He pulls away from the embrace, leaving her lips lingering for more.

'Hm,' is all he says.

'...Why?' is all she can ask.

'Why?' he replies, the good humor evident in his voice, his tone returning to normal. 'Why don't you work it out yourself?'

No reply.

He leans in.

'I have kept this to myself for a while now,' he breathes. Her pointed ears quiver. 'But I don't think I can anymore.' She can sense the tension now, the hesitation, even if she cannot see him bite his lip.

'...I...I think I love you.'

And a little pocket of silence envelopes them both for a short while. It is the longest short while of his life. A crimson drop of blood appears on his lip.

Then she speaks.

'You think?

I expect someone like you to be so sure of such a big thing like this,' she says. His eyes are closed, and he is almost grimacing in pain. As if his biggest weakness has been revealed. She takes pity, and to both of their surprise, she leans up, presses her lips against his, wiping away the blood. He is taken by surprise, but remains stock still. She pulls away.