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Cake, Cravings and Chaos

M/M

2nd March, 2025

All Rights Reserved.

Golden morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the cozy bedroom, casting a soft glow across the tousled sheets. Liam, a human with dark, sleep-mussed hair and sky-blue eyes, stirred first, blinking away the last remnants of slumber. He turned his head, a slow smile forming as he took in the sight of Ryder beside him.

Ryder, his sentient whitetail buck mate, lay sprawled in serene contentment, his tawny coat gleaming in the morning light. His muscular frame relaxed, the steady rise and fall of his chest a comfort to Liam. He couldn't help but smile, recalling the tender moments they'd shared the night before—the way Ryder had leaned into him, soft whispers of affection passed between them as they enjoyed each other's presence.

Propping himself up on one elbow, Liam admired the way the sunlight dappled across Ryder's fur. Reaching out, he brushed a stray tuft from Ryder's brow.

Ryder stirred at the gentle touch, his large, expressive eyes fluttering open. A sleepy smile curled his lips. "Morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning, handsome," Liam replied, his voice still gravelly from sleep but filled with warmth. He felt a rush of tenderness as Ryder nuzzled closer, pressing his warm body against Liam's side.

Ryder let out a small sigh, his ears twitching. "I think you're keeping me up at night with your snoring," he teased, resting his head against Liam's chest. "You're lucky you're cute."

Liam chuckled, pressing a kiss to his brow. "I don't snore," he protested, though the playful gleam in Ryder's eyes told him otherwise.

Ryder smirked and lifted his head. "You totally do."

Liam playfully slapped Ryder's furred shoulder, then snorted at him. Ryder giggled, then his supple tongue flickered across Liam's forehead.

“Keep that up, buck, and I'll make you use that tongue for something else..." Liam growled, but the look in his eyes was only filled with love and affection.

Ryder's eyes widened, his adorable, insolent smirk spreading across his lips, his furred cheeks dimpling. “Oh, you promise?"

Ryder's expression shifted, a more bashful look settling over his face. He gazed up at Liam through long lashes, batting them teasingly.

“I swear..." Liam chuckled, his voice softening as he sat up, his feet hitting the rug. He stretched with a sigh. “Since it's your birthday, I'll let it slide. I'm feeling generous."

Ryder stretched on the bed, all four legs going stiff before he sighed and relaxed, folding them against his chest and belly. "I don't need a present, just you."

Liam's eyes softened, and he leaned in to kiss him, slow and tender. "Happy birthday, my love," he whispered, pulling away just enough to meet Ryder's gaze.

Ryder smiled, warmth filling his chest. "Thanks, Liam. Now, I believe you said something about breakfast?"

Liam shook his head. “Well, after last night, I'm sure you're hungry!"

Ryder blushed, his inner ears turning a soft salmon pink. Then he frowned and visibly winced, before looking back toward his rump. Liam watched, his amusement building, then shook his head and chuckled.

“Liam," Ryder moaned softly in dismay. “You'll help me out of this, right? My tail's stuck again."

Liam raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. "You and your tail…" He leaned down and carefully helped free Ryder's tail, gently prying it loose.

Ryder flinched, feeling a few tail hairs tear loose as Liam carefully pulled it up.

"You'd think by now you'd learn to keep it up all night," Liam chuckled, then wiped his hands on a damp cloth kept beside the nightstand.

Ryder's eyebrows shot up, and his eyes widened as he registered the unintentional double-entendre. Liam, too, froze for a moment, his face flushing a brilliant crimson as he realized the implications of his words.

“You had no problem last night," Ryder playfully teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

With a chuckle, Liam helped Ryder stretch his legs out, flexing the ankle and knee joints. He carefully helped Ryder off the bed. "Alright, let's get you in the shower. I've got breakfast waiting after."

*

Liam turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade down as steam filled the air. He glanced over his shoulder at Ryder, who stood just outside the tub, shifting his weight uncomfortably.

Ryder flicked an ear, his eyes a little guarded. "This would be easier if you just built a ramp and had a non-slip mat. This shower stall floor is slippery for cloven hooves!" he teased, his lips curling into a smile.

Liam chuckled softly, stepping closer and placing a hand on Ryder's side, giving him a reassuring smile. "Need a hand?"

Ryder's lips twitched in amusement, but there was a quiet vulnerability in his gaze. "I always need a hand lately."

