Location: Bent Canyon The night time seemed the best time to steal Indigo away, whether it was because they were both busy providing for the pack or only because Duchess found late nights romantic was besides the point. She liked getting Indigo alone outside the walls of the castle, without eyes on them even if what they were doing wasn't necessarily being watched or wrong. It certainly didn't feel wrong to her. She brought him out towards the canyon with the intention of wanting him to herself all night, maybe into morning. Selfish of her but it was sure to be welcoming. At least she thought so. She brought a few pelts along with them, but hadn't told Indigo of her plans. Not that she had any more plans beyond the cuddling and kissing they could do back at home. She paused along the path of the withering river, the ridges in the stone made it apparent that the river wasn't to it's full potential from the coldened temperatures. Her eyes looking down at the reflection of the sky that she hadn't noticed at first. Only a few seconds, her gaze moved up to the dark, sparkled sky that had been hidden on their move over here, "Indigo," She glanced at him wanting to catch his attention though she was sure she already had it, "Look." Her nose pointed up towards the sky again, it wasn't completely clear but they had a good look at the stars above for now. She let him and herself admire for a moment before nudging him with a heartfelt smile, and she would continue her trek through the brisk night, looking for a cave that would keep them safe and warm throughout the night or at least most of it. When she was satisfied with her choice of cave, rocks jutted out in the mouth that would ensure their protection and privacy, she looked to Indigo, "I need a little help getting up there." She grinned again, and she couldn't wait to climb up on Indigo to go into their tiny, secret escape. Walk "Talk" Think

He hadn’t missed that Duchess was leading him away alone that night with no more information than he could see. A pack on her back and the southeast direction the pair of them were heading. Indy didn’t have much if any time to prepare, but he did like the sudden surprise at what the girl was throwing at him. He didn’t know how long they’d be gone but he guessed they wouldn’t return until morning at the earliest. Duchess or Cosette he didn’t mind going out wherever they wishes. He wanted to keep them safe, and he got the bonus of spending time with the girl.

They continued onward to the edge of the canyon by the sea, both wolves found their eyes shifting from the reflective river below to the bright starry night above. They were only given a tiny glimpse through the cloud but it was by far and away enough to remind Indy of the summer that would someday return and his homeland where his once star gazed sister remained waiting for him. ”The stars.” He sighed softly and leaned into her, desperate for attention as he staved away the thoughts of the Armada.

Indy would have gotten lost all night in that same place if Duchess hadn’t nudged him gently and led the way forward. He followed her to a heightened cave and returned her dual toned gaze back to him as she struggled to decide on a way up. He chuckled deeply as she admitted her need for help, but he didn’t hesitate in lowering himself so that she could settle into the thick fur of his mane. ”Up we go,” Indy warned softly as he lifted her and himself up onto the alcove with great care.

The view from the slightly taller ledge was even more immaculate. Only a gentle shimmer from the bit of stars above ran over the stone surface of the wall that made bent canyon. She looked up at the trees along the ridges, she imagined the beauty they could have held if the winter from the north hadn't extended to Auster. But she wouldn't let the thought sour her mind, She wanted this night to be perfect, as she wanted all moments with Indigo to be. Leaving Indigo's side in the small cave den, she pulled the pelts and placed them along the floor of the den, the edges moving up along the walls a bit. Her paws flattened the pelt rugs, she left a couple to the side for them had they gotten cold, but she imagined they wouldn't with each other's warmth. Finally she looked back to Indigo, taking a few steps back to welcome him to their resting place for the night. Only when he joined beside her, she placed a paw on his foreleg asking him to lay down so she could cuddle on top of his chest, a position that seemed to work well with her traumatic anxieties. She wouldn't have rejected had he wanted to cuddle with her any other way, there was nothing he could do to make Duchess not want to please him. But once they were comfortable, she faced him, chest to chest, and reached forward for what she came here for. The warmth of their bodies and their kisses, undisturbed by the presence of others in the pack. She pulled back, her eyes fluttered at him while she had a grin still gentle, but much happier than she had ever shown him. The silence around them made her more comfortable, and knowing that Indigo had her safe in his arms was relieving. "What do you... think?" That was his line, wasn't it? She was referring to her set up, not necessarily his feelings. But it all mingled in the same, and she was eager to hear his response. Walk "Talk" Think

