Location: Lazuli Falls Duchess had turned a coin when they returned to the castle after their last time coming out and the deep emotions they shared. She hoped that Indigo was able to forget, or at least let what happened slide back in history. She didn't really ever want to bring it up again, but there was always the thought in her own mind that when they went to do it again, and man did she wish they would, that she would fall back into those lesser emotions. She didn't want to, but it seemed while the physical feeling had been replaced with a better one, her mental state needed a tune up now. She promised Indigo a swimming trip, or well she insisted. They were still young, she wanted to have fun. She would suggest the swim before dragging him out of the pack lands, her once free spirited attitude back with her. She wouldn't take him to the ocean though, instead she led him to the falls that were once close to where she grew up. She never really had enough time to admire them, but Indigo would give her that opportunity now. The greenery was even more lush as they grew closer to the falls, the sound of the pounding water had her excited as they made their way to the destination. They finally came to the pool of water that the falls fell into. Flowers lined the ridge and bank of the pond, only adding that special touch that was remnant of the first time they lost themselves in each other. Her eyes were stuck in her own reflection down in the glowing water. Walk "Talk"

Indigo supported Duchess in whatever way she might need, he’d gotten her a nice dinner with a few dried cherries to help her get some sleep. He hadn’t left her side and she seemed to recover from the deeper emotions within. Indy hadn’t forgotten the scar he’d felt just beneath the fur on her hips, but just like his own secrets Indigo didn’t know how to confront them. He wanted to know Duchess more completely, and that meant delving deeper into her past. What had been done to her before he’d found her? Maybe he didn’t truly want to know.

The maned wolf followed Duchess into the wilds once more, he’d taken no hesitation in scouting and gathering plants for the stores. This trip was not entirely disguised as an herb scouting mission, as he knew they were headed somewhere to swim. Indy had teased her about it, and finally warmth had returned enough that the water wouldn’t be freezing. Mostly Indigo felt relieved when she led him to a secluded series of waterfalls. The greenery was incredible and the water was an amazing shade of blue. He grinned as brilliant blue eyes found Duch’s slim frame as she was transfixed at the waters edge.

Indigo lowered the supplies he’d brought to the ground, then paced forward to stand at Duchess’s shoulder. He leaned in and nuzzled her cheek before he took a tentative step forward into the chilly water. It wasn’t as warm as it looked, but it was bearable to the point it’d be more comfortable after adjusting for a few minutes. Indigo still kept his tail curled above his back, and was reluctant to dip more sensitive parts into the water.

He turned slightly in the deep blue water to silently invite Duchess forward into the pool with him.

Her gaze stayed down at her reflection, watching Indigo's as he came into the picture. She moved into his nose as it touched her cheek, closing her eyes to the touch and then turning towards him as he pulled away and moved into the fall's water. It was what they came here for after all. She followed closely behind him as he gave her an inviting notion. She went a little more quickly into the water, but it wasn't because she was much smaller than Indigo, it was because she knew better. Breaking the ice water needed to be quick to not suffer through it. She wouldn't scold Indigo about it though, she found it cute as he took his time. Once she had her footing on the ground under her, she dunked her head and whole body under the water. It tasted oddly sweet on her lips, rushing back up and turning to Indigo now that she was quickly used to the chill. She went to jump up over his shoulders, not an easy task, but in attempt as if she could dunk him in. Either way, she removed herself and treaded further into the pool where her paws couldn't reach the bottom, spinning to swim backwards with her belly slightly upward as she looked back to Indigo with a tempting grin. How much longer was he going to wait the join her? Walk "Talk"

He flinched as Duchess embraced the water much more wholeheartedly than he was willing to. He hadn’t actually planned on getting much more wet than he already was, mostly to appease the girl. When he watched her dunk underwater he realized he had assumed incorrectly. He lowered a brow suspiciously as she swam closer, and gasped at the cold water as it splashed up at his belly. ”Oh, hey! cold!” Indigo was hit at the exact right time for Duchess and the exact wrong time for him. He fell back into the water, unable to catch his footing he was forced all the way back and he was suddenly underwater.

Indigo lost his breath but he managed to get to the surface before he gasped for air. He shook himself in the water, suddenly soaked all the way through. He sucked in a few short breaths through his lips as his blue gaze searched for Duch’s delicate frame. He searched fo there, but his mind looked for Aslatiel. He furrowed his brow and shook his head lightly as he lowered himself back into the water and paddled slowly after Duchess.

