Tell me, am I going crazy?

Listening to those louder murrs that came from Briar when his kisses to her throat became more insistent sent a shiver down his spine that he had never felt before. He couldn't discern the feeling, but he liked it. He liked making Briar happy, make her feel good, make her smile and giggle and murr and squirm whenever he touched her or kissed her certain ways, using her reactions as a guide to figure out what she liked best. He suddenly realized that he would get a lot of chances now to learn what she liked best. What her favorite meal was. Where her favorite places to be were. Whether she was an early morning or late night kind of wolf. What were her favorite kinds of flowers? All the little nuances and details that made up Briar Fatalis were now a mystery game for him to figure out, and he couldn't wait to get started!

His enthusiasm would have to wait, however, as Briar's rubbing paw on his head was quickly relaxing him so much that his body had gone limp, right on the verge of lulling him to sleep. His kisses to her neck became slower and more infrequent as the boy grumbled and struggled to keep his eyes open. It just felt sooooooo good! Eventually Briar would relent, allowing Artorias to lift his head to peer up at the gorgeous wolf in his arms while she smiled down at him, content to study those beautiful turquoise irises for the rest of time. It made his heart soar to be able to bring her this kind of joy and peace, and he was once again reminded of his mother's words, how the wolf he fell for would have him concerned over her wellbeing for no reason other than existing. He gratefully lifted his muzzle to meet hers halfway in their slow kiss, more electricity running through his veins courtesy of his racing heart. It didn't matter how many times they did it tonight, each kiss felt like that first one had: fire and electricity all at once, hot and shocking and lively. He never wanted to lose that feeling for Briar.

"I'm so happy I have you..." whispered Artorias in reply while the wolf of his affection nuzzled the top of his head and rested herself there, snuggling and cradling him to her. He nuzzled his nose into the fur near the base of her neck, surrounding himself in her scent while keeping her held tight in his arms. The two of them laid like that for a while, Artorias listening to Briar's breathing next to his ears and the rain outside. The fire had since burned out, leaving the room in darkness while they relaxed in one another's embrace. He heard Briar yawn while he held her with his head crossed over her neck as if to guard her, never again allowing anything to come close to harming or taking the thing he loved the most in this world away from him. For a long while, he stared around the dark room, taking in Briar and just enjoying being with her until he heard her breathing slow and knew she was asleep. A small, contented smile found its home on his lips, and as soon as his eyes drifted closed as well, Artorias was also asleep, finding his peace entwined with Briar in the softness and warmth of her fur and the comforting swaddling of the bedding surrounding them.

"Artorias" | "Corbin"