Sorry ‘bout that.
He loved the pet names she called him. A few in Russian always came to mind when he saw her but he was hesitant to use them because he didn’t like the way they sounded. They were harsh and guttural, unlike the bounding flow of her own vernacular. Besides, being a telepath meant he could convey his love for her without the limitations of crude words. He had been hesitant to open his mind to her, fearing the repercussions if he did. That was how he’d fallen for Iskata, spending so much time in her mind and deluging himself in her psyche. He often wondered now if perhaps it hadn’t been love each other felt, but an addiction to each others’ minds, like a drug. Perhaps that was why she had left him. But Nocht was different. He knew he loved her even without the circumstances of his psychic ability, but after they had already shared their bodies with each other, sharing their minds was the next logical, and final, step.
There was no wonder, no questions about their relationship. In a world of unknowns he knew exactly where things stood between them. He couldn’t know how long they would have together so he was determined to savor every moment of it. And today was a special day—they had been officially mates for exactly one month. He had already gone to the city the previous day, picked out a house and prepared it for a private celebration. “How would y’like t’go for a walk?” he asked before kissing her on the top of her head. In contrast to Nocht, he was a morning person and was already feeling antsy and eager to get up and go. “I have a surprise for you,” he whispered almost conspiratorially.
He did not think any less of her for acting like a youth. On the contrary, Phoenix loved to see Nocht open up before him and act like a child. Adulthood was an illusion; they were all really children just in bigger bodies. The could peel back the layers of professionalism that all tried to maintain and let each other see their true selves underneath, and only love each other all the more for it. Phoenix sometimes tried to act playfully with her, but ended up being stiff and unpracticed in it. The pup was still there, but he had forgotten much. Nocht was helping him learn all over again.
Rising slowly, the massive male followed his beloved out the den and began to stretch every muscle of his body, long and painstakingly. Normally he was an early riser and could be on his feet a moment after waking up, but seeing Nocht act so eager to see the surprise made his feel like mischievously taking his time to prolong the weight. He yawned, trying hard not to break out in laughter after what seemed like a long span stretching his muscles. He may have forgotten how to play, but he knew how to have fun. “Mebbe I could go for some breakfast first… you wanna go find some rabbits or somethin’? Mebbe we could lie in wait for some deer?” he teased.
Though Phoenix did not usually count the days as they passed, he had been keeping track ever since he and Nocht had officially become mates. He didn't know if she realized it, but this day marked a whole month that they had been a couple. He had planned something special a week ago, and the day before he'd ventured into the human city and scoured the rows and rows of houses until he found the perfect one. There was a cozy little bedroom with a big, comfortable bed for two and a fireplace--which he had fully stocked. he'd even left a copuple ptarmigans there for a romantic little meal, his first decent catches with his bow and arrows. He was proud of that, and wanted to share his prizes with the female who mattered more to him than all the food in the world.
"Acta'lly there'll be food where we're goin'," he answered cryptically as he began trotting southward, nuzzling Nocht as he passed by her and motioning for her to follow. He loved seeing her act so excitedly, knowing he could bring out the wonder in her. Seeing her happy made him elated.