As one could expect, Cerberus' life hadn't much changed since he left Elysium nearly two seasons ago. He was still stalemated in what more was out there for him. Did he want to be like his father? He felt capable of it but there were few wolves that he felt truly close to his heart. Somehow he knew what he was looking for, what he needed, was someone to love. To make a family with. But there was also a part of him that wasn't ready to just thrust himself in. Dating seemed too much of a burden and he wasn't great with strangers really.

His sister however, she was quite the thrill he assumed. Knowing now or for quite sometime that she had kids that were Saracyn's, and multiple partners from time to time... maybe no different than his past encounters but... he was starting to struggle with where he fit in. Did she really need him anymore, and maybe Albion would be enough. Thoughts like this only struck him when he was alone. Which was really a lot so he tried to do what he did best; keep his mind busy at work. That's not where he was tonight however.

He "snuck" out of Obscura, it felt like sneaking though it wasn't really. Paws with no final destination. And if things were meant to be, he supposed they were meant to be. Or fate would leave him lonely at the side of his sister. What a failure he could feel like at times. So much not like Cerberus. His paws stopped at the rapid's edge, a lightly cloudy sky showed faint stars beyond, but he was stuck on his rushing reflection below. How much longer could he go on like this.

"Cerberus Kline"

Mariah had awoken early that morning, her mind still groggy from the sedative- but was determined to make the most of her day. She felt the draw to get away- to get some distance between herself and Elysium. For so long, she had been at the mercy of her own mind. But now … maybe things were starting to get better.

A light mist hung over the valley, the grass damp with dew beneath her paws once she got to the main land. She breathed deep, savoring the crisp scent of fallen leaves and damp earth of the forest just beyond the thicket. Setting out at a brisk trot, Mariah headed south, skirting the edge of the valley and following the winding path that led into the heart of the southern territories. The forest closed in around her, the trees adorned in their fall finery of crimson, gold, and amber. A few stubborn leaves still clung to the branches, but most had already fallen, carpeting the forest floor in a crackling blanket.

Mariah ventured deeper, until the rushing sound of the rapids grew louder, echoing through the trees. The brisk autumn air chilled her to bone, but it was refreshing. Invigorating. Time passed in a haze, and as the afternoon wore on, she realized she had wandered farther than intended. But just as she was about to retrace her steps back to northern territories, a different kind of shadow caught her attention. “Cerberus?” She called out over the roar of the swift water. It had been a while since she had last seen him, and the surprise of his presence ignited something within her—a flicker of warmth amidst her more recent detachment. She had missed him.

"Mariah Mendacium"

It was the way fate worked wasn't it. Though that was only something Cerberus could believe. Pulled into his own emotions, that wasn't much like himself honestly. He was always such a strong, happy man. But things had to change. Maybe to better himself.

The way he lit up when he looked at her across the water was telling. His expressions so down and troubled just that moment before. It was a polar opposite when they laid on her. "Mariah." Maybe too quiet to make it over the sounds of the rapids. His eyes scanned around the banks and river before he would make the leap, right into the shallow parts of the rapids. His legs up to his stomach fully submerged as he fought the gentle current where they were and made his way to the other side to be with her. A little chilly of course, but nothing he couldn't handle.

He gave a shake before bringing his attention back to her, a soft grin along his maw that may have been all too familiar. But he was stirred with the lonely emotions within him. Could he just have her for the moment again? If they were here together. His damp arms reached out to embrace her, nose looking to nuzzle into the side of her neck. It was like no time had passed between them. Maybe she felt the same, or maybe not.

"Cerberus Kline"

Mariah watched as Cerberus waded into the churning water, her heart skipping a beat as he pushed through the current towards her. The autumn breeze ruffled her crimson and obsidian fur, carrying his familiar scent to her as he drew near. When he emerged on the other side, water streaming from his coat, Mariah couldn't help but smile at the sight of him.

As Cerberus pulled her into an embrace, nuzzling into her neck, Mariah melted into his touch, breathing in his comforting presence. It felt like coming home after a long journey. For a moment, all the stress and uncertainty of recent times faded away, replaced by the steady warmth of him beside her. "I've missed you," Mariah murmured, her voice muffled against his damp fur. She pulled back slightly to meet his mint gaze. Beneath the joy of their reunion, she could sense a flicker of something else in Cerberus—an exhaustion that possibly mirrored her own. She felt it.

