Summer would creep up on the girl, she'd been out and about gathering a few odd herbs when the storm clouds had started to form above her. Feeling like she'd much rather get caught out in the rain at home than here in the middle of nowhere her dark chocolate paws would carry her back towards Imperium's borders. The wind would pick up as she flew over the unclaimed terrain, the winds would howl and chase her towards the Range. She still wasn't fast enough, as the temperature dropped the first curtain of water would pour from the sky. As she reached the border the downpour would really start. Even with the cover of trees it was only a few long moments before she was completely soaked. Only moments after that the lightning would really begin. Most of it lingered in the clouds, but as Rhythm made her way towards the knolls and her own den a particularly close hit would startle her. Jumping in surprise the Destruction quickly found herself changing direction and heading for the barn that sat on this part of Imperium. As well as more protection from lightning surely she wouldn't get anymore wet. Her delicate form would slip through the entrance and with more than a bit of relief she would find her way to the middle of the structure to settle down. Rhythm would fold her limbs beneath her, and as she finally settled down she'd realize how restless her body still felt. Her season wasn't incredibly uncomfortable the previous two times, but she knew very well what it was she so craved now. Sighing heavily at the discovery she'd lay her head on her paws. Once the storm was over she'd really have to consider starting to eat Cas's recommended herbs. There was no way she'd be able to resist Velen through this heat. Irritably her tail would lash out behind her as she cursed being female and waited out the downpour. ""

The hair on the back of his neck prickled as the wind picked up. The storm was drawing closer; the thick, foreboding clouds rolling in and creating a tall wall of darkness. There was a clear line between the storm covered ground and the unmolested, sunny space before it. The land blanketed in storm clouds was as dark as dusk and from his position atop the Range's rusty tractor, Valentine could see trees bending and debris blowing around. The storm was fast moving, quickly eating up the ground in front of it, and as he watched it roll in, Valentine needed no further prodding to flee. The thought of getting stuck out in the open honestly scared him. The electricity in the air made his chest tight and his skin prickle; he would not be getting struck by lightning again. Valen couldn't remember the actual strike, but the months of recovery afterwards had been long and hard. He wasn't willing to chance it a second time. Never again. Slinking across the Range, Valentine made a beeline for the barn just as chest rattle boom shook the air. It was the nearest shelter and while it wasn't what one could call a sound, leak free structure, he wasn't about to chance the run back to his den. Nope. No way, no how. It started to rain just as he slid into the entrance and it wasn't until he was inside and his eyes were beginning to adjust to the gloom that he realized he wasn't alone. Knowing he'd probably looked like he was being chased as he'd skittered into the barn, the brute grinned sheepishly. "Mind if I join you? Getting kind of dicey out there." Another boom caused his ears to flick back briefly. ""

The lightning didn't let up as she curled herself underneath the mostly adequate shelter. There were only a few drops and drips where the roof leaked, and near the Eastern side the pouring rain seemed to find its way in easily. She was comfortable enough, finding a nice dry place to wait out what could be a long one. She would have been content enough on her own, but the sudden appearance of a wet and very nervous looking Valentine. Her ears would perk and her head lifted from her paws as she looked up at him. He'd realize her presence as he slunk in, asking if she thought to mind his presence. Of course she didn't and her head would shake slightly as another rather close strike sounded outside. Was he nervous about storms? If she knew the reason why she probably wouldn't have blamed him in the least. Her chocolate form would be pushed from the earth as she stood to greet him, "You know I don't mind," She'd offer back softly with a shy smile as she moved to nuzzle underneath his chin affectionately, remembering quite vividly what she had been trying to suppress until the storm was over. Her skin prickled as she drew near to him and her heart beat faster in her chest. "Great summer so far, hmm?" ""

A flash of lightning briefly lit up the barn and illuminated the columns of dust that had been stirred up by the wind that easily filtered in through the gaps in walls. If it had been any other time he might have taken note of the swirling dust and the odd, ethereal beauty it lent to the gloomy barn, but with the storm raging outside and the nearly constant crack of thunder, there were few things capable of holding his attention. And one of those things was walking towards him now. Rhythm offered an affectionate greeting and Valentine was quick to return it by nuzzling the top of her head. He breathed in the scent of her deeply, reveling in the sweet edge summer had given her usual aroma. It was a fantastic smell, one that nearly blotted out the effects of the storm. "Mmhm," he rumbled his agreement while nibbling playfully at one of Rhythm's ears. "Just think, it's been a year since our first fighting lesson." ""

