It felt like an eternity before the end of Horwell's afternoon class arrived. With the front of his robes already soiled with dirt and Remlit hair, Owlan hardly cared about how much Mia squirmed and wriggled in an attempt to get comfortable, looking down at her fondly when she finally settled down. The students had probably left the classroom by now, and even if there was a straggler or two, they'd lose interest soon enough.
Horwell was slouched over a table at the front of the room all by his lonesome self, shoulders heaving with yet another sigh as Owlan ventured in. What happened next couldn't stop either of them from laughing.
The dark-haired man caught sight of the furry scamp in his colleague's arms and practically leapt to his feet, positively glowing. "Mia!" he cried, taking her into his arms and rubbing the area between her eyes. "I was very worried about you, my dear. Thank goodness you're back…"
Seeing Horwell overjoyed warmed Owlan's heart significantly, and he turned away in quiet appreciation as the other man continued to fawn over his pet. There he was, smiling and serene as the sun itself, happily reciprocating each headbutt and paw tap Mia delivered to his chin.
A few seconds later, Horwell's much chipper voice broke the silence between them. "Ah, Owlan? You look a bit damp. Did you…?"
"Hm?"
"You went outside to look for her?"
"…perhaps."
Even with his back turned, Owlan could feel Horwell's smile broaden into a radiant grin. He started to leave, knowing his job was finished, but felt a welcoming pair of arms circle his shoulders, holding him in place.
"You have no idea how grateful I am, Owlan. This means quite a lot to me…"
Owlan lifted his arm, linking it around the other man's neck with some unintended clumsiness. "You should know by now that I would do anything to keep you smiling," he replied calmly, relaxing as Horwell's lips brushed against his temple. Inwardly, he was as elated to see Horwell glowing as the other instructor probably was seeing Mia safe and sound.
"Really?" Horwell asked, chuckling when Owlan tilted his head back in mild disbelief.
"Do you honestly have to ask that?"
"Well, I don't see why not… But thank you, I do appreciate this so much! You're wonderful, Owlan. Truly." Horwell leaned forward to kiss the corner of Owlan's mouth, still beaming. "It's one of many things I love about you."
"If that's true, I'd think you'd at least do a better job of rewarding me," Owlan scoffed, turning in Horwell's grasp so they faced one another. "Like this, Horwell," he corrected, tilting his head to the side before pressing his lips against the other man's. A stroke to each face, hands resting on the back of each other's necks, that lingering static that ignited their thoughts as they separated. The white-haired man lifted his thin eyes expectantly, remaining as stern as he possibly could in such a lighthearted situation. "Not like whatever… whatever that was."
Horwell nodded in agreement, patting Owlan's shoulder before reaching down to lift Mia back into his arms. "Of course. I'll be sure to remember that… I do love how you correct others by example. Shall we?"
Owlan paused, raising an eyebrow. "Shall we…?"
"You know."
"I don't."
"Oh, Owlan, you're so funny. Come on, there's even time for lunch…"