The trip didn’t take near as long as she wanted it to, and before she knew it Abaven’s borders were upon them. The end of their journey was upon them and Poem felt a bit sad that goodbye was coming. She liked being with Sparhawk, he was so jovial and sweet. A gentleman and a brewer. An interesting combination but she enjoyed him all the more because of it. She hoped he really did come back to see her again, but she knew where she belonged, and she couldn’t run off on another adventure with him. Poem had young siblings and responsibilities to tend to.

Still, she couldn’t help but focus on the way he made her feel, tingling on her toes and the fast beating of her heart. She was feeling the effects of the long journey, and though she couldn’t invite Sparhawk for more cuddles she craved her bed. Poem brushed her shoulder against him lightly as she could just make out the pack beyond. ”Well, there’s home.” A sigh followed after as bright blue and lavender eyes sought his garnet gaze. ”Is it bad to say I’ll miss singing with you?” She knew she aught not admit how she enjoyed being so close to him.

As they moved along, Sparhawk found that his every thought was of the woman beside him. He was completely enamored with her. Not only how pretty she was, for she was devastatingly beautiful, but of her mind, her voice, her mannerisms. She just had a way about her that hummed in tune to his own. Beneath all of that, she was sad. More than anything, Sparhawk wanted to fix that sadness. He wanted to bring happiness into the life of this glorious woman, for she surely deserved it.

Poem stopped and looked off into the distance. He did as well. It was her home and suddenly he wished that it was his as well, just so he didn't have to leave her side. Not just yet. He wasn't ready. She spoke his thoughts and admitted that she would miss him as well. "Miss Po-em..." He started very softly. "I will miss all of you." A sad little smile pulled at his maw. "I am hoping that I will be seeing you soon."

Running on auto pilot, Sparhawk took a step forward towards her. Rather than kissing her on the lips like he'd done before, the red man placed a kiss upon her forehead, right between the eyes. "Run along to your family now. I'm sure they miss you." Just like he would miss her. It was strange. In all of the interactions that he'd had with women, he'd never connected like this. He gave what was needed when it was needed and he carried on his merry way. This time... this time it was different. Much different. There was an ache in his stomach. He didn't want to go.

She found it hard looking up at him, knowing that any moment she would have to say goodbye. Poem thought she could get lost for days in his ruby gaze, and he was sweet as he spoke her name softly. He admitted himself that he would miss all of her and alongside her sadness she felt warm and fuzzy at his words. This feeling wasn’t hers to keep alone, he didn’t want to say goodbye anymore than she did. Still, he wished to see her soon, but who know when that would really be. She tried to stop her mind from thinking about the dark what ifs. ”I hope so too.” Poem returned her gaze back to his features, a sad but soft smile playing on her features for him.

He stepped forward and she watched him, not moving until his lips pressed to her forehead. She closed her eyes and leaned into his affection before he told her to go. ”Sparhawk..” Poem felt like there was so much unsaid between them, like something wasn’t complete. The young Destruction didn’t want to leave him, but the pull of her family was strong. Abaven was close, and that was where she belonged. But she felt herself yearning to be in his arms. ”It’s hard to just ‘run along’ after..” Oh gods above was she falling in love with him?

With one worried glance she closed the distance between them and pressed her chest to his and wrapped her neck around him, holding tight and wishing she didn’t have to let go.

"Miss Po-em..." he rumble-whispered again as she drew near. What was this sadness? It wasn't natural and he didn't like it. Sparhawk almost wanted to tell her that he would come home with her, but he couldn't do that. He couldn't commit so quickly. He had to know for sure. Absence... absence would let him know. It would let them both know.

As Poem drew close, wrapping her neck around his, Sparhawk sat on his haunches and pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his thick forelegs around her to hold her close like he had in the cave. He wished they'd never left that cave. Or at least that they hadn't left so soon. He wanted to spend more time with her. He wanted to know her.

Drawing back, Red eyes searched her face. "We will see each other soon. I promise this." Placing one paw on her chin, Sparhawk gently tilted her muzzle upwards. He met her lips with his own. A soft, gentle kiss for a soft, gentle woman. His brain wanted to say his woman, but it was too soon for that. They'd just met, but it was as though the fates designed it that way. Poem... she just felt right.

She knew that she had to turn and go home, there was nothing that could convince her otherwise. For a moment she wanted to persuade him back with her, but that didn’t feel right either. They needed to part, even if it hurt to admit that fact.

He lowered himself as she pressed close and Poem felt his arms wrap around her shoulders. She sighed heavily into his neck, feeling their time come to a close and dreading it. He pulled away and reluctantly she did too, meeting his garnet gaze with her blue and lavender eyes. Sadness lingered over them but as she met his gaze the she wolf felt her lips pull back into a smile. He promised that they would see each other again soon, she nodded lightly in agreement as his paw steadied her chin and he leaned in to kiss her softly.

Poem returned his affection, feeling her head swim and her stomach fill with the butterflies she thought had left. She wouldn’t have to be without him long, she could focus on her family and hope he returned swiftly. He promised her and sealed it with a kiss, Poem surely wouldn’t be left waiting long.

”Stay safe.” She whispered softly, pulling her lips from his as she instead pressed her forehead against his. ”Don’t make me miss you too long.” Poem told him boldly, hugging tightly to him once more. Why was leaving so hard? She released him and turned towards Abaven’s borders. Poem gave him another soft smile and forced her paws to carry her away.

-exit?-