Intertwined
Kotallo knew right away that she hadn't eaten properly when Aloy entered the rec room and leaned heavily against his workstation. She was beyond tired, and in desperate need of rest.
He also knew she didn't want to hear about it and would need extra tender loving care tonight.
"Aloy," he started, but was immediately met with a stubborn sigh and arms crossing over her chest defensively.
She looked away and muttered an annoyed, “Don’t start. Please. Don’t.”
Kotallo moved closer, the armored pieces of their tassets touching but she kept her gaze determinedly averted. A moment passed in which he watched her shoulders rise and fall ever so slightly with each breath she took.
There was only one solution ─ close combat.
Kotallo eased his left foot between hers, intertwining their legs. As if on cue Aloy put her head on his shoulder, uncrossed her arms and wrapped them around him.
There she was, Kotallo thought, put his arm around her and kissed her hair.
“I’m just tired,” she began. “It’s been a long day, and somehow I had the hardest time fighting off that stupid Rollerback just outside of Salt Bite.”
“You didn’t sleep well either. And you left without breakfast.”
“I took the left-over slice of Blood Bread from last night…” Aloy mumbled.
“That’s not enough, my love. You have learned this lesson before.”
Aloy huffed a tired exhale. “Can we please just go to bed and snuggle. I never want to leave this embrace.”
Kotallo smiled. “As soon as you’ve eaten,” he said, took her chin between his fingers, then dipped his head and pecked a quick kiss onto her soft lips. “I’ll make us Mountain Caps,” he offered affectionately. “And there’s fresh Mountain Trail Bread from this morning.”
“Then we can cuddle?”
“If you promise to eat a proper breakfast with me in the morning.”
“I promise,” she smiled into his lips, and Kotallo let himself be pulled into a deep kiss.
“You know, Marshal…,” she whispered, when their lips parted.
“Hmm?”
“I love how you show your love.”
Kotallo’s heart burst with such joy and affection that he pulled her back into his chest, never wanting to let go either.
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