Love might have been the closest description for what Ash had spoken of when she spoke of bonding, and if asked, she might have admitted it. She saw nothing wrong with loving her senshi, she already loved the few she considered 'hers' and to a lesser extent, even the ones she hardly knew... in spite of the warning Zirconia had given her.
Humans always break your heart... She couldn't believe that... refused to even really consider it. So, instead, she let herself enjoy being in Thraen's lap and the lovely attention he gave her with long strokes down her spine and rubs under her chin. Her purr thrummed like a motor from her throat and as long as he continued, she was content to remain, her paws kneading lazily against his thigh.
It was a dangerous game he played; See Who Gets Tired of Cuddling First. Hunger would eventually drive them to part ways, but Ash had a distinct advantage on her human friend, as when the talk lagged to companionable silence, she promptly fell asleep.
Ivynian
Fin!
