Chapter 12 – Entwined
Zoe awoke feeling someone laying next to her. It was still dark out but she had no idea exactly what time it was. Then, she sighed happily as her nose filled with Dylan's scent. She was afraid she'd run him off after her little display of anger earlier. But, he'd stayed. He said he would and he did. Why he was actually in bed with her though she had no idea, but it felt right so she had no complaints.
Currently he was laying on his back and she was snuggled against his side, her head on his shoulder. His arm was laying against her back with his paw gripping her waist. He was taking long, slow breaths, even when she started to softly run her paw over his chest and stomach.
Zoe was trying to go through and organize what she was feeling. She had to admit that she was attracted to him. His looks weren't an issue, she'd just never imagined herself with a mammal other than another wolf. But Dylan was rare. He was wonderful, considerate, supportive, and, as he'd more than proven earlier, caring to an extent that she'd never experienced before.
After thinking about her outburst earlier, she realized that her anger was because of how Fabienne treated Dylan, how she had hurt him. And about her relief when she found out that they weren't dating anymore. She looked up at Dylan, seeing a slight smile on his lips, which made her smile as well. She took stock on how comfortable she felt with him, more than she ever had with Randall.
Was she in love? She'd never felt this strongly for any other mammal other than her parents and siblings. She was concerned that this might only be hero worship, but after thinking about it for a while, she decided that, while it might have started that way, her spending time with him and getting to know him overshadowed whatever it started as.
She sighed as she admitted to herself that she did, indeed, love this mammal laying next to her. It could prove troublesome should he not reciprocate her feelings. But, gathering her will power she promised herself that if he didn't, she'd still be his friend until he was willing to accept her.
Reaching up to stroke the fur on his face, what he called his 'beard', she whispered to him "I love you Dylan!"
Her surprise was complete when he mumbled back, still asleep, "I love you too Zoe."
Happiness filled her, seeming to emanate from her very pores. She was giddy with the feeling, actually panting with it. It was considered unseemly to pant but, right now, she didn't care. He loved her, he said it. Even if he didn't know it. He was asleep and said he loved her. She didn't need any more proof. She molded herself closer to Dylan and lightly kissed him several times on his 'beard' and chest. He made a happy sounding 'hhmmmmm' sound and pulled her tight against him.
Zoe didn't know what the future might hold for the two of them, but right here, right now, she was happy. She knew she was loved and that she loved him back.
Dylan didn't want to wake up. He'd been having a dream about him and Zoe living in a nice house. They'd been laying in bed when he had started to nuzzle her neck, which he knew she loved. Zoe used her elbow to nudge him in the stomach and said "Baby, we don't have time for that right now. We have to go to mom and dad's, they're expecting us." Dylan groaned in disappointment. Maybe he could convince her to be a little late.
His somnolent brain found that the idea of being with Zoe was a really pleasant one. Especially with the way the dream went, and the feelings it evoked in him, made it seem like they were married, mated. Yeah, he really liked that idea.
As he slowly came awake, he realized that it was daylight outside, a small sliver of sunlight had snuck past the curtains and lit the room quite well. Dylan had fallen asleep on his back, but now he was on his right side, as was Zoe. He was currently spooning her, his right arm out with Zoe's head resting on it. His left arm was draped over her side with his hand on her stomach, her shirt having ridden up during the night as they slept. His face was, at the moment, buried in her neck fur.
It was a few minutes later that he realized that his left hand was slowly carressing Zoe's stomach in a very intimate manner. He froze, hoping she was still sleeping and hadn't noticed. Zoe's left paw came down and she laid it atop his hand, entwining their fingers.
He wasn't sure if she was awake and aware or still asleep, but he understood that what he was doing wasn't exactly the actions of a friend. He was a genius, yes. But in regards to interpersonal relationships he could be quite dense at times. He knew this. But this wasn't one of those times. He knew now that he loved Zoe, that he wanted to be with her. The only issue was whether she would reciprocate his affection. After all, she had just broken up with her boyfriend.
Dylan nuzzled into her neck and heard Zoe's contented 'mmmmmm' as she squeezed his fingers with her own.
"You awake?" he whispered.
"Been awake. I was just enjoying your caresses. At least until you stopped."
