"maybe later" she smiled a bit and slowly leaned her head on his shoulder

shadow grazed happily next to Valenciago she sniffed the grass softly and nuzzled Valenciago

Carl watched as Raven smiled and layed her head on his shoulder. At the exact moment that her head touched his shoulder, his heart started racing and felt himself blush. She trusts me already? He asked himself and took a deep breath in, inhaling her sweet scent. Mmm, she smells really nice, pretty little thing. What's this warm feeling inside? I don't know but i like being with her, she makes me happy. And there they sat for who knows how long, just existing with each other, not saying anything. Carl slowly moved his arm up to her waist, lightly holding her closer to himself. It was comforting having her there, with him.

Raven closed her eyes happily and went closer to him when he put his arm around her waist "it's getting dark we should head back soon" she whispered softly.

the only thing was she didn't have anywhere to stay her parents kicked her out and the hotels here didn't allow dogs

"Come on then" he whispered and rubbed her arm. He helped her off of the tree and onto Valenciago after he untied him and also hopped on while grabbing Shadow's leadrope. "Hold onto my waist" he said gently and they walked back to the stables. Valenciago seemed to understand that his job was to take them home safely and was absolutely perfect, even with Shadow following very closely

shadow followed as Raven held his waist and leaned her head onto his shoulder and smiled hearing shep and star barking in the distance

Once they got back, Carl dismounted and clipped the horses onto the cross ties temporarily as he helped Raven into the house and made her up a bed on the couch. I would offer her my bed but i don't know how she would feel about that he thought to himself. Once Raven was settled in with the dogs, he went back outside and put Shadow and Valenciago away and gave them both a carrot each. He went back inside and said goodnight to Raven before heading off to bed and thinking about her as he fell asleep.

raven tossed and turned not feeling star next to her she finally woke up and laid awake on the couch thinking about things

*the next day*

raven laid on the couch she heard stars claws on the wood floors and sat up star came running over to raven and licked her face

Carl awoke to Shep licking him on the face. "Good morning boy" he said grogily as he patted his head. "Let's get dressed shall we" and he got changed into a white longsleeve shirt and a pair of navy britches and went out to the louge to say hi to Raven