It was too easy to grow restless staying close, staying safe and secure wrrapped away from the world. In an attemp to relieve the suffocation she headed for the fields. Wide open, summer night sky with the stars and galaxies over head, she could see around for miles and know she was alone.

Well not entirely.

She looked to her side where @Gostir walked with her, and guiltridden she leaned over to press the weight of her shoulder into his. Thank you for coming out here with me. Just like they'd met when Sana had taken refuge away from her problems each time the world became too much he let her fade off into the distance, encouraged her to go elsewhere, to change the scenary. And tonight the stars were stunning, and she was glad there were no trees overhead to block their view of them.

He was relieved to have her back. And though he may be suffocating in his own way, Gostir had been staying extra close to @Sana. He wanted her safe and well but he knew she had inner demons and he would be willing to work them out for her if she'd let him. So when she asked for his company the Tollaire beast didn't hesitate and walked with her easily to the fields. Of course. I enjoy my time with you. He would comment. It was true and he had been restless when she went missing. So now he was soaking it up, fiery jewels looking to the sky and the stars above their heads. It was a nice breather compared to the forest they lived in.

irish

To his credit, he'd stayed. Gostir had been right where she'd left him. And while everything felt like it was on the edge of a knife she found security and safety with him. She dared to think maybe he'd really prove her wrong and that he would keep his promise, that he'd stay. She took a slightly longer step, aiming to pull a bit ahead of him and slink her body across his path, rubbing the top of her head along his chin and her shoulder and side down his chest. Gracefully slipping around to the other side of him only to fall back into step with him, slow and leaning against him while happily consuming their quiet moment and night alone. I need to thank you for before too. She'd been overwhelmed and he swept her away to someplace where she could think, someplace that the pressure went away. He always did. It was not so literal as a knight saving a princess from a great danger but it was infinitely more meaningful to Sana, these smaller acts. The ones that helped her where she truly lacked and needed to be helped.

The world could fall apart, and I'd still have you. Thank you. It was not the easiest thing in the world for her, letting herself feel vulnerable and come to believe he might really always be there. But she owed it to him, and to herself, to take that risk.

He walked and watched the stars until he felt her take a larger step than he and it caused him to glance towards her. The rub to his chin and chest caused a rumbling purr to escape and vibrate in his chest as he pressed gently into her own lean. Sana was the only one he was ever gentle to. In words, touch and everything else. It's no problem, love. He would muse and tease her as the continued on their walk. Ears twisting as he listened to their footsteps, their words, breathed in her perfume. It was all comforting to him. I told you I wasn't going anywhere. He would state, glancing to her. I watched my parents and their relationship. Even when my dad lost the Cove he came back to my mother - maybe not every not but still and I told myself I wanted a relationship like that. He would comment, opening up to her some.

irish

I saw a lot of lions come into my family's life. I've seen every one of them leave. It was nearly the opposite to the model of life Gostir had lived. It was all that Sana had come to expect for herself and her future. That she'd have to be able to do all of this by herself. Never be weak. I'm still not convince that sort of relationship exists. Sana suggested with a shrug. Unlike before when they'd talked she was much less pushy and sure of what she was saying. It came out vulnerable, a confession that her world view had not entirely changed despite how she warmed to the idea in these moments.

But if it is... I want you to be the one coming home to me. It was a role Sana didn't know existed- dutiful partner. She hadn't dreamt of a prince charming or of romance. Those things came with the pain she was more familiar with, never good. Not until him and she saw, she felt, what was so great about love. I love you too Gostir.

They truly were opposites in every aspect of their life. But perhaps that was what brought them together so easily. So smoothly. Just because it didn't happen with your family doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And that was very true. Granted, Gostir knew the hardship his parents had gone through to be where they are today, and it was something he admired about them. Something he strived for. She still doubted it but Gostir was here to prove her wrong. Let me show you then. He would muse just before she spoke those words and he stopped to look at her. A boyish grin forming on his features as he aimed to tackle her to the ground in a hug. I knew it.

irish

She shrugged. Lots of things existed she'd never seen. It was impossible to prove a negative. But Sana wouldn't be Sana if she didn't give him a little push back. And I doubt your parent's life is as simply perfect as you describe it either. There's still time. She frowned a tad but did not feel so heavy with the weight of thier conflicting views. In this one she'd happy be proven wrong in time, he'd earn the right to say I told you so.

He easily took her down to the ground in his enveloping bear hug, her features smoothered by the gesture and she was brought to gasp with surprise. No you didn't! Her voice rose up and she tried to twist her arm so that she could press the points of her claws on him, playful grin wrapping up her face. You were worried- beaten by a girl and she wasn't falling in love with you? I'd be worried.

They fell to the ground and he chuckled. Letting her arm wiggle and claws poke at his fur but Gostir didn't let go. He enjoyed this hug but soon he did let go and helped her back up. Maybe a little. He would admit before shaking his head at her with a boyish grin still plastered to his jaws. And you're right, my parents lives probably aren't but they still make it perfect for themselves. He would state to her as he sat down and glanced to the stars. When I was younger, I'd catch my father out in the middle of the Cove looking at the stars, praying to his own gods. I don't know what he was praying for but I find peace in the stars when there is no peace anywhere else. A little insight for her into his life.

irish

Well don't be. Worried that is. Sana accepted the help back up and as she rose up onto her legs she leaned inwards towards his face to place a light kiss on his jaw line. You'll beat me someday. She said coyly, winking while puling herself away fom him and that silly little grin he had on his face still. She turned away from him, looked up into the stars herself and hoped they alone would see the blush of her cheeks hidden well below her red pelt.

She, still looking up, would sit beside him and rest her shoulder to his gently. Not super cuddliy or in close contact. Leaving plenty of room to move and gaze overhead. Just the stars themselves or do you pray too?

Her kiss only further provoked his grin before he would kean into her touch gently. Still giving her space to move if she so wished it, taking it slow was the right way for this relationship and he was keen to make sure it was done the right way. One day. He would tease her just before she asked about his own praying. Both. I prayed to Osiris that I'd find you and you'd be alright. He would admit, not even breaking eye contact from the night sky as he admitted such thoughts. I've prayed to my families God's ever since I could remember. It had been born into him to do such a thing so why would he stop now?

@Sana

irish