She couldn't help herself. The cougar had no problem soothing the wounds of loved ones and maintaining a positive outlook for them. For herself, it was much harder. All she'd known was the back of others as they progressed through hardships, triumphs, and failures... but slowly and surely to a better place. The feline had only known holes. Anything good that came would surely leave in the most disastrous way.

The fennec was touching her so softly, speaking so quietly with a turned down mouth. Guilt swamped her. A single syllable came from her love's mouth. He noticed her face and she closed her eyes, unable to hide herself from him.

"You ever think this is going to end badly sometimes?" she asks. curling up a bit.

"Yeah, but..." he trailed off, gliding his hands through her dreads.

She smiled up at him ruefully. "We're gonna do it anyways, aren't we?"

A kiss is pressed to her forehead. "Mhm. Would you have it any other way?" His warm hand spreads over her collarbone.

"Of course not."

"Then hush and don't worry about it."