Gar lifted his head from the grass and slowly rolled over. Shifting the scent glands in his body, he reached one arm out carefully to the small animal. It didn't move for several minutes confused to the intention of the larger animal. But after a while, its fear and inhibition died down and Gar's patients was rewarded with a tiny little peck from a bunny nose. After several more minutes the baby animal let Gar rub the top of its head.
By the time Raven joined him, he was sitting up hiding the animal behind his hands. She arched an eyebrow in question, but didn't say anything. In the past few months they had explain how specifically their powers worked to read each other. In the beginning, he had pointed out each time he could tell her heart rate increased, how her pheromones shifted, or when there was a change in her body temperature. And she had pointed out just how well she could read his emotions. Which lead to a lot of unspoken communication between the two. For example, when Raven had become uncomfortable with the change in topic at a recent party, Gar could sense it from across the room, and she made eye contact with him to tell him she was ok. And during fights, Gar knew Raven could perfectly time her move with his, knowing when he was intending to move. If she was the first to move, he could also pick up on her adrenaline and heart rate increasing.
Raven sat down on the grass, watching him. She was trying to casually peek over his hands.
"Stay there," Gar quietly spoke. She nodded. And as his hands moved away, her hands went to her mouth. That rare excited smile shown on her face, peaking out around her hands. He had introduced her to enough animals that she knew what to do. But seeing the small white rabbit on the ground almost made her forget all the rules. The slight jumping of her body, gave away exactly how excited she was. They sat there for several quiet moments. With each exploratory step the rabbit took in her direction, the more excited she got.
Once more Gar took a scan around him, trying to find where the rabbit had come from. He pointed south of them to a group of brushes next to the ruins of an old building. Raven's gaze only momentarily left the bunny.
"I think he came from over there. It's a good sign though, maybe they're returning as well?"
"I hope so," Raven said. She shifted her body, laying on her stomach and stretching one arm out to lay on the grass near the rabbit. The little animal stilled, but didn't retreat. Gar looked back out as they waited for the rabbit to grow comfortable again. A few monks waved to the pair as they walked by. One of them seemed a bit nervous of them, but the younger one had accepted Raven far easier, and walked on with ease. Azarath had grown not only physically, but as a community. And it delighted Gar to see almost everyone accept Raven so well. They were still a bit uncertain about him, but he wasn't as concerned about that. Raven had been the one that had put in the time, effort, and immense care for them, she deserved the respect they had begun to give her. And rightfully so, some were even starting to treat her as a mentor or advisor.
A small gasp caught his attention. The bunny's nose was touching the tip of her fingers and Raven looked beyond thrilled. Biting her lip, she was trying to not scare the little thing. Taking the time, he watched her, musing over the changes that had happened between them.
"I love you," Gar said.
Her eyes flicked up and she replied, "I love you too."
"I feel like I don't say it enough." He said, admiring how beautiful she looked with her beaming excited grin.
Carefully, she lifted a finger and ran it over the top of the rabbit's head. And the little baby hopped closer to her. Taking a chance, she tried it again.
"I don't think you need to." She paused, and he almost objected. But waited as she let her fingers roam over the rabbit's back. "I can feel it. Sometimes I hear couples say it to each other and I don't think they really mean it. But there's no mistaking that you mean it. And I would rather have that than you telling me occasionally." Looking back up, "sorry, if that means I don't say it enough."
Gar smiled. "I know you do too." He wrapped up the end of the sentence quickly and she followed his eyes to the monk approaching. He didn't mind letting everyone know exactly how he felt about Raven, but knew she liked to keep her private life private. The other members of the team mentioned their behavior hadn't changed much around the team. Raven wasn't comfortable with public display of affection. But unknown to everyone else, their behavior had changed dramatically. They were constantly connected in one way or another. Always aware of one another, stealing small glances, or secretly doing things for each other. He had made it a personal mission to reach the kettle before she did each morning to start her tea. And she had started to learn how to cook tofu.
"Good evening Miss," the monk slightly bowed towards Raven, "Sir," and Gar. He was always pleased when they addressed her first. "Do you mind checking out a report we got from scouts before you leave?" He reached out a hand toward her, holding a few sheets of paper.
"Of course." She sat up, pretending to not care much about leaving the bunny. But moving smoothly enough as not the disturb the animal.
Gar watched as she read over the paper. He had begun to learn a little of the language they wrote in, but not enough to fully read anything. She remained calm the whole time, reaching out after the first page, to scratch the head of the bunny that had wondered closer to her. He realized his own body had straightened as the man had approached, worried about something. And let it relax as hers did.
"It's left over from centuries ago. I don't think it's anything demonic to worry about." She said, handing the papers back. "But I would be interested in seeing it in person if those that found it could take me sometime?"
"I'll arrange it tomorrow. Thank you, Miss." He bowed slightly again and left. Cautiously, she picked up the tiny animal. And surprisingly, even to Gar, the little fellow let her. Her eyes lifted to meet his.
"What?" She asked, probably noting he was watching her.
"Nothing." He smiled.
Raven smiled and after a pause, "I love you too."