She gave him a playful grin as he slid through the water towards her tiny form. He returned the expression, as the days went on he could more easily shove his emotions down the deeper ones that haunted him were difficult to silence. Duchess helped him more than she knew though, that proof in the slight smile on his dark lips.

He swam up beside her and held his breath as he trailed his nose up her belly through the water, ending with a rather wet kiss as he made his way to her lips.

Duchess tingled again to Indigo's touch along her belly, waiting there for the kiss after, taking in the sweet taste of the sugar falls as their lips touched. The water surrounding them was strange, thick and barely letting them see their legs under them. But she wasn't paying much attention to the falls now. All her her thoughts were on Indigo. Her front paws had reached out to touch his body, more so on his chest or a shoulder while they kept a gentle kiss in the flow of the pool of water. She carefully pulled away keeping a lustful eye on him while she pushed herself backwards again, gesturing with a pull of her grasp to get him under the crashing falls with her. Indigo nearly made her feel like a queen, maybe his queen at least. It seemed he wanted nothing more than to share their love and affection, it wasn't something she would take lightly. After feeling the aggressive side of her previous lover, spending nearly all her time with Indigo in the affections he offered her let the days she suffered surpass her thoughts. The rush of the falls fell over of her, as if washing away all the old damaged feelings now that she had taken almost every step in her and Indigo's relationship. She found her footing along the very back of the falls where the water was no longer crashing. A ledge behind her into to hidden cavern behind them, and she waited again for Indigo to follow her as if she couldn't be undesirable. Walk "Talk"

Duchess returned his kiss for a long few moments, she warmed his chest as she placed her paws upon him. Being close like this was the welcome distraction Indigo needed. He felt like he was sick, and the only solution to his symptoms was the girl in his arms. While he yearned for the cure he knew how far away it actually was. Duchess pulled away, but the look she gave him kept the young man on her trail. He followed underneath the pounding falls, letting the sweet water pour over him.

This first adventure after their time together had a much different tone than any scouting mission before. Duchess led him into the cozy space beyond the waterfall, and as he blinked open bright blue eyes he was mystified by it all. The crystalline sound of the water falling, the magical lighting, and Duch’s pretty face awaiting him. Indigo followed her forward, nose to her hip as he intentionally uncovered the scar that resided there. He made o effort to hide his attention there with little kisses before he moved to her shoulder.

There was so much he didn’t know about her and about her past. None of it mattered in the present moment. That was why being with her helped him so much. She made him forget about and past or future, all they had was right now. The corners of Indy’s lips pulled back into a devilish grin as he worked his way into the wet fur of her scruff, nips and nibbled along her skin the whole way up to her ears. He wanted to feel her warmth against him and ward off the chill of the cool water. He wanted to feel the burn of desire again, but at the back of his mind still worried about Duchess and her wellbeing. Was he making the right choices? It felt like it. Indigo nuzzled along her jaw then, wondering if she would lead him along further.

She hadn't taken much care to notice Indigo's touch of delicacy on the two lined scar of her hip. She had honestly forgotten about it. Had it been more prominent on her face or something similar, it may have been a different story. But she was blessed not to have to look at it every day or worry about calling herself ugly. Duchess may have had some insecurities, but she was pretty confident in her beauty and at least the scar on her hip did little to affect that. Being with Indigo just boosted up her spirits even more. She let him love over her body, she was completely open to where Indigo wanted to touch her, even if she still struggled with the deepest intimate actions. She didn't want to feel that way though, she hoped one day she could move on with Indigo and not have to suffer from the trauma she once experienced. She lifted her chin, revealing the most vulnerable parts of her neck as he trailed along, moving her body with the length of his kisses. Now that he could be on even ground, her paws reached forward to hug around his shoulders before lingering her lips just before his. Her eyes looked up at him as if thanking him, she had so many times. She almost hoped he could read her mind by now, but of course a thank you wasn't the only thing swirling inside. She crept closer to his lips, eventually taking them and moving into slow, long motions. These felt different than any time before, maybe because her own intent of their time here had settled on her mind long before. Of course, when she first suggested swimming not all that long ago, she wouldn't have imagined this was how they spent their time together. She pulled gently away with an exhale, her eyes slowly opened to look up at him, "What do you want, Indigo...?" Her question was lustful but genuine. It seemed that they had broke the ice of her trauma, she found herself incredibly confident and open to him in a new way, and it may have even unlocked a new side of her. Walk "Talk"

Duchess didn’t make any comment on his interest in the scar that adorned her shapely hips. Indigo was curious, but he had so much more of her to explore that there was no lingering. The girl moved with him as Indigo touched and teased her skin, he was slow and careful, but traced his teeth over sensitive areas while he trailed up her form. The way she moved against him was so different from the first hesitant time they had one another. Indigo didn’t hold himself back as long as Duch was receptive to his eager actions.

