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Inali nodded wordlessly, letting the previous conversation fade away in silence. Naia watched her patiently, waiting to see what the alluring woman would say next. It was entirely possible that she was simply here on business… that she needed more time, or wasn’t even interested in pursuing their connection anymore. The agouti lady’s tail flicked with worry at that thought. What if she had reunited with Simaea? It was unlikely but not impossible that Inali’s former lover had somehow been trapped in the northern eden for the winter. The scout’s tail flicked again, and she opened her mouth to say something—what she didn’t know—but her companion’s musical voice beat her to the punch.
”I’ve missed you.”
Naia‘s honey eyes widened, and she was sure she couldn’t speak even if she wanted to. Did that mean what she thought it did? The phrase hung between them, and Inali turned away in what appeared to be shame. Naia took a hesitant step toward the petite woman, cocking her head so that she might see her face better. ”I’ve missed… this.” She still refused to meet Naia’s eyes, which worried her all the more. Was Inail simply ashamed of her feelings, or was this some sort of introduction for a rejection? Naia couldn’t stand the tension anymore. With a swift step she closed the distance between the pair, pressing her forehead into the fur on the side of Inali’s face. ”I’ve missed you, too,” she whispered, just a hint of desperation in her voice. She pulled away after a moment, honey eyes searching Inali’s azure ones for a hint at what she was thinking. Her delicate maw opened to speak, and Naia held her breath.
..Meet tonight? Yes! YES!
”Yes.” Although her mind was screaming the response, the words came out in barely a whisper. ”Inali, nothing would make me happier.” Her voice was louder this time, coaxing the bashful woman to look at her. Naia took another step back, suddenly realizing that she was out in the open, where anyone in her pack could witness her every move. Though the relationship was untraditional, she certainly wasn’t ashamed of Inali... she just wasn’t ready to be the subject of pack gossip. Not yet, at least. ”In the cherry orchard, south of your territory?” she suggested, knowing that in the springtime the low-hanging blossoms would offer them ample privacy. It was certainly more convenient for Inali than their waterfall, and it would be right on her way home. She returned Inali’s coy smile, her heart nearly bursting at the thought of seeing Inali in the moonlight tonight.