morning munchies

@Faust

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With a fresh pair of eyes and a newfound determination for life, this tȳne — second chance, Tove’s awe didn’t waver as Faust showed her around their new home. She ate up his words like a bee to honey, following closely behind him. Faust, being who he was, didn’t seem to rush her or grow ill-tempered by her pace. Still weak and aching, Tove was slow.

She felt like an improperly oiled machine, each pawstep taking more effort than she could ever recall having before. Weak. Tired. Pathetic. That’s how she felt. Her joints and muscles whined and whimpered the longer they trekked and eventually, she’d cave and ask her friend for a rest. A quick one, to recover and enjoy a few more moments of peace. Embarrassment had been clearly etched on her features, cheeks rosy and warm behind darkened fur but she wasn’t sure how much more she could handle.

Girl had been through a lot.

Curious questions were asked and answered once they settled down and she’d fallen asleep with a smile on her face, her small frame close enough to Faust’s that she found solace in the heat radiating from him. In her slumber, she’d pull herself closer to him, cuddling in and snoring softly.

When she awoke a few hours later, Tove almost forgot where she was and it took her a moment to realize - she was alive. She was home and she had found Faust. All was right, wasn’t it? Or well - it would be, once they were all reunited.

Feeling refreshed, she lifted her head off of her companion’s side and shook her head a little, jaws parting in a yawn before she rose to her feet and stretched out. Front legs would reach forward and her rump would point towards the sky, tail upright. A quiet groan left her lips, the dull ache in her bones still there but nothing like before. Yawning again, the dark woman pulled herself up, eyes searching before a familiar aching twinge in her belly had her rolling her eyes.

Right. Food.

That was important.

Licking her lips, warm hazel eyes would narrow as she began to scan their surroundings. Of course, no two-toed creatures were in sight despite their lingering scents but that didn’t mean there weren’t smaller critters hiding in small bushes or below the soil. They too would have been waking with rising sun. Besides, something small would do, she figured. Enough to quiet the hunger before they found the others.

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It had been a long day. Faust's legs carried themselves all around the Roost's territory as he would show Tove the parts he thought were memorable. The groves, the valley itself, the best stargazing spots. He hadn't kept a single thing from her. Except for a few things. But...ah, it didn't matter. It was for the best.

She had requested for a place to rest and he wouldn't tell her no. She had been through a lot, and the best thing for her was rest. They had found a small canopy of trees and Faust deemed it worthy enough for them to stay a while. Tove claimed that she needed only a little while to rest, but as the sun fell behind the mountaintops, he knew it would be for the night.

He stayed awake for a while, surveilling the area. He, too, had laid down, head upright as it swiveled from side to side. When her breaths fell heavier, stabilized, he knew that she was out cold. And when she had reached for him, he did not move. Instead, he merely watched her, unmoving and afraid to wake her.

When sleep caught up to him, his head fell atop of her shoulder blades. His neck elongated, limbs stretched, breath regulating. He'd curl his head, pulling her closer to him as he did.

When he woke, it was because there was an emptiness beneath him. The sun peaked through the canopy, and he woke with a startle. Where had she gone? Panic set in. But his eyes focused and he saw her, stretching out her limbs. Her back arched. He stared.

"Merbugon?" — Hungry?

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Before he’d even spoke, she’d felt eyes on her figure and she’d almost stayed stretched for longer in hope those eyes kept watching. Hoped they’d admire. Want.. But Tove felt silly at the very thought and hoped he could not feel the sudden shame seeping through her fur and suffocating her. What was she even thinking? She supposed the hunger was getting to her.

“Kessa,” — Yes, she’d reply with a lazy grin, gaze still searching before she’d glance over at him. “Starved.”

Dying would do that.

Motioning to him with her head, the smaller woman started forward, nose twitching as she tried to search out what would be their next meal. Unlike the others, while her mind excelled - she had never been the strongest or most skilled of hunters but she had always managed enough. She was quick and she could think on her feet.