She lifted her head as he traced her jaw line, giving him complete access to the vulnerable lifepulse at her neck. Indigo took a deep breath of her, savoring the scent mixed with the magical water all around them. Deep blue eyes closed as he savored her. Indigo traced jer jugular vein until the girl shifted, and their lips were reunited once again. The actions had long begin the undying fire deep in Indigo’s belly. Electricity raced over his damp skin. Excitement thrilled him and sent wave after wave of indescribable emotions through his entire being. There was no pain or sorrow as long as he clung to the tiny girl.

She kissed him and refused to allow any hesitation in the way she showed her affection. Indigo followed, realizing that she wanted him as much as his desire for her. He could easily get lost in her, and he would have because words were not needed. They spoke with their bodies and their affections. Indigo felt an incredible surge within as she whispered to him. The implications were obvious as she offered up the whole of her to him. Indigo thought himself obvious but he chuckled all the same as he wrapped his huge arms around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his chest as he leaned back against the smooth stone behind him.

”Isn’t it obvious?” He returned in a heady whisper as he nibbled along her jaw once more while his huge paws explored the gentle curves of her dainty body. ”I want you.” He returned to her lips, this time taking the kisses from her as he tested her perseverance against her traumas. ”Again and again and again.” Indigo rumbled with a deep chuckle as he pulled her into him, like they couldn’t be close enough.

She held a delicate yet somehow strong grip on him, but her grasp agreed that they couldn't be close enough. Still, she moved gently with his nibbles and smiled gingerly as he responded. It was what she wanted to hear, it's what she expected. She hummed with admittance that she felt the same way, she always wanted Indigo to indulge in her. She wanted to feel desirable, like she belonged by his side and like they were meant to be. Just like him, everything else was shut out when they were together like this. Her experiences with Draco, The Hallows, and the girl that shared their den. She would do anything for Indigo, even at the price of her full happiness, not that there was any realization of the future he would hold. "And I want you, Indigo." Her actions were much more serious and lustful as they moved forward, their own experience from their previous times together led up to this moment, the moment after breaking the barrier of her pain and anxiety. She never would have imagined her life being like this, loved in the arms of Indigo. Knowing the pleasure and delicacy of his touch even being the intimating brute he may have appeared. She knew him otherwise, and she would never look at him the way she did during their first meeting after he took the saber's life. She knew him better than a dangerous beast, and she at least knew he would never hurt her like that. With his own exploring paws, her hips locked into his and she asked with her body what she wanted again, only the familiar tense of her body as they started and release after the thin barrier was broken. She still wasn't entirely fixed, but there was no panicking or shaking this time. Indigo had shown her the better ways of what they wanted, Duchess didn't only want this to please him, she enjoyed it too. -fade- Afterwards, she clung to his body while the water settled around them, her cheek against his as she still took in the moments before. And there was that down from the high, that emptiness that rushed over her. She shoved it down deep, she didn't want to feel this way every time she was with Indigo, but she assumed that needed time just as her other insecurities did. She pulled away, her paws resting on his chest before she turned to pull herself up on the ledge to the cavern behind them. Shaking quickly, she laid down between the dripping stalagmites and waited for Indigo to join her again. The scar on her hip he had cared for that she had nearly forgotten about was facing him to no acknowledgement. Walk "Talk"

She followed his lead, both of them finding and following the same path of desire. Her grip on him was stronger, much more desperate than anytime before. Indigo fed into her need, returning the eager and selfish grasps at her body as he pulled her closer and wrapped himself around her. He didn’t have to think about how difficult life was beyond the waterfall, he could be here intoxicated by Duchess. She returned his sentiments, her sweet voice a subtle suggestion as she moved over him with confidence and thought in every motion. Indigo rumbled deep in his chest, the sound echoing the voice of desire deep within.

His heart began to race as she moved against him, her uncertainty quickly disappearing as they lost themselves in one another. This time was even easier, a smooth transition to such a passionate dance. Indigo aimed to give more than he received, as he took as much pleasure in the physical as he did watching Duchess express her own bliss. He couldn’t deny the beauty of her here in the mystic light behind the falls, and there was no second thoughts as he adored her there in the water. She put a grin on his face and dissolved his cares, Indigo indulged without restraint.

