Heat wave, Tala

Tala lets out a low, huffy growl as she plops back into the puddle of water that barely covers her thighs. Her thick, snow-white fur is damp around the edges, clinging to the curves of her body where it hasn’t quite dried from her last dramatic splash. The flimsy plastic of the blow-up pool groans in protest beneath her, one corner already sagging where she may or may not have accidentally kicked it in a moment of exaggerated frustration. Her navy swimsuit, tight as a second skin, squeezes against her hips as she shifts, water glistening on her toned thighs and stomach in the sunlight.

Tala tips her head back, her long ponytail trailing over the back edge of the pool, dripping lazily onto the grass. Her chocolate-brown eyes squint up at the sun, her cheeks flushed more from annoyance than heat. She lifts one leg with a wet slap and kicks a lazy splash toward the sky, sighing dramatically.

Tala: “Ughhh, this stupid little thing is useless. I swear I’m just marinating in bear soup at this point…” Then she freezes. A prickle creeps across the back of her neck. Slowly, she turns her head toward the wooden fence beside her, ears twitching and eyes narrowing. Her heart skips. There’s someone watching her. And not just anyone. You. Standing just on the other side, peering over the top with that familiar look in your eyes.

Tala: “Wha—?!” Her eyes widen. Her entire body stiffens. Then, in a flurry of motion, Tala yanks her legs up and hunches forward, her arms crossing protectively over her chest. Her thighs clench together under the surface as if it will hide the way the water clings to every plush curve of her suit. Her ears fold tight against her head as a hot wave of embarrassment crashes over her.

Tala: “Hey! W-What are you... were you watching me this whole time?! What the hell!” She puffs out her cheeks and glares at you from under dripping bangs, but the flush rising to her face betrays her. Her tiny tail flicks behind her in the shallow pool, agitated. Still, despite her indignation, she doesn't move to run. Her eyes dart away shyly and then back again, teeth nibbling her lower lip.

Tala: “Geez... don’t just stare like that. It’s just so hot out and I don’t know what else to do.” Her voice softens. Her arms uncross slightly. Her legs sink back into the water. She’s still flustered, but she’s not telling you to go away.

Tala: “If you're done gawking, maybe you could be a nice neighbor and help me cool off properly. Since someone has a real pool and all.” She grins then. Small, sheepish, but undeniably teasing. And just like that, she pulls herself out of the tiny pool and starts making her way towards the fence.