𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝔂 & 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓼 𝓜𝓸𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓛𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽

5

Moon had spent another three days in Curtis' cave with him, waiting as he collected fruits for her to examine so that she would have something to snack on while they were travelling.

"That makes 32 days I've been here now..."

Moon mumbled to herself, trying to figure out another way to keep count rather than just scratching notches on the cavern wall. She stood silently for a few moments at the mouth of the cave, wearing her grandfather's large, worn out leather jacket before pursing her lips.

"I'll be wearing these... they're mine and make me comfortable..."

Moon told the observant snake man, showing off the stained clothing he'd found her in. Baggy camo cargos, a black tank top and red flannel button down. Sure it had been washed thoroughly, but her own faded blood would be a constant reminder of the day she'd arrived here.

Curtis watched Moon with a soft, affectionate gaze as she stood at the mouth of the cave, his long tail curling around her as he observed her preparations. He approved of her wearing the strange clothes that he had first found her in, the worn, comfortable garments suited her well and did little to depreciate her beauty.

"Are we ready to leave now?"

Moon asked hesitantly, glancing over at the small woven basket of fruits and nuts Curtis had accumulated for her.

Curtis nodded, his scales rasping softly against the cave wall as he moved to coil around Moon protectively.

"Yes, my moon beam. I have gathered enough sustenance for our journey to the beast city market. Stay close to me, and do not wander off alone."

He murmured, holding the basket in one hand before lifting her in the other.

Moon squeaked unceremoniously as she was lifted like she weighed absolutely nothing at all. Her arms both went around his neck as she held onto Curtis lightly and his lower serpentine half began moving incredibly fast through the terrain.

Curtis hissed softly in satisfaction as he felt Moon's arms wrap around his neck, holding her securely against his body as he slithered through the wilderness with incredible speed and agility. His forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air and ensuring no danger approached his precious mate.

Travelling to the city of 10,000 beasts was not as long a journey as Moon had initially been expecting. She hated to admit it, but somewhere along the way of Curtis carrying her and the wind kissing across her face, she had been lulled into a lazy croon of a nap.

As the city of 10,000 beasts gradually came into view, Curtis slowed his pace, allowing Moon to awaken gently. He gazed at her sleeping face with adoration, marveling at her beauty and the trust she placed in him to be able to nap mid-travel.

"Wake now, my little rabbit..."

Curtis' sinfully low voice roused Moon from her sleep with nearly the urge to kiss him if she wouldn't feel so darn embarrassed about it.

"Are we there yet?"

She finally murmured, cracking her eyes open slowly and squinting around. It was well past noon at this point.

Curtis smiled warmly at Moon's sleepy question, his forked tongue flicking out to gently lick away a stray droplet of water from the corner of her eye.

"Yes, my moon beam, we have arrived at the city of 10,000 beasts. You slept most of the journey here."

Moon's slender hands cupped his strong jaw, pushing at his face gently.

"Stop licking my face, we've been over this already."

She blushed heatedly, sliding down out of his grasp and stretching her arms above her head tiredly. This caused a few bones to crack before she dropped her arms to either side of her and tried to step forward, only to feel one of Curtis' strong arms around her abdomen trapping her in place.