They quickly made themselves at home as Indigo managed to get them both up the ledge safely. Indy made his way to the corner after another moment of admiration to the sky. Duchess was swiftly making up their little nest for what he assumed would be the night. He didn’t get to much time away from the pack, but he kind of liked being alone out here in the wilderness with the dainty dame. Indigo padded closer on his dark paws, lowering his massive form to the plush furs as Duchess made herself comfortable atop his chest. Indigo lay haphazardly and she draped herself over the thick fur that covered his chest. One giant paw would rest over her shoulders while the other curled against his body.

Duchess pressed herself against his maned chest, making herself comfortable. Indy’s dark legs sprawled out behind him as his tail wagged lightly with her close presence. Her movements were subtle and sweet as she leaned down and finally pressed her lips to his. Indigo did not resist her affections, massive toes worked into the loose skin around her scruff as he pulled her closer and eager let himself get lost in the emotions they shared. Indy found himself caring for the girl with a swiftness, the two of them taking to each other with little effort. She would have stolen all of his kisses had Indy not wanted to give them to her. Duchess had soft sweet lips and no hesitation in sharing them with him.

When he was with Duchess there wasn’t anything else he had to think about, his mind was swiftly numbed like some crazy drug. All he could focus on was the lovely lady nestled in the crook of his arm. She pulled away and Indigo blinked up at her as he rested his head against the furs. He took in her endless duel toned eyes before her voice spoke softly. Indy could do nothing but grin at her words, stealing his line as she probed for his thoughts like he’d done to her. ”It’s beautiful, the stars, the night… Being here with you.” He added softly as her let her vibrance patch the aching hole in his chest. Even now curled up with Duchess the emotions threatened him. The never ending pit that burrowed deep inside and wouldn’t be vanquished.

His words didn’t make her gentle smile falter, her paws curled around the length of his shoulder blades and her ear gingerly laid down on his chest, as if she could hear the heart that he had lost, unknowing to her. "Me too." She agreed warmly. She was exceedingly happier than she had been in a long time, if Indigo was a rebound, he was a good one, and she sure had no intention of regretting and just dropping him. After a moment of just laying together, her head on his chest, she would shuffle back to press more kisses on his lips, it seemed she could never get enough. Her young love for Indigo was exceptionally deep, she wouldn’t have known that he faltered in the study of love and relationships themselves. His heart was not only damaged, it was in the hands of someone who he would return to in a short time from now. Duchess would be unaware that the hurt he felt inside himself was a different hurt than what she experienced, then what she felt just moments ago before they were locked into each other. Her body shifted as they emotionally kissed in the silence of the night around them, her back legs spread to grasp around him while her tiny front paws gently pushed into him through their emotions. Her stomach started to curve into his and she felt the ghost pressure of what her body yearned for while she pressed up against him. The hint of pleasure came across her mind while she thought of what they could be doing moments from now, but it didn’t last long. She thought that her panic attack on the beach was simply because she felt trapped under Indigo, but it was becoming more clear to her now that she was associating her own pleasure with the trauma she had experienced. Her body tensed slightly, and her face pulled away from Indigo’s as she began to lightly tremble again. Her eyes closed while she wished she could have just vanished there, again she didn’t want Indigo to see her like this. "I’m sorry." She whispered through a raspy breath, trying not to cry, "I want to, but I can’t." She was scared of him rejecting her, that sex was what all guys wanted and it was almost like a payment for all the other great emotions Indigo made her feel. She knew what she was doing, and she was unaware that Indigo probably didn’t. Walk "Talk" Think

She pressed closer to him as he spoke softly about the beauty of the night and the place that she had brought him. Indy grinned as she peered down at him, running her tiny paws through his mane as she agreed and leaned her head against his chest. Indigo held her there quietly, wrapping both paws around her shoulders as he held her close. This was what he needed, just simply being together and not being alone in the world like he felt he was for so long. Indy would have found contentment and pleasure in falling asleep like that together, but Duchess shifted slightly to again bring her features to his.

