chronically cautious

word count: 212
total: 974

Finch resisted the urge to shy away at Maki's touch when she helped her up. It was awkward, letting someone come into your personal bubble like that, but her front paws were smarting something awful. She must have pulled something when she stumbled forward. Thoroughly embarrassed, she shifted back and forth on her aching paws as that familiar hot, itchy feeling crept across her face. Of course she was blushing again. Maki's perfunctory question made her want to dig a hole, crawl into it, and cover herself with the dirt. "I-I... I was startled!" she stammered.

A light breeze blew through the forest, stirring the mist and bringing a familiar (but distinct) scent to her nose. This female was in heat, too! Maybe she'd have someone to commiserate with who wasn't family. "I mean, I can tell you're in the same... predicament I am," Finch said, that blush getting hotter and hotter. "It's made me feel like I'm so on edge! It really felt like this tree was about to attack me or something, and then I tripped." It sounded stupid, even to her, but it was exactly how the situation had played out. "Being in heat is the worst, right? I'm Finch, by the way. Thank you for helping me up."