The Bounty of Love

Chapter 4

They walked into Moonscale with knocked out Pain bound behind them. Love pointed at there usual table and Fox nodded knowingly as she walked that way. The bartender greeted him as he reached the bar,

“Honestly surprised she didn’t kill him. Anyway, I’ve sent for the local guardsmen, should be here soon. Why don’t you leave that tied up, I’ll toss him in the back. You two go up stairs get cleaned up. I’ll send your payment up and some food.”

 The bartender took the rope that Love handed him and nodded as he turned towards where Fox was at there table. He noticed she wasn’t in her usual position, she was laying on the table on her uninjured side. Her tail drooped behind her just lying there. He knew she was tired and in pain if her tail was still. He walked over to her placing one arm under her legs the other under her shoulders and rolled her into his arms effortlessly to pick her up. She looked up at him with a small pout. He just looked down at her with a soft smile and licked the end of her nose. She made a small chuckle as she too smiled and buried her face with a nuzzle in his chest, her tail slowly swayed. She wrapped her arms around him as he started up the stairs for some much needed relaxation.

When they got into the room he lied her down on the bed and helped her out of her gear before getting out of his own. He scooped her back up in his arms and carried her to the large claw foot tub full of warm water laced with a couple of healing herbs. He placed her in before getting in behind her. The moment he sat down she leaned her back on him her head on his chest.

“Thank you Love. Sorry I got hurt. But this makes it kinda worth it.” She chuckled through closed eyes as her hands rested on his legs on either side of her.

“Shit happens my little Fox.” He kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arms around her with a gentle squeeze, “The important part is that your ok. The herbs in the bath should help us both out. By the time we get outta here dinner should be waiting for us.” He looked down at her for a response and she had turned sideways and was sleeping peacefully on his chest her arms around his waist. “Such a silly thing you are my little Fox.” He chuckled to himself. At least she’s able to sleep, he thought.

 He let himself relax in the water with the love of his life asleep on him like he was the most comfortable place in the world. He knew how much she enjoyed these moments with him, he had to admit that it was rather nice. When they where apart on jobs he found it harder to sleep without her in his arms. He chuckled to himself as he thought about the infinite times she’s told him she hates sleeping without him cause because everything else was itchy,  calling him “the best blanket ever" a few of those times. He wondered what she was dreaming as he felt her smile against his chest. “As long as you’re happy my little Fox,” he whispered.

She moved a little. “Your my happy Love," she mumbled still asleep.

He was right, by the time they got out of the bath, dinner was waiting for them. Bread, meat, and drink. Simple and filling. There was also a large leather pouch with their meals. As he sat the tray of food in front of her on the bed, she immediately snatched the beer mug took a deep drink and pointed at said pouch.

 “Payment my dear.” He smiled at her.
She returned the smile as he sat next to her and they began to eat. Sharing conversation as they shared a meal. Once finished she stood up to remove the tray and blew out the candelabra. As she climbed back into bed he wrapped his arms around her as she did him, sharing a kiss before she nuzzled into his chest. Both falling into much needed slumber.