For as long as I knew you, however long that was.For as long as I knew you, however long that was." He felt his chest tighten again, and hugged her closer. "Furry?" "No, Nickolai," she replied, "let me say it." She rose back up onto her knees and stared him in the eyes. "I love you." "I love you too, Jofuran," he whispered back. She fell on him, her muzzle open, her tongue in his. She kissed his cheeks, his eyes, his forehead. He laughed in response, feeling the pressure of yesterday lift from him. With a lunge, he grabbed her by the waist and rolled her down onto the bed, descending on her with equal enthusiasm, nipping and biting her neck before trailing down her left side, eliciting delightful squeals and screams as she protested his tickling her. "Kolya!" she begged, "please!" "What's wrong?" he asked, smiling. "Can't take a little friendly tickling, sweetheart?" "Oh, you're so silly!" she shouted, grabbing him and holding him close. He wrapped his arms around her in response and held her tightly. They were quiet for awhile before Jofuran said, "You owe me something." "What?" Nickolai asked, confused. "We didn't get to make love last night." She smiled suggestively. "According to Nance, I was busy almost dying last night." "Yeah," she said soberly. "You did. You know you pulled the knife out, making the wound worse." "I did? I remember reaching for it, but I don't recall pulling it out." "Trust me, you did. |