They are helpless to the other's antics, dancing about and kicking up snow like frisky yearlings. Of course, they are far from that age of youth and innocence, but Kaj reveled in the experience nonetheless. Chasing after the playful Captain, grinning as she gasped, gossamer threads of clashing temperature lingering near her muzzle. Her laughter was a ringing, clear sound. Bells on a summer breeze, wind chimes and hummingbird wings. Kaj respected so much about her, from her modest, composed nature to the way she didn't mind gallivanting with her King like they were foals. She had Kahlua's joy and Evangeline's patience and wisdom. Kaj couldn't have asked for a better friend and companion, and as he showered her in snow he realized that he didn't feel so troubled. As if she had simply walked up and brushed it away as easily as the frozen flakes, casting all his trouble off with a simple stare. It was exhilarating.

As he reclined his head and arched his neck over one powerful shoulder to gaze upon her, his eyes widened and the breath from his lungs was stolen in an entirely unfair way. Tiny, crystallized flakes were glittering through her wavy golden hair, clinging to her lashes as they framed the amused coral gems that blinked back at him from a face as pale and beautiful as the scenery around them. Guilt temporarily washed over him, remembering Kahlua and Evangeline. But they were not his, and he was not theirs. Kahlua had left him with a broken heart, one that Evangeline likely couldn't fill with her own tentative feelings. Even so he felt guilty, he was far too loyal, even in situations where emotional attachment was only hesitant. But who was to say that anything was permanent or secure? He had so much love to give, and one of the reasons why he was so stressed was because he'd been pining over beautiful mares he could never hope to mate with.

Maybe Cheveyo could wash away that stress, too, with her glowing smile. It seemed nothing was out of her reach when it came to lifting Kaj's spirits.

She was a vision, and a distracting one at that. She easily caught up, her hip bumping into his side and causing him to stumble. Laughter tumbled, surprised and joyous, from pale golden lips. He chased after her, hooves thundering and breath ghosting in happy panting puffs. Reaching for her mane, he playfully nipped and lipped at the strands, hoping to pull them gently. Crowding in on her, until their heat magnified and melted the stubborn remaining flakes on his body. Kaj jutted his muzzle towards the delicate arch of her neck, smirking mischievously down at her as long legs kept pace with her small, slim body.

@[Cheveyo]