this is for the lions

Not entirely sure he hears them at first, he has to hold his breath to pick up the sound. Slow footsteps approaching, and Ivy's ear gives a twitch. By the time he's certain, she's already in view. Hackles lifting long his spine for a moment-- the girl is bigger. Taller, denser, and he stiffens. Home for fifteen minutes and he's already nose to nose with (back to side?) with danger. Tired from the long swim, muscles on fire, but... but she doesn't strike. Ivy's gaze is careful as his head picks up, though the ridge of fur along his back falls.

Warm against the chill of the autumn evening and pretty as she comes into focus in the dusky evening light, Ivy doesn't see how he can complain. "Didn't think I looked like a dumbass, guess it's too dark to tell in here." A smirk playing on his lips, resting in his tone. Ivy takes a moment to look the girl over, before resting his chin back on his paws. Couldn't complain, and he allows himself to relax some. Weight shifting comfortably towards her, making a show of being nonthreatening. Making a show of being handsome, too, in the fading sunlight.

"Ivy"