you're the satellite

Lillith didn't say a word the entire time he rearranged their sleeping setup so he could be closer to offer her comfort if she needed it, and at first Romulus wondered if perhaps he was overstepping boundaries by doing so. He saw someone hurt and scared and needing support, so he just acted on what he felt was right; he hadn't really taken a moment to consider what that might look like: a virtual stranger offering you empathy and comfort. But once he lay back down, he felt Lillith's little silver paws bridge the gap to rest on his broad chest, her delicate voice whispering quiet thanks for him in the dark. He gave her that roguish, crooked smile he always put on, not sure if she could see it in the night, but knowing shed definitely be able to feel the strong beats of his heart since her soft paw pads were right above it. Maybe that would give her some sanctuary, something tangible to hold onto and ground herself in reality.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you feel better," he replied in his smooth, husky voice, though it was clear his voice would deepen yet as he grew older. His skin tingled and warmed where she touched him, leaving this delightful little flutter in his belly. Romulus was no green yearling; he'd been given talks and lessons by his family, knew about men and women, had crushes and infatuations and knew it felt nice to be touched by the fairer sex. But they were still so new to one another, so while her touch felt nice, he wouldn't let it be anything more than a pleasant feeling in his mind—at least for now. Lillith explained how she knew she was safe here, but confided in him that he made her feel empowered to do anything she wanted.

"That's because you can do anything, Lillith. You're not some fragile porcelain doll to keep on a shelf. You're flesh and blood and life, just like me, just like everyone else." His paw on her shoulder moved slowly up the curve of her neck, tracing through her fur until he was cupping her chin, then stroking over her cheek and back down to her shoulder and down her side, resting just below her ribs. "See? No cracks in you anywhere." He chuckled under his breath, having far too much fun showing this innocent girl the extent of how strong she really was and opening her eyes to the world one experience at a time.

"Romulus Armada"