Duchess pressed her lips to his, pulling him to herself and transfixing the boy as he melted into the ground beneath them. He felt the passion behind her affections and he returned the emotions, as he carefully trailed his sharp cat like claws over her own flesh. Sifting between the soft black and violet fur, the natural curve of her body pressed against his more seriously. The way she positioned herself over him created similar pressure within his own massive body. He had yet to truly experience desire beyond the not so innocent kisses he had started with Aslatiel. As his mind struggled to grasp the new sensations Duchess pushed him further.

Indigo was only just accepting the feelings she brought when he felt her body tense and her sweet features pulled from his own. Indigo blinked open his blue eyes as he felt her begin to tremble atop his form. He loosened his grasp but didn’t fully pull his paws from her as she closed her dual toned eyes and spoke a gentle apology. Confusion spread over his features as she explained further, had she said and done this a few months ago he wouldn’t have understood at all. As it was Indy took a long moment to work through her words and the feelings she’d encouraged in him.

”Duchess,” he started softly, trying his very hardest to realize the situation they were in. She was talking about sex, something Indigo hadn’t wanted to explore. After his experience on that patrol with Askan he had more actively avoided any thought or question about it. He knew one day he’d face the challenge but he had been blissfully and willfully ignorant until the first moment of experience touched him. ”Don’t feel like you ever have to do anything for me.” Especially something like this. Kissing and cuddling were one thing but going that next step forward, Indigo was far from prepared for a leap like that.

Indigo aimed to lift his features to kiss her nose more innocently as he tried to chase away the dark feelings that held her. ”Especially…” He paused, grasping for the words. ”I’m not ready for any of that.” Indigo finally admitted, careful not to mention his desire or lack there of, to become intimate because he didn’t even know which it was himself. He wasn’t even certain exactly what he wanted, but he knew at the very least he wanted her smile. ”I just want to see you happy.”

Indigo loosened his grip on her as he had before, but Duchess didn't want to let go of him. It seemed to be a silent agreement they had, that she still needed him to hold her even while she was traumatized by her past. It made sense that she would want someone to hold her, but maybe the way they acted just made her realize how much closer that she felt to him. Indigo insisted that Duchess didn't need to do anything for him, especially what she was implying. But that was not how she felt at all. Her eyes finally came back open as he attempted to grab her gaze, tears had weld but hadn't fell. She couldn't hide how secure Indigo made her feel though, even through her feelings of thinking he would leave her had she not pleased him in any way. She rested her check in the curve of his shoulder while sill looking forward to his own face, she still trembled a little in the moment. Her head twisted a little to show her affection, as well as her free paw gently moving through the fur of his chest. "Indigo..." Her gaze dropped from him only a few seconds before looking back again. He had told her that she didn't need to do anything for him so she found only a bit of disappointment in herself before she spoke, "You need to know that I will do anything for you." It was genuine to her feelings for him, but her past played a big part on her decisions. Draco had went from an innocent pup to an aggressive manic in the many seasons they spent together. But it was the only life she knew. And in her heart, the time she spent cuddled up and loved by Draco made all the bad experiences worth it. No matter how bad. It wouldn't have been any different if Indigo had treated her the same way after showing her such affection. Walk "Talk" Think

She didn’t push him away, if anything it felt like she wanted him to hold onto her tighter as she struggled through the irrational fears that took her. Indigo still didn’t know the cause, but he’d be there for her through every moment. Maybe ignorance was better, who knew how he might react to the revelation that someone had committed an act so heinous on the girl he’d vowed to protect. Blue eyes met her dual toned gaze as she looked back up to him, tears welling in her eyes as she shifted from his features and away as she listened to what he said and struggled to combine past and present.

