when can i see you again

Hopeless indeed. Both knew that it would never work out, and yet they both yearned for it anyway. Iolaire only hoped that Deathbelle would be able to cope as well as she could. Io knew that she would be fine. Heartache was in her cards, after all. She was a seasoned pro. Belle knew her share of it, but she didn't seem to be able to cope as well. Hopefully their continued close friendship would be enough to keep the woman afloat.

Belle expressed her wants for the night and Io grinned. "As you wish." Physically and emotionally exhausted, the small woman was pretty sure that she'd be able to sleep, at least for a little bit. She curled her body against the larger wolf, depositing nuzzles and caresses as she did so. No matter what tomorrow brought, Io would always be there for Belle if she needed her.

The nibbles and nuzzles to her own body were lulling the small woman into a state of utter contentment. Two-toned eyes drifted close more often than not. Blinks were getting longer and longer. Eventually, Io rested her cheek against Belle's chest, the beating of the woman's heart, her lullaby.

-Time skip to morning-

As usual, Iolaire only slept for a short while. Gently, she extracted herself from Belle's embrace, careful not to wake the sleeping woman. Day had yet to show its face and the land was still dark. Quietly, she placed another piece of wood on the coals which ate it up hungrily. Belle would stay warm until she woke. It would be better if she left now, before an awkward goodbye. There wasn't a need for a goodbye anyway. They were going to remain friends, right? They would see one another often. Still... Iolaire nosed into her pack and pulled out a purple desert flower. She placed it beside Deathbelle. Giving the woman one last, lingering look. Iolaire left the cavern and disappeared into the night.

-Exit-