It took her a few minutes but it wasn’t long before a delicious and familiar scent caught her attention and she could feel her mouth begin to salivate, drool pooling at her lips. Hunes — Rabbit. One of her favorites. Tove was quick to slow down, bringing her body down lower to the grass covered terrain as she took careful and slow steps. No more glances were given to Faust as she now solely focused on catching breakfast, her stomach pleading and raging for her to hurry it up.

Despite her roaring hunger, Tove was no wolfing and she knew that impatience only led to failure. As small and unthreatening as rabbits were, they were quick and every instinct in their small bodies told them to run. One wrong move and it would be heading for the hills. As she grew closer, her body became more rigid and her teeth would show in a hungry but silent growl, drool shining on sharp pointed ivory teeth.

There it was!

Unconcerned and unaware, the small creature sat in the long grass amongst the flowers, munching on foliage and chittering to itself. It looked so peaceful, Tove thought as she watched it, curious about the thoughts going on in its head. Did it too have things to be thankful for or was it a more simple creature, just here to help the balance of life?

One step forward and she found herself cursing silently as a small twig crunched under her paw, alerting the rabbit that perhaps it was not alone. Its head would raise, nose twitching as it froze and she could smell the fear radiating from it. Fear that was delicious and made her mouth water all the more. Tove didn’t move now and waited, patiently and full of hope that she had not ruined her chance.

Please. A silent prayer as she watched.

Fortunately for her, the rabbit, which she now figured was a simple creature, went back to its mindless munching and she knew it was her chance. Much like a snake would, Tove sprung forward, her slender body striking mere seconds before it was too late. It only took a few leaping bounds and her teeth found their way around the creature's neck, its cries quickly quieted. Growling, she’d snap her teeth together, breaking its neck quickly and as painlessly as possible. There was no need for it to suffer.

Still holding the creature, her gaze would move towards the sky and she’d nod, thanking the Star Mother for their breakfast. Even though the sun was shining through, the Star Mother was always watching. Always there.

Not wasting another moment, Tove hastily ripped at the small creature in the most unladylike of fashions, letting blood splatter on her muzzle as she took her first bite. Delicious. Her tail would stay as she swallowed and she then turned to Faust, offering him a bloodied grin. "Want a bite?"

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Faust nodded his head in acknowledgement. She urged him on with her head and he finally stood. Tall on his feet, he stretched forward and backward. He'd shake himself free from the shackles of sleep, a large yawn and groan leaving his throat.

He stayed behind her as she turned on her heel when he motioned to follow her. With his snout, he jutted his head against the back of her thigh. A simple 'get a move on,' as he was now awake and ready to keep pace.

She had been so focused on her own hunt that she didn't see Faust split away from her. He was on a hunt of his own. He explored the woodland, keeping track of certain areas, and he always kept an ear out for Tove's voice. He kept his nose low to the ground, attempting to find his favorite treat. Badgers.

Faust had been an excellent badger hunter. He always had been. The stubborn, violent creatures had always had a knack for hiding themselves away in their dens right in a spot for him to make a perfect strike. It was luck for him when he sniffed out a den. He had to make this fast— fast enough before Tove noticed his disappearance.

He turned into a bull, running to strike at the den. It was a small grotto, but his head was able to wiggle through. The beast growled and hissed at him, attempting to strike, but he disregarded it. He snapped his jaws, feeling it pierce the flesh. He dragged his head out, badger clamped in maw. It thrashed in his hold, but he shook it from side to side, eventually cutting off its airway, and the life drifted away from it.

As if he had never left, he rejoined behind her, smelling the blood from her own kill in front of her. He hummed in an appraisal, dropping the badger at his feet when she turned around. "Sȳz ossēnagon." — Good kill.

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She’d never admit it but Faust had always excelled in ways she could only dream of; he was a magnificent beast that she found herself thinking of too often. Even as wolflings, while Tove had always preferred to learn about the plants around them and the reasons the seasons changed, he’d easily mastered the needed skills to be a warrior.

So of course. Of course he’d managed to sneak away and catch a meal much mightier than hers.

Huffing quietly at his praise, she rolled her eyes at him teasingly, her tongue flicking out to lick her bloodied snout before pointing it at him. It was childish of her but she couldn't help it - there was something about their reunion that had her feeling less wound up and more free.