It was a terrible day outside, inside the barn was not all that much better. It was more than a little musty and damp with the leaks. However it was shelter, and now she had Valen to help keep her company. He didn't hesitate in returning her affections, offering his own nuzzles to the top of her head as she pushed against him. She'd smile blissfully as she attempted to ignore the excited little shivers that tingled up her spine as he uttered a simple agreement and reminded her that a whole year had passed since the last time they'd shared this barn. A year ago she'd asked him to help train her, had it really been that long ago? "It doesn't feel like a year." She'd tell him quietly, but loud enough he could hear her over the pouring rain as she kissed his neck lightly. Lightning would again strike nearby, the flash of light brightening the barn. Before the crash afterwards she'd push her still wet form closer to his rain soaked (but so warm!) body. "We've been dating for a long time now, huh?" She would utter meekly in the aftermath of such a loud bang. She'd been Valentine's 'girlfriend' for a good amount of time, and she'd wonder every now and again if that would always be the only title she held with him. She'd fought to take another role, but even that was more closely related to pack business than any real commitment. Despite knowing they would likely never go from dating to married Rhythm loved him. Even with the added pressure of the season, she only wanted him. ""

His lips curled up as he remembered their time in the barn together. "No, it doesn't," he agreed. Time seemed to have flown by. So much had happened since then. She pressed against his chest and out of habit he dropped his head across the back of her neck to pull her into a hug. "Surely we are more than just dating now," he murmured next. What exactly they were escaped him. Perhaps there wasn't a conventional title for it. Cascade held the official title of "wife" but even then it wasn't so much a marriage as it was a political position. Honestly, what exactly they were needed more thought. The rain beat against the barn mercilessly; the sounds of the drops rising to an almost deafening roar. Interlaced with the staccato drumming was the sporadic booming of thunder. All in all the storm was doing its best to drown on their conversation, and to combat it Valentine released Rhythm from the hug and brought his lips close to her ear again. "You know," he said thoughtfully, "last time we were here you were nearly irresistible." 'Nearly' being the keyword. He had never had to exert so much self control around someone before. "Made the lesson very hard to teach," he commented in a tone that suggested it was all her fault. ""

He was quick to agree that time seemed to have warped, they'd been through a lot since that little lesson in the barn. They'd come a long way and experienced ups and downs. He was very much right, they were much more than just dating now. She was his... She was his. There didn't seem to be any words for their relationship, no official title that could encompass them. Maybe they'd revisit the conversation later, but for now it seemed like words were almost impossible. The beating of rain against the roof coupled with the nearly constant booms of thunder made speech difficult at best. The results would be the release her the tight embrace he had her in, in favor of nuzzling up to her ear once more. Their reminiscing wouldn't end either, he'd offer thoughts of that day and echo what she was thinking now. She'd smile devilishly as he admitted how difficult she'd made the lesson and shift her muzzle upwards so she might reach his ear to reply. She was caught up in delightful encounters in the past as well as just thinking about him. Cas's herbs, and the potential consequences of the territory they trod were far from her mind. "We aren't having a lesson now," her words came out a bit more suggestive than she meant them. Underneath the reason though she did mean it in a 'sorry not sorry' kind of way. "And you talk like I'm not anymore." She'd feign offense at the imagined accusation. ""

Her breath on his ear made all of his focus narrow down to just that one patch of fur. His skin prickled in awareness and he had to resist the urge to shiver. He wasn't, by any stretch of the imagination, immune to Rhythm's heat scent. On the average day she was hard to resist, but now? Now it was through sheer force of will that he was behaving himself. Her words pulled a low chuckle from him and a playful nip aimed at her ear. "Hmmm," he rumbled, "That's true." This time there weren't any distractions, any obstacles, that should be able to keep them apart. "Oh, you are still every bit as irresistible," he murmured lowly, "The only difference," he paused to the thoughtfully trace the curve of her ear with his nose. Valen followed it from the base up and stopped what he was doing once his lips hung just above her ear. "Is that you aren't so innocent now." At the time she hadn't given him any indication that she was ready. Of course he hadn't asked, just assumed, but he'd been careful to respect her boundaries and not push her into something she wasn't ready for. ""

She was well aware of his closeness, as the barn started to get warm he would be all she could focus on. To her potential peril, if they continued and she got pregnant her life could be in danger. She knew this fact, but couldn't focus on the threat to her life through the fog of her heat. She wanted his touch, and though she was a very well behaved woman but right now it didn't take much for her to get distracted. He'd chuckle softly at her words, this was true they had nothing to do but wait out the storm. Shortly after he'd make sure she knew that his ability to resist her was very much just as challenged today as it was a year ago. There was one difference, but he'd tease at her ear softly before reminding her that she no longer held so tightly to the innocence she once had. "I'm not," she'd giggle softly as she shivered at his touch. "I should thank you for that." She'd given herself over to him fully, asking him to take her when she'd truly been ready. Now it was easier to be intimate with him, she was no longer nervous and knew more what to expect. She couldn't help but try to get closer to him, her need for his touch was increasing with every word they exchanged, and though the storm raged outside she felt safe inside with him. The chocolate she wolf nuzzled into the crook of his cheek and neck, finding herself nibbling at the softer flesh there. "What if I don't want you to resist?" She'd ask with mock innocence at her eager touch. ""

