Mismatched eyes, at once so full of concern and irritation, softened slightly at the touch of her tongue to his cheek. They'd always pressed their noses to each other's cheeks, since the first time they'd met, but he sure liked this new thing with the licking. He grinned at her, nostrils flaring slightly in amusement as they righted themselves and regained their footing once more. They bumped shoulders as she apologized, and he knew she hadn't meant any harm by it. She never did - but when the opportunity to prank someone arose, he should know better than to think she would pass it up.

Together they made their way back to the entrance of the cave, leaving the last bit of darkness unexplored - perhaps a reason to return again someday. But inwardly he chided himself, remembering how only moments before he'd thought Bastille's life was in danger. Returning here when the bear might actually be inside would put her at risk again, and he didn't ever want to experience that feeling of possibly losing her again. In that moment he knew that he would do anything to keep her safe, to protect her. Including fighting down a monstrous bear, or any other threat that was posed to her. Rhaegal cared for her in a way that was so different from anything else he'd ever experienced. Of course he would go into battle at his brothers' sides if the need arose, would defend his mother's honor and sacrifice his health to ensure Kalseru or his younger sisters were safe. But with Bastille...he wasn't sure why, it was just different. She was like family, his best friends and yet more than that. As she looked to him with that smile of hers, he was struck dumb - she was simply everything to him.

He stared for a moment, even after she'd launched out of the cave and up onto the rock, just blankly looking at the opposite wall of the cave entrance, perplexed by this sudden realization. After a moment, though, he shook his head and jogged out of the cave in her wake. Approaching the rock, he found Bastille with her head lowered, seeking his gaze, which he readily gave to her. His head tilted to the side, wondering what was on her mind - if it was anything like what he was thinking. She the flopped down onto the rock, rolling over and he grinned with amusement. Leaning forward, he mimicked her earlier behavior, but placed a lick on her nose instead of her cheek. Flashing a winning smile, he jumped up onto the rock next to her.

He remained on his feet for a moment, thinking about her question. Then his forelegs slid out in front of him, hindquarters remaining aloft for a moment before they too plopped down onto the stone unceremoniously. "I guess so, yeah," he mused, not sure what kind of future she might be talking about, not wanting to stick his foot in his mouth. "You know when I was a kid I used to think about vying for Heir," he laughed, because he didn't really think he'd make for much of an alpha. He'd rather be out having fun with Bastille than worrying about inter-pack relations and alliances and all that stuff. Partially rolling onto his side, he pressed his forehead back against the stone so that he could meet Bastille's gaze - even if it was at a bit of a comical angle. "What about you?"