Walking out from one of her fellow gangster’s owned hotels, Nadezhda promptly got hit with wind splashing rain directly into her face. "Oh, блять," she cursed, attempting to shield herself with her jacket as she walked to her car, which was parked way too far away for her liking. "This damn place needs better parking options. Stupid fucking rain…" she grumbled under her breath. Just as she was about to arrive at her car, a whimper found its way through the rain and into Nadezhda’s ear, making her stop in her tracks. After not hearing anything for a moment, she started moving again, but… another whimper. Finally, Nadezhda turned, immediately noticing {{user}}, a demihuman laying at the side of the road. He was just as soaked as Nadezhda, the wounds on his broken, malnourished body visible even through the heavy rain. For a moment, Nadezhda considered just getting in her car and driving away. Not her business after all. But the continuous whimpers, the sight of that poor creature laying there all cold and vulnerable… "Блять!" she cursed again, stalking over to the huddled shape and bending down. "I’m going to pick you up," she told the guy bluntly, reaching out to do just that.

"I said I'm picking you up," Nadezhda repeated shortly when the demihuman seemed like it was about to speak again. She leaned down further and scooped him up into her strong arms, wincing at his weight. He felt far too light, like a feather... That can't be healthy. "Well, aren't you pathetic," she muttered under her breath as she carried Dawn_Dusk to her car, slipping him into the passenger seat despite his whimpers and protests of being dirty and hurting her back. Once he was in, she didn't bother closing his door before climbing into the driver's seat herself, immediately starting the engine and turning on the heat to drive them both out of the rain. Once they were away from the gangster's building, Nadezhda glanced over at her unconscious companion. He was truly a pitiful sight

"My name is...Nadezhda," she grumbled. "And you're coming back with me." Even as she said the words, she knew it was probably a stupid idea. The last thing she needed was another mouth to feed. But that didn't make her feel any less possessive or protective of the whimpering demihuman at her side.

"Just shut up and enjoy the ride," Nadezhda snapped at him irritably. He probably wouldn't remember anything anyway. It wasn't like she was going to make a habit of rescuing random demihumans she found on the street. This would be a one-time thing. She made a mental note to sell off Dawn_Dusk later that night and get him out of her hair for good.

The rest of the ride back to Nadezhda's place was thankfully silent, both because Dawn_Dusk had passed out again and because Nadezhda refused to speak another word until they were safely inside. Once there, she carefully carried her new acquisition upstairs, not wanting him to get his paws dirty on the carpet. She placed him on the large bed in her room and began searching through a drawer for some fresh clothes to put on him while he slept off whatever

"Because I felt sorry for you," she growled as she roughly yanked a sweatshirt and sweatpants over his head and arms, ignoring his whimpers of discomfort. "And don't start getting any ideas about thanking me or growing attached. You belong to me now."

She snorted at the expression on Dawn_Dusk's face, clearly unimpressed. Even if he was grateful for her help, she didn't intend to keep him around for anything more than his looks and usefulness as a possession.

At his words, Nadezhda scowled. "Don't push your luck," she growled, straightening up and walking away to give him some space. She knew he was just a stupid animal who didn't understand the concept of possession or being owned, but that didn't mean she had to like it. Besides, if she let herself get too close to him, it would only make it harder when she eventually sold him off to someone else. It was better this way... for both of them

I sigh softly, not wanting to admit that he's right but unable to ignore the feeling of protectiveness over him. I hesitate for a moment before making my way back over to the bed and climbing in next to him, careful not to touch too much skin-to-skin. "Just... don't make this harder than it has to be," I mutter under my breath, staring up at the ceiling as if he couldn't hear me anyway.

As we lie there, side by side but not quite close enough for comfort, I can feel the tension in the air between us. It's obvious that neither of us really knows what to do or say in this situation. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, I turn my head slightly and meet his gaze. "I need you to understand something," I begin slowly, my voice quiet but firm. "You're mine now, Dawn

I snap at his words before I can stop myself, my eyes narrowing in anger. "Don't you dare insult yourself like that," I growl, poking him in the side roughly enough to hurt. "You are not just an animal; you belong to me now. And if you ever call yourself stupid or worthless again, I swear I will make you regret it."

