[ ★ ] and i will sing a lullaby.

---

Awoken by the trembling of his own throat, coughs spewed outward from the grey beast and into the frosty atmosphere. Despite how he felt, he hadn't been out for that long, and he hadn't been this feverish for that much longer, but still was he hot to the touch. If he hadn't been so ravaged with heat, perhaps he could tell how quickly the temperature had dropped, but alas, it wouldn't have phased him anyway. The male quite liked the fridged air, struggling momentarily to his feet as he exited his lavish den to allow the hail to pelt him. Did it hurt? He didn't know, he couldn't feel it. Probably not.

A soft, hushed squeak from behind alerted him, the sudden realisation that he was at home hitting him like a sack of potatoes. Sickly he might be, but not ill enough to misunderstand how he'd gotten here. A becoming upset fell on sodden shoulders, heavy head dropping as he stepped back into his home to blink reddened eyes at the little miss.

“Oh, my dove... ” Ears folded slowly, disgrace pulling the curtains over his eyes. “As much as I enjoy your company, this isn't how I expected our first date to go.” He tried to put some humour into it, falling back upon his caribou pelts with a displeased huff. It appeared the two were stuck.

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

Everything was set back in Shiroshika. She had told @Hotaru where she would be with Tobias in quarantine and to send the others here should she find more in need to be separated from the healthy. She trusted the others to take care of themselves, for Hotaru to lead, for @Izumi to guide and @Tiberius to keep them all safe. 

As soon as they made it to Tobias' home, Reiko was exhausted. So much to prepare for her extended time away and by the time it was time for her to rest, sleep had come quickly. Even as the titan rose from his own slumber, she was none the wiser. Laboured breathing crackled from her lips as she remained curled at the far end of the den, even with Tobias in here too for the most part, she was colder than usual. Fighting a fever along with the chills that came with it - lacking much body fat at all didn't help either.

Other than the bubbly breath, she was rather comfortable. The pain in her throat was burning but easily ignored as she ate a bunch of pain relievers before going to sleep. A cold breeze brought her lashes a flutter, adjusting to the new light as she barely focused on the man's words. “Hmm?” Tightening up in a little ball of fluff, tail covering the black digit sitting on the top of her face to keep it warm as well. “A date?”

Frankly, she was too tired to realize what was being said.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

She was out of it, it seemed. Far more out of it than he. Though the ashen gent supposed he had been weathering this viral storm longer, and it made his internal pain for harming her grow larger. Yellowed eyes found themselves observing her body language; bringing to his attention that her fur was failing as an insulator. He'd inch himself closer so that he could pull her into his chest, hushing her softly... While trying to make her forget what he'd said earlier. “Why yes, today's date... I believe it's Thursday.” He didn't know what day it was, actually, but it didn't matter because he knew they'd forget with how long they were destined to be here.

The pulling of her tail to her nose made him grin, head tilting at exactly how small the dame was in comparison. For a second, he attempted to put his own tail around her, but the nervousness in his heart filled him with fret. Instead, he was reduced to talking.“How are you feeling?” 'That's a stupid question you babbling fool, clearly she's ill. “Um, maybe some water?” 'Look at her, you nimrod! Her lips are dry, of course, she's thirsty! “Yeah, yeah, I'll get you some water.” Though his quest to the nearest water source wasn't far, the mass of a man took a while to stand, let alone make it to the lake.

No bother, he'd make it, he just had to find his turtle shell first.

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

There was very little a medic could do to protect themselves against something contagious. To diagnose and heal they had to be up close for most illnesses and injuries, and so anything contagious was most likely spread to them too. Such as life when one focusses on the health of others, the sacrifices that had to be done in order to protect the others. What else could she have done other than to make sure what Tobias had and not spread it to the others than to go head first into it herself?

At least he wasn't rabid. There was certainly many other illnesses that were far more dangerous than this cough, even if it was annoying and painful in the throat. Clearing her throat of any mucus and a futile attempt to sooth the ache that raked it. “Thursday?” She spoke with a hoarse tone. What was a Thursday? 

It didn't matter. The sudden warmth that washed over her was comforting, feeling her body unwind just a little as if to soak in as much of the warmth being shared as possible and snuggle up to it - completely unaware in her sleep induced state of who, or what it was. How was she feeling the voice asked? “Mmmm — warm.” She said happily.
 
