley Papa Said Love Wouldn't Be For Me

Placed directly after this thread!

Her meeting with Frederick concluding, Milan found herself reentering the borders of Bearclaw with quite the pep in her step. Her nerves had been washed away, at least temporarily, and now she felt like a new woman.

Ameline was right. She had defended a territory - on her own - successfully and gotten her man! She was one hell of a woman!

If only her mother and father could see her now. They had said she would be hopeless without them, and yet here she was, her life better than ever. Certainly better than it was with them.

Cole leaned against a nearby tree, watching Milana with a knowing smirk as she practically floated back into Bearclaw’s borders. He cocked his head, his gaze flicking between her and the trail she’d come from, catching the spark in her eyes that hadn’t been there before.

Well, well, ain’t you just all lit up like a firefly, Milana, he drawled, a playful glint in his eyes as he stepped forward. Got yourself quite the fine-lookin’ fella, too, from the look of things. Gotta say, you’re glowin’ like you just won a prize.

Her attention shifted as Cole's voice reached her ears. She was quick to furrow her brow, smile fading. "Do you mean to say that you were spying on me?" How rude, watching her during a private moment.

"But yes, I am feeling rather pleased." She said, her tail waving gently. She would not deny such a thing. Frederick was not secret, after all.

Cole gave an easy shrug, his grin only widening at her reaction. Ain’t spyin’ if you’re out in the open, he drawled, his voice laced with that familiar, playful tone. Hard not to notice you prancin’ back in here like you just won somethin’ big.

He tilted his head, a glint of humor in his eyes as he watched her. Frederick, huh? Got you feelin’ all pleased, tail waggin’ and all. He chuckled, leaning back a bit. Seems like he’s treatin’ you right, then.

She sighed, waving her paw as if to shoo him off. "Yes, Frederick is a good man." She responded. It was the truth, after all.

But she had spoken of Cole to Frederick, so maybe it was only fair that they both knew of each other - even if it was only from a distance.

"Don't be weird about it, hm? You might scare him off when he comes to join us in the valley."

Cole cocked a brow, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he looked her over with that familiar, playful glint in his eye. Star-crossed lovers, huh? he drawled, clearly amused. Seems like fate’s got a strange sense of humor with us.

He shifted his weight, a soft chuckle escaping him. Don’t you worry, Milana. I’ll be on my best behavior… for the most part. His gaze lingered, curious but calm, wondering just when he’d finally lay eyes on this Frederick. The idea of someone else stepping into their little world was… interesting, to say the least.

She scowled, but her smile said that there were no hurt feelings. She knew that Cole meant well. Star-crossed? I wouldn't say that. Her and Frederick were far too fortunate to be called star-crossed.

Don't you think I would have kept him a secret if that were the case? She hummed to herself. It was an interesting thought. She was glad not to have to sneak around, but she supposed that there could be something exciting about forbidden love.

But then again, Milan knew herself well. She was no risk taker - poor Frederick would have been left behind by now if that were the case.

Cole chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Aw, c’mon now, Milana, where’s the fun without a little drama? he teased, giving her a playful nudge. But I gotta say—lucky Fredrick, gettin’ to be yours out in the open like that. No secrets, no sneakin’ ‘round. Guess that fella don’t know how good he’s got it.

His grin softened, eyes warm as he looked at her. Truth be told, I’m real happy for ya, Milana. You deserve a love that don’t need all that ‘star-crossed’ mess. Someone smart enough to hang on tight to ya, just as you are.

You think so? Her tail waved gently, happy with the sentiment of his words. You're a good man, Cole.

I did tell Frederick about you, you know. Looking up to the larger man, there was a hint of mischief in her eyes. I think he got a bit jealous. She couldn't help but snicker at the thought. It was sweet, in a way.

Cole chuckled, his eyes lighting up with a playful glint. Aw, now, Milana, you’re just tryin’ to make me blush, he drawled, the warmth in his voice genuine. And jealous, you say? Well, I reckon that just means he’s got good sense, wantin’ to keep ya all to himself. He gave her a friendly nudge, his grin widening.

Can’t say I blame him, he added, the teasing tone softened by a bit of sincerity. Man’d be a fool not to know what a catch he’s got in you. His tail gave a happy thump, glad to see her so lighthearted, and he tipped his head toward her. But don’t you go tellin’ him I said that—don’t need him huntin’ me down, now.

The thought of Frederick hunting someone down was rather amusing to her, but then again she knew that she should not doubt the man. Just make sure to be extra nice when he visits, hm? She insisted, bumping her shoulder into his.

Ah - and bring me a hide next time you go out hunting. Rabbit, if you can. Her train of thought now seemed to shift. Back to Bearclaw, back to her work. I'll need quite a bit, but we have time. I'd like to prepare everyone's dens for the winter - make them extra cozy.

The weather was cooling quickly. A warm, soft nest in a well prepared den would do everyone some good.

Course I will, Milana, drawled Cole, his southern twang warm and easy as he nudged her back in return, a crooked grin stretching across his face. Frederick’s a hoot, ain’t he? Reckon he could scare the fur off a bear if he had a mind to. I’ll make sure he feels right welcome when he stops by, don’t you worry none.

His amber eyes sparked with amusement before he gave a thoughtful tilt of his head. Rabbit hide, huh? I can do that. Ain’t nothin’ like a good, soft pelt to keep the chill out. I’ll see to it on my next hunt—figure I owe ya for thinkin’ ‘bout the pack like you do.

Well if you don't bring me anything, you'll be the one going cold. She frowned, eyes quickly flicking over him.

I'll be prioritizing the young one's, but after that the hides will go to whichever hunter brought it to me. It was only fair - she thought so at least. So be sure to bring me plenty, hm?

Her smile returned, bumping her shoulder into his once more before trotting off.

Cole chuckled, his easy grin returning as he met her eyes. Can do, he drawled, his Southern lilt giving the words a playful edge. He tipped his head slightly, acknowledging her fairness. Prioritizing the young ones—it was the right call, and he respected her for it.

As Milana bumped his shoulder and trotted off, he gave a low, amused huff, watching her go for a moment before turning to head in the opposite direction. His pace quickened, the thought of bringing back plenty of hides—and maybe a little extra just to stay on her good side—fueling his steps. Guess I’ll be workin’ double today, he muttered to himself with a grin, already planning the hunt.

archived now !