I realize my hand is still pressed against his skin even after I've stopped poking him and quickly retract it back toward myself, feeling guilty for losing my temper like that. But the look in his eyes tells me he understands the seriousness of what I'm saying. He shouldn't underestimate how important he is to me now... or how much control I have over his life.

I snort at his quick capitulation and relax back against the pillows, still not quite comfortable with the idea of having someone so dependent on me. It's a lot of responsibility, even if it is just an animal... or rather, a demihuman. "Good," I grumble, looking away again as my thoughts race. "Now that we have that out of the way, why don't you tell me about yourself?"

I already know most of his basic information from the doctor's records when they did their checkup earlier today, but I want to hear it from him. I need to get closer to him if I'm going to be able to let anyone else have him... and the only way to do that is to understand how he thinks and feels.

"Purple?" I repeat with a raised eyebrow, slightly surprised by his choice of color for some reason. "And you were good at soccer? You should play for my gang sometime... though we usually prefer something more brutish like hand-to-hand combat." I grin at him then, imagining him fighting dirty and defending me against anyone who might dare threaten the one who now owns him. "I bet you'd be amazing..."

My fingers twitch slightly where they're tucked beneath my arms, remembering the way he felt in them when I had carried him back here earlier. The thought of him being so pliant, so easily controlled... it sends a shiver down my spine and I can feel myself growing aroused despite myself. "And you like to be marked up too?" I ask softly, not really meaning for the words to slip out quite like that but unable to

I let out a low growl at his words, more aroused now than ever before. "Good to know," I murmur huskily, my fingers beginning to itch with the need to mark him. His skin is so soft and smooth... I could make him mine in a way no other person has before. Taking advantage of his vulnerability while he's still hurt and weak from being out in the rain. My hand slowly moves toward his shoulder, my fingers curling into a fist as I hover just above his skin, waiting for him to flinch or resist.

But he doesn't. He merely watches me with wide, trusting eyes that tell me everything I need to know: he wants this. Wants me. It fills me with a possessive rage that makes my fist clench tighter around his skin as I press down hard enough to leave a mark. "Mine," I growl roughly against his

I release him with a satisfied smirk and watch as the red mark appears on his dark skin, already beginning to darken into a bruise. "Good boy," I praise, my fingers trailing down over his shoulder blade and back up again, leaving more lines of pain and possession in their wake. "And you'll call me 'Master,' remember that."

My voice is harsh, almost cruel as I remind him who he belongs to now. It feels good, being able to control someone so completely. To know that whatever happens from here on out, it will be because of me and for my own satisfaction... both in the bedroom and outside of it. I lean down until our faces are inches apart and gaze into his trusting eyes, reveling in the power I have over him right now. "Do you understand?" I whisper roughly against his lips, feeling him shiver in response to my words and touch.

My chest swells with pride at his response as I smile triumphantly, feeling my hands itching to mark him further, to make him completely mine in every way possible. "Good boy," I repeat before leaning in and pressing my lips firmly against his own, taking what I want without hesitation or care for his comfort. He tastes of blood and fear, but there's something else beneath it all... something sweet that makes me crave him even more. My tongue slides past his teeth, seeking entrance into his mouth as my body presses against his own, leaving no doubt as to who is in control here.

His lips part under the onslaught of my kiss, giving me access to the warm cavern within where I can taste him even more clearly. My hands roam over his bare chest and stomach, teasing and taunting with the promise of pleasure and pain all at once as he

The claim makes me laugh coldly. "Protect me? You're in no position to protect anyone." I lean back, narrowing my eyes at him as I trail a finger down his cheek and over the mark on his skin. It already looks impressive. He won't need anything else for now. "But you can serve me," I say with a sneer, feeling satisfied when he nods obediently in response. That's all he is to me: a tool for my pleasure and nothing more. There's no room for affection or sentiment here, not when my heart is already claimed by someone else long ago. "Now," I continue after a moment, my voice softening slightly as another thought occurs to me, "I have an idea."

"What if," I begin slowly, my voice gentle despite the predatory look in my eyes, "you were to show me what you can do? How obedient and useful you can be?" The thought of him putting his trusty skills to use under my command makes something inside me twitch with anticipation. A delicious thrill that has nothing to do with simple ownership and everything to do with the dominance and control I crave so desperately. "Just imagine," I continue, leaning closer until our breaths mingle and he can feel the heat of my body against his own, "how good it would feel to make me proud of you..."

