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.

but notice the timid smile that appeared on her lips.

Her voice, soft and melodic, echoed through the quiet morning,

tatts Eyes Warmth

her hair behind her ear, can’t help but notice how much longer it had grown.

I

Alina,” I replied, setting the axe aside. “What brings you

the woodpile, and then, with a discreet look in my direction, she moved on. A rosy blush spread across her

uh, taken

f

unexpected question made me pause, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the scent of wood and sweat clung to me after hours of chopping. With

planning to,” As I admitted it, a blush of shyness tinged my cheeks

our eyes met, I saw uncertainty reflected in hers. She

it tugged at my heart, instantly evoking a surge of warmth within me. The air between us shifted, the atmosphere charged with a mixture of shyness and genuine sweetness.

“You mean… together?”

out in a stammer, revealing my own bashfulness in the exchange. Alina’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink as she nodded in

if you’re okay with that. It just seems… nice,

but smile, a combination of amusement and affection bubbling up as I looked at the woman in front of me.

hesitated for a moment

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

nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and

I’ll be right behind

reflect on the delightful awkwardness that had transpired between us. In that moment, as she opened up and shared

me, her hair cascading over one shoulder. Neatly folded on the closest rock, her clothes catch my eye. Inhaling deeply, I remove my clothes, carefully fold them, and set them down beside

Slowly and attentively, I approach her in the water, ensuring there is a sufficient gap between us. Alina’s gaze met mine, and in

this moment held deeper meaning and

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

the soft ripples

um, how’s the

voice, Alina asked, her arms crossed protectively, most likely

4/7

Eyes Warth

bare body from my sight. Even though I had already committed the texture of her skin and the contours of her body to memory, I made a conscious effort not to gaze

smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Thanks for suggesting this.

reflecting a mixture of contentment and shyness.

it is, isn’t it?”

warmth, all the walls between us just melted away. The scars of our individual journeys were momentarily forgotten, replaced

were in the middle of our bath, Alina pulls

that sponge?” I inquired,