-fade-

Indigo gasped for breath and held Duchess tightly to his chest as their hearts beat in sync and their minds caught up with body. Indigo’s mind was filled with fluff and intense emotions that were better left undisturbed. She never said the words I love you but as he felt her cling to him Indigo could almost feel it. Again the gnawing feeling of guilt tugged at his conscious and again he pushed it away with his entire being. Ignoring it wouldn’t solve anything, but surely he had time to figure everything out… But a nagging voice assured him that he had already gone much too far.

He squashed it as he wrapped himself around the dainty girl and kissed the wet fur of her. His whole body was tingling and alight, and he just wanted to hold onto her and the feeling for longer. Duchess pulled away though, pulling herself to the ledge of the cavern. Tilting his head Indigo followed after her. Not truly wanting to stop touching her. He knew the empty feeling of being apart, and simply a paw or being beside her soothed the deep sense of loneliness. She lowered herself delicately on the floor, and Indigo was faced again with the scar that adorned her. He lifted himself and smoothed out as much water as possible before he padded closer, his muzzle again attracted to the once terrible wound. There was a silent question as he kissed the damaged skin and looked up to her in silent question.

Indigo lingered for only a moment as he trailed more kisses up her spine and curled his massive frame around her. He just wanted to hold her tight.

It was only this time she noticed Indigo mentioning the permanent mark on her. Her eyes flicked quickly away from him as if she was embarrassed, not necessarily because she didn't want to talk about it. Maybe just a little. He still trailed kisses up her body, wrapping himself around her once again. She wouldn't refuse, he was always welcome to embrace her, it was what she was asking for anyway. She didn't mind his still overly wet mane surrounding her, it was worth it to be with him like this. Her eyes flicked again to him and away, struggling to address what his eyes previously suggested. She wasn't against telling Indigo anything he wanted to know, but they spent all of their time with silent emotions and feelings. Now that she was confronted with something, it felt weird to even put words together. "He... Uh-" She wasn't exactly sure how she even wanted to word anything. Would Indigo want to track down Draco to the ends of the earth to punish him? She didn't want that. She would have much rather everything been put behind her and forgotten. There may have been a part of her that could have still loved Draco, but it was probably because of the abuse. "Grabbed me." Her gaze struggled to be anywhere but the floor away from Indigo, this was definitely not one of her best moments beside him, "When..." Her eyes carefully moved up to Indigo's, as if speaking non-verbally to him. She tried not to think about it too much but she hoped Indigo had caught on. When she tried to get away from Draco when he caused her the trauma built up inside, it was the first thing he did to keep her down. Which was a reason she was glad she didn't have to look at it everyday. As much as she was willing to open up to Indigo, there were also just things she wished he didn't want to know. Walk "Talk"

Indigo watched her carefully, the two of them often fell back to speaking with subtle cues instead of words. Sometimes it was easier than trying to make them form on his tongue, others where none fit right. Like now. She looked away from him bashfully as he nosed the scar and carefully worked his way up. Duchess didn’t resist him as he held onto her tighter, but he could feel the uncertainty and trepidation in her body as she struggled going forward. Indy wrapped his neck and head around her, protecting her from any threat from the outside.

When she did begin to speak Indigo almost regretted his silent question. Dark ears fell to his skull as he tried to ignore the swelling frustration in his chest. Knowing another man had caused the damage, and what he’d done to further hurt the dainty woman in his arms. Indigo withheld his emotions and just poured all of his efforts into making her feel safe now. Like nothing would ever happen again because he would not allow it.

Duchess stiffened as her voice trailed off, leaving the words unsaid. Indigo was so glad for it too. He pinned his eyes shut and grit his teeth, hating the truth that was laid out for him. Indigo held onto her tighter and willed away the pain that had been caused. ”Shhh…” He tried to soothe her softly while kissing the backs of her ears. She didn’t have to say anymore. Nor did she have to say anything else about it ever again. Indigo had been given his glimpse, and he couldn’t handle anymore. He could only vow she would never be made to feel like that ever again. ”I’m sorry.” Indigo told her quietly, knowing the distress he caused digging at old wounds.