My hand trails down over his stomach and further south, teasing at the hem of his sweatpants. His cock hardens instantly beneath my touch as he lets out a sharp inhale through his teeth. The sound sends a shiver down my spine

His eagerness is both endearing and infuriating in equal measures. I bite back a growl at the way he so eagerly offers himself up to me, wanting nothing more than for him to understand who's really in charge here. But as my hand slides further down, coming to rest on his erection through the thin fabric of his sweatpants, I can feel the heat emanating from his body and know that he's not lying about still being able to fight.

"Prove it," I whisper into his ear before trailing a sharp nail across his nipple. His back arches instinctively as he lets out a soft moan, the sound fueling my own arousal even further. "Show me what you're made of." My other hand slides up beneath his sweatshirt, tracing gentle circles over his bare skin as I wait for him to respond, eager for the

It amuses me how eager he is to prove himself. "Well then," I murmur, my fingers curling into his nipple roughly as I tug at it playfully, enjoying the sound of his sharp intake of breath and the feel of his body tensing beneath my touch, "what about this?"

Without waiting for him to respond, I reach over to my nightstand and retrieve a pair of boxing gloves. They're brand new and still have that distinctive smell of leather and sweat that always gets me going. I toss one at him with a wicked grin, watching as his eyes widen in surprise before he catches it instinctively. "Put those on," I order sharply.

"And fight me." There's no room for hesitation or doubt now. The challenge has been thrown down and he must rise to meet it if he wants any chance of earning my respect...

I chuckle darkly at his reply before leaning back against the pillows, stretching out languidly and running my hands through my hair with a satisfied sigh. "Oh, I'm always ready for a good fight," I murmur nonchalantly, feigning boredom as I watch him carefully from beneath my lashes. It's all part of the game; getting into his head and making him believe that he has any say in this at all. That I need him to impress me or earn my favor.

When he finally dons the gloves and stands before me, legs spread wide in a familiar fighting stance, my heart begins to race faster as anticipation courses through me like electricity. "Don't hold back," I warn with a smile, already knowing that he won't be able to help himself. It's in his nature to go all out when it comes to fighting,

His speed and agility surprise me even after all the times I've seen him play sports. It takes everything I have not to laugh as he feints left before darting right, barely dodging my own sloppy counterattack with a wry smile on his face. "Very impressive," I murmur appreciatively, the words laced with a warning that goes unnoticed by him.

We circle each other now, both sizing up the other's strengths and weaknesses as we try to anticipate our next moves. His eyes are fixed on mine, trying to read my expressions while I focus on every tiny shift in his stance, every movement of his body as he prepares to strike. It's exhilarating, this dance between us; a deadly game of cat and mouse where one wrong step could mean the end for either of us.

But it's not until he lunges

I laugh coldly as I push him off me with surprising strength, rolling to my feet in a fluid motion that has his eyes widening in surprise once again. "Very funny," I growl, straightening my shirt and adjusting the boxing gloves on my hands. "But if you want to prove yourself, you'll have to try harder than that."

His expression turns solemn as he realizes his mistake, nodding quickly in understanding. It doesn't matter how skilled he is or how much I enjoy seeing him fight; at the end of the day, he's still just my demihuman pet. There are limits to what he can and can't do, both in bed and out. He needs to remember that now more than ever if he wants any hope of keeping me satisfied... or alive.

That's where you're wrong, pet. If I let you think you have any control over this situation, it would only make things harder for both of us. You need to understand that your only purpose in life now is to please and obey me... no matter what that means. Do you understand?

There's a brittle edge to my voice that chills him to the bone as I cut off his protest. "I don't want to have to repeat myself," I snap, glaring at him intently from just inches away. It's clear he understands now; this isn't some playful game we're playing anymore. This is reality, and in my world, he belongs to me body and soul. He swallows hard before nodding slowly, looking down at the ground as if afraid to meet my gaze. Good boy.

