sad wife, unhappy life

As he stepped back, she stepped forward. The movement was an oddly reversed dance neither of them were quite used to performing and Azure couldn't help the bristling of his nape in response to being shadowed in this way. He heard her words for what they were - another plea at attention, at affirmation. The game he'd already commanded her to stop playing.

Sighing through pursed lips, Azure considered his reply. It didn't need consideration, but Hanako did not need to be rewarded by hearing how easy it was for him to deny her concern. "It is the last thing I want." He admitted after a time, tipping his chin down into his neck to eye her where she stood so close. "Though if it is to happen, I'd rather it happen sooner rather than later."

It was unfair to even ask him the question, Hana knew where he stood, was fully aware of his past and how abandonment after abandonment had shaped him. No other wolf would be receiving a second chance from the thrice scorned man to regain his trust. Time after time again Azure had bent and broken for her, desperate to keep hold of what they had above any consequence. "If I was willing to lose you I would not risk the pirate's wrath to keep them subdued."

"Speech"