“As easy as catching a marmot,” she shrugged, only stretching the truth a little. She kept her face neutral, body nonchalant. He didn't need to know she almost made the rabbit catch chase and she assumed, if he had been out catching his own meal, he wouldn't have had the chance to see her misgivings. She nodded towards his kill, tilting her head at him before grinning. “Did you find it sleeping? Cozy se waiting syt ao?” — Cozy and waiting for you?

Her assumption was made jokingly but she couldn't help but look him over and admire him - he was a force to be reckoned with. A man, through and through. From his broad tall shoulders and muscled chest to lead to his…Oh..

Oh..

Tove’s eyes widened, her face suddenly as warm as the sun above them. What was wrong with her! Not wasting another second, she tore her gaze away from him and hoped he hadn’t noticed before she leaned down and tore another chunk of flesh from her catch, this time taking her time before she swallowed. Oh boy.

Refusing to look his way now, she took a few more small bites, still slow and the warm blood and flesh that touched her tongue made her quietly groan in approval here and there, her tail also giving her away as it swayed behind her. She HAD been hungry and this.. Well it was a tasty snack.

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The furyborn's eyes flashed a different shade when she rolled his eyes at him. She'd grown quite the attitude since she fell from the sky, hadn't she? "Rolling your eyes at me, are you?" He would tease, teeth shining from a half-grin.

She'd stick her tongue out at him too, uttering a phrase regarding a marmot. He offered her a chuckle, shaking his head. He began to take chunky bites out of the badger, ravaging the insides of its rib cage. When she asked him about the how he pulled his head away from its insides. Blood covered his darkened face.

"Ziry gōntan daor ūndegon nyke. Was too fast." — It didn't see me. He focused on the words she spilled, 'cozy' and 'waiting' for you. He smirked, his eyes glancing towards the stretch of her body and its entirety. His eyes locked with hers. "Cozied up for me."

Her eyes drifted elsewhere, but he didn't bother to track them. He went back to devouring his meal, eventually laying down and picking it apart and spitting out loose bones that poked the insides of his cheeks. She did the same, not leaving an ounce of her food left behind.

When he was done with his own, well before her, there was nothing left than the head, tail, and scraps of fur. He was noticeably larger than her. He ate more than her, but he paid attention. If she had eaten less, he would've asked about it. He wanted her to eat.

If she caught him staring, then so be it. Blood still dripped from his snout and chin, but he was more focused on the way she devoured the rabbit.

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Their playful banter wasn't entirely new, as they had often butted heads and bickered as they aged but lately it was different and she couldn't quite figure out why. She didn't hate it but she also didn't like that it made her mind wander and her pulse quicken.

Tove was used to having more control of both her words and her being. She was used to control. And well, lack of control? It wasn't something she enjoyed very much.

Each time their eyes would lock, she'd watch him back despite the burning in her chest and the flush across her face. Her breath would even hitch when mentioned how the badger had been cozied up for him and the heat only grew.

Doing her best to keep her focus away from him now, Tove took her time with her meal, savoring each and every bite. As small as a catch as it was, something about having come back to life made her ravenous and the flesh was like butter melting on her tongue. It was as if she'd never had rabbit before and was rediscovering a favorite snack. She even found herself gnawing at some of the brown fur and hide left behind, its tendrils tickling her tongue and throat on the way down.

She couldn't help but wonder how tasty a snack it would be if it was a bit more dried. More crunchy. Perhaps that was something to try later.

A happy and satisfied groan was let out at her last swallow, eyes closed and she rolled her shoulders happily. Yum yum. She wished she had another but for now, her stomach cries were quiet enough and she could worry about more food later. Tove's tongue lapped across her muzzle, wiping away some blood before she opened her eyes and found Faust watching her. Her eyes lingered on his gaze momentarily before noticing the blood dripping and she wanted to come closer. To taste it.

"How was it?" She questioned, tone neutral and nonchalant, still watching him. Nudging aside what was left of catch, she'd cross her front legs, the tall grass tickling her. "Your sleepy badger?"