"Is everything okay?" she asked gently, concern lacing her tone. Reaching up, she brushed her muzzle against his cheek, a gesture of comfort and connection.

"Mariah Mendacium"

It must have been his naivety, but Mariah seemed truly happy to see him too. A part of him felt at home when he was here with her, just as if he was home with Albion and Scylla. One thing he couldn't admit to even himself. He was sinking into this destiny of being beside them yet so alone for the rest of their lives. How he could be so wrong.

Just as she had melted into his touch, he did the same as her muzzle went into his cheek. They were affections always welcomed by the brute despite what first impressions could bring. He and Mariah were well past that, but Cerberus was much different at heart than he appeared on the outside, especially beside most of his family. "It is now." He responded as he pulled back to search her gaze under the dark skies. He leaned in for a kiss, rather fast in their new encounter perhaps. Would he be so quick to indulge in her? It was a whole new side of him. It wasn't a part that craved the physical pleasures, it was more what pulled and dug into his heart. He was quite the soft sensitive type. And he was at least so different than the first time they were together. Did he expect Mariah to give him what he silently asked for? Maybe. But he wasn't the kind to bare teeth at rejection. He'd never be that way.

"Cerberus Kline"

Mariah's heart fluttered as Cerberus leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a tender kiss. She savored the taste of him, the familiar dance of their touch igniting a spark deep within her. Mariah sighed softly against his mouth before gently pulling back, her silver gaze searching his. There was a new vulnerability in Cerberus it seemed, a rawness that tugged at her heart. She could feel him reaching for her, not just physically but perhaps emotionally as well, seeking solace in whatever connection they had forged. Mariah understood that longing all too well.

"Talk to me, Cerberus ..." Mariah finally murmured, her voice soft but imploring. "Is there something on your mind?" Her words hung in the air, carried gently away by the sound of rushing water. The vulnerability of their moment felt fragile, as if it could shatter at any time.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Somehow it would seem Mariah could see through him, he was pretty much an open book but she must have known him better than he thought. Scylla may have acted first talked later, Mariah was more concerned about about his feelings prior. It wasn't an undesirable trait, he just couldn't slip by the emotions he was feeling so strongly.

His face didn't really turn sad, but it was softened as he looked back at her. He held his breath for a moment, eyes searching over her features as he thought to himself. The weight of the world not so much on his shoulders anymore, but still the obligation of what he needed to do for his siblings. When his breath finally left him, his paw brushed along her cheek and down her neck and shoulder, "I just want to be with you, Mariah." Entirely full of longing, he'd pull her a bit closer but he wouldn't push her past that. He told her what he wanted in the least, he just wasn't the kind to take. He hadn't sought her out recently because of their own separate lives, because Cerberus wouldn't seem as desperate as his heart told him he was. But when he was here given the opportunity he didn't want to give it up. At least if Mariah was willing to share what they had before. He did want to be with her, it was as simple as that.

"Cerberus Kline"

Mariah's breath caught in her throat at Cerberus' words, at the raw honesty and yearning in his voice. His paw trailed along her cheek, down her neck and shoulder, the touch both familiar and electric. She leaned into his caress instinctively, her eyes fluttering closed for a heartbeat. When she opened them again, Mariah found Cerberus gazing at her intently, his mint green eyes bright with emotion in the gathering dusk. She understood that longing, that desire for connection and belonging. It echoed the emptiness she had once felt inside her own soul.

Reaching up, Mariah cupped Cerberus' face between her paws, her touch gentle but firm. "I'm here," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rushing rapids. Mariah held Cerberus' gaze, her silver eyes reflecting the vulnerability she thought she could see in his own. She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his as she breathed in his scent, relishing the closeness between them. Her breath mingled with his in the chill autumn air- his damp fur brushing against hers as she nuzzled into his neck, offering what comfort she could. Or at least, the best she knew how.

"Mariah Mendacium"

As Mariah pushed forward with what he asked for, it was like his whole soul could release itself. He wasn't so quick to take what he so strongly desired, but he reveled in what she offered him. A deep exhale as they went head to head, a deep longing that fully took control of him. His paws moved carefully along her body as he welcomed everything she gave him. He was never quick to take, she could expect that of him.

Pulling her closer he would take them to the ground in one soft sweep, placing her carefully before going to take her lips again. He lived for this moment, like he'd never get this with her again. As if it were only them in the world, as if they loved each other. Eachother's truest, deepest loves. The sounds of the darkness in the plains around them sided with that. There was not better place to be. He treated her as gentle and rewarding as he always did, did he ever change? As much as the moment was about him, they were about her in unison. Cerberus cared deeply for her, there was no denying. Maybe he did just a little too much.