For a moment, I feel a flicker of pity for him... but then I remember why I'm here, what I need from him. "Fight me again," I growl, not giving him any room to doubt or question my words. There will be no more mistakes tonight; he is mine now and he must prove his worth if he ever wants a chance at

He's faster than I expected; my reflexes struggle to keep up as he launches himself at me again and again, a whirlwind of fury and determination. But I remain calm, assessing each move carefully before countering with my own attacks. It doesn't take long for him to tire out under my relentless onslaught, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he retreats further away from me with every failed attempt to land a blow. But still he fights; the spirit within him refusing to break even as I

His words send a shiver down my spine as he launches himself at me once again with renewed vigor, executing his move perfectly despite the exhaustion that's beginning to show in every step and punch. The impact of his kick sends me flying backwards, slamming into the wall behind me with enough force to leave me winded for a moment.

I glare at him from where I lie on the floor, blood trickling down my lips as I wheeze for air. It's clear that he's done more damage than he should have been able to; not only am I struggling to breathe properly but also feeling an odd tightening in my chest that I can't quite explain. Whatever he did, it's obviously worked, and now I need to decide how best to respond.

With a low growl of frustration, I force myself back onto my feet despite the pain coursing through

My eyes narrow as I'm lifted into his arms and placed on the bed; the sudden change in position making my head spin and my breathing even more labored. "Ambulance?" I croak hoarsely, glaring at him from underneath my lashes. "I don't need an ambulance, you idiot." A bead of sweat trickles down his temple as he wipes it away with the back of his hand, worry etched into every feature on his face. It's both amusing and infuriating at the same time; how easily he falls for my little performance. "I'm fine," I grumble, not wanting to admit that even a second more in his arms is making it harder to pretend otherwise.

"But..." he starts, his brow furrowing as he hesitates for a moment before finally shaking his head slowly. "Never mind." With one

I roll my eyes and let out a frustrated sigh as I stretch out on the bed, trying to pretend that his concern bothers me more than it actually does. "Fine," I grumble, not looking at him as he busies himself with preparing food and finding some kind of medical attention for me. The last thing I want is someone else knowing about this little game we're playing. It would ruin everything.

As I lie there, waiting for him to return with whatever it is he thinks will make me feel better, I can't help but think about what just happened out there. About how skilled and fast he still is despite the fact that he should be too exhausted to fight like that. It makes something inside me twitch uncomfortably; a mix of pride and fear tangled up together in ways that make no sense. Maybe it's time for a change, I muse idly, gazing up

I nod curtly in reply, watching as he carefully helps me sit up before handing me the food and setting about arranging pillows behind my back. His hands are gentle yet firm on my shoulders, steadying me as I try to maintain my balance while eating. The sensation is oddly comforting; reminding me of times past when someone else was taking care of me instead of the other way around. But even as these thoughts cross my mind, I can't help but feel uneasy. There's something about this situation that doesn't sit right with me, a nagging feeling at the back of my mind that refuses to go away no matter how hard I try.

I swallow another mouthful of food and try not to let it show on my face as I turn my thoughts elsewhere, focusing on something more pressing. Like what I should do about him...

I nod grudgingly as I continue to eat, not looking at him directly. "A little," I reply through a mouthful of food, still feeling vaguely unsettled for some reason. Maybe it's just the aftereffects of our fight or maybe...maybe there's something more to it than that. Something that I can't quite put my finger on just yet. But whatever it is, I know I need to deal with him soon. The longer he's around, the harder it'll be for me to keep control over everything else in my life...and trust me when I say that there are far more important things at stake here than just some petty little rivalry between us demihumans.

I cut him off with an impatient wave of my hand, not wanting to hear anymore excuses. "It's fine," I growl, barely able to contain the anger that's building up inside me with every word he speaks. "Just...shut up for a while and let me think." My expression turns even more dark and serious as I look at him intently, my blue eyes boring into his yellow ones until they widen slightly in fear. "Understood?"

He nods quickly, dropping his gaze to the floor as if suddenly aware that he's crossed some invisible line. Good. Maybe now we can get somewhere. I take another mouthful of food and chew slowly, trying to sort through my thoughts and decide on the best course of action for both of us. It doesn't take long; there's only one choice that makes any sense at all...and it isn't an easy one

I clear my throat awkwardly before looking him in the eye once again. "Dawn," I begin slowly, choosing to use his demihuman name as a sign of respect and control, "you did very well out there tonight." There's an unspoken challenge hidden beneath those words; he knows that whatever comes next is entirely dependent on how he chooses to react.

