Survival Of the Fittest (Hawkeye Fanfiction)

Chapter 31: Love (Hawkeye)

A few days later Fulvus finally managed to track down Mirrow and get her alone in the forest like they had been when he was ill. Things had to settle down after they brought Natasha and Meda back. Things hadn't really settled but he had to see Mirrow, to tell her somethings.

"I'm so glad that that you made it back alright," she barked as she romped along, her fur brushing his. "I heard how you two failed to report your position or anything."

Fulvus gave a nod. "Things got a little tricky when we decided not to kill Meda or Natasha. That was the plan but things change," he confessed.

Mirrow gave a nod to match his. "I know that you see something in her, don't you?"

Did Mirrow know? Fulvus bit his tongue until it hurt. "For a little bit I did but not anymore. All we will ever be is friends, I promise," he vowed as he dipped his head to her.

Mirrow smiled. "I believe you. Besides you're a tom, you're going to have conflicting feelings. However, friends sounds good. I met her by the way."

Fulvus was a bit surprised by that. "Why?" They hadn't been sharing stories about him, had they?

Mirrow chuckled. "We just passed each other in the halls and we spoke for a bit. She's really nice. I'm glad that you brought her back. She'll be a powerful asset."

"I think so too," confessed Fulvus as he padded up a large ravine. He looked out and he saw Clint speaking to Mirrow's companion.

"They really like each other," Mirrow murmured from where she stood beside Fulvus. "I wouldn't be surprised one day if they were mates eventually."

Mates. That word always made Fulvus shiver. He had no idea what it was like to have a mate. He hadn't seen anyone being mates. Albus had and still raised her alone. He was afraid that if he ever was mates with someone that he wouldn't be very good at it. All he could do was follow his heart.

"Are you coming," pressed Mirrow as she wagged her tail. "You kind of froze there."

Fulvus shook his head to clear it. "Er, yeah, coming," he yowled as he clawed up some dirt and thrust himself forward until he was back at Mirrow's side. He pushed his head against her shoulder a bit playfully.

She yipped and reared on her hind legs and batted at his ears. He ducked down and pushed his head against her chest. She fell on her back and he leaped on her. She pushed her paws against his chest and underbelly.

"You're not going to defeat me, Fulvus," chuckled Mirrow as she continued to push up on him.

He pressed down since his weight was much more than hers. "Oh yeah? And what's the wonderful Mirror going to do about it," he challenged.

Mirrow tilted her head. "You think I'm wonderful?"

Fulvus hadn't meant to say that out loud. His whole his face turned bright red through his feathers. "I-I guess I did," he stammered in embarrassment.

Mirrow rumbled before she took Fulvus's head in her paws and pulled him close. She rasped her tongue against his cheek. Surprise leaped into Fulvus's eyes as he turned to look at Mirrow. Her eyes were glowing in affection for him and Fulvus felt the same affection for her. He just couldn't say it.

He stepped off of her and allowed her to rise to her paws. She did so and strode over to him, her eyes searching for his. He turned his head to face her and smiled.

"What is it," she asked as she tilted her head in confusion.

He kept smiling but it was fading quickly. "I don't know if I can do this," he confessed as he shook his head a bit.

"Do what," she pressed as she drew closer to him, trying to make him feel a bit better.

Fulvus shook on his paws. "I love you, Mirrow. I just don't how to keep it going. I don't how to be a mate, let along a good one," he rambled.

Mirrow rook a step forward and pressed her head against his chest. "I don't know either. We can learn together. I think that's what being a mate is about," she breathed.

Fulvus lowered his head over hers and took in her sweet scent. It was like Albus's sweet scent but a little bit different. "I don't know if I'll be a good father."

Mirrow drew back with amusement in her eyes. "We're going to wait a long time for that," she teased and she got a laugh out of Fulvus to her relief.

He sighed heavily. "What about me going on missions. I can't just stop."

"And I don't want you to. That is what makes you happy and I want you to do whatever makes you happy," she told him with bright eyes.

Fulvus knew how generous she was being. He should just ask her. "Mirrow, will you be my mate?"

Mirrow's eyes glowed and she looked even more beautiful than usual. "Yes. I will, Fulvus."

They both leaned forward and rumbled or purred as their foreheads touched. Now it was Fulvus's turn to give Mirrow a small lick on the cheek in affection. She rumbled in pleasure and wagged her tail.

They stayed like that for a bit before Fulvus made a silent vow. I will always look after you, my love. We can get through anything and we will.