When spring comes

He was glad she didn’t draw away when he drew her in for the hug. It was part of his nature that he liked to touch and be touched by his family, and had no problems with holding his sisters tight and warm when they needed a hug. His endeavor to make her laugh or smile was successful, and his heavy tail swept the ground behind him in delight at the success. As she spoke and leaned her head back against him, he set his chin on top of her crown, content to sit back on his haunches, paws comfortably draped around her smaller frame.

A rumbling chuckle answered her talk of his having Celestial. “I can definitely find time, and I’ll happily make some. I just hope that when Creed’s ready to retire, I can find a good Right Wing to take his place.” His head tipped to catch her eye as she looked up, assuring him that she wasn’t running away. He listened, nodding. “You do need that chance. You’ve been getting quieter and quieter. It doesn’t take a genius to know you haven’t exactly been the happiest you could be.”

At her admission of jealousy, of him of all wolves, he laughed lightly. “Hah! There’s nothing to be jealous about.” His tongue lolled cheerily from the side of his jaws, fathomless sapphires sparkling. “You’re way better looking than me.” The grin parted his jaws further, teasing, though he was sincere.