He didn't seem too enthusiastic for her to join him, but then again, for a reserved male of little words, she rarely saw him jumping up and down with joy. Sometimes she wished he would speak more so she wouldn't have to guess his feelings for most of the time. Perhaps his quiet, almost mysterious self was what she had taken a liking to. If only he could feel the same way about her, but that was as likely as her finding her long-lost family. Me? Like him? No no no, I must have eaten something weird, she told herself, mentally shaking her head for the millionth time. What was with these thoughts? Her mind always seemed to wander into its own world, its own fantasy. Surely it wasn't because her friend was around. No, it had to be this heat of hers.
She noticed a small smile creep to the male's features as he offered his help his assistance in making her den. It was rather generous of him to say so, and a part of her wanted to accept his help gratefully, but she needed to do it on her own. Besides, she didn't want to him to waste his time making a den - that was just silly. She didn't want him to think she was needy or lazy either, nor did she want him to think she was selfish or not grateful enough to accept his help. What was she to say? "Thanks," she commented with a smile, feeling a little colour blossom to her cheeks. "I'll call you if I need any help." That didn't sound too clingy, did it? It wasn't like she always howled for him whenever she needed every tiny possible solved. Oh, why was she so self-conscious all of a sudden? Why did she worry over how her words would affect him and what he would think of her?
She hardly took notice of her friend's worrier side; she just thought it was nice of him asking her how she was doing, how she was feeling, and in this case, if she was settling in alright. It showed that he cared, and although that was nowhere near to him "liking" her, it was better than him taking no interest in her at all. "Yes," she answered with a nod, about to end the subject there before quickly adding, "And you? Are you settling in alright?" Because of her now self-conscious self, he'd think of her as rude for not returning the inquiry, and that wouldn't help her getting him to "notice" her.
The lake grew closer with each step she took by his side. Sometimes she found herself staring down at the ground, completely mesmerised with every detail of his paws - the way he placed them, lifted them, everything. Hopefully he wouldn't notice, and before he could, she sought to gently tap him on the shoulder with a paw. Flashing a toothy grin, she chirped, "Tag, you're it." and bolted off towards the lake, hoping to close the final few metres before he caught up with her.
"Speech" |
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