Indigo renewed his grip upon her, his massive paws holding tightly to her shoulder as she nestled her sweet features into the crook of his arm. She looked so sad for how close they were, there was no doubt that she was struggling. Indy wouldn’t let her go until she wished it of him, and she spoke again quietly. Her timid voice started with uttering his name as she averted her gaze and returned it. As though she were ashamed of the next confession. Anything. Duchess would do anything for him, and that fact warmed his cold broken heart.

Indy smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her in a warm and protective embrace before he could bring himself to answer her. He realized the weight of the words and the implications that went along with them. The young Fatalis was not one to take what he desired, he much preferred to earn respect, love, whatever the object may be. Duchess and her love were very much in that same line of thought. There was little doubt if he pressed she wouldn’t have argued anything he sought to do to her. That wasn’t Indy though.

”I would never force my will on you,” he told her softly holding his head to hers and he promised her in his embrace. Not physically, mentally, or any other way did he have any desire for his wishes to trump her own. ”All I want from you is your happiness.” If their relationship shifted in time he wouldn’t deny her that either, but the both of them needed some work and in Indigo’s case a bit of growing up, before he experimented with intimacy.

His promise may have been reassuring, she couldn't compare Indigo to Draco, they were entirely different characters. It should have been scary though, to her or to Indigo, that had he forced himself on her, she would let him. There was nothing she wouldn't do in her own power for him, and while Indigo could have seen it as admiring, it was more dangerous than anything. "Thank you." She whispered under the comfort of his embrace. She wasn't sure what else she could have said on the matter. She felt like she could only show happiness when she was here, in the presence of Indigo. But it was only a matter of time before her darker feelings kept creeping their way from her core. They seemed to come out in an unexpected rush, strong and threatening to her. She wished nothing more than to step forward and leave the past behind her. But no matter how hard she tried, it was always getting in the way. As much as she thought she was forgetting about her young life with Draco and what he had done to her. She slid off to Indigo's side, pulling him to stay with her while she laid on her shoulder, and preferably his forearm still facing him. The trembling subsided now, not that she wasn't feeling the after effects of it. "I saw you..." Her gentle gaze looked forward to his as she trailed, "At the bay, and I understood the feeling in your steps." She admitted but she wasn't embarrassed to say she had maybe been creeping on him up to that point. "I didn't think a strong and handsome man could feel that way." She didn't see herself as beautiful, she only found her beauty, or lack thereof, from the inside. And all she saw was shame, guilt, and disappointment. Her appearance was beside the point at least to the inner makings of her mind. "And I didn't want you to feel that way." Walk "Talk" Think

Indigo would never imagine trying to force himself on Duchess, but the fact did not go without note. The boy would always be careful about his actions around her, he was already careful not to press her too hard while they were together. It wasn’t in his nature to protect and not to harm. She thanked him softly and he believed her but something told him this would not be the last time they addressed something like this. Indy wanted Duchess to feel safe and secure, already she was getting there in making her confessions. However the girl was far from healed. Not that Indigo had any right to judge, he had his own ongoing turmoils to address in due time as well.

”You’re welcome.” He returned, meaning every word. He was naturally a healer and he wanted to give Duchess relief from the ghosts that haunted her. Not that he was certain of them yet but every interaction he could see a little bit clearer. He wanted her to reveal herself at her own pace, and like with everything Indy wasn’t there to push her, he was there to hold her up and keep her going on that dark difficult path.