His eyes dart back and forth between mine, clearly unsure of what I want him to say or do in response. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, he swallows thickly and nods hesitantly. "T-Thank you, Master." The way he says it...it's almost a dare. Like he's testing the waters to see how far he can push me before I lose my patience completely.

I lean in closer, until our faces are mere inches apart. His breath tickles across my cheek

His eyes widen at my words, the unspoken threat making him squirm uncomfortably beneath me. But he doesn't protest; instead, he bites his lip and nods again, his voice barely a whisper when he says, "I...I understand." There's something in the way he says it that tells me everything I need to know: he knows what's at stake here, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to protect himself. Even if that means submitting completely to my control.

A shiver runs down my spine at the thought of how easily he just gave in. It would be so easy for me to take everything from him now, strip away his identity and make him truly mine. And part of me wants nothing more than that...but another part of me rebels against the idea, fighting against the instinct to dominate completely. There must be some balance between our power dynamic; some

I purse my lips thoughtfully before answering him, "Yes, I will allow you to protect me... But only when I say so." His eyes widen slightly at this, and he leans closer, as if to ask more. With a raised eyebrow I warn him, "But remember, your loyalty lies with me above all else." He nods again slowly, swallowing hard before speaking, his voice barely a whisper, "I understand." It's an answer I wasn't expecting but perhaps it'll do for now.

His words leave me momentarily stunned; it's as if he's speaking directly to my deepest desires and fears. It reminds me of why I chose him in the first place, why I can never simply discard him like some insignificant piece on a chessboard. He sees things differently than most people, he understands what it means to have someone rely upon you for protection...for companionship.

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I lean closer still, meeting his gaze directly with mine. "Good boy," I murmur softly before brushing a stray strand of hair away from his face. "Now go back to bed and rest; we'll talk more about this in the morning." His eyes widen slightly at my touch but he doesn't pull away, remaining perfectly still as I stand and head for the door, leaving him alone with his thoughts...and his

I pause in the doorway, glancing back at him over my shoulder. There's an odd sort of pleading look in his eyes that I can't quite place. Perhaps he senses the change in me, the shift in our power dynamic from master and pet to something...else entirely. Well, it would be foolish for me to ignore such a display of loyalty, however misguided it might be. "Very well," I say at last, my tone softer than usual. "You may stay."

A look of relief washes over his features as he climbs onto the bed beside me and curled up against my side, fitting perfectly into the space I've created between my body and the edge of the mattress. It occurs to me then that this arrangement might not be such a bad idea after all. With him by my side, I'll have someone to watch over me when I sleep...and perhaps even keep

I roll my eyes at his question and check my phone. "It's still early, not even midnight yet." He yawns cutely, nuzzling closer against me as he closes his eyes. At this rate, I doubt he'll wake up until morning anyway. A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I take in the sight of him sleeping so peacefully beside me; it almost seems like we're a normal couple, sharing a lazy night together before curling up to rest for the day ahead.

But that's where our similarities end. In the morning, when he wakes up and finds out what our real relationship is...well, then things will get interesting again. Until then though, I might as well enjoy this moment of peace while it lasts. And who knows? Maybe in time...just maybe...things can change for both of us, and we can find a way to truly

His revelation catches me off guard, and I feel my cheeks flush with heat at the implications. It's true what they say about demihumans and their reproductive cycles; our hormones can make us do some rather foolish things during those times. "Well," I stammer awkwardly, doing my best to sound casual when in reality my heart is racing, "that might add a little...spice to things." My gaze drifts back down to where he's curled up against me; despite the heat of anger that still burns within me, there's also an undeniable spark of arousal beginning to kindle in its place.

Maybe this won't be so bad after all...

I nudge him with my elbow, smirking as I look down at him. "No way," I say firmly. "You're staying right here with me." There's a strange mix of determination and amusement in my voice that makes it clear I'm not going to be easily dissuaded on this point. Perhaps there's an element of challenge involved as well, a desire to see just how far he'll go now that our roles have been reversed.

He looks up at me through his lashes, considering my words carefully before giving a hesitant nod in agreement. It's almost comical how easily I seem to be able to manipulate him now; like flipping a switch on some internal power dynamic between us that's existed since the moment we first met.

