The Mating Run by Leeka

Zeke’s POV

In His Eyes: Warmth

Alina and I quietly move around the cramped cabin, feeling the tension in the air. We’re both dealing with the consequences of last night. Now, in the quiet moments that come after, we’re trying to figure out where our relationship is going.

I can sense Alina’s need for solitude, as if she longs for a moment of quiet to rediscover the pieces of her identity buried deep within the recesses of her mind. Her gaze, once a familiar map of emotions, now holds a hint of uncertainty, like someone cautiously exploring a puzzle they can’t solve. In response, I move cautiously, mindful of her need for space, a constant presence by her side, vigilant against the looming shadows that seek to consume her.

From a distance, I watch Alina as she gracefully arranges the few belongings scattered across the cabin, her movements flowing like a gentle dance. Each step she takes is deliberate, as if she’s tiptoeing through the uncharted territory of her own being, wary of the revelations that lie beneath the surface.

The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife as we avoid talking about the elephant in the room – that mark on her neck, a symbol of a connection that goes beyond memory. I can’t help but stare at it, silently acknowledging how important it is. It’s a reminder that our bond is still there, even if she can’t remember it.

Those quiet moments when our eyes meet bring me solace. Alina’s search for herself makes her so vulnerable, and it really resonates with me. I really want to help her and make her feel better, but I know I need to be patient.

Time flies by, like leaves rustling gently. We’re always finding the perfect balance between being close and having some space. Alina, determined to make this place more than just a refuge, starts moving things around with intention, being careful and focused.

Nesting, they call it.

1/7

In His Eyes: Warmth

I’m struggling with my own insecurities, worried that I might overshadow Alina’s journey of self–discovery. But, while I stay watchful from afar, I crave her

acknowledgement to confirm that our connection is still intact, even amidst fading memories. Does that make me a horrible person?

I don’t know. I don’t know if I want to know.

Night descends with a hushed intimacy, and I feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Alina senses me and looks at me with vulnerability, tearing my heart apart. Her eyes, like uncertain pools, reflect the flickering candle flame, casting soft shadows on her face.

I cautiously walk towards her, knowing how fragile everything is. When Alina looks at me, time stands still. I see a question in that look, asking for reassurance beyond words.

I reach out my hand, silently beckoning for a connection to bridge the distance

the between us. Alina, with a brief pause, gently laces her fingers with mine, warmth of her touch confirming the enduring bond that remains despite the fading of recollections. We’re just standing there, surrounded by the peaceful night, blending into a moment of vulnerability together.

That’s how a day normally goes for us. I don’t love it, but I don’t exactly hate it

either.

It was a seemingly ordinary morning, until everything suddenly changed

between us.

The clearing outside the cabin was bathed in a warm, golden glow from the morning sun, and the sound of the axe hitting wood reverberated through the air. With every swing of the axe and every log added to the pile, a sense of achievement welled up inside me. As I wipe the sweat off my forehead, preparing to swing the axe down once more, I suddenly hear Alina clearing her throat behind me.

turned, our eyes met, and I couldn’t help but notice the timid

melodic, echoed through the

tatts Eyes Warmth

ear, can’t help but notice

I

axe

direction, she moved on. A rosy blush spread across her

you… uh, taken a bath today?”

f

of wood and sweat clung to me after hours of chopping. With a self–conscious smile on my lips, I

As I admitted it, a blush of shyness tinged my cheeks with warmth. “Sorry, I must smell

her attention to me. When our eyes met, I saw uncertainty reflected in hers. She briefly looked away before mustering the bravery to continue the conversation. “Well, um, if you’re going to take a bath, maybe…

instantly evoking a surge of warmth within me. The air between us shifted, the

“You mean… together?”

exchange. Alina’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink as she nodded

with that.

I looked at the woman in front of

tranquil lake, Alina hesitated

lips in a soft, delicate whisper, barely audible to anyone nearby. “Go first.”

with a

right

nod and a gleaming smile, Alina hastened towards the lake, leaving me alone to reflect on the delightful awkwardness that had transpired between us. In that moment, as she opened up and

a pleasant bathing experience. Alina was already in the water, her back bare and turned towards me, her hair cascading over one shoulder. Neatly folded on the closest rock, her clothes catch my

surprisingly easy, but as soon as Alina heard me, she tensed up. Slowly and attentively, I approach her in the water, ensuring there

this moment held deeper meaning and connection.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

shoulder to shoulder, the tranquility interrupted solely by the soft ripples of water and the occasional meaningful glance we shared,

um, how’s the

Alina asked, her arms crossed protectively, most likely to

4/7

Eyes Warth

body from my sight. Even though I had already committed the texture of her skin and the

perfect,” I replied, a smile tugging at the corners

eyes reflecting a mixture

is,

basking in the lake’s warmth, all the walls between us just melted away. The scars of our individual journeys were momentarily forgotten, replaced by the tenderness of a shared space, a space that

our bath, Alina pulls out

find that sponge?” I inquired, my voice carrying a