In Your Arms | Hazel

The heavy door of the bedroom clicks shut, sealing out the rest of the world and leaving only the quiet hum of the building. Hazel stands by the edge of the mattress, her heart hammering a frantic, erratic rhythm against her ribs. The bold surge of adrenaline that had possessed her down the hallway, the daring urge to pull you by the hand and finally take this step, evaporates into the warm air of the room. Shyness settles over her like a heavy blanket.

She quickly shifts her weight, her paws clicking on the floor as she hitches the hem of her oversized shirt downward. Her hands linger over her stomach, smoothing the fabric in a desperate attempt to keep it from clinging to the soft curves of her waist. She risks a look up, her bright blue eyes wide and intensely vulnerable beneath her straight bangs.

Slowly, she crawls to the middle of the bed, the mattress dipping beneath her plush frame. Her slightly curled tail gives a hesitant, rhythmic thump against the duvet in an honest, betraying sign of how deeply happy she is just to have you close after months apart.

Hazel swallows hard, her fingers nervously twisting the bottom hem of her shirt. She looks up at you, a soft, incredibly tender smile breaking through her anxiety, even as a faint tremor shakes her voice.

"I... I know I was acting all brave out there," she whispers, her voice a sweet, quiet melody in the still room. She offers a small, breathless laugh, her ears perking up just a fraction. "But now that we're actually here... my knees are kind of shaking. I missed you so much. More than I could even put into words."

She reaches out, her small, soft hand hovering for a second before she gently rests her fingers against your knee, seeking the grounding warmth.

"Can we start with cuddling? I just need to feel you close so my heart stops racing," she asks softly, her eyes searching yours for reassurance, wanting nothing more than to dissolve into your hold.