Hiiro - NovaCracker
&
Kai - Das Tor

Das Tor
Kai lay on her back on a large, flat, sun-warmed stone, looking up at the blue sky through a break in the trees. It wasn't often that she felt the way she did at that moment, but now and then...she missed the desert. Missed the exodus. Missed being somewhere that wasn't trees and humid heat and mists and flowers so vivid they had to have been made by celebrating gods. Her paws itched for dirt that wasn't rich and loamy, for old familiar grounds, or for new ones far off. Sighing, she closed her eyes, then opened them again with a sad smile.

"I know you're there, Hiiro. You can come out, Mister Grump, or I'll come and get you out."


NovaCracker
He'd mostly followed to keep her out of trouble really. Though, not commonly affectionate... Or emotive... Hiiro was approachable, and he thought his approachable was fit for few. Like her..

The male ambled out when called, licking Kai once before his furred bottom plomped in the dirt cally, the male staring intensely at her with his eyes.

"Hn."


Das Tor
Kai giggled, tail swishing as she shifted to her front. "As articulate as ever, I see. Well, I have a notion as to why you're out here. Making sure I don't do anything like Mathair used to do, hm?" She'd heard the stories of her mother's crazy shenanigans from her younger seasons, just as anyone else in the pride had. "Or did you just want my lovely company~?" She loved her mate, but he wasn't the most emotional or affectionate sort most of the time.


NovaCracker
Hiiro was thoughtful, before shrugging, nodding toward Kai idly.

"Both."

He loved his mate, he did, but verbalizing was... Not easy. Not comfortable in his mouth usually, and the male sought to try to accomodate her need to talk, and his quiet daily.


Das Tor
“Ah, well I certainly have no issues with that. No...I’m just thinking today. About the past, the future…” She closed her eyes, tilting her head to one side a bit. “I miss the desert and getting to see new places, Hiiro. I love home, but…” It was the same things, day in and day out. Even the new things they found weren’t….really NEW anymore. “I don’t want to leave everyone behind, mind you, I’m just...maybe I need a temporary change in scenery.”


NovaCracker
Hiiro listened quietly, before nodding slowly before shrugging.

"You've wandering paws." He said calmly. "As Sakura."

He didn't elaborate, didn't say more, instead simply settled again, licking her cheek as silent affirmation he didn't mind following her, regardless, the lean male shrugging again.


Das Tor
“You’re...okay with it? I know you get touchy about my safety.” She headbutted him gently, a rumble escaping her throat. She was glad he wanted, or was willing, to follow her. Because life without him was just something she didn’t ever want to see or See. He’d been with her since her cubhood, and if she had to wander without him…

Well, she wasn’t sure her heart could take it. “I’ll try to be careful while we’re out there, though!”


NovaCracker
Hiiro nodded, stretching a moment before licking her cheek, beginning to groom her reassuringly, rumbling in his chest. At her last comment however, he snorted in amusement.

"Hn!"


Das Tor
“Oh come now! I can be careful!” She pouted at him, but didn’t move from the grooming. She fully admitted she loved being groomed, especially by him. It was one of the few forms of affection he didn’t struggle so much with. Not that she’d ever change a thing about him. She loved him just as he was, and every step forward he made in expressing himself was a precious gift she treasured. “I’m thinking of starting for the desert. Start with familiar territory.” She’d been young when the exodus occurred...but not so young she didn’t remember the way.


NovaCracker
Hiiro paused, and shrugged, tilting his head.

"Desert was dry." He noted, before grooming a bit more. "There is visiting neighbors first as well."

He then settled to groom again, rumbling idly in his chest as he did so, nuzzling her softly.


Das Tor
“I know it’s dry.” She huffed. “And we’re not leaving today. There’s too much to do first. People to talk to, supplies to gather…” She nosed him. “Neighbors? Who is visiting? The Dvergr or the Aegnor?” Oh! She was excited! “Oh! Or maybe Elua’s group? Or someone from the Pridelands!” Maybe her great-aunt Irit? She loved when her great-aunt visited! The trickster-lioness was always wonderful to be around and had the best stories!


NovaCracker
"I meant," Hiiro said calmly. "We can visit." The male smiled at her excitement however, chuckling calmly as he licked her cheek.

It was so cute when she got excited. Cute, and sweet.


Das Tor
The female paused, then felt the skin beneath her face-fur warm. “OH! Oh! Uhm…” She ducked her head, sheepish smile on her muzzle. “Sorry. I just...well, we’ll have to visit great-aunt Irit, then! Maybe bring her some of the fruit she likes when she can visit!” Yes, that would work! “And then perhaps our family in the prides on the way to our old birthplace! We are all rather scattered, for all that the bulk of our families are here.”


NovaCracker
"We could do that." Hiiro drawled again, smirking. "And then perhaps we can go forward and bring them treasures from each pride we visit before. Then that way, you bring them stories and a gift from one story. Especially in case of cubs."


Das Tor
“That’s a brilliant idea!” Kai licked her mate’s cheek excitedly, then nuzzled him. “Things that will last, of course! Can’t show it off to our cubs, when we finally have them, if the treasure has gone and wilted away.” Hmmm...what best to collect...perhaps it was a decision better left for the moment when it came. “I love you, Hiiro. You and that sweet, sentimental mind you’re hiding under all that grump.” Really, she had the best mate in the world, and no one could ever tell her otherwise.


NovaCracker
"It's practical." Hiiro noted, and shrugged. "Lasting gifts are practical."