-fade-

Being with her was like a breath of fresh air, the taste of what he wanted in real life. He knew that, he just couldn't find a way to make it stick. It wasn't like at home. Scylla would never be what Mariah, or any other woman could be to him. The relationship was different, but he could never have a family with her. Not the one he wanted. Dropping to her side, he caught his breath. Paws curled around her to keep her close but not suffocate her. He could never get enough really.

It would be a moment before he shifted, his nose reaching for hers for yet another gentle kiss. Not as deep and longing as the one before. A paw running along her chest, his eyes searched her face questioningly. No, it was not enough. "Won't you stay with me?" His voice was quiet, maybe a little scared to say so. "In Obscura." He knew he was asking her for everything, to what extent he did not. But he was coming to his realization of not being able to stay away. Wanting what Mariah made him feel everyday. Not like this exactly, but what he could imagine a life with her being like. As if there was a hope he could have his happily ever after. How much of this would have been settling, and how much of it would have been real.

"Cerberus Kline"

Mariah surrendered to the exquisite sensations Cerberus ignited within her, his touch and the heat of his body against hers chasing away the icy emptiness that had taken root in her soul. As he lowered them to the ground with gentle strength, Mariah's paws roamed over the hard planes of his body, mapping every scar and contour.

Their lips met again in a searing kiss, and Mariah poured every ounce of her desperate need into it. She nipped at his lower lip, not hard enough to draw blood but with an edge of intensity. He was gentle with her. A true gentleman. But it left her wanting more, and she would not quell her own fire- as hot as she wanted it to burn.

-Fade-
Mariah reveled in the warmth of Cerberus' embrace, letting the world around them fade into obscurity. The softness of the ground beneath her felt like a comforting cushion, cradling her as she basked in the heat radiating from him. But of course, the moment of bliss couldn’t last forever. And as always, reality would catch up. Her breath caught in her throat at Cerberus' quiet plea, his words echoing in the stillness of the shallow space between them. She gazed into his eyes, seeing the unspoken depth of emotion reflected there - hope and longing and a vulnerability that made her heart ache. In that moment, she wanted nothing more than to say yes, to accept the promise of a life and future with him.

But even as the word formed on her tongue, Mariah felt it wither and die, turning to ash in her mouth. Reality crashed over her like a frigid wave, dousing the warm afterglow. She couldn't stay in Obscura, no matter how much she hated the idea of hurting him. Duty and loyalty bound her to Elysium. The promise she had made her sister. And of course, Caedes...

Mariah swallowed hard, forcing herself to hold Cerberus' earnest gaze even as guilt twisted like a knife in her gut. "Cerberus, I..." Her voice cracked on his name. She lifted a paw to cup his cheek, trying to pour everything she couldn't say into the tender touch. "You know I can't. My place is with my family. With Elysium." Even to her own ears, the oft-repeated reasons rang hollow, tasting bitter on her tongue. Mariah hated the pain she knew rejection could cause. But of course, there was no way around it. Not now.

"Mariah Mendacium"

He could say that everything he felt just moments before was gone, like his heart stopped the moment she hesitated. But really, that wasn't true. When familiar words cut the air, words that could have come straight from his tongue had the roles been revered, he couldn't be mad. They both had their family obligations, he knew that. Maybe just for that moment when he asked he hoped that he'd be more important. More important than family, even more important than herself. Some stuck in the strange relationship they had could have lashed out, could have yelled and screamed, could have run for the hills. Not Cerberus.

He took a deep breath, the same desperate longing in his gaze when he asked her remained. It was a moment before he felt like he could breathe again and he would push his face carefully into the fur of her shoulder. Tears weren't there, they weren't deserved. Cerberus wasn't a beggar. But the full emotion of him if even still against her was probably more obvious than he wanted to let on. It wasn't difficult to notice given the situation at least. He wouldn't want to let go. He knew he had to, but he didn't want to. This wasn't the end for them, Mariah was one of the most important wolves in his life. He wouldn't just release her memory from this point on. Without pulling his face back from the comfort of her fur he spoke to her quietly again, "I'll always be here for you, no matter what." He couldn't keep coming back for her like this. He had to let go of the desire. The physical, the dream. But whenever she needed him, whenever she needed someone, he'd never turn her away.

"Cerberus Kline"