They had found a small cave in the side of the cliff face, and opted to settle there for the night. It had been very comfortable, in a new and slightly strange, but very exciting and certainly fulfilling, way. They were laying together now, basking In the after glow, the moon smiling down at them sheepishly from behind a thin cloud, as if pretending not to look. Dhili purred and rubbed her head against Ataruka’s shoulder, making him shift his position beside her so he could put his paws around her and lounge on his side. She snuggled up to him, and he rested his chin on the top of her head as she curled against him.

He had never noticed how small she was before now, or how dangerous it was for her out there alone. He had been taking his duty of protecting her for granted, but now he felt compelled to do a much better job of it. To give her a life that she wanted, and help her be happy and comfortable. He would find her the home she wanted, and he, if she would have him, would never leave her side again. All these thoughts were bouncing around his head, and yet he still felt comfortable and languid.

Dhili, meanwhile, was completely at peace. She had found the lion she loved, and really had no other concerns at the moment. Sure, a home would be nice, but she was not worrying about that when this little den in the side of the cliff felt like home enough for the night. She imagined any place would work just as well, if she could be this close to him. She rumbled happily, nuzzling against him, pressing her back to his stomach and sighing dreamily. It was getting to be morning, the sun trying to peak out behind them, outside, but for now no light was reaching them from it. They could stay for a little while longer.

Or however long they wanted, really. What did it matter? They were not going anywhere, no t really, so why were always in a hurry to get there?

Ataruka looked up at the sky and noticed the red creeping in to the deep blue, denoting morning was coming whether they could see it or not.

“We should probably get a move on, to get up the top of this cliff. That is what you were so intent on doing, was it not?”

“Well, it was, but I’ve got better things going on right now. I think we should just stay here for a bit. You know. Relax. We’ve been on the go for so long anyway, and there’s no point. I like this, right here.” She smiled and he could hear it in her tone, which made him sigh softly. She tempered him, bringing out the best and worst in him when she tried. She could really annoy him, and did every last thing that got on his nerves, but she also delighted him, and he had already been completely dedicated to her. Even against his better judgment. Now, he knew, he was completely at her mercy.

“Alright, we can rest of a little while longer,” he relented, though he felt her roll away from him and get up. He looked at her in surprise. “What is it?”

She looked at him seriously, eyes wide but eyebrows furrowed in a thoughtful, intense stare.

“I love you. I want you to know that. This means more to me than just playing around and wasting some time, you know? I want you to know that I love you and I want this to be a thing. Okay? I’m not just messing around here, and I’m not going to just leave or forget about it this time.”

Ataruka stared at her, but realized she was not just making promises to him. She was making sure she heard them, that she understood them: she was doing her best to make a start of whatever this was, and to be as dedicated to him as he already was to her. The idea surprised him, as he had always thought his private feelings for her had been too subtle to notice. Somehow, though, she managed to be feeling the same thing all along. Now, seeing her look so serious, hearing her swear to be loyal to him and to treat them like a proper relationship, he felt his heart swelling with warmth and affection. He actually laughed, a deep and rumbling sound that startled Dhili.

Had she ever heard him laugh before?

He got up and nuzzled her, then rested his forehead against hers. Eyes closed, he breathed in her scent and sighed contentedly as it made his head spin a bit.

“My lovely Dhili,” he said softly, feeling her shudder but not opening his eyes, “I will always be here with you, however and whenever you need me. I have been this long, haven’t I? I expect from you what I have fallen in love with for so long now. All I want from you is for you to be happy. For you to be… you. Dhili, isn’t it obvious that’s all I need?”

She felt her eyes stinging with tears and moved to look at him. He opened his eyes when he felt her pull her forehead back from his, smiling softly at the look on her face. She was struggling not to cry, lower jaw wibbling with the effort. Such a silly girl, he decided, but one he just could not be without.

“You’re such a jerk, Ataruka! Why didn’t you tell me sooner? You should have made it more clear!” She was yelling at him, but he could see the smile she was trying to fight. He bowed his head seriously, though, looking and sounding as apologetic as he could muster.

“I will do better in the future,” he relented, and she huffed at him, then moved to press her shoulder to his, leaning against him in as close to a hug as she could manage. He put his head on her back, cuddling her and feeling perfectly happy for the first time in a very long time. And it was a feeling he hoped would last.

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