Duchess shifted slightly, lowering herself to his side instead of being draped over his chest. Blue eyes followed her, moving himself so he could keep his arm around her and their eyes connected. She spoke quietly, her whispers brought him back to the night they met. He had been fruitlessly searching for some sign of spring. Warm, green, or just something to rejuvenate his spirits. He hadn’t expected to find a flower like Duchess. She spoke about how she had seen the pain that lingered just beyond the manicured surface and she could hardly believe. Even more she wanted to see him through the pain.

He’d called her beautiful before but the yearling hadn’t expected the response he felt when she called him handsome. Indy tried to ignore it, but squeezed her just a little tighter. She had no idea what he was going through, but than again he hadn’t said much either. Confessing how he felt about his sister was something he reserved for the very few who earned his highest trust. Was Duchess ready for that confession yet?

”You’ve done more than you could ever know.” He finally told her, bringing his eyes back to her pretty features. ”I… have a deep hole in my chest. Almost unending.” He told her as his eyes slipped to her chest and the rest of her thin form along the furs. ”You’ve helped me fill it, and sometimes I forget it's there when I’m with you.”

Duchess couldn't know for sure the inner makings of Indigo, she only made assumptions. But for whatever strange reason too, she was holding back her history with Draco. Maybe she didn't want Indigo to worry, or try to fix her. Or maybe she was worried about tarnishing Draco's name. Crazy what one would do for love, even in the event that he had abused her and abandoned her. Indigo mentioned the hole in his chest, and she couldn't exactly relate. She understood the feeling of loss, loss of love. Her parents, Draco. But she seemed to have more anxieties and self esteem issues from the past, her heart didn't feel empty. But maybe it didn't feel empty because she had so little time between Draco leaving her, and her meeting Indigo. If her chest was empty, how would she be feeling the pain inside her? That didn't make her feel disconnected from Indigo, only that they my not have been in a similar mind. She put a paw on his chest as if to feel the beating of his heart, without her gentle gaze leaving his, "I don't think it's unending." Just the hope to obliterate the feeling he had. Indigo would state too that she helped keep his heart full, or somewhat at least. She did take it as a genuine compliment, she admired Indigo through every word he spoke and everything he had done with her. Her head lightly twisted on his foreleg in affection, "You do the same for me." She only kept her gaze to his for a moment before reaching up for more kisses. This time the gentle ones they were used to sharing. But she wasn't holding back at all. The sense of wanting to be closer was still in the back of her mind, but it wasn't taunting her. She just wanted to be here in Indigo's embrace, sharing the subtle and deep kisses. Making new memories for her to enjoy rather than fester. Walk "Talk" Think

The boy kept a lot to himself, while he wasn’t great at keeping his emotions a secret eeking out his secrets as a difficult if not impossible task unless you knew exactly what you were going for. Duchess didn’t seem to mind, she’d never pressed him for answers and she seemed satisfied with the glimpse that she was given. Indy had no idea the haunting past she experienced nor her unwillingness to reveal those facts. Like he felt alone so did she, and in that moment that was all that mattered to the boy.

Duchess soft voice reached his ears as she pulled her bright eyes up to his and placed her paw possessively on his chest. The gentle pressure reminded him that his heart was still beating despite all of it. The corners of hips lips pulled up in the hint of a smile. He thought for a long time there was only one wolf who could possibly lift him, but as insisted, the mask fell over him and he could embrace moments like this. Moments with Duchess that filled him instead of being robbed.

She was sweet and soft, he reveled in her affection and the gentle way she encouraged him. The girl didn’t hold back her feelings and Indigo felt himself echoing those emotions as they lay together alone in their own private world. She echoed his sentiments even as she showed her affection before reaching up to return to bliss. Indy pulled her closer, he indulged with a gentle restraint that did not withhold the emotions of the confession he professed. Indigo truly cared for the tiny girl, and he could only begin to explain what she did for him. He had no idea what the future, or even his own future, held in store for them but he would be grateful to have her beside him through his highs and lows.