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There was much work to be done. The furyborn knew that best above all. There were places that he needed to see, things he needed to claim. His scent was weak upon these trees, territory markers and other claims only a pathetic excuse of what a great pack could hold.

When he was finished with his meal, he stood. He wiped the blood from his maw against his elbows and cleaned the rest with a few swipes of his tongue. As clean as he could get. What he ached for was to find a basin, a lake of water where he could take a swim.

There was more exploring they could do.

"Plenty filling. You?" His 'you' was marked with more concern. It had a lilt of a higher tone to it. Most likely because of the concern he held if she had said 'no.' He'd hunt for her over and over until her belly full and eyes heavy with sleep. He would take care of her.

"We should head east." He beckoned, showing her the direction where he desired to head with his snout. "The territory is weak, unstable."

He didn't know if she knew what he meant, but he would say it all the same. "I could also use a bath. Would you agree?" He would make a soft jest, turning back to look at her once more with a smile on his face. He hoped she liked the way he smelled. He knew that he liked hers. Feminine. But not overbearing. Refreshing. But not warding. She was always soft. So soft. But she was the strongest woman he knew, besides his own sister.

But he didn't have criminalizing thoughts about his sister, or the way she would feel beneath him.

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Hazel eyes would watch him as he stood and cleaned himself off and she was quick to follow suit, stretching out as she did so. It was a wonder what a slumber and a meal could do, she marveled. Her body, while it still ached was nothing like before. It was almost like she hadn't fallen at all and had merely slipped or was on a hunt for just tad too long.

Unlike Faust,Tpve didn't clean herself off as neatly as he did and merely wiped her face on the grass near her paws, rubbing back and forth a few times and then following through with what she could reach with her tongue. Good enough. "It was delicious," she mused back, a wistful look in her eyes as she thought about it. Oh how she loved to eat. "I've always loved rabbit."

Following his gaze, she looked past him, surveying the Vale and nodded again. While she hunted, she could scent a lot, mostly lingering signs of two-toed creatures and small woodland critters but what was lacking, was scents of them and of their family. If they were to make this their home, that needed to change. Tove was unsure what it was like here, what other wolves and creatures there may be but she was not ready to fight for stakes in their new home.

At the mention of a bath, her face lit up at the thought. "Is there a good bathing spot nearby?" Her words were quiet as she wondered aloud, curious as to what he'd found before she arrived. During their sight seeing the night before there was much she missed out on and she was anxious to see what else there was. Anxious to see everything, especially a place to take a bath.

With Faust.

Laughing softly, Tove made her way towards him and used her shoulder to nudge at him, teeth baring at him in what could only be described as playful with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "Gaomagon nyke stink, Faust?" — Do I stink, Faust? She lingered for a moment, body close, letting her scent surround him as she waited for his answer. His name was like honey on her lips and her voice got softer as she said it, heart drumming loudly in her chest. It made her ears ring and suddenly, she grew impatient. Restless. Snorting softly and without waiting for a response, Tove began to head off towards the East.

She didn't know where she was going but she figured he'd make sure they didn't get lost. Slender legs carried her off quickly, her large paws easily finding their path through the grassy fields. She didn’t have any plans to stray away from his side and despite her itching urgency, she waited for him to take the lead, ready to follow him wherever that may be.

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Faust would listen as she moaned and groaned over the deliciousness of the rabbit. It was her favorite? He'd have to remember that for next time. Or perhaps in the future it could be used well.

He'd nod his head, "Kessa, Not far from here, I think." — Yes he wasn't entirely confident in the direction, but they would make it there nonetheless. He had remembered certain aspects of the territory, and the spring had been one of them.

Her nose came out to jut against his shoulder. He reflected on the action, too, shoving her cheek with his snout. Her words became soft, jelly-like, and his name was heaven on her tongue. He'd wish she'd say it more. The furyborn had no time to answer, stunned in his place before she had leaped away.

He caught up to her, his head rearing the side of her hip. He'd nudge her in a different direction. "Don't even know where you're going," he'd say humorously, a sly smile pulling on his features. Maybe it was an excuse to touch her.