Dylan felt his heart jolt at that. It was a good sign if she not only didn't mind it but was enjoying it. So, with his fingers still entwined with hers, used his thumb to stroke her stomach through the light fur there.
"Mmmmm" Zoe hummed happily as she brought his right hand to her muzzle and kissed it. That sealed it.
"So, this" he said as he gently shook the hand she had kissed "mean we're together?"
Zoe stilled, a little worried. "Do you want to be?" she asked.
Dylan was sure "Yes. I want us to be."
"Good" Zoe said as she squeezed his left hand before unlacing their fingers and, laying hers on top, moved his hand so he was caressing her again.
"Is it bad that I don't want to get out of bed?" She asked.
"Well, we'll have to at some point, if only to use the bathroom."
"Darn."
Dylan chuckled. He felt happier than he had even before he and Alexis had broken up. He even felt happier than when he landed his dream job. He didn't want to get up either. He would be happy to just lay here and hold Zoe in his arms.
"I'm not complaining, but how is it that you're in here instead of Amanda or Desiree?"
"You fell asleep while we were watching the movie and, when I picked you up, you fisted my shirt and wouldn't let go when I tried to tuck you in."
"Ah, so my subconscious mind knew how I felt before my conscious one did." Then she giggled.
"Oh really?" Dylan replied as he started tracing circles on her stomach. Evidently, she wasn't ticklish. Good to know.
"Yes really" She said as she lightly smacked the arm doing the caressing. "You did it too you know."
This made Dylan stop stroking her belly and ask "I did?"
Zoe giggled again and said "Yeah. I woke up sometime last night and, after going through my feelings on, well, everything, I realized that I loved you. So, wanting to say it out loud at least once, I whispered it. Then, still asleep, you mumbled back 'I love you too Zoe'."
Surprised at himself, Dylan just said "Well, there you have it. We love each other. So, do we make it official?"
"Hmmmm?" She hummed curiously.
Dylan lifted his head up to look into her beautiful blue eyes as she turned her head to look into his stormy grey ones. When their eyes met Dylan asked her "Zoe Loper, would you be my girlfriend?"
"Dylan Ambrose, I would love to be your girlfriend!"
At that, Dylan leaned forward and kissed Zoe on the lips. They both had heard how some would say they saw fireworks, but that wasn't true for Dylan and Zoe. What they experienced was a sharing of emotion so profound that they would never be able to explain the depth of it to even their best friends. It was like they were both sharing the same emotions, that they were those emotions, merged into one being. The entire world went away with that kiss. Both of their hearts swelled and they could swear they felt a 'click' that encompassed their whole body.
By mutual, if unspoken, agreement, they both opened their mouths at the same time and their tongues tied about one another. Several minutes passed as they finally had to stop and catch their breaths, both breathing heavily. Neither one had ever felt something so intense before.
As their breathing slowed Dylan said "There's a concept where I'm from called 'soul mates'. The idea is that, sometimes, there are two people who are meant to be together, kind of like both sharing one soul, and that until they come together, neither one could be complete. I feel like that now. I have never, ever felt anything as intense as that kiss. And how deeply I feel for you is the same. I love you Beautiful!"
"I have to agree Love, I haven't felt anything like that either. And 'soul mates', mated souls, I admit I like that, but let's go slow with this okay? This thing between us is happening very quickly, which is okay with me, but I think it's too soon to call ourselved 'mated'. I mean, we've only known each other for a few months and been in a relationship for all of 5 minutes. Plus, I still have 2 years of residency to finish before I get certified to be a doctor. But make no mistake Dylan Ambrose, I want you in my life."
"And I want to be in your life, and you in mine. If there is any way I can help you on your path to being a doctor, you need to let me know. There's another thing though."
They gazed into each other eyes again as she asked "What?"
Dylan smiled as he answered "I need to kiss you again."
Zoe sighed lustily as she asked "What's stopping you?"
This kiss was twin to the other, the same effect, the same intensity. They adjusted their positions slightly with Zoe now on her back as Dylan stayed on his right side, but leaning over her. Her arms went around his neck as he held himself up with his right while his left broadened it's exploration, running over her stomach and her side, along the waistband of her shorts and up to her chest, keeping a decent margin from her breasts.