Indigo wouldn't ask her for more, as if that little bit was enough for him to understand. But it wasn't. There was so much to Draco that he didn't know, she didn't know if he ever would. They knew of the broken emptiness they felt inside, Indigo knew of her traumatic experiences, Duchess knew of the loss he was going through as they laid here in the cavern behind the falls. But Duchess didn't know Indigo had secrets behind him, and Indigo didn't know the more fine details of what she had gone through. That didn't mean she wasn't grateful. Right now in this moment, that was all that needed to be said. She wouldn't be upset because he asked her for more, and she wouldn't be upset because he didn't. Even though their physical relationship had taken giant strides forward, their emotional one was moving like molasses. The shared a lot of intense feelings, but it was a feeling of love in a way. The rarely ever shared the hurt and beaten thoughts on their mind. That was okay now, but when would it not be? At some point they had to open up, and one day fully. "It's... not your fault." Her body leaned into him as she tilted her neck back to look in his eyes. She seemed to mimic words he once told her. Maybe it was a way of her getting him understand her better. Either way, it wasn't intentional but she always caught herself in the act of doing so. She nestled in closer, her chin falling gently down to rest on his foreleg, "Please hold me Indigo." She begged, her eyes closing tight while facing away from him. Still she felt that emptiness that she had been pushing aside. She wasn't letting it reveal itself but she never felt close enough to Indigo since they had gone all the way. Walk "Talk"

Indigo held onto his deeper secrets, admitting where his heart was hadn’t come easily. Not even to the girl who let him pretend he was whole. They shared a similar brokenness that drew them together, and neither of them had to say explicitly what haunted them. They simply felt the other’s distress and tried to keep it at bay. Indigo really could forget when they were together like this. He could focus on how good it felt to have her in his arms instead of how empty he really felt inside.

Her sweet voice reached his ears as she lifted her dual toned gaze to reach his own bright blue eyes. He tried to offer a smile in return as he pressed his nose gently against hers. He knew that none of it was her fault, but like he’d felt before: he’d never wanted to cause her distress, even with his silent questioning. He didn’t want to make her relive the horrors for him. Duchess lowered her gaze as she curled against him tightly, snuggling her head against the wet fur on his chest.

She begged for him to hold her, and Indigo couldn’t do anything but. He wrapped her tighter and pressed his paws against one shoulder and hip as he held her tightly against his huge form. Like he would never let go. He pressed his cheek to hers and kissed her muzzle softly, trying to touch as much of her as he could reach. Indigo could feel the tension in her body, and tried to will away the stress with rhythmic kisses and his paws tracing gently over her fur. ”I won’t let go.” He promised her, not until she wanted free of his grasp.

Duchess felt relieved from the physical pressure Indigo gave her, but it still didn't fill the emptiness after their time together. She wondered if it would ever be enough. It felt like she was on top of the world with Indigo at her side when they indulged in each other, but afterwards she felt in ruins. She waited, a long long while, just letting Indigo hold her after she pleaded for it. Her tiny tongue laid a few licks at his paws in a means of grooming him, but didn't shuffle her body around in the slightest. She didn't want to disturb the way they were cuddling. She rested her chin back on his forepaw, not really wanting to leave but it felt like it was time. They had spent so much time out here, it was probably best they returned before anyone was worried with everything going on. "Carry me home, Indigo?" Her neck tilted so she could get a side glance of his own features. She was ready to remove herself from him, climb aboard, and go back home. "I can help you dry off by the fire." Walk "Talk"

He was glad that she didn’t want him to let her go because Indigo might have refused her. After being together so intimately that was all he wanted was to curl up beside her and hold her tightly to him. He didn’t feel the same blinding emptiness he created in her, but the natural feeling of wanting to be close afterwards clung to him. He caressed her back lightly as they lay there basking in the afterglow. Indigo felt nearly complete, as close as he could get without having Aslatiel in his arms. His mind remained focused on Duchess and the way her fur felt beneath his paws. How warm she was against his chest, and how lovely she smelled as he breathed in nothing but her scent. He gently groomed his paw and Indigo did the same, licking her ears slowly and sweetly.

Indigo was still wet, the cold water clung to his thick fur, but it was easy to ignore while he had Duch so close. They lingered in the cavern for a long time, pretending that the outside world didn’t exist. He wore a small grin on his features as contentment settled over his massive form. Eventually the girl’s bright dual toned eyes found him again. Indy smiled at her as their eyes met and she asked that he carry her home.

They had been gone for long enough, even if Indy could have stayed there with her for days he knew they ought to get back. He also knew he was about to get more wet before he got dry. ”I like the sound of that.” Indigo replied softly as he hesitantly made his way to his paws, and then helping Duch to her feet. He slipped back into the frigid water and waited for her to make herself comfortable on his shoulders before wading back under the waterfall and carrying her back to the path and the pack he’d abandoned on the way. There were a couple of furs that would help start the drying process while they returned to the castle.