Liam's eyebrow raised at Ryder's words, then he shook his head and chuckled. Ryder's playful smirk never failed to get him, and the way his cheeks dimpled made it impossible not to feel the warmth between them.

"Good thing you've got me," Liam replied, his voice low and affectionate. He guided Ryder gently into the shower, the warm water making his skin gleam as droplets trailed down his body. The quiet intimacy between them grew as Ryder relaxed under the spray.

The water poured over them, the steam filling the small space, but it was the closeness between them that made the air feel thick. Liam's hands moved deliberately over Ryder's back, each stroke smooth and confident as he worked the shampoo through Ryder's fur. The warm water ran down Ryder's body, pooling around their feet as Liam massaged the tension from his muscles, slow and purposeful.

Ryder, for his part, seemed content—at least for the moment. But his tail, always so expressive, flicked with mischief, slapping wetly against Liam's stomach in playful defiance.

Liam's eyes narrowed just slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he felt the swift slap of Ryder's tail against him again. Ryder turned his head over his shoulder, his eyes gleaming with that teasing glint that always seemed to light up his face.

"Stop that," Liam's voice was low but firm, his hands now sliding around Ryder's hips to grip him tightly, his fingers digging into the soft curve of his waist.

Ryder gasped, his breath hitching at the sudden pressure, his eyes widening as he felt Liam's strong hands guiding him. "Stop that? Or else… what?" he teased, his tail flicking again, more deliberately, brushing against Liam's stomach, as if daring him to act.

Liam didn't hesitate. With a quick movement, he gripped Ryder's hips more firmly, pulling him back against his groin with a growl of quiet command. Ryder's body froze for a moment at the sudden shift, his heart pounding as he felt the weight of Liam's strength behind him. Then, with a soft bleat of surprise and a shiver running through him, Ryder couldn't suppress the tremor of pleasure that surged through him.

Liam's fingers tightened around his hips, pulling him into a gentle, deliberate rhythm. Ryder's body responded almost instinctively, leaning back into Liam, surrendering to the sensation as Ryder's tail began fluttering wildly from side to side, his low moans and bleats betraying his pleasure with his mate.

"You never learn," Liam murmured, his voice both amused and affectionate. Ryder's body trembled in response, his breath quickening as the heat between them deepened, not entirely caused by the hot shower water.

Ryder bleated softly, the sound a mix of surprise and pleasure as his body trembled under Liam's steady control. He pressed back into his mate, feeling Liam's warmth behind him, the steady presence of Liam's body comforting and commanding at once.

Liam chuckled quietly, the sound low and warm against Ryder's ear as he moved with him, guiding him, never letting him go too far but always just enough to keep him on the edge. Ryder's breath caught in his throat, and his body arched back instinctively, the pleasure of being led so completely by Liam flooding his senses.

And in that moment, it wasn't just the closeness of their bodies that mattered—it was the quiet, unspoken bond between them, the trust that Ryder gave so freely and the care with which Liam held him. The gentle yet undeniable power of the moment made everything else fade away, leaving only the warmth of their connection.

"My... doe," Liam groaned, his slick hands sliding down Ryder's flanks and sinking in slightly, getting a firmer grasp.

Ryder squirmed and glanced back over his shoulder, his eyes filled with adoration and love. He had no words, only trembled, savoring what Liam gave so willingly... and eagerly. His breath came in shallow gasps, the heat between them more than the steam from the shower. Every inch of his body seemed to hum with the touch of Liam's hands, the weight of his presence, steady and grounding.

Liam's grip tightened, fingers tracing the soft muscle of Ryder's sides, his touch firm yet gentle as he guided their movements with slow intent. There was no rush. Not now. Not when every small shift of their bodies felt like a promise, a quiet vow of trust and affection. Ryder's chest rose and fell in rhythm with Liam's, their bodies pressed so close that each heartbeat felt shared.

Ryder's tail twitched, brushing softly against Liam's stomach, the sensation making Liam's lips curve upward in a quiet, affectionate smile. He leaned forward, his breath a warm whisper against the back of Ryder's neck, and he whispered low, "You feel so good, love."

Ryder's breath hitched at the words, his body responding to the care and attention, to the way Liam held him with such reverence. Every movement felt like an exploration, tender and deliberate. Ryder's whole body quivered with pleasure, but more than that, with the overwhelming sense of connection. He leaned back just a little, pressing closer to Liam, his eyes fluttering shut as the feeling of being so completely with him filled every corner of his heart.