"This way," he'd correct, taking them through a thicket where he had to jump over roots and logs. But before they knew it, he heard the birds chirping a harmony. They were here. Through a canopy of fallen wisteria, he unveiled it with the top of his head, letting her enter first.

"After you."

---

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A loud and easy laugh escaped from her when Faust reached her side and easily steered her in a different direction. There was no shying from his nudge and she yielded easily to change course. His nudge, even though simple and necessary, or so she thought, was like a shock to her body and she held back a shiver and resisted the urge to move closer.

“I only wanted to make sure you knew,” Tove laughed again, the sound warm and sweet as she grinned back at him. It was lazy and toothy, her eyes alight with harmless amusement. If it had been anyone else, they may have thought her arrogant and pretentious but right now - she meant no harm in her teasing.

Steps were steadied as she now followed him, her smaller frame keeping pace and even occasionally passing him with the ever growing urgency to discover a new wonder of the Vale. Despite what she lacked in size, her paws were large and capable and her body was built for speed and endurance. However, newly awoken and still recovering, she was admittingly slower than usual and found herself winded more than she’d like as they navigated through the thicket.

Tove did her best to hide that from her companion and would pass it off as an excuse to stop and sniff flowers, or inspect the different plants hidden behind bush and amongst the logs they climbed to see what the area of the Vale held for future needs. Endless and easy reasons to rationalize her breaks, really. Easy peasy, she told herself and avoided the possibility that he might just read through her.

If this continued, she figured some more rest would do and if not, perhaps the right herb could ease her aches and pains.

Lungs were warm and her chest tingled with a dull vibration when a chirping of birds and sight of water brought her a sense of relief, thankful they had reached their destination. Her nose twitched as new scents flooded her senses and she swore she could taste the difference in the air. A fresh and enticing flavor, she decided.

Tove wasted no time in climbing past Faust, letting her tail smack against his form softly, as a thank you and excuse. As she took in this oasis, she felt awestruck once more, pleasantly surprised that this bathing spot exceeded any ideas she conjured during their walk. The hanging wisteria was beautiful and intoxicating and the water? That was in its own category entirely.

“Gevie.” — Beautiful. she breathed, looking back at him, beckoning him to follow with a nod of head and wag of her tail. Tove edged forward towards the waters edge, her hazel gaze taking its time to admire the beauty Faust had shared with her. Even with their unplanned entrance, she was surprised that even the birds still sang and danced above almost as if welcoming them.

For a moment she’d pause, watching them and admiring their flight. She felt no hunger or itch to want to pull them from the sky as she watched.

Her admiration was cut short when cool water caressed the tips of her paws and she felt herself flinching, surprised and suddenly scared. Her chest heaved as she sucked in a deep and shaky breath, turning her gaze towards the water that burned on her skin. Water that assaulted her, hurt her. She could remember the raging waters from her fall vividly; it was water so cold and monstrous that it had eaten her up like she was nothing.

Tove inched backwards, finding herself with little to no control of her movements, her breaths shaky and quick. For a moment, the world seemed very dark and it felt like she was being spun around and around. Why was this happening? She wanted it to stop.

Needed it too.

“You go first,” Her words were quiet and strained and she loooked everywhere but at him. Please. “Se iēdar iksis iōrves.” — The water is cold. It was a lie but it was the best she could do.

---

phone post phone post
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Tove was quick to move towards the water. Behind her was a closely trailing Faust, his desire to swim growing just as urgently. When her paws were caressed by the cool water, she jumped backward. Not a cowardly jump, but he felt her flinch. He could feel his body flood to life with adrenaline. What was wrong? Her pace had been rather sluggish this morning, but he didn't think it was related.

It couldn't be based on the way that she retaliated backward away from the shore. Frightened, breath heaving, she'd cover it with simple words of encouragement. Too cold, she uttered. Faust dipped a paw in. It was chilly at best. For the first time, he didn't know what to do. What did she want from him? Would she rather he ignore it, continue on as if he didn't see her change in disposition? Or would she want comfort, to feel him pull her against him and tell her it'll be okay?

He didn't know what to do.

But he would try his best.