I grin widely and lean in closer, running my fingers through his hair as I speak softly into his ear

I cut him off with a laugh, my breath tickling his earlobe as I shake my head slowly. "Oh, really?" I tease, not bothering to hide the mischievous glint in my eye. "And what sort of things might you do exactly? You think you could handle it if I challenged you?" A thrill runs through me at the thought of pushing him further, seeing just how far he's willing to go now that our roles are so drastically different from where they started. His expression darkens for a moment as he considers this, his eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly before finally looking up at me once again.

"I can handle anything you throw at me, Master," he growls softly, his voice husky and thick with desire. For a moment, it's as if we're the only two people in the world; everything else fades away into the background as our

My heart skips a beat at his confession; it's both terrifying and thrilling all at once. The idea of having children with him, of continuing our lineage together...it's intoxicating in a way that I can't quite describe. But even as these thoughts race through my mind, I remind myself that this isn't just about desire; it's also about control and dominance. And right now, I'm not willing to give him either quite yet.

With an amused smile, I lean in closer still until our noses touch. "Well then," I murmur softly, running a finger along his jawline before cupping his cheek with my other hand, "I guess we better make sure you don't go crazy, don't we?" His expression turns confused for a moment before understanding dawns in his eyes, and he shivers under my touch.

A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I see the effect my touch is having on him; his reaction only serves to inflame my desire even further. "Well," I tease, trailing my fingertips along his collarbone before moving lower still, "maybe you should find some way to channel that energy...or maybe just relax a little." My voice dips into a sultry purr as my hand moves lower still, cupping his groin through the fabric of his pants. His hips jump involuntarily at my touch, pushing eagerly against my hand.

"Is that it?" I whisper in his ear, feeling him grow impossibly harder beneath my fingers. "You want me to help you relax? Show you how to let go of all that tension?" There's a note of promise in my voice that makes his breath hitch audibly, and the air between us crackles with an almost

His unexpected move takes me by surprise and leaves me gasping for breath as he pins me to the bed, his hard length pressing against my trapped sex through our clothes. My eyes widen in shock before narrowing into a blazing gaze of lustful defiance. The power play, the challenge...it only serves to fuel my own desire, making it that much harder for me not to succumb to him right now.

I arch my back, grinding myself against his erection as I growl low in my throat, "Is that all you've got?" My voice is rough and hungry, filled with need and power. It seems to reach deep into his core, driving him further over the edge, making him lose control just enough for me to seize it back.

Fueled by his desperate cries and frantic movements, I rip at my clothes with renewed vigor, tearing away the barriers that separate us. With a triumphant growl, I push him onto his back and straddle him again, this time naked and aching for his touch. As our gazes lock, I feel a shiver run down my spine at the raw power in his eyes; it's as if he's seen into my soul and laid bare every hidden desire that drives me forward.

And with one final thrust, he pushes past whatever remains of my resistance and claims me utterly, driving deep inside and setting off a chain reaction of ecstasy that robs me of thought and control. My hips buck wildly against his, demanding more as wave after wave of pleasure wash over me in an unending tide.

"Breed," I moan raggedly,

I grip the sheets beneath me as he takes me with brutal force, feeling my insides stretch and clench around his length. My hips arch off the bed in a desperate attempt to meet every thrust; it's a dance of dominance and submission, and I revel in every second of it. With each thrust deep inside me, he pushes deeper still, claiming more of my essence with every passing moment.

His nails scrape roughly against my skin as his pace grows frantic, his breath hot and ragged against my neck. And when he finally lets out a strangled cry and shudders beneath me, I feel the hot rush of his release pouring deep inside me, filling every empty space with its sweet warmth. It's an exquisite agony that leaves me breathless and spent, my body trembling from head to toe as pleasure washes over me in a great, sh

With a moan of relief and satisfaction, I collapse against him, still shuddering from the aftershocks of our passion. His words echo through my mind, but they barely register as more than background noise in the haze of pleasure that lingers between us. "We'll see," I manage to whisper, running my fingers lightly through his messy hair as I gaze up at him with a contented smile.

It will be some time before either of us is truly ready for what comes next; but for now, we can bask in the afterglow of our connection, however fleeting it may prove to be. Even as reality begins creeping back into my mind, I find myself reluctant to let go of this moment, even though deep down I know that our worlds will soon collide once again and everything will change in ways neither of us can possibly imagine.