The warmth of the water mingled with their shared heat, a cocoon of steam and closeness, and time seemed to stretch. Each touch, each shift of their bodies, was an unspoken dialogue—no words needed, just the quiet understanding of what they meant to each other. Ryder's breath grew steadier, his body melting further into Liam's touch, as the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, entwined in an intimacy that went beyond the physical.

Liam's voice broke the quiet, soft and teasing. "You're always so responsive," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Ryder's shoulder. "I never get tired of it."

Ryder's lips curled into a contented smile, his chest rising and falling with each breath, a steady hum of pleasure thrumming through him. He shifted just slightly, settling into the rhythm of their movements, the intimacy between them deepening with every second. Ryder could feel the way Liam's hands held him, the way his body moved with him, as though they were two parts of the same whole.

And in that moment, Ryder understood more clearly than ever—this wasn't just about the passion, or the warmth, or even the pleasure. This was about being with Liam in a way that transcended everything else. It was about trust, and love, and the quiet moments they shared that made all the others worth it.

The world outside the shower didn't matter. It was just the two of them, in the steam and warmth, wrapped in each other's arms, and Ryder's heart swelled as Liam's touch guided him deeper into that shared space, where nothing but their connection existed.

For nearly twenty minutes, Liam made love with Ryder, every gentle movement eliciting bleats and quivers from Ryder, who met Liam's gentle motions with his own, drawing out the pleasure for both buck and human.

“Liam…" Ryder's breath caught in his throat, and he quivered.

Liam snickered and slipped his hands under Ryder's hips and gently lifted his lover up, so only the tips of his cloven hooves touched the floor, then held him firmly.

“Three… two…" Liam's voice was a soft murmur, filled with affection and something else, something more primal. Before Ryder could even fully react, Liam pulled him back firmly, guiding him through the motion, just as Ryder's hips snapped forward in a sharp, instinctual lunge.

The sudden surge of pleasure took Ryder by surprise, his body trembling, breath hitching as his climax overtook him with an intensity that made his knees feel weak. If Liam hadn't been holding him steady, Ryder would've likely stumbled, the force of it leaving him breathless and stunned.

Liam's hands were there, steady and grounding, keeping him close, supporting him with such care that even in the peak of his pleasure, Ryder felt completely safe. He could feel the tension in Ryder's body, the way his muscles tightened with the rush, and he smiled softly, whispering against the back of Ryder's neck, "I got you, you're alright."

Ryder's breath came in ragged bursts, and he pushed back against Liam, his body still quivering from the aftermath. His eyes fluttered shut, a soft bleat escaping him as his head drooped and he began panting. The lingering heat between them filled the space, leaving a silence that spoke louder than words.

Liam's hands continued to roam over Ryder's skin, gentle now, rubbing soothing circles as Ryder's body slowly came back down from the heights of pleasure. "You're perfect," Liam murmured, the words meant just for Ryder, full of love and admiration.

Ryder could only shudder in response, his heart racing as he nestled into Liam's chest. Every breath, every beat of his heart was a quiet reminder of how deep their connection ran. And with that, Ryder melted into Liam, content to stay right where he was, surrounded by warmth and love.

*

After their shower, the air was warm and filled with the scent of soap, steam still curling around the bathroom. Ryder, his sleek body still damp, stood near the towel rack as Liam gently dried him off. Ryder's ears flicked in amused curiosity as Liam, naked and still wet, playfully posed in front of him.

"Like what you see?" Liam asked with a teasing grin, his posture shifting in a casual, almost exaggerated way.

Ryder blinked, his tail flicking once before he gave a soft, mischievous snort. "Yes... very much," he replied, his voice a mixture of playful affection and lingering admiration. The sight of his mate, his strong form glistening under the soft bathroom lights, made Ryder's heart skip a beat.

Liam chuckled, shaking his head, and continued drying off Ryder's fur, his hands gentle but firm as he worked. Once done, he led the way into the kitchen, where breakfast was waiting. Ryder followed eagerly, his stomach already growling in anticipation of the hearty meal.

Liam had prepared their usual: a breakfast just for him and Ryder. For himself, he had a quick bowl of oatmeal, fresh fruit, and coffee. Ryder, on the other hand, was indulging in a special cervine mix of pellets, grains, and chaff — a mix specifically tailored to his physiology, high in protein, fiber, and everything Ryder needed to feel strong and satisfied.