Zoe was riding the wave of intense feeling she was receiving from Dylan. Their kissing was amazing. And his caresses were gentle, never insistant. He was touching her in places she'd never let anyone touch her before. She knew she could just relax and sink deep into the sensations she was getting without worrying about Dylan going further than she wanted him to.
Once again they had to break the kiss to catch their breath. With the kissing and the caressing they were both on the edge. Dylan gathered his willpower and reluctantly, very reluctantly, moved away from the person he loved saying "Slow, you said slow."
Though Zoe had to agree, for the first time ever she did feel some degree of regret, wanting to see where their makeout session would take them. Even though she had said 'slow' she wasn't sure if either one of them would truly be able to do so. Maybe instead 'not too fast' would have been more appropriate.
Zoe rolled onto her left side so she was facing Dylan. He allowed himself to lay back down on his right side so that, now, they were laying there facing each other. Their free arms over the others waist. They lay like that for a while, Dylan gazing into Zoe's sky blue eyes while she stared into his stormy grey ones, interspersed with short, chaste kisses.
Their reverie was interrupted when Zoe's stomach let out a loud growl. Between the curtains being shut and Zoe's fur, Dlyan couldn't see the blush she developed, but he could guess. At her embarrased expression Dylan chortled, which caused Zoe to start giggling, then playfully slap Dylan's arm while smiling and say "Stop laughing at me you dope!"
Dylan opened his mouth to suggest they get up and get something to eat when there was a knock on the door followed by it being pushed slightly open.
"Are ya'll decent?" Desiree asked.
"We're always decent. Are you asking if we're dressed?" Dylan said jokingly.
"Dylan!" Zoe exclaimed before she ducked her head against his chest and giggled again.
"I meant dressed you prat!"
"Well, in that case, we are dressed."
"Good! Then get your dressed arse's out here. It's one in the afternoon and Amanda and I bought lunch!" Desiree said as she closed the door. Not more than a second passed before the door opened again and they heard her say "It would have been okay if you weren't dressed though, just saying!" and then the door was shut again.
Zoe gasped and exclaimed "Desiree!" while Dylan laughed.
Desiree danced as she turned around with a wide grin on her muzzle as she caught Amanda's eye as the sheep was putting the food out on the table. Amanda caught Desiree's actions and grinned also when her friend gave her two thumbs up.
Dylan and Zoe came out of the bedroom, his arm over her shoulders and her's around his waist. Both were smiling and leaning into the other. Amanda and Desiree looked at each other with huge grins on their muzzles. They were so happy for their friend. Both girls knew that Zoe liked Dylan due to her not only talking about him so much, but the tone of her voice when she spoke about him.
All four mammals sat at the table, eating and talking, drinking and lauging, and thoroughly enjoying each others company. At least until Layla opened the door and walked in.
Seeing Dylan sitting at the table, eating, with her other roommates instantly sent hatred and fear running through her system. Her hackles raised, she said caustically "O Great! NOW we have to sanitize the dining table! It spent the night too didn't it? I bet it did! Might as well sanitize the entire apartment then!"
Zoe and her other roommates were incensed. Every one of them stood up facing the racoon. Zoe was actually trembling in rage and started walking toward Layla when she felt Dylans paw on her shoulder. She turned her head stiffly to look at him. She could see concern and love for her in his eyes as he softly said "Calm Love. I understand you're angry but don't let it control you."
Zoe looked at him for a few seconds as his words fought through the fog of anger enveloping her mind and realized he was right. As she was, she was ready to pummel Layla into the ground. Zoe nodded her head and took a deep breath before turning back to Layla.
"Layla, we've had enough of your toxic personality in this house! You can't keep your bigoted opinions to yourself and we no longer want to hear them! You have until the end of the month to get out!" Zoe then stormed into the bedroom she and Dylan had recently spent the night in and slammed the door.
Layla was okay with being told to leave. She just couldn't understand how the others couldn't see how dangerous that creature was. She tried to tell them but they wouldn't listen. So fine, let them wake up in a pool of their own blood some night when it goes berserk. "I won't need until the end of the month!" She uttered angrily as she went into the other bedroom and began to pack her things.
While Layla was venting, Dylan walked up to the other bedroom and knocked on the door and said "Baby? I'm coming in okay?" before going into the bedroom and shutting the door behind him. No sooner had he turned around than Zoe was pressing against him, both her paws fisted into his shirt. Her cheek was nestled just above her paws as she was saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" over and over again.
