________________________________________
A single snowflake spiraled sleepily from the grey heavens to land on the pink, feline nose of Jack Spicer. Said nose twitched at the cool sensation and its owner took a deep breath as if scenting the small flake.
Two blood red eyes popped open and their owner leapt to his feet excitedly. “Chaaaseee,” he squealed in juvenile excitement, “it’s snowing!!”
The jaguar that had been previously curled about the black and white ball of energy slowly slid a single, sleep-clouded golden eye and allowed his mouth to spread into a warm smile, baring his teeth as he watched his beloved mate frolic about their field in a vain attempt to catch every last one of the small white flakes.
Chase gracefully rose to his paws, flecking an ear forward. The younger turned to him immediately at the first sign of movement and mewed playfully; a gleeful invitation for his mate to come and play.
The jaguar smirked and with an amused flash of his fangs, he playfully tackled Jack. The two felines rolled and tossed about; pounced and played all afternoon until the sun set began to set.
Fun finished, Chase made the decision that it was time to move into the cavern that they had prepared for when the cold weather months rolled around. The cavern was teeming with dozens of natural hot springs; most located squarely in a far chamber, which allowed the heat to warm the front cavern to a comfy and temperate warmth, even in winter’s chill.
They soon arrived there, and Chase led his loving mate over to the enormous pile of furs he had hunted himself and went about first settling the younger cat in.
“Chase?” Jack murmured timidly, almost as if he didn’t want to be heard.
“Hmm?” the jaguar acknowledged, turning to face his lover.
Jack squirmed slightly under the elder’s scrutinizing gaze and began staring at his paws, the claws digging into the soft black pelt beneath him. “Do you…like…cubs?” he wondered.
Jack kept his vivid, blood-colored eyes glued to his nervously twitching paws as Chase’s eyes widened.
Then, a grin broke out upon Chase’s maw, showing off his teeth once more. He padded over to Jack and curled up around him, nuzzling at his (currently) child-less belly.
“I will love any and all offspring you bear for me, my Jack-pet,” he firmly declared, “no matter what.”
Jack purred in relief and nuzzled his mate’s neck thankfully. “I love you,” he said affectionately.
“I love you, too,” Chase asserted.