"I'm not," she confirmed with a giggle and with much amusement Valentine grinned into her ear. The storm, fierce or not, was rapidly losing his attention. There were far more desirable things close at hand. All of its efforts and bluster aside, the storm had nothing on Rhythm. "Thank me?" he scoffed in a low voice. Humming, he nuzzled the top of her head. "Hardly." Rhythm nibbled along the curve of his jaw and in response Valentine's neck arched and a hint of a smirk played across his features. He was liking where this was going. "What if I don't want you to resist?" His thoughts flashed to their time at the river and his pulse quickened as a flash of heat coursed through his belly. "Well..." he trailed off as he ducked under her chin, seeking to trace from the hollow of her throat to her ear before finishing his thought, "Hm," he rumbled, "...Honestly I can't think of a good or witty reason to pretend to object." Besides... "Except that we might just need to camp out here for the rest of the season." He shrugged nonchalantly before casually nuzzling her cheek. "That might interfere with duties...or something," he commented in a low voice. ""

The storm was indeed starting to be much easier to ignore with the prospect of much more intimate actions to take place. She'd ease into his chest as she placed her caress along his jawline, and asked her totally hypothetical question. (insert sarcasm) He'd start to answer her and move to her throat. Rhythm's chin lifted as he sought the sensitive areas of her neck and up to her soft ear. She'd purr delightedly and giggle amusedly at his response. There was no reason to object, except that he might want to stay here for the whole season. She might not have argued with that either. She was tempted to suggest that Cascade watch over things while they took their time in enjoying each other. "Shh.. what responsibilities?" Again her bell like laugh would flow from her lips, "I'll happily stay here with you and.. roll around." For the whole of the season because after their time at the river she was eager to be so close to him again. Now that she was in heat she wanted him even more. ""

It really was tempting. Staying here in the barn, in the dust and the damp and the gloom, with Rhythm seemed like a fantastic alternative to whatever official business the rest of the season held. "Shh.. what responsibilities?" She laughed then, the sweet sound rising over the din of the storm and causing his heart to briefly stutter. "That," he murmured, "is a good question." Valentine stole a nip at Rhythm's ear. Chuckling, he said, "Rolling around? Is that what we're calling it now?" Well then. Rolling around it was. Taking a slight step backwards so he could gauge her reaction to what he was about to say, the brute sought out Rhythm's gaze. "How would you like to try something...new?" She'd been unable to support his weight for long at the river, so why not cut that part out? ""

If they really had lingered there in the barn for the whole of the season there was no doubt that there were many wolves that might come searching for the both of them. Maybe they could stay hidden there, maybe not, but at least for now Rhythm was going to try. No one was going to be out and about in this rain, so they would be uninterrupted for now. Her amusement brought forth a pleasing reaction from him as he again nipped at her ear teasingly. Valen would question her choice of words and he'd pull away from her before finishing his thought. She'd lift herself slightly to try and remain in his embrace as long as possibly, but her rump would fall back onto the earth as she heard his question. Perking her ears and tilting her head curiously at what this something new might be. She had the basic concept down right? What other pleasurable acts might he introduce to her? "As long as you're loving me I'll do anything." She'd say with a wink as her tail wagged back and forth in shielded excitement. She stood again and awaited what instruction she may need, all the while a more than eager smile played on her soft features and her heart hammered in her chest. ""

"As long as you're loving me I'll do anything." What was this? Had the heavens just opened up? Was that...was that...the sound of angels singing overhead? Hot damn! Summer just became his favorite season. And it wasn't like he had something outrageous in mind, just different than what she might expect, and he'd wanted to gauge her willingness to step outside her comfort zone. But this "anything" statement opened up a whole new world of possibilities. He'd keep it in mind. He reached out to gently lick at her cheek. "Anything, eh?" Rumbling a chuckle, Valentine pulled back just a bit to regard her. In the gloom his eyes glittered with impossible to miss mischief. He wasn't going to tell her anything; let her be surprised. With much effort he pulled away from her and stepped to her left, moving until her left shoulder was almost even with his left shoulder. Absentmindedly he reached out and traced the curve of her neck with his nose, taking delight in this simple pleasure. Stopping at her ear, he murmured, "Lay down."He gave no explanation, didn't elaborate further, and hopefully what was said would be enough. She did say anything, after all. ""