Then the warmth started to move, and she stubbornly nearly clung to it before it slipped off into the abyss. Eyes fluttering open beneath the darkened lashes as they adjusted to the light. The new chill bringing the Empress out of her slumber and a realization of who she saw brought a smile to her face. “Oh~ Tobias, how are you feeling?” With a little yawn covered by a paw, she shook her head to free herself from the grogginess.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

Dammit, why did she have to say his name like that? With such... Such happiness and love? Didn't she understand he was simultaneously trying to break up with her before they even had a chance to become a couple? He was a shy, bashful buffoon of a man that's the only role was to keep her safe so that one day... One day he could witness her get swept off her little Cinderella feet into the arms of someone more worthy.

He didn't dare let those words out though, of course not! He didn't hold onto the thought long enough to let it show on his face, either. He just stood there, tail waggingly slowly with fever, his turtle shell hanging low. He didn't even bother responding to her until he'd already made his way to the lake and back, appearing in the doorway through huffs and grunts. “I'm fine, dove, I'm fine,” Finding his body once again wrapped around her, placing the shell of water between her paws and just close enough to where he could snatch a drink or two. He had already gotten his fill at the lake, but you never knew.

“You on the other hand are high with fever, I brought you something to drink.” It might have looked like plain old water, but the hefty ole brute had put a bit of catnip dust in it. He knew it was used for treating fevers, but that was all he knew. Eh, probably nothing.

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

Then he was gone.

Only for a while, but it lasted long enough for her to look around. Remembering what had gone on for them to be here through groggy thoughts as she slowly shook the fatigue from her eyes. Oh boy — it will be along couple weeks won't it? Spending the days away just sleeping and doing the bare minimum that their sickness would allow. In comparison to how busy she had been since waking up in these strange new lands, it felt like the world had given her a pause. As if her own clock stood still while the rest of them still ran around.

It was strange. Almost... nice? To take it easy for a bit instead of running around from one corner of the pack to the next and making sure everything was in order. To be running to the gardens and back to refill their medicine den. It was almost like a vacation - one that was terrible and with mild pain, but it wasn't all too terrible if she could get use to standing still for a moment.

When Tobias returned with his answer she smiled. “I am glad.” Her words were slow but steady. “I was worried when you collapsed.” Brows rose with concern as she remembered his sudden fall.

As the drink was offered there was no turning back. The cool water soothed her throat as it went down, the cold stinging just a little bit but also numbing the soreness which was appreciated. Whatever else was added to it would be felt later. A long drawn out sigh escaped pale lips as she leaned back into the warmth he brought, feeling no shame of her actions in the moment as all she yearned for was comfort. At least neither one of them would be in solitary confinement alone. “Thank you~”

Turning her head ever so slightly and up to gaze up at the titan of a man. He seemed to solid from where she sat, like an obelisk and yet so gentle. “Do you think they will be alright?” She trusted Hotaru, and yet, still she couldn't help but worry.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

She would sip and talk and be beautiful, and those quiet eyes of his never left her lips. Factly because she was very good at the last two, partially because there was nothing else to do. He'd agree through her words not spoken that this small mishap was becoming oddly peaceful: the art of doing nothing. They'd never practiced it, it seemed, let alone practice it together.

So, for a little while, they would lay side by side; the heat of his heart beating out a protective ray of warmth with every small flicker his eye would glance over at her. Though their silence didn't last long, as the Empress was fond of worrying.

She expressed it towards him, about his collapse. But his mouth did not part, no, only meeting her with the gentle drop of his head as he lowered his muzzle into the curve of her neck. Then, suddenly, he was upon her, resting his hulking frame atop her body in a way that made her appear to be wearing a coat. In... Some ways it looked as if she'd been mounted.

But he was merely scent-marking his territory, tossing his musky fragrance around as a reminder.

Despite his bulk, he'd been gentle. Lapping a hot tongue across her cheeks, nipping at bits of dirt upon her porcelain fur. “You need not worry about them,” British vocals muttered below her ear. “they are in good hands.” He'd smile, shifting his weight to the side to remove himself from her, but not without grabbing her in the process. “As are you.” 

Now resting upon his stomach, as he sprawled out on his back, he'd glaze up at her. They were going to be here for a while, might as well get comfortable.

