Aww, looks like Pepper decided to read Orion one of her books, but I guess she didn't notice that he dozed off before hand. It doesn't matter, she just hopes he has pleasant dreams and it looks like she's going to ensure that happens. It's time once again for another insight into the relations of some of the many characters on the roster, this time highlighting the one Pepper and Orion share! So as a special Valentine's treat lets look into their relationship. Hope you enjoy!!

How they met: Initially Orion met Pepper through her teaching website, where he did work and problems for fun. Due to Orion being the only frequent visitor, the two eventually began talking to one another, finding out more and more about the another with each encounter. The bond gradually became stronger over the course of their conversations, establishing a pretty strong relationship despite not meeting face to face. However it wasn't until a year or so later that the two met in person when Pepper contacted Orion via email, stating she would be visiting the city close to Orion's home, asking if he would like to meet. Agreeing, the two met for lunch where they were both surprised that the other was as they said they were during their online conversations. It was here that the two thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and agreed to continue meeting one another.

Pepper's side: Pepper truly cares about Orion and cherishes the time the two spend together. Due largely in part to their interactions, both online and in person, Pepper takes a genuine interest in Orion because of his modesty and because of this wishes to see what makes him tick. Pepper is very affectionate towards Orion and despite viewing him as a friend, there is a part of her deep down that wishes the two could become lovers. However it was upon hearing that Orion was "untouched", she wishes to "teach" him about the more passionate and sensual sides of things, but she understands that things need to come naturally and instead of forcing things to progress, she instead gently nudges him in the direction she feels is best. Pepper has described some odd feeling she gets when being with Orion, stating that it feels that he, like her, has a lot of passion and love to give and wants to truly see this side of him, but like with everything else, she takes things gradually. Pepper enjoys reading to Orion from her books and he is in fact the only one to know that she is the author operating under the pseudonym "Ebony Lockheart", signifying the amount of trust she has in him, knowing full well that he wouldn't reveal this secret to anyone. The reason for Pepper to tell Orion this is due to him not being a past student of hers so she feels far more comfortable with telling him things of this nature. Pepper has on ocassions asked Orion to accompany her on her occassional excursions to different countries as a friendly little getaway, perhaps hoping to show him how she gets her romantic inspiration.

Orion's side: Orion is very comfortable with Pepper and enjoy talking to her about what ever is on his mind, even some of the more "Steamy" topics that Pepper wishes to delve into doesnt phase Orion as much. Orion undoubtedly trusts Pepper in the same way she trusts him, as such he doesn't mind telling her private things that he doesnt want others to know or just talking to her about things that bother him at the time. He really appreciates Pepper and has even done things for her before they even met face to face, such as sending her gifts for her birthday or pastries for occasions such as Easter and Valentine's day, something she enjoyed greatly. Orion loves Pepper dearly and always has time to listen to her stories or her experiences from her time as a teacher or her travels. Pepper's inviting and warm nature causes Orion to feel truly at ease, in fact Pepper was the one who comforted him after the death of his great grandmother, which made him feel more at ease and accepting of the situation. The bond with Pepper is so great that Orion sees her as a close friend, not even being phased by the difference in their age, truly cementing the level of comfort he has with her, something that is somewhat rare for him.


And there you have it, another glorious bond pic of the ebony mouse and black panther. I know that red, pink, and white are extremely traditional colors for Valentine's day, but this time around, black is beautiful!! This was a magnificent piece done by the elusive  Gnaw awhile ago for this occasion. I hope you all enjoy and remember to spend time with your lover, and if your single, treat yourself right today!! Happy Valentine's Day!!!

*TRIVIA: Pepper is one of the few characters Orion knows prior to the Fenrus family moving in with him. The others are: Godiva who was a friend in middle school, Edel who works at the doughnut shop Orion frequents, Delilah whom Orion briefly worked for, and Renee who was Orion's librarian back in high school.