The need to feel that you're alright

His eyes narrowed as she spoke. She wanted all or nothing, and wasn’t willing to take the risk with him. He couldn’t deny the rejection that ran through his bones. He wasn’t sure if he should feel anger, or disappointment. But he felt a spike of both. It was less that he wouldn’t want her, and more weary of the long term consequences. “I have children to consider, it wasn’t that long ago they lost their Mother. I didn’t expect to ever feel… You're infuriating, and bold, and brave, and kind. But I can’t make you any promises. I won't.” That would be too much for her memory, for their children. But it had been so long, and she had woken something inside of him he had considered dead.

She approached him, not to stay, but to leave. But as she moved to go around him he reached out a paw and grabbed her behind the knee of her foreleg. His claws rested gently against her fur without penetrating. But they were there all the same, extended, holding. He didn’t move otherwise. In fact, he all but froze, barely breathing as he stood there. His paw on her. “Don’t go.”

"Speech"