The snow leopard was sitting in the middle of what was to be their den. At least, she assumed it was the middle. Right now, the interior felt cold and the flooring was hard beneath her feet. Of course, it was a small cave, what could she expect? She heaved a great sigh, but was pleased when the movement caused her no pain. In fact, her wounds had stopped aching and she was sure they were soon to heal. Perhaps in a couple more weeks she would be fit enough to venture out on her own. But for now, there were other tasks at hand.

"Ocelot?" She called quietly. "I think we need to make this place more comfortable..." Rast had no idea where the other cat was, but she could smell him near by. She was confident he would hear her. "The floor is so hard.. and is it dark for you? If it is too dark I can bauble some things, or at least try to."

@ocelot

Ocelot listened to Rast and turned to her, it was a little dark yes but, he could see even it it were barely. He walked to her and stared into her eye. He didn't care if she couldn't see out of it.

"I agree, it's nice but it could be better. It would be better with some light...I...."

Then Ocelot came up with an idea, just thinking about it made his paws itch. That feeling bubbled up again, his fur grew hot and he could feel his heart beat fast. Even if it were just for a second, he could feel all of that again.

"I can't really see in here."

He pressed his nosed to hers and closed his eyes softly.

"Ooops."

He sighed softly, relishing the feeling again of such a intimate act. He took in the feeling of her warmth, the feeling of the touch. He could hardly pull away. He kept the act going for what seemed forever. After about two minutes he finally licked at her muzzle and pulled away. He shuffled his paws but said absolutely nothing about it.

"Ok, yes I can help with that! Darkness won't be a problem, I just need a little time is all." The leopard only had to sit there for a moment before Ocelots voice rang clear in her ears. His presence was also very near, his scent was strong. It was a major comfort. She gave a short, breathy laugh when he commented on not being able to see. "Welcome to my world..." Time had made her lighthearted once again. Although happiness still seemed out of reach, she knew she was slowly closing in on that feeling.

Right after she had spoken, she felt Ocelots not press against hers. Just like before, she stiffened up. This time it wasn't out of discomfort, no, it was more out of surprise. The leopard was sure that Ocelot had given up pursuing her in a more intimate manner. She was so sure that he was just going to help her and then move on to the next wayward soul, but that didn't seem to be the case. And for some reason, this made her feel relieved.

When he pulled away, she could hear his paws shuffle. Her ears still burned with that flustered feeling, did his too? Rast paused only a moment before leaning forward and pushing her head against the side of Ocelots neck with a low rumbling purr. She wanted him to know that she was grateful, but she didn't have the words to express these emotions.

"I-I should get some light in here..." When she pulled away, she remained close. The purr still rumbled in her chest. "If you could find me a rock, that would work just fine..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it still seemed to hold a not-so-hidden affection towards Ocelot.

@ocelot

Ocelot kept shuffling his paws until he felt Rast's head against his neck. He heard her purr and his fur got even hotter. Did....did she actually like that? He listened to her ask for a rock and looked around. Quickly, he grabbed a rather large one and placed it in front of her.

"Here, it's in front of you.....Rast, did you......did you like that?"

His ears flattened softly, afraid of her answer but if she did like that, then they could do it more. He could experience that feeling more. He looked to her, his heart beating faster now, his blue eyes focused on her intently.

@Rast

Speech Here
Thoughts Here

Without a word, Ocelot seemed to scamper off to find a rock. She heard his paws on the hard surface of the cave floor and then the sound of something dragging or getting pushed towards her. It sounded quite large. Hopefully her magic would work on something of that size.

"I, uhm, yes... I did." Her response was awkward. His question was so blunt, but he almost seemed uncertain. Of course she liked it, why else would she find herself purring like a maniac.

After she answered, she pressed her paws on to the rock and angled her head down to face it. Quietly, she willed her magic to push forward to this thing under her paws. A warmth blossomed in the socket that held her stone, but it was familiar and comforting. She could feel her magic pulsing from her stone to her paws to the rock. It was a good feeling to be doing something useful.

"Did it work?" Rast had no idea how bright or what color the rock was glowing. But she felt certain that it worked. Perhaps it was being so near Ocelot that had helped her cast the spell successfully.

@ocelot

Ocelot felt hot as he heard her answer. She liked it, she actually liked it! A huge smile covered his face. He watched her do her magic and soon the rock glowed bright blue. He looked at her, now able to clearly see her. He ran and tried to jump on her, but he ended tripping on the rock and instead crashing into her, knocking her down forcefully. He shook his head then quickly got back up and pressed his paws on her chest, he licked at her neck and muzzle happily and pressed his nose to hers.

“It worked! It worked perfectly! You’re beautiful Rast!”

He gave a happy giggle, still having his nosed pressed against hers.

@Rast

Speech Here
Thoughts Here

Before she could receive an answer to her question, she was swept off of her feet. Literally. Rast gave a startled cry as she was knocked over and for a moment, she felt like she was falling forever. Have no concept of the space, fear lanced through her. But when her back hit the ground, she realized it was Ocelot. She had half the mind to snap at him for scaring her so badly. But she was bombarded with affectionate licks to her face and neck.

"Oh, I-thank you." Did he really think she was beautiful or was it the fact that she can do beautiful things? Either way, the compliment made her chest swell and another purr poured out. Her frustration towards him ebbed and she even managed a little laugh.

"Ok, ok.." The snow leopard attempted to swat at Ocelot playfully but missed completely. "How about we find some stuff to make this floor a little softer... So the next time you tackle me, I have a soft landing." Her voice was hiding laughter, but she was serious. It would be nice to fall on a comfy floor than one full of rocks. "How about I can stay in here and bauble a few more little stones and you can go find us some moss or something?"

The thought of a nice comfy nest to curl up in with Ocelot made her feel a bit of happiness. Perhaps the nightmares would finally cease. Only time could tell.

@ocelot