Ryder wasted no time diving in, devouring the food with gusto. He'd already polished off two bowls by the time Liam was halfway through his own meal, and his third bowl was practically gone before Liam could get another bite of his cereal. The buck's belly was visibly swollen, a slight bulge pressing out from his side as he stood at the table, looking slightly dazed but blissfully content.

Liam snickered, shaking his head. "I think you get plenty of protein already, my sweet..." His voice was teasing, but affectionate, and he couldn't help but laugh as Ryder's nervous giggle filled the air.

Ryder, full to bursting, gave Liam a sheepish grin. "It's just... so good," he muttered, giving a little shake of his head, as if to try and clear the sweetness from his mind. "You know I can't resist."

Liam chuckled again, his fingers brushing through Ryder's fur as he gently stroked his back. "You're lucky I love you... even when you turn into a food-obsessed buck."

Ryder's eyes twinkled with amusement as he shifted on the floor, clearly feeling the heaviness of his over-indulgence. His stomach was full, but his playful nature remained unchanged. "You'll still love me after this, right?"

“Of course," Liam replied, smiling softly as he finished his meal. "But I think you need a nap after that all that food!"

Ryder huffed, his tail flicking behind him in reluctant agreement. He pushed himself up slowly, his body a bit sluggish from the overload of food, and Liam gently guided him towards the living room.

"You've done enough for one morning, buddy," Liam said, his voice soft and reassuring. Ryder's hooves scraped lightly against the floor as he made his way, a little wobbly, towards the couch.

Once they reached the couch, Liam helped Ryder onto it. Despite his full stomach, Ryder stretched out lazily across the cushions, curling into a comfortable position. Liam adjusted the pillows around him, ensuring Ryder was as comfortable as possible, before brushing Ryder's left ear.

“Sleep it off, alright?" Liam murmured. “I'll go get the last few birthday supplies. Don't worry, I did promise you a surprise."

Ryder blinked sleepily, his eyes half-lidded, as he nuzzled into the plush fabric of the couch. "I'll wait for you..." he muttered, his voice already thick with drowsiness. "Don't be too long, though..."

“I won't," Liam reassured him, leaning down to plant a kiss on Ryder's forehead before turning towards the door. "Rest up, my sweet. I'll make sure the surprise is worth the wait."

Ryder's eyelids fluttered as he let out a small, contented sigh, sinking further into the couch. Within moments, the soft rhythm of his breathing filled the room, and he slipped into a food-coma induced slumber, content and cared for.

*

Ryder stirred from his nap, blinking groggily as he stretched his limbs, feeling the faint warmth of the sun still streaming through the windows. His ears flicked, then twitched at a familiar, tantalizing scent drifting through the air—rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-sweet. His stomach rumbled loudly, a growl of impatience, as the delicious aroma reached his nose.

With a sleepy grunt, Ryder pushed himself up from the couch, his hooves scraping against the floor as he awkwardly stood on his hind legs for a moment before tipping forward onto all fours. His tail flicked eagerly behind him as he trotted toward the kitchen, where the scent of cake batter grew stronger.

As he approached the counter, the bowl of batter was just out of reach, neatly placed on the kitchen bench. His eyes widened with anticipation. The cervine-friendly chocolate cake mix was his absolute favorite, and he could hardly resist the temptation. But standing on all fours made it a little difficult to reach. He huffed in frustration and shifted awkwardly, trying to brace himself on the counter with his forelegs.

With a soft grunt, he managed to push himself upright, balancing unsteadily for a moment. His nose hovered just above the bowl, the rich scent enveloping him. Before he could think better of it, his tail flicked in excitement—and with one mischievous push, he knocked the bowl off the counter.

It fell with a dull thud, splashing the thick, chocolate batter across the floor in a messy eruption. Ryder froze for a moment, staring at the disaster he'd caused, but the hunger in him outweighed the shock. He grinned, eyes narrowing with mischievous delight, and dropped to his belly, lowering his head to greedily lap up the spilled batter.

The sticky chocolate smeared across his muzzle and splattered across the kitchen floor, but Ryder didn't care. The sweet, indulgent taste was too irresistible. He snorted in contentment, losing himself in the pleasure of the cake mix. His tongue swirled around, savoring every drop, as the batter splashed across the cabinets and his legs. The kitchen quickly transformed into a chocolatey disaster.

