He had been closed off for too long—never allowing himself to get close with another for fear of losing them. Before the blue-eyed sparrow XIX had accepted the fact that having someone to care for wasn’t in his cards. Hearthwood needed his full, undivided attention but this… this he could make work. She had already stuck around this long, proving her loyalty to the pack and to Lachesis. He needed to trust that she would stay, even if he was consumed by doubt.

Perhaps it was the night that she had visited his den in search of finding something to keep her nightmares at bay. He had invited her to stay, but why? To ensure she slept through the night, or because he was lonely and craved the presence of another? When she had left, well-rested and feeling much better, it did not feel right having a vacancy. Her scent lingered longer than he would have liked, which resulted in him not being able to sleep for a few nights. Or was it earlier, when they had stolen moments together at the lakeside, trying to poke each other’s brains. He did not know when these feelings he had been harbouring developed; it no longer mattered. What was important was that he had her now.

The blue-eyed sparrow did not waste any time in reassuring him. As quick as the frown had appeared, it disappeared, and Lachesis had to bury his face in her speckled fur to hide the wide grin he was now wearing. “Good,” he answered as he nipped at her ear, “because you’re not going anywhere.” He was holding her to this—even when the heat passed. She was stuck with Hearthwood—with him—now. “Put up with you? Val, you make it sound like a chore,” he cooed, bumping his shoulder against hers as he took a step back, his gaze softening as he studied her. 

He would worry about repercussions later—if there were any. The ghost did not know what his agouti co-lead had been up to since the start of March, for she (like Lilya) had a bad case of wandering paws. He knew it was wise to let the widow move about as she pleased and did not stop her to question her actions. Last year, due to Maksim's fatal sickness, she had been unable to breed… this year, however, it appeared that she intended to.

A lop-sided grin collapsed onto his pale maw as she spoke once more and filled the space between them with her body. He did not hesitate as he stepped forward, his chin returning to its previous position on her back. To think, what he had needed had been in front of him the whole time. Weeks of suppressed feelings had gone by, Lachesis swallowing them as soon as they surfaced. Because admitting them meant getting close, and getting close meant that they would leave. They always left. Which was why, even though pure joy flooded his veins, he was consumed by fear. Fear that this was all temporary—that once the heat had passed she would leave. Or that something better would come along and steal her attention, able to provide her with a more stable partnership.  

He would make this work—he had to. Without her he had nothing.

Trying to dismiss his thoughts, the ghost nipped at her shoulder before bounding away once more, this time falling into a playful bow. Lips curled into lighthearted snarl as his tail swayed behind him, beckoning her forward. He had more than enough time to tell her how he felt—in the confinements of his den—so while they had a moment to themselves Lachesis wanted to enjoy every second of it.

This felt like forever. It was different from the times he thought he had fallen before. He had been young then—inexperienced and still trying to figure out the world outside of the reserve. Clinging to whoever was closest and unsure of how to dissect his emotions. But this, this was so much different. Despite her quirks and the flaws that only she pointed out (as far as he was concerned, she had none) Lachesis had never felt so close to another. They were still learning things about each other; still figuring out what made the other tick. Perhaps that was why he was so captivated by her. He was always discovering something new about her every time conversation sparked between them. She was so unlike the females he had chased after in the past. Lilya was fiery; she argued with him and sometimes even defied him, always keeping him on his toes.

“Lachie?” He repeated in an amused tone, his head falling to the right slightly as he bounced on his paws, watching her. Every time she touched him fire radiated through his body. His body burned, yearning for the contact she only provided for a few moments. Was this how the blue-eyed sparrow felt? A low growl hummed through his teeth as she bumped his shoulder, her slender frame moving behind him. He snapped at the air behind her tail, a crooked grin revealing his white canines.  “I wouldn’t expect you to go easy on me, Val.” His paws shuffled as he inched away from her, hoping that the lack of contact was driving her as nuts as it was driving him. 

Despite the heartache that had come along with his former flings, Lachesis was grateful for their departures. Without them, he would not have connected with Lilya in this way. Perhaps a friendship would have blossomed, but nothing more. After Bastet had left him not one, but twice, Lachesis was positive that he wouldn’t be able to connect with another again. At least, not romantically. The blue-eyed sparrow before him proved to be an exception.

He knew that the further he inched away from her, the more irritated she got. While it was also driving him absolutely mad, he couldn’t help himself. XIX was no stranger to being in charge, but this… this was new territory for the healer.

He was taken aback as she rushed forward, her fur brushing against his. He had not expected that—her taking charge. Growling, he spun on his heels, apple-green eyes narrowing as she spoke; challenging him. He rolled his eyes, his tongue pressed to the back of his teeth before his spoke, his tone much soften than it had been before. “You don’t have to tell me twice,” he cooed, taking careful steps toward her, his gaze not once wavering from her agouti frame.

FADE, THE END <3