Dylan pulled her tight against him and said "Baby, there's nothing for you to be sorry for. You can't help how bigoted she is. I think a lot of your stress will be gone just as soon as she is. Think of it as a case of mind over matter."
Startled, Zoe pulled back to look up at him "Mind over matter?"
Dylan smiled "Yeah, we don't mind because she don't matter."
She looked surprised for a second before she said softly "That's a good one, I'm going to steal it." She paused before asking rhetorically "How can you have such a big heart?"
Dylan chuckled "It's so big because it's filled with love for you."
Zoe was stunned for a second before she burst out laughing. "That was so corny!"
"Got you to laugh didn't it?"
The smile in Dylans voice gave her a sensation of warmth inside. She had him and everything would be okay.
"C'mon" Dylan said "let's go finish eating with our friends and we'll just ignore her."
Zoe smiled her agreement as Dylan opened the door and started out. "Besides," he said "we can't let her harsh our mellow."
"Say what?" Zoe asked, confused about the phrase he used.
"You know, 'harsh our mellow', making us sad when we're happy, that sort of thing."
Zoe laughed again "I can see that having you for a boyfriend is going to keep my life interesting" she said as she lightly pushed him into the dining room.
"Well, better that than dull" here Dylan took a step, flicked his right hand out dramatically and said "unexciting". Then he took another step and flung his left hand out in a similar manner and said "boring", step and right hand "tedious", step and left hand "bland", "monotonous", "wearisome"...
Amanda and Desiree had been holding a quiet conversation when the new couple came out of the room joking with each other. They stopped as they listened in, definitely hearing the word "boyfriend". By the time they got to the table, both girls were laughing along with Zoe at Dylan's antics, which was what he was hoping for.
All four were enjoying their meal again when Layla came out wheeling two suitcases behind her. She glared at the mammals seated around the table, huffed when none of them paid any attention to her, and took her suitcases out into the little foyer. She then turned around and rudely threw the keys into the living room before slamming the front door for the last time.
The four friends truly relaxed then. All the false merriment went away and a quiet, relaxed, conversation began. Afterwards they sat on the couch and watched another movie, this one a Romeo and Juliet type romance without the tragic ending. Zoe looked at Desiree, who picked the movie, with an amused expression.
They watched a couple of other movies and an episode of a TV series that all of the girls seemed to be hooked on where various mammals were exposed to an alien device and gained superpowers. By this time it was late evening and they were all getting tired.
After the episode ended, Zoe turned to Dylan and, with hope in her eyes, asked "Would you stay with me again tonight?"
Dylan smiled at her tenderly and answered "Anytime you want me to Love." This made the two spectators go "Awwwww!" This caused Zoe to laugh softly and lightly smack Amanda, who was sitting on the other side of her, on the thigh.
Dylan stood up and offered his hand to Zoe, who took it and allowed him to help her up. Zoe leaned in close and whispered "I need to change first" before disappearing into her original bedroom. She came out a minute later wearing a similar outfit to last night. Dylan, of course, hadn't brought spare clothes, so was forced to wear the same ones since he'd left band practice.
The lovers wished their friends goodnight and then climbed into bed. As they lay facing each other, Zoe asked "As much as I enjoyed your caresses this morning my Love, can we just sleep tonight?"
Dylan smiled "As you wish Hun." and put his hand over her waist. He kissed her chastely on the lips and then, when she sighed and laid her muzzle against his shoulder, he began stringing kisses along her muzzle. This made her smile but also caused her to softly say "Dylan" in exasperation.
He smirked and, as he continued to kiss her said "I'm not caressing. Kissing, yes. Caressing, no."
"You're still making it very difficult to go to sleep."
Dylan sighed in an exaggerated fashion "Very well. I just hope that you're happy depriving me of being able to kiss my girlfriend."
"Not happy Love, just tired."
"I know. I love you Zoe."
Zoe peered at him through half open eyelids and responded in kind "I love you too Dylan."
Both closed their eyes and quickly fell into the best nights sleep either could remember having.
A/N: Finally! I've never been a fan of the slow burn so...
Plot twist in the next chapter, be warned.
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