i know your hope is heavy

Ah, it'd been awhile since he'd felt so.. delighted by the company of another. The grin that touched his lips seemed to never fade, and he didn't bother to contain his joy. It was obvious enough that they were both enjoying their interaction; what would he gain by downplaying it? The brute was not the type for mindgames and so no purpose in presenting himself as anything but genuine.

Her words made him chuckle again, somewhat appreciatively. "She's not just pretty," he spoke softly, as though thinking aloud to himself, "But quite cocky too. A lovely mix." He didn't mind the confidence, even if it was a bit excessive for most - though she seemed to be teasing more than anything.

She certainly was full of life. He appreciated that, more than he could display to her. He'd met so many wolves that were bogged down with.. nothingness. He thought very briefly of his dark-furred friend, the one he'd met years ago, who seemed like he'd been about to hop right off a cliff's edge. How could someone be so blind to see all life had to offer? It was easy to move away from the things that ailed you, for him at least. It was impossible for him to imagine such.. darkness.

The topic brought him back from his thoughts, and he shook his head. "You may only borrow my heart," he suggested, feigning a sad smile. "You must give it back after for someone else, not keep it forever." His own tone was playful his tail batting lightly against the earth. "Don't worry, I'll fend off the suitors," he decided, nodding as he leaned toward her - flicking his tongue against her shoulder. "If you'll let me, of course."