Eh?

[ perking up, a little hopeful. ]

I mean — don't jus' hand it out to a stranger like that. I would like t' compensate with a job or something.

Somethin's gotta pay th' bills now that I'm settled.

Honestly, one of my biggest regrets was not being able to. I jus' . . . finally got the freedom I wanted.

Didn't really consider much else besides, ` I'll come back soon. It'll be fine. `

. . . Impulsive idiot I was then, huh? Heh.

[ stray claw draws over their chin, a quiet, breathy laugh just barely enough to blow the bangs out of Mokou's face. ]

I love ya.

[ another kiss is planted on their face, tender as ever. then another, after another, and another — being so much bigger than her human companion, managing to be so gentle and compassionate.

she pauses when she nears their lips. ]

+

I wouldn't have it any other way, Moks.

[ eyes sparkle, ever so pure with adoration. the risk, a painful dagger to the heart, and yet she was fulfilled in the ideal future they could hold. the wish of life — a family, a real family — bound by just them.

it's unreal. ]

+

Now?

[ she pulls back momentarily, looking surprised for only a moment. then after a little bit of pondering, she lets out a little chuckle. ]

I ain't know how long I have you for . . . so, yes. Now is perfect.

[ joy washes over her, a flood of warmth flushing her face. she presses her snout into the side of their head, kisses planted on their face. ]

Then — then jus' say the word. Anytime. I - I would be ready.

If it's with you, I'll be ready.

[ caressing their face, ever so sweetly smiling. ]

'course. Ya gotta fill me in on what I missed after I left. I feel like I never really got the chance to, uh . . .

. . . talk to you when I did.

. . . Yeah?

[ looking excited?? ]

Well ya know. I ain't opposed.

[ doesn't waste a second thought. grabbing them by their shirt and yanking them into a sloppy, open - mouthed kiss. Okay. ]

[ suddenly picking up her pace?? ]

[ her other hand comes up to cup their cheek, thumb coming up to wipe a streak of tears running down their face. ]

Yes. Yes. I would love to, Mokou.

[ her heart soars with unusual happiness. she never thought she would be so excited at such a feat, but now? she can hardly wait. ]

⠀
⠀/ /⠀its okay i love u forever
⠀

⠀
⠀/ /⠀MEEEEE
⠀

. . . . . .

Only if ya don't throw herself off a cliff after.

[ that made her heart race. ohhh she's been cooked. ]

Aww, are ya really? Damn.

Pplease

[ taking a deep breath. ]

But I know, with you, it'd be . . . it'd be like havin' a real family. One where I don't have t' feel like I'll let 'em down. An' they won't end up like we did.

. . . That's my promise.