By the time he finished licking the bowl clean, Ryder was practically coated in chocolate from head to tail. His stomach was swollen from the indulgence, and he lay on the floor, the empty bowl resting between his forelegs. His eyes fluttered shut, the sugar high settling in as he dozed off again, oblivious to the mess around him.

Two hours later, Liam walked through the door, bags of ingredients in hand, ready to finish preparing the birthday meal he'd promised Ryder. He froze in the doorway as the sight hit him—chocolate smeared on the cupboards, splatters across the floor, and there, lying in the middle of the disaster, was Ryder. The buck's belly had expanded, his fur matted with batter, and he was sprawled out in blissful contentment, the empty bowl resting by his side.

Liam couldn't help but chuckle, though a smile of amusement quickly replaced any frustration. He set the bags down on the counter and shook his head. "Well, this is... something."

Ryder's ears twitched at the sound of Liam's voice, but he didn't stir. His body was too heavy with the aftermath of the cake binge, and the peaceful nap he was enjoying was far more tempting than any reaction he might have.

Liam crouched beside him, his gaze softening. “You really went all in this time, huh?" he murmured, gently brushing a bit of chocolate off Ryder's muzzle. Ryder snorted in his sleep, a tiny bleat escaping his lips as if in apology.

Liam sighed, though there was no anger in his tone. He couldn't stay mad at his lover, not when Ryder looked so blissfully unaware of the mess. "I swear, you're going to be the death of me," Liam muttered with a fond smile. "But I can't stay mad at you... Not when you're this adorable."

He stood and reached for a towel, tossing it onto the floor near Ryder. "Next time, buddy, I swear you're getting a smaller bowl," he said with a teasing grin, bending down to help his mate to his feet.

Ryder blinked sleepily, giving a long stretch as he yawned. "What... happened?" His voice was groggy, still drowsy from the sugar crash.

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. "You happened, my love. You happened."

Ryder's eyes widened slightly, then he looked around the room, taking in the disaster. "Uh... oh. Whoops?"

Liam just laughed, brushing more chocolate from Ryder's fur. "I'll take care of the cleanup. You, on the other hand, are going to need a nap... again."

Ryder offered an apologetic but still amused smile, curling up into a more comfortable position, his swollen belly clearly full to bursting. "You're still going to feed me, right?"

Liam grinned. "Always."

*

Ryder paused, his eyes flicking between Liam and the position they had settled into, uncertainty flickering in his gaze. His hindquarters twitched slightly, unsure, but his body seemed to know what to do. Liam, lying on his back, met his gaze with soft reassurance, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding.

“Hey," Liam whispered, his voice low and steady, soothing. “You're okay. Take your time. I'm here with you." His hands gently caressed Ryder's hips, his touch tender, as if to remind him of the safe space they had created between them.

Ryder swallowed, his heart racing just a bit faster than usual. He nodded, a small, hesitant smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The trust in Liam's gaze gave him the confidence he needed. Slowly, carefully, Ryder shifted his weight, lowering himself onto Liam's body. His breath hitched as his hindquarters shifted, the motion tentative, testing the waters.

Suddenly, a tickle in Ryder's nose made him freeze. His eyes widened before he let out an unexpected sneeze, the force of it making his body jerk slightly.

“Ah-choo!" Ryder sneezed, his head snapping forward, and his tail flicking erratically. He blinked rapidly, a bit flustered. "Sorry..." He chuckled softly, his voice tinged with embarrassment as he glanced down at Liam, who was watching him with an amused expression.

Liam let out a soft laugh, his hands gently steadying Ryder's hips as he caught his breath. “Bless you," he teased, his voice light with affection. “I think the lube might be a little much for your sensitive nose, huh?"

Ryder gave him a playful look, his ears flicking as he snorted. “It's not the lube, I swear," he muttered, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “I think I'm just allergic to… you." He winked down at Liam, his teasing tone full of affection.

Liam smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, if you're allergic to me, maybe I should keep my distance," he teased back, his hands gently guiding Ryder's hips as he helped him position himself again.

