You'll never expect this!

Rudy had been meaning to tell Art about him and Fern.  It was kind of a big thing and he’d wanted to tell Art right away but he’d gotten distracted.  Well, today Rudy threw off his normal schedule and made sure to be around when Art should be wrapping up his normal workload, at least at a time Rudy thought would work.  He’d made his way to Art’s room, hanging out just outside of it and this time not trying to make a sneak attack.  If he did it all the time Art would always be on the alert!

Rudy rubbed his head up against the wall, the growing antlers causing his skin to itch and tingle and soreness where these antlers punched through skin.  It wasn’t a bad pain or a bad itch but it was so hard to ignore!  Hopefully, these were the type that stayed in place once grown and didn’t fall off! Rudy didn’t want to do this every year.  He could have gone to find Art but his mind was working through what he’d say.  How did he want to tell this story?  Was he going to start with how Fern had brought up to challenge for the right to see who would ask for them to be mates or just skip over that part?  It was thought worthy of that loopy grin.  

Sure, she hadn’t used a sword that day but it was obvious how much work Art had been putting her through that she’d bested him!  Of course, Fern had kind of thrown Rudy off with her idea so maybe he hadn’t been at his best but that was still his own screw-up if he couldn’t focus.  A deadly thing in a fight to let his emotions mess with his thoughts in a fight.  He had never really expected it all to happen so early either!  Fern was the sort who plowed through with ideas and once she decided what she wanted she charged in for it.  Rudy could be impulsive and rush into things but he also sometimes liked to scheme on those longer-term more permanent plans.  Fern’s speed in the desire to be mates had surprised him but it was a great surprise.  The idea that Fern really loved him so much to want to be mates so quickly.  It gave a really good feeling inside Rudy and he certainly had no desire to ever lose Fern, he wanted her to always be close so…
Now to share with Art.  Bet Art wouldn’t see this one coming!

"Rudyard Carpathius"