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"Can't you just leave me alone for five minutes?" Diego groaned and turned his head away from the sloth, curling into himself even more as he lay on the ground. Sid however, wasn't willing to leave just yet as he was itching to know one thing from the saber. "Aw c'mon, Diego, just answer me! Pleeease?" He begged, crouching down and getting up in Diego's face as he batted his eyelids in an attempt to look cute.. but Diego wasn't falling for it and growled softly, "Sid, I won't tell you again. Just drop it..." he held back a yawn and buried his face in his forepaws, trying to get away from the situation. He didn't like what the sloth was up to, but being as annoying as usual, Diego was becoming sure that there might not be any other way to escape this stressful and embarrassing conversation.

Sid stood up and huffed sadly, but then a smirk spread across his face and decided just to push him further. "Diego, I know you like me, you can't hide it from me." He wasn't giving up until he got an answer from the saber. He knew Diego liked him just like he did and that he was trying to hide it from him