"Sȳz," — Okay, he'd say, his features soft when she looked to him. Her face had been rigid and plastered with a fake smile. Faust took the last few steps into the water. It was shallow and only went up to his elbows. His nose dipped down to scathe the surface. He looked back toward Tove. "Safe."

That is what he said. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. Was there a way he was supposed to go about this? He didn't know. He didn't want to make it worse for her. Faust performed a spin for her in the water, twirling on his feet. The water soaked his legs, ankles, fur. It was refreshing. When he came back to face her, his features softened again. They had a habit of doing that.

"I'm here." He would say, tone gentle and assuring. "Not going anywhere."

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Tove kept herself busy as she looked around, first at the hanging branches then the flying birds and well, basically anything but towards the water. She knew Faust wasn't dumb and he could probably smell the fear that poured off of her but she hoped he would play along and not ask.

She didn't want to talk about it. She didn't want to feel like this; it was something new and it made her want to vomit. Hide away and wait for it to pass. It wasn't a feeling she was used to and she pitied anyone who felt like this regularly. It made her blood boil and it made her want to bite something. Anything.

She gave a fast nod when he told her it was safe and she'd choke out a laugh, shaking her head. Dark ears twitched as she heard the water slosh around him and she shivered, brows furrowed. "Dovodedha! — Silly! I know." Another white lie, quick and whispered. Part of her was pleased that he'd taken the time to make sure but she kept that to herself. The dark woman looked his way now, watching him closely as he spun around, further proving that he was in no danger.

And.. if he was in no danger... neither was she, right?

Logic told her that that was the case and on a normal day, that would have been enough. But right now, Tove's mind was muddled and something in her was telling her that not everything was how it seemed.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before stretching out her neck. I can do this. I can do this. Tove pleaded with herself, trying her best to ignore the pit in her stomach. She hated feeling weak and out of control; she was ready for everything to return back to normal.

With another deep breath and snap of her teeth, her eyes slid open and she looked at him, her own gaze gentle despite how she was feeling. Despite the fear and the anger she felt at being afraid. Her hazel eyes didn't leave him for what seemed like a long time and his gentle words seemed to pull at her very core but she stayed put for a few minutes longer.

Faust was always there, guiding them in some way or another and sometimes she couldn't help but envy him. Tove knew he had his own weakness but he was always better at keeping them hidden. Always better at leading them and now was just another example.

"Not too cold?" With that said, she forced herself forward on shaky limbs and watched him instead of the water as she came forward. She still flinched when she felt the water on her paws and it made her pause and for a moment, she felt like running away. Again. I can do this. Tove inhaled deeply and took another step and then another. Her snout lifted towards the sky and her shoulder puffed with pride. Easy peasy. Sort of.

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She let out an awkward, misplaced laugh. Faust would say nothing. He wished that she could be vulnerable with him. It was all he could ask for. But, he would rather let it bathe in silence. She would come to him in her own time and on her own terms. The least he could do was respect that.

She continued to struggle towards the water's edge. His eyes never left her— gentle and warm. It was all they ever could be when he looked towards her. Faust's feet guided him closer to the bed of the body of water, closer to where she stood.

Her feet only took her so far. Her paws entered, and he could see her practically shrill up and wilt like a flower. Tove's body screamed against her mind— he could see that much. It called at her, desperately, to step away. Faust could see it. The way she struggled here. He didn't know why...but he wasn't sure that at all mattered.

Faust met her then. His snout was close to hers. His breath fanning across her cheek. "I'm right here." He had said, pushing his muzzle against the fur on the side of her nape. He let his tongue swipe against her there, a sensual gesture. An action that he didn't know he was capable of doing. It was mindless. His eyes flashed with a morsel of regret, hoping that she wouldn't flee from before him.

"Safe, Tove." He would usher against her fur, removing his head from the proximity of her neck. Careful to not scare her any further. He took a step backward, encouraging her to come forwards. The water only went just above his ankles. "You're safe."

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If it had been anywhere else, anyone else with her, the dark woman would have already been gone. She would have made up an excuse the moment she felt the water touch her toes and been gone. Normally there was little reason to fight any of her inner demons. Tove was more of a move onto the next problem type gal. Focus on the business that didn’t involve any emotions.

