take the heart you thought you had

He wasnt sure what to expext after delivering his challenge. He expected her to tackle her to the ground then and there. Wrestle him for a point, and thr right to boss him around. Instead, he ended up looked at her in surprise as she drew herself up. Head and tail held high, her posture as regal as a queen. His mouth dropped open in surprise and his thoughts became an illegible jumble. "Uhhhh..." he managed, snapping his jaw closed when he realised how it hung.

He was almost glad when she broke the spell with silliness. Splashing the rising tide at him once, and then again. The water sloshed against his face and chest, partly drenching a coat that only just begun to dry. "You'll pay for that!" He warned, jumped forward. She had been bouncing lithly on the spot, and took off as he came after her. He put on a burst of speed, determined to knock her into the ocean. His fully belly groaned in protest at the sudden exercise. His mouth dripped with blood and seasalt. Which was perfect, actually. He would clean his muzzle alright, in her fur!