The Way It Ends

And her words did, though it took several moments for it to actually register. Her own ears flicked back in concern as she gazed at the taller, white-furred man. Was he truly so exhausted? It seemed so when it took even longer for him to focus on her, and then to react. What was going on? She had a feeling she knew, and she frowned at him, even as she pushed forward to nuzzle his shoulder in an affectionate greeting. “Hey, Bass,” she replied, unable to keep the concern from leaking into her soft voice. She started to ask what was happening, demanding answers, something, when he started to speak. “Hmm?” she tilted her head to the side when he trailed off. He seemed… embarrassed about something? Her face furrowed briefly in confusion. What would he be embarrassed abo- oh. He completed the statement, and she froze entirely, eying him warily. “Help with what?” she questioned, not entirely certain she liked the way he said that, let alone the little flinch at the end of the words. She would be there no matter what, but now she was getting even more worried.