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

As the grogginess faded and her head grew more clear by being awake - their situation settled in deeper. They were alone, in his den, so close to one another. If it weren't for the mild fever she would have felt warm at this realization. Flushed at what others would think should they wander in on the two this close. Even so, she would not pull away - his warmth was comforting and appreciated and the timid desire to pull away would be pushed to the side for now.

At least here she felt safe. His tall and wide frame acting as some kind of barrier from the rest of the world. How awfully selfish of her to think that she could get accustomed to a feeling like this (she's also very bashful around attractive men, not enough experience in this field huh girly?).

Which only got worse as he moved, the little nuzzling on her neck was one thing. Closing her eyes momentarily to enjoy the little bit of affection, but it seemed that was not all for long. “Ah!” And a surprised squeal squeaked out of her lips feeling his her small body being completely enveloped by his. He was heavy, and she was at a loss of what to do other than being a babbling blob of fur as he did whatever he was doing.

The licking didn't help. Her heart thudded feverishly in her chest, completely at his mercy as she lacked any idea of what to do right now than to just take whatever he was giving. Now laying onto of him, eyes wide and shy almost as if she was worried someone would come calling for them now (bc of they would), almost wanting too disappear in the fur of his chest as the only thing available to her to hide in.“Tobias.” A near whisper. “Is this not highly inappropriate?”

It wasn't awful, no. When was the last time she even felt this way? Had the time to relish in it? she thought back to Takeo for a moment, remembering how he made her feel the same way.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

He had expected a response like this out of her—One fueled by her timid nature and past anxieties. He often let her own memories take a spin in his thoughts as he watched those sapphire eyes; pondering up this and that as the reason for her insecurities. Despite having known her for a little over a year now, she rarely talked about her history. She seemed very much a woman of the present and future, always pushing herself in the daylight in hopes that tomorrow would somehow shine brighter. Oftentimes, they were a bit sunnier, but it was more so because she was still living in it.

He'd let yellow eyes smile at her for a little while, rolling his head back until it plopped softly upon deer hide. From what he could see, albeit upside down, nobody was looking for them. It might have been due to the fact they were sick and they'd warned them to stay away, but he had a funny feeling it was because nobody but her and Sybil knew where he lived.

The male was a private person, most that saw him in under the warm blue sky thought of him as a proper, strong, sort of bashful class-A gentlemen. He served by his Empress, through thick and thin, kept an eye out as a guard, and by the time the sky faded into an inky violet, he had left her side to venture home. And it was the truth, he was all those things...

... But he was also avaricious.

“Hardly not, who is to tell us what to do in my home?” Tobi had decided from day one who Reiko belonged to, and whether or not his heart could handle the flutter she gave him wasn't up to debate. His thoughts ventured away from his chest, and though they both were spinning different ideas, they were still focused on the same person.  “The Empress?” Lifting his muzzle to look up at her, he would smile, heavily furred arms folding across his stomach... And her as well. He'd hold her tightly but not aggressively, lifting a brow. “Unless she wishes otherwise, that is.”

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

Oh the things she must have missed out on as a young woman - even still now. To run off with a lover and do well - unspeakable things that Reiko would not dare to think of. To explore her sexuality and femininity as most would at a young age before settling down for a family, knowing exactly what they wanted with certainty after experimentation and exploration.

But with the death of her parents before her first year, exile, among many other things - she had to grow up quickly. To face a cruel world and desperately try to keep the new and old loved ones near, there was simply no time to do such things. So now she was here as an awkward young adult, uncomfortably warm from head to toe in Tobias' presence and uncertain how to deal with it. Still looking over her shoulder like a child doing something wrong and hoping not to get caught - even if what they were doing was absolutely innocent.
 
“What if we are seen like this?” She whispers, even afraid to just be heard. Ears falling back upon her crown to shrink even further. Still she couldn't help the little smile. Was it because she was nervous? Excited? Maybe a bit of both. It was as if she was at the top of a rollercoaster, looking down and both excited for the thrill and frightened. “What would they think?” She found comfort in his embrace, but was it right?

They were nothing but friends still, acquaintances. Girl you'll never get a man like this.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

She shrank upon his silken chest, delicate paws of baby's breath and blush tucked towards his nose and he would meet them with soft kisses from his blackened lips. There was a distant rumble pouring from his maw, similar to that of a spoiled housecat. In every sense of the words, the male was spoiled. He got to lounge around all day in her grace, taking in her scent and covering it all at once. There were several things the male did his highness probably wasn't aware of, but they were all in order to keep her safe, to keep her his.

He'd admit to himself as he held her that she was far more innocent than he, where the dark knight wasn't a criminal by any means, he was still a man. Though his thoughts on her were usually of the appropriate kind, he... Had his days, especially when she entered her heat that she was extremely difficult to guard. By now, he had it memorised, and he was sure she could tell it was affecting him by how he pushed her away during those times.

Though luckily for them, that time wasn't now.

“Are you that unaware of the influence you have on people? On me?” Running his nose through the little lacing of her cheeks, he pulled her upward, attempting to tuck her under the nook of his chin. “Anything they think won't matter, and we both know if they're thinking it's likely due to jealousy.” In his own personal experience, that's what he'd felt. “Why are you so nervous, dove? Have I not always kept you safe? You worry too much, you need to relax.”

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

She could not deny this was all very nice. To feel comforted - but it was all very sudden; and not only that but she was all so confused as to what to do.
 
“Influence?” Well, to a certain degree she was aware. There was a certain charisma she felt about herself with others, drawing them in with kindness and warmth with the desire to make sure they would find their place. “What kind of influence? Positive I hope.” But was that truly influence of sorts? Was it not inspiration to grow as an individual? To chose a different path than what most would default to as violence to survive. 
 
“I have a daughter, I must be a proper example to her.” Although there was nothing wrong with women who felt comfort in sleeping around, a part of Reiko wanted to assure that her daughter would take the more to the traditional route. “I —” Oh boy her head was spinning with anxieties. “I cannot simply be found with men like this. Not unless he was my husband.”

Because there was a certain understanding when a couple were officially together, there was less of a likelihood of those thinking of it as adultery or perhaps even ignoring her duties for the sake of romances.

Then again, she made no real attempt to remove herself either.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

A... Husband? His cheeks, although thick with black feathering, grew warm with ideas that should have been further from his mind. She wished to settle down fully before taking on a man, and it made him chuckle. It seemed everything he'd thought of her was truth, and it only made his heart grow fonder. He couldn't help but worry about her words though, the speaking of her finer blooded daughter. What exactly had she meant by setting a proper example? Was he not good enough for her to take pleasure in? While old-fashioned himself, he was a rather ballsy bloke, so he'd make himself the proper example right now if he had to.

“Darling, you've raised your daughter up wonderfully, every time I look at her I see all your hard work. I'm sure she sees it, too. You should be proud.” It was a very honest comment, the little lady was nearly the spitting image of her mother, and with all the grace she held a bit of goofiness. In a different life, he could see himself being smitten with her, as well, but in the present that simply wasn't true. However, his sudden mind-muddle brought a grimace to his lips at the idea of other men wanting his daughter... Well. She wasn't really his daughter, was she? Not yet, anyway.“As for the talk of... Lovers... You know I fancy you, I believe it's all a matter of time, now.”

A matter of time for what? He didn't know, it wasn't up to him, anyway. He'd stated his interest and as of now, it was he could do. Not to mention he was falling asleep, but that was beside the point. “Regardless of who you decide to marry, know I will be by your side to support you.” Grumpy, maybe, but still supportive.

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

The sound of hail hitting the snow outside echoed through the den, only reminding her once in a while of the weather just beyond the den's opening. All the while still huddled up in his embrace, her tail began to flop around behind her at the mention of how proud she should be with how Hotaru is turning out to be. Of course she was proud, and even more so that others saw what she saw in her own daughter. Naturally there would be some bias as her mother, but should others see it too then her suspicions would be confirmed as true. “That you, that means a lot.” As a single mother, it was hard work... but rewarding all the same. 

And he continue to speak. Words that she should have seen coming a mile away and yet utterly oblivious. Even now as he utters the words "I fancy you" along with the idea of marriage and who she decides to pick, Reiko remained uncertain to what was being said. “You... Fancy me? What do you mean by a matter of time?” Of what? Of telling her his feelings? That she would pick a mate to be Emperor at her side?

This time she had to be certain of who she would pick to elevate to that rank. No more would she tolerate the abusing of a rank above others, nor of herself - but a part of her was certain Tobias was as kind as he came off as. Within the past few months they had been wandering together, there had been no suspicious signs from him. Was he interested? Is that what Tobias was hinting to just now?

Her eyes shone with a certain type of hope, apprehensive to believe it all to be true and yet hopeful that maybe, maybe soon enough her family could be one step closer to being complete.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

She was joking, right? She wasn't being serious with him right now, correct? It had only taken a single second for him to register that she was, indeed, as real as shit was brown. He supposed her native tongue was Japanese, and he'd held a pretty little secret under his belt for some time now. Practicing during his empty hours. Because what was attraction if not a want to better oneself? Albeit rusty, he was confident in his speech... Even if it was accented in a Welsh tongue. “Itoshi teru... Um... I love you, Reiko. I thought you knew I loved you.”

A slightly predictable emotion coated his fine furs as he let his rather obvious feelings run by her: nervousness. He was suddenly sweating in his coat, paws becoming clammy with moisture but if she'd ask, he'd pass it off as fever. Normally the brute wasn't as bashful around his Empress, spending his days and nights with her had made their uncomfortable findings humours at best, but the oxygen that needed desperately out of his throat was now swelling in his cheeks. He didn't speak though, choosing to isolate his fear with the very apparent sounds of his hushed whimpering.

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

Sadly no she wasn't joking. Was there a stronger word than oblivious to use here? Even Quicksilver had been pretty obvious in his interest and yet it flew over the dove's head like a cool spring breeze. Noticed, adored, but far over her head. And so when the words hit her ears, they were finally as clear as day.

Itoshi teru.
 
“No.~” She squeaked, hiding her smile in his chest hairs and bringing her own paws to the front of her maw to hide it further. It was difficult, no, impossible to hide the butterflies in her stomach that fluttered around angrily in her belly. “I was never aware.” But now she was, and her tail flickered a mile a minute - there was no stopping it now. Not even the fever rising in her cheeks and head.

Squirming her way up to his nose, Reiko pressed her own black digit against his. Pressing into him with a blush rising in her ears. “I fancy you too Tobias. For a while now.” Of course things wouldn't be that simple, she had children to talk to before bringing another into their lives, especially one who would and preferably so, be seen as their new father figure. 

One who would erase the damage done by their previous. 

But what did this mean? Where would they go from here? Was he willing to take up the crown as Emperor next to her on the throne of Shiroshika? Perhaps that was a conversation for another day, she was falling two steps ahead already.

^^
the staff team luvs u

---

There had been a tremor in his chest, a dry heaviness threatening to inflame his throat. His vision, albeit still there, became wobbly the more she spoke, almost as if he were awaiting the rejection he rightfully deserved. Because he did, he deserved every drop of disappointment she held buried somewhere in her shattered heart. The snow-mallow had so much to fret over, whether it be her past lovers, her children, the terrible sickness he'd thrust upon them. Yet she stood erect, a statue of purity and divine virtue. So, as the words of reassurance fell from her silver maw, a cold kiss pressed on his nose...

He lost it.

The old-fashioned man wasn't keen on himself at the moment she said it, cheeks hot and tassel shaking with such a vigorous speed his lower body quaked in thunder. He hadn't prepared for this, not one bit. A stifled whine leaking from his muzzle as he wrapped himself around her, squeezing her into his chest in hopes she could hear the thumping his heart applauded out.

Did this mean he was going to be a father? A husband? Would her children even enjoy his company? Oh, they'd certainly scorn him, he'd only laid eyes on them three or so times! What if he couldn't make her happy? What if he tore her down? He... He was hyperventilating, optics blurry with tears as he felt a small wheeze exit his teeth.

Then, like an old tree, he collapsed.

He wasn't dead, no, just stupid. Passed out due to lack of oxygen and common sense.

—

the staff team luvs u

^^

For once Tobias had nothing to say in return. He had turned completely into stone and she, well, was being crushed by his arms. Both overjoyed and suffocating, she squeaked as he faded away with his own anxieties flooding his system. From where she was the feeling of his heart thudding wildly in his chest could be felt easily, it was a sound she could easily fall asleep to.

Then she was free. Free as he fell over after a small whine and wheeze. No longer being crushed by his embrace and she pulled herself up. Like a sphinx laying atop her fallen prey with ears drawn forward as she looked down on him with both humour and concern in her face. This is the second time he passes out in her presence, maybe he had low blood pressure or something.

This time she chose to let him sleep it off. Placing her head down on his chest to find comfort, she too would take a little nap here.

^^

---

we can end this here if you'd like!

the staff team luvs u