Maybe Next Time

"Of course," She muttered, flicking her ears dismissively at his thanks. "Just remember to keep it clean and don't touch it unless you have to." She said, the effortless transition back into her usual gruff demeanor was almost seamless. Aurelia then picked up the used needle, inspecting it for any signs of damage. There were none. Glancing back to him with a half-smirk pulling at the edge of her lip. “Are you ready for the other side?”

Having already completed the first piercing, she was far more assured of herself in mirroring it on his other side. Picking up the leather ended needle, she returned it to the fire. And once it was glowing hot, she returned to Caedes' side. She was just as delicate this time, her paw brushing his ear, revealing the skin underneath. And just before applying the spine, she pulled back a bit to ensure that she was applying the second evenly to match the first. "Here we go again," she murmured, her voice lightly laced with excitement. The needle pierced through smoothly once more, offering the cauterizing hiss upon entry. And just as it had happened the first time, the wound had sealed itself on removal of the spine. Replacing the needled on the counter, she applied the metal piece he had fashioned and once she had finished the task, she stepped back. Seeing her completed work, she offered him a satisfied grin. “It looks really good.” She said- her tone full of casual excitement.

Her attention drifted from the newly applied piercings, to his emerald gaze. And as allowed her attention to linger there, her grin met her eyes. “She must be pretty special then.” She said lightly, the notion tucked into her tone teetering between casual curiosity and playful teasing. It was a meaningless conversation ... but it was just ... nice. The sense of cammraderie, as fleeting as it was, was something she hadn’t realized she missed. And as she looked at Caedes, the recognition that he treated her like an equal struck her. A surprising thought that caught her off guard, but also filled her with a sense of appreciation- respect. Being spoken to with kindness and understanding by someone named Saxe was not something she was accustomed to. However, she kept this thought to herself, not wanting to dampen their conversation with pity. She didn’t want his pity.

"Aurelia Veratti"