Warm breath centered her back to earth and she met his gaze, hoping he didn’t think her a fool. Did he think any less of her? Could he read right through her? It made her stomach flip and it was as if she could feel her heart beating in her throat. It was loud; the sound of it made her ears ring and vibrate. It made her dizzy. She didn’t enjoy feeling this way and she hoped it would end as quickly
as it began.

The sound only got louder when he came closer, the heat from his breath and his body blanketed over her in a way that was almost suffocating. Shocking, really. At first she feared he would send her away and tell her this was a foolish idea. Politely end their morning soak and continue on their journey to join the others.

Perhaps that was for the best, she figured. This was a waste of time, anyways. There were better things to do. More important things.

Her doubts were smothered, the embers of them all dampened before they became too big and suddenly the world was quiet. The loud ringing and vibrato drum could be heard no longer and was replaced with only their breaths. Their heartbeats, now quiet. His gentle lick across her nape made her stiffen before she softened, no, melted like freshly warmed butter. It sent electric shocks through her core and for a moment all her fears were forgotten.

”Safe.” It ushered out as a whisper and she nodded towards him, taking a deep breath. She kept her eyes on him now, using him as anchor to keep her afloat before she took another step and then another towards him. The cold water splashed on her legs with each timid step and she shivered and sighed but did not falter. With him, she could do this.

With him, she could do anything.

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Faust was satisfied as she followed him into the water. His eyes glowed as she repeated the words back to him. He'd nod his head encouragingly, a smile slightly apparent there, but nonetheless alive.

"Sȳz. Sīr sȳz," — Good. So good, he'd usher lightly, voice gentle as he continued to coax her. The fur of his chest was magnetized to her, pulling him closer. He carried through, letting her lean against him if she so chose. She weighed nothing in comparison to him— featherlight, but not nearly fragile. Too strong for her own good, his mind cursed.

He only wished to ease the burdens she carried. He saw some of them then— the fear of the water. Something brewed there. Something unknown to him. Something new. He wouldn't say a word about it. He wanted to ask. He had to bite his tongue.

"You and me," he would utter, letting his muzzle push into the fur of her neck, his words coming out as a mumble against her dark, lush fur. "Tove...you and me."

He'd say it like a blessing and a curse, like a sigh. Alluding to something that lingered there. Something that was always there, but they never said anything about it. Here, in this moment of solitude, he would open that door. But the minute they'd step out of this pool, it would be gone once more. "Always."

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Between his whispered encouragement and gentle coaxing, she realized she was acting much like a frightened two-toed would in the face of danger or a wolfling hearing about their blood rights for the first time.

But she didn’t care.

He didn’t make her feel less than or unworthy. He did everything just right and for that she would always be thankful. It only made her yearn for him even more. Yearn for the unknown.

Tove did her best to ignore the wetness that soaked her paws and clung to her ankles, her chest rising with each deep and unsteady exhale. It made her skin twitch and roll and she wanted to turn back the way they’d come. She wanted to so badly -

But she didn’t.

No.

Instead Tove stayed put, with Faust. She leaned into him, breathing in his cozy woodsy scent and let it wash over her. It centered her and brought her back down to earth. Made her feel secure and safe. It felt like home.

‘You and me.’ he’d uttered. ‘Always.’ A simple word whispered into her neck. A simple word that meant everything. It made her head spin and color rush to her cheeks as she felt a warmth spread through her that combated the chill she’d felt only moments before. The dark woman all but forgot the pool they stood in and as her heart raced for a new reason, she’d echo him, her own voice a whisper so quiet it could have been easily missed.

Cool water continued to ripple around them still but Tove’s focus was elsewhere. Solely on Faust. On the words he’d said. His closeness, his warmth. His whole being.

Slowly, but with determined tenderness, Tove leaned into his embrace wholly and buried her own snout into the blonde fur that pooled around his nape. A paw would lift and she’d lift it to his side as if to hold him closer, a wistful sigh escaping her. She wished they could stay like this forever but she too understood. She knew that this day had been special and once they rejoined the others - everything would be back to normal.

Like none of this had ever happened. Like they had never existed.

An always that had never been.

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