Chapter Text
They sleep in a pile that night. Emmy’s surprised at how little she minds the dried crust of the evening between her legs and down her thighs. She usually hates going to sleep while anything but freshly showered. Tonight, though, in the dirt, drowsy and well-fucked, she feels like a contented animal in its warren—not quite feral, but far from her usual fussiness.
They sleep deeply, and even the gentle blurs of consciousness as someone shifts or murmurs are an opportunity to get even more comfy or cozy.
One by one, they awaken and wander to the cave’s mouth. The sunrise is dazzling, and the crisp morning air is just cool enough to be refreshing without being chilly. Quetzal shows them to an impossibly warm waterfall, where they rinse the night off of them before rejoining the others for breakfast—sausages and tomato over an open fire (courtesy of Ord, of course).
The whole group spends the day impossibly and wonderfully content. They lounge and nap under a nearby tree as the sun ignites sparkles on the brook in the valley below.
Emmy notices Ord and Max staying especially close through the late morning and afternoon, smiling warmly when Max catches her eye and blushes.
Cassie and Emmy make daisy chain crowns for everyone as Zak and Wheezie noodle soft tunes for background music. After the fierce rut, Emmy relishes reclaiming her gentleness, and she’s soothed by the idle joy. Ironically, she feels more in touch with her instincts and softness after last night than she can remember in years.
The day wears on, and Emmy and Max sense their time to leave. The group gathers to say their goodbyes.
Emmy’s been hoping someone would clarify for her, but no one has, so she pipes up before they go.
“Can we, uh—” she hesitates. “Can we come back?”
Quetzal smiles brightly.
“Of course, niños! You are always, always welcome here.” The dragons murmur their assent. “I suspect the scale will sense your new, ah, appreciation for Dragon Land.”
“And, uh, how often do you have festivals?” Max asks sheepishly.
Ord laughs and answers. “Well, you’re the last of our pack to Present! So, probably not for a long time. Maybe never!”
Max looks crestfallen, but Cassie chimes in.
“Max, we don’t only rut during festivals. They’re just the big special occasion. When you’re in Dragon Land, heat happens every month!”
Max and Emmy wear surprised looks.
“I bet if you’re away from Dragon Land for more than a month, it probably starts just as you arrive!” Ord exclaims, and Quetzal shrugs with a smile.
“Holy shit,” Emmy says under her breath.
Max is speechless and wearing a funny, half-dazed smile.
“Well, I guess we’ll see you next month!” Max finally says, and everyone laughs.
Emmy reaches her arm out, and they recite the old rhyme.
“I wish, I wish, to use this rhyme to go back home until next time.”
Dragon Tune: “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails