Lost Creek Hollow it's the only way for me

The rogue gave her an innocent smile, dark eyes flashing as he watched her enjoy his gift. Oh, nothing too complicated. A soft reassurance, a playful look. I could use a bit of grazing around my left shoulder, you see. There is a burr there, a constant nuisance, and I have yet to find any assistance in my grooming since I dispersed.

There was no burr, she might find, but any excuse to test her reciprocation towards him was a fair one in his book.

She was still for a moment, her expression neutral as she considered. I don't see why not. It was harmless, and she certainly would not complain when a chance to ruffle through his fur had been handed to her on a silver platter.

Tearing off the last of the meat, she tossed the carcass aside and licked her lips clean.

You are an angel, Halu, Wake purred, getting to his paws as she polished off the remnants of her meal. He stretched long, first into a bow and then arching his back, before circling the prone pearl in a languid stride. He came to a stop at her side and slid down to lay near her, his forelegs pointed towards her hind.

He rolled over, deliberately grazing against her soft fur, as he gave her full access to the blade of his left shoulder from above.

He really was a pretty boy; she nearly thought she might purr as he settled next to her.

Leaning to his shoulder her inspection began, muzzle carefully sifting through his fur in search of the burr. Have you been on your own long? She asked, to make conversation if nothing else.

If the burr was here, it was damn hard to find. She couldn't complain too much, however.

His skin shivered beneath her touch; his body gave a pleasant shudder. Wake enjoyed her touch, wondering how long she would search before discovering his ruse.

No, he sighed in answer, both content and wistful. Not really. But long enough for loneliness to set in. I come from a very large pack. All the quiet is new to me still.

Are you sure there's a burr here? Her mumble was mostly to herself, a frown settling on her face.

I can understand that, I've never been on my own like this either. She had Reverie to return to, and yet she had now been set out to patrol the valley on her own. She was not yet sure what to make of it. But the sense of freedom is good, hm?

A loose ear flicked at the murmured frustration, followed by a lazy smile that slithered across Wake’s muzzle. Hmmm, came his relaxed hum, closing his eyes and nuzzling the top of his head against her side. A little bit higher, my lady.

His tail thumped against the ground in an approving drum beat. The freedom is better than good. It is excellent. I regret waiting so long to walk my own path. But it was fate for him to be just here at this exact time, and he felt more capable and confident than ever before in his life.

He started to drift under her grooming teeth and tongue, soothed to utter bliss.

Whether out of naivety or her own indulgence, Hokulani complied and continued to pamper the man.

And what do you plan to do now? She asked, for surely someone so composed had a plan. Eyes flicked up to Wake, burning into his skull as though she wished to break into his delicate mind. I hope I'm not being too nosy.

When she was done with Reverie, she would need something to do. She certainly would not be returning to her home.

He nearly missed her question, so engrossed was he in her (unintentional) spoiling of him.

Of course not, Wake soothed her, stifling a yawn. Ask as many questions as you like. I keep no secrets. A lie, certainly, but this would be difficult to ascertain, given how reliably forthcoming he seemed. I plan to take residence in this valley. I will gather together those who wish to follow me, who wish to enjoy the passing of the seasons at my side, and I will make a home for them.

He made it sound so simple. As if it were already set in stone.

She liked the confidence in his tone.

Well, I should be in the valley for some time. She could only assume, for where else was there to go? If we meet again, let me know of your progress.

A nip to his shoulder, and she was finished grooming. There was no burr, she was sure of it now. Maybe I'll join you when I'm finished, She then snickered, as though her own words amused her. If you give me reason that is.

I shall, he told Hōkūlani readily. Hopefully he would have something to show for his work, the next time they crossed paths.

His skin flinched under her nip, and she stopped her searching, which was met with a longing groan from the prone wolf. What? Being your helot is not enough for you to join me? Wake smirked, opening one eye to gaze at her.

Did you find that pesky burr? His tone was somewhat teasing, as if willing her to know that there was never any burr to find.

She shook her head, smiling down at him. I don't like to share, uʻi. I would need you to be mine alone. To her it was a simple demand, to other's maybe not. Particularly when she had asked it of a stranger. But then again, it was in Hokulani's nature to be possessive.

And you're the only pesky thing around here, there is no burr. Her words were teasing of course, she was far from irritated by the man's antics. If you wanted some personal attention, why not ask properly?

But I could not possibly serve you alone, Wake countered. How am I supposed to dominate and lord over all who cross our path if it is just you and I?

He grinned at her accusation, happy in his guilt, and refused to relinquish the ruse. It must have fallen out, he offered innocently. But the jig was most certainly up at this point, so he decided to (unapologetically) answer why he had not asked properly for her attention: I prefer to make it so that I am more likely to get what I want.