Ryder chuckled softly and shook his head, the playful mood lifting the tension between them. “No chance of that," he murmured, his voice returning to something more sincere as he began to lower himself again, slow and deliberate, feeling the warmth of Liam's body beneath him. His movements were careful, but the reassurance in Liam's eyes gave him the confidence to continue. Ryder shifted his weight and, inch by inch, carefully eased himself onto Liam, the heat and pressure sending a ripple of pleasure through him.

Liam's low, encouraging voice filled the room. “That's it, Ryder. Slowly. We've got all the time in the world."

Ryder's legs trembled slightly as he adjusted himself, his tail flicking nervously. He paused for a moment, leaning back to adjust his angle, but once he found the right position, he felt a deep sense of relief. The feeling of Liam inside him, of their connection, was unlike anything he had experienced, and it brought with it a sense of safety and comfort. He let himself settle, gently rocking back just a little, his body relaxed and at ease.

Liam's hands cupped Ryder's hips again, steadying him. “You're doing so good," Liam breathed out, his voice thick with affection. “You're perfect."

Ryder smiled down at him, the love in his eyes undeniable, before he slowly began to move, finding his rhythm. The room was filled with the quiet sounds of their movements, and Ryder's breath came in soft, trembling gasps as he adjusted his weight, finding the steady, sensual pace that worked for them both.

Liam's low, panting gasp joined Ryder's, his voice filled with quiet encouragement. “That's it... keep going... just like that."

And with that, the world outside of them disappeared. Ryder's steady movements, the warmth of their connection, the soft whispers of reassurance—this moment was theirs, and neither of them could have asked for anything more.

Liam's breath hitched, the pleasure building in waves as he gazed up at Ryder, his body trembling beneath him. His hands gripped Ryder's hips more firmly, his voice growing rough with the effort to stay calm.

“Ryder... I'm—ah!" His words faltered as the heat inside him surged, and with a final gasp, he climaxed deep inside Ryder. The sensation was overwhelming, sending him spiraling into release, and he held onto Ryder, trying to ground himself in the connection they shared.

Ryder's body tensed immediately at the feeling, his whole form shuddering as the heat of Liam's climax triggered his own. His body clenched, and with a series of low, breathy bleats, Ryder came, the feeling of release washing over him like a sudden tide. But as the aftershocks faded, a wave of guilt washed over him. He looked down at Liam, his ears flattening as he realized what had just happened.

“Oops..." Ryder muttered, his voice tinged with shame as he tried to pull away, though the warmth still lingered between them.

Liam's eyes widened at the sudden shift in Ryder's demeanor, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Then, as the reality of the moment sank in, he felt a twinge of his own embarrassment. But after a moment of silence, his initial reaction melted away, and he rolled his eyes, his voice low but affectionate.

“Don't worry," Liam sighed, giving a small, fond chuckle despite the awkwardness of the situation. “I guess I'll have to get used to it... the rut is only three months away..."

Ryder blinked at him, the faintest smile tugging at his lips as he relaxed again, the embarrassment ebbing away. He nuzzled Liam gently, pressing his face against his mate's chest as if seeking reassurance.

“Good thing you love me, huh?" Ryder said softly, his tone playful but still a little sheepish.

Liam's laughter rumbled in his chest, and he pulled Ryder closer, wrapping his arms around him. “Love you? Of course. Even with all your little quirks."

Ryder chuckled softly, his eyes closing as he settled into Liam's arms.

“I do," Liam murmured, caressing Ryder's trembling neck. “I'd not trade you for anything..."

Ryder melted into the warmth of Liam's embrace, feeling safe and loved. Despite the awkwardness of the moment, he knew that this bond between them—built on trust, affection, and care—was the most important thing of all. With Liam by his side, everything felt right.

With that, they both drifted into a quiet peace, content in the love they shared.

Ryder licked a long, broad swatch across Liam's forehead, across his nose, and down to his throat. "The rut's really only three months away?"

Liam stroked his lover, feeling the buck's nervous tremble. "It is, do not worry, my sweet. I'll take care of you and make sure you're properly taken care of... as a good doe should be."

Ryder snorted, then pushed himself upright with his forelegs, gazing down at Liam, his eyes slightly frowning. "I'm not a doe..."

"Yes, you are," Liam snickered, pulling Ryder back down, kissing his neck and chin. "You're my doe..."

Ryder rolled his eyes, but the playful smirk that tugged at his lips was unmistakable. He nuzzled into Liam's neck, feeling the warmth of his mate's affection. As long as they were together, everything else seemed trivial.

END