His excitement was about as hard to miss as her own as she answered him with a willingness. She didn't miss the devilish look in his eye, and instead of causing her nerves to unsettle it would only make her more eager. He didn't keep himself from her touch for long, leaning forward with ease to kiss her cheek he'd ask her to confirm her statement. She'd nod swiftly in confirmation, Rhythm really was completely comfortable in his presence and was very much willing to try whatever he might run past her. The smile that lingered on her features would not leave her as he pulled away again leaving her waiting as he shifted beside her. Their shoulders would touch, and she'd feel fire trace along her back as he caressed the curve of her neck and found her ear. Rhy would shiver with anticipation, curious about his command but obedient all the same. "Alright," her soft words would comply as her body followed after. Slowly the chocolate she wolf lowered herself to the earth, front half first and maybe with a little exaggeration her hips would follow suit. Her bright blue and purple gaze would beam up at him from her lidded gaze as she twisted her tiara slightly to see him. Too excited to keep her tail to the side it would sweep the grass behind her and spread her summer perfume. ""

"Alright," she said; that simple little word causing anticipation to pool in his belly. The storm was, by now, completely forgotten. There wasn't a thunderclap loud enough or a lightning bolt bright enough to distract him. Valentine's eyes greedily followed Rhythm's movements as she lay down. His gaze trailed the curve of her back, noting, quite keenly, the brief moment her hips lingered in the air. Before she could quite make it to the earth he gently ran the tip of his nose up her back and towards her rump, her downward momentum quickly stealing her from his touch. He breathed in deeply, letting her sweet scent take hold of his senses. Rhythm turned back to look at him, her expression and unabashed eagerness causing his smile to widen. "Now," his expression turned impish, "lay on your back." Again, he gave no explanation as to why. ""

She was completely wrapped up in him, every touch he lay on her sent her skin alight. Her breathing increased at his touch, and she couldn't wait for his next caress. As she found his gaze she'd see the bright grin that lingered on his own features as the rumbles of the thunderstorm were completely tuned out. He was quick to offer more instruction, but he still with held and explanation. She didn't question him but her head tilted slightly in curiosity as she slowly shifted her form. Lowering her head to the grass and rolling from her paws to her back the chocolate she wolf would expose her soft belly to Valentine. With her form cushioned by old hay and packed earth she'd lay her soft brown paws on her chest. With her dark ears perked towards him she'd off up evidence of her complete trust in him as she eagerly awaited what she hoped to be a last instruction. Her heart wanted to beat out of her chest and her belly was full of the butterflies that always lingered within when she was close to him. Her skin burned and her loins ached with anticipation, she'd barely hold in the needy whimpers that threatened to escape her throat. ""

Again she would comply without question, doing as he'd commanded and rolling onto her back. For a few heartbeats he searched her eyes for something and then his gaze dropped and skimmed her upturned belly appreciatively. Her tiny, delicate feet rested gently on the crest of her chest and his sharp eyes caught the rapid rise and fall of it. The faintest of amused smiles lifted his lips, but his gaze didn't linger there. Instead he lazily let it trail downwards; his eyes gliding over the steep slope of her chest and across her belly. God, was she gorgeous. In one fluid motion he moved to stand over her, his face hanging down over hers and his much longer body stretched well past her hind legs. Valentine leaned down and, starting at the hollow of her throat and working downwards, peppered her curves in needy nibbles while he slowly walked backwards. By the time he reached her hips his touches had taken on a frantic, anticipatory edge. He'd promised her something new so that was what she was going to get. The storm wasn't anywhere close to being over; they had all the time in the world. -fade- ""

Rhythm's bright blue and purple stare wouldn't leave Valentine as she relaxed back onto the dirt. She didn't miss his stormy blue gaze taking in her offered form, her own grin wouldn't diminish but her eagerness would increase. Instead of a few heartbeats it felt like he'd waited hours to finally overwhelm her, with grace he'd come to stand above her. As she smiled brighter the girl would reach up towards him to steal a quick kiss before his motions became a bit more passionate. He'd teak her breath away as he trailed his nibbles all down her body, he lingered over the most sensitive places as his motions became more greedy. Her vocalizations would not be held back for long, and he'd barely make it over her belly button before her soft whines would be heard. He wouldn't hesitate as she wriggled beneath him, biting her lip and finding herself moaning softly as he delivered his promise of a new experience. She couldn't stay quiet for long, and before she completely lost herself in him she'd be thankful for the noise of the storm. -fade- ""