Time was passing them by, and each day he spent with Claire was treasured. He was well beyond the age he imagined. The Greed before Claire always imagined himself going down in battle, but now he didn't mind if he went away in his sleep. As long as he was with her, he was content with his life. The pair walked side by side, a simple outing as they moved beneath the evening's twilight. Auster's winter was not so far away, another season to bring him another year closer to who knew what. Breathing in the crisp autumn air and Claire's sweet scent, the pair found a spot to sit and spend time together, away from the hustle and bustle of the pack. "Talk"

She enjoyed her time with her mate. They had grown fonder of each other as the seasons passed, and although she was much younger than him, it didn't matter. Claire had found her soulmate, she was sure. The hardened warrior really had a tender heart, and everything he had taught her and all that he'd shown her both skill and otherwise, it was safe to say she loved him for it. Everything about him was something she adored, from his rough around the edge mannerisms to the quietness he often engulfed himself with. He wasn't one to talk much, except with her. She didn't know what it was, but he was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Or at least, for as long as his own life would allow. She leaned into his shoulder as they sat beneath the stars in the Garden. The colors of the setting sun gave way to the twinkling stars of night, and she sighed in contentment. "Greed...I am grateful that you came into my life." She shifted, leaning further into him as her pale gaze looked up at the stars. "I am glad you came into my mother's life. My life. My family has trusted you with their lives for ages, and you know I've done the same," She turned her head to look at him, gazing fondly into the usually hardened blue pools. But she could always tell that when it came to her, there was a softness in them that wasn't there for anyone else. "Speak

He leaned into her touch. The softness of her fur and feeling her body against his in any way, shape, or form...feeling the life come from her. It truly set him at peace. He relaxed against her touch, letting himself go into a part of himself that he seldom, if ever, showed anyone else. The old Armada male leaned into her touch, turning his head into her neck as he breathed her in. When she spoke, he listened. Whatever she wanted, he would give. She was a selfless woman, courageous, sweet...he knew she was the woman he would do anything for. And when she spoke, her lyrics were like music to his ears. She told him that she was grateful he was in her life, and honestly? He could admit the same. "I feel the same. There's nobody in this world I trust more than you, Claire...but I think you already know that..." He lowered his head into her, letting her warmth and scent wash over him. He enjoyed spending time with her, and he would hold on as long as he could, if only for her now. "Talk"

She smiled warmly at his words, leaning into him a little more as he pressed into her. They had talked in the past about moving forward in their relationship, but they'd pretty much procrastinated for reasons unknown. She knew he wasn't one to press her. Hell, he had kept his own feelings a secret from her for a long time before she had finally gotten it out of him. From there, he had gotten the Aegis' blessing, and truth be told...she was ready. They weren't getting any younger, and he had no kin of his own, other than her now. She nuzzled his cheek, gently kissing his ear shortly after. "I'm...I'm ready..." She whispered, heart beating hard against her chest. Whether from anticipation, or nervousness or maybe even happiness, she wasn't sure. But she knew it was the time for what they wanted, and she didn't want to wait anymore. "Speak

As he drew in her scent and her touch, he was mildly surprised by her words. He lifted his head to look at her, but was quickly subdued by her nuzzles and soft kisses. He felt his spine shiver, his heart racing and hammering against his chest. Never before had he been with a woman. As embarrassing as it would be to admit out loud, but it was nobody's business either. Claire knew, of course. He had no secrets to hide from her. She was his soulmate, after all. "Are...you sure?" He murmured, eyes closing against her touch. He was met with a quiet murmur, and that was all that was needed. While he was sure of his decision, he waited for her. Always waited for her to tell him when she was ready. And it seemed tonight would be the night where they'd further become one. He gently nuzzled into her neck. Nibbled gently at her chin. Her ear. Her neck...he drank her in, slowly, surely. He gave her every opportunity to change her mind, but she didn't back away nor ask him to stop. If she did, he'd back off immediately...but he knew that she was sure about it. The pair were intertwined. Always had been. And tonight? Tonight was just them. Beneath the stars. He let himself get lost in the motions. Allowing her to lead if she so chose. -fade- "Talk"

She knew that this was what she wanted. She had no doubts that he was the one for her. As she lightly teased him, she could feel his body tense and relax. Could feel his heart slamming against his chest much like her own. She knew her mother would approve of her choice...after all, Greed was the man she had trusted the most both in life and death. And Claire trusted him just as much. He had never done her wrong. Had never laid a hand against her. He had always been kind and gentle to her. And tonight, their love and trust for each other would be shown. She shivered at his touch. The gentleness she felt in his kisses, in his motions. She closed her eyes, letting the world around her melt away as she fell into his embrace. Like him, she had never been with anyone. But tonight? Tonight would be a night to remember. -fade- "Speak