Submission (#774) Approved

(((Don’t have a link for the story part! Apologies. I rewritten the prompt into my own words <33
Link above is a media link to my art piece! As I’ll need to search for the users toyhouses!^^)))

The smell of petrichor had wafted deep within the air. The dense sting of the winter air could be felt against the pelt of those who linger long enough. Everything is scarce, as none dares to be woke in the bone chilling starless night. The creamer colored starsnare gathered some twigs and brush to help the darker colored snare, placing them under the concrete blocking that blocked the flames from escaping. Their pelts were sticking on end, their bones aching from the cold. Although the moon was bright and fully risen in the sky, it still seemed pitch black. It felt as though something could rise from the shadows around the two. It was like a battle of love, as one gathered the wood needed, the other put together the bricks and stone, making sure it was tight so there wasn’t any unfortunate accidents. The blazen fire rising up, the brindle and flames clashing gently with one another. Even though the fire seems to fill the area, it still left those near its warmth, feeling gentle and serene, like a moth to its lamp.

The almost midnight colored snare gazed up at the dancing flames, the imagery reflecting off his eyes, making them shimmer many hues of orange and yellow. The ash gently falling and swaying in the breeze. The subtle infernal colors dancing on it for its last moments as it sways in the sky. They lit up the sky like stars dancing intertwined, one could think the forest was full of fireflies in love. The small hints of purple on the males fur looked more iridescent as the lights from the embers before them sparkled. A small chuckle arose from the other, the voice spewing out like sap from the oak trees, their tone sweet and subtle.

“You look so silly gazing at the fire like that”

This made the other tear their attention away and towards the latter. Emitting the tiniest gruff, he lowered his head, his sullen eyes staring into the ones of the snare he was so close to, the reflection now being of them. You know me and my whole idea on the coldness. I may have tons of fur, but I love my warmth as well, I would never pass up warmth for the chilling cold of winter, Cairo”

Hearing this, the one named Cairo let out a series of laughs. “I know, I know, it’s just so adorable to witness you hurdle towards warmth! It is really entertaining!” The paw that looked like it was wearing a glove rose to its face, covering it as they kept on laughing. “,it’s so cute though! So don’t feel upset please” tears formed in their eyes briefly before they raised their paw up a bit more and gently wiped the tear away. The wrinkles on their face still showing, like a desperate attempt to hide and force laughter down, however failing as a few chuckles escaped.

Its sandy colored body lowered itself, moving themselves towards the other, gently brushing their head against the males as their laughter spree finally stopped, a warm gentle smile crossed their face.

“I’m sorry for laughing at you, I couldn’t help it” they closed their eyes, now leaning their body against the side of the other. Hearing the apologetic tone in their voice, the male gently shook his head and let out another simple quiet sigh. “It’s okay, Cai, I know you mean well”

The wolf-like snare grinned slightly, “And I mean, I got to see you laugh, so that’s a plus. You could laugh at me whenever you want if that means I can hear that peaceful melody,” Cairo opened their eyes, their expression turning into the smallest gentle pout before moving away from his body. Which caused a chuckle to erupt from him.

“You can be so adorable you know that?”

Cairo just rolled his eyes. Their gaze heeding back to the fire. “As much as I would love to stay here and enjoy the warmth from the fire, it appears it is getting later” they lowered themselves to the ground before sprawling across the dirt. “So we should be putting it out soon and be heading back” Cairo turned his head and looked at the snare, hovering in the air. Gentleness sparkling in his eyes as their focus remained only on them. Chuckling, the sandy colored snare rested his head on his front paws.

“Or, I mean, can stay the night out here instead? Sleep beside the fire and cuddle next to each other to make sure we do stay warm, even when the fire goes out” they closed their eyes, wrapping their long tail around their body to keep their paws and head warmer, and to block out the ash from falling on them a bit.

Still smiling, he flew down and gently nuzzled against Cairo. “Sure, that’s fine by me.” He pressed his snout against their cheek gently. “We can watch the moon and the flames together,” he closed his eyes, wrapped his own tail around himself.

In the dimly lit night, the daytime and the night laid still against one another. Their bodies still except for the rising and falling of their timid bodies.

Cairo took a peek at him and nodded very slightly. “Maybe we will see a wild animal or two as we fall asleep..” they spoke softly, their tone sounding a bit on the bittersweet side, trying their best to swallow it down. However, the one beside them noticed, questioningly, he spoke,

“What’s wrong?”

“Do you by any chance..” they frowned, a lump forming in their throat, terrified of what they may say. “Do you by any chance have any feeling for me?” They glanced up at him, locking his gaze completely, as if trapping him, almost like they’re making sure he doesn’t run away.


“Yes…” the male frowned a bit. “What’s wrong with that?” He asked, his voice lowering an octave as it trembled.

“I don’t love you, I’m sorry”