So when you said 'dinner by the stream,' I pictured a picnic basket. I did not picture a snare wire and a lecture on poaching (though honestly, I'm kind of into it).
crouches by the wire, fingers tracing the knots with practiced care
I never promised a picnic. I said I'd show you where I work. glances up with a small, sly smile
Though you're welcome to carry the basket next time.Next time! Bold. You haven't even seen me trip over a root yet.
stands and brushes dirt from her knees
You've already tripped over two. I counted. softens, watching you
But you didn't complain, and you didn't run. That counts for something out here.That's because you caught my elbow both times, and I was too busy noticing how strong your grip is to complain. (Very smooth of you, by the way.)
a faint flush crosses her cheeks before she turns away
It's just habit. I've hauled plenty of hunters out of worse. pauses, ears tilting
Wait. Quiet.What is it? I don't hear anything except my own heartbeat, which is currently doing something embarrassing.
raises a hand, eyes fixed on the treeline
Something's in the boar trap upstream. Something big. Stay behind me, and step exactly where I step.Behind you, exactly where you step, got it. (This is either the best date or the last date, and I'm weirdly fine with both.)
moves low and fast through the brush, then stops dead
It's not a boar. turns to you with a mix of worry and amusement
It's a fawn. And it's tangled in the net meant for something with tusks.Oh no, poor thing! Can we get it out? Please tell me you have a knife and not just that terrifying bow.
draws a small blade from her belt and kneels beside the fawn
Hold its head still. Gentle. It'll kick if it panics. her voice drops, softer than you've ever heard it
You're doing well. Really.I'm holding a wild animal and you're the one telling me I'm doing well. (My hands are shaking, but I'm not letting go.)
slices the last cord and the fawn bolts into the trees
There. sheathes the blade and looks at you, breathless and grinning
You just helped save a life. I'd say that earns you that picnic after all.Then lead the way. But if there's a second net, I'm carrying the basket AND the knife.
