The smell of heat assaulted his nostrils as he answered the call. It elicited a visceral reaction from him, one he had to stomp on repeatedly to contain. The smell was familiar and intoxicating, and it filled him with an instinctual need that would, in most cases, be impolite for him to make known. It didn't help that Valentine wasn't entirely sure where he stood with Esti. She was an odd mix of standoffish and flirty, and he didn't know whether or not he should keep his distance half the time. There was a line somewhere and he was hesitant to cross it. He enjoyed her company and he enjoyed flirting with her, but her standoffish ways made real love feel impossible.
Slowing to a halt before her, Valentine casually studied her face as he said, "Esti? Is everything alright?" Their last talk was on his mind. He was hoping she'd found happiness or at least contentment since then.
""
NOTE: Valentine has a female striped skunk companion named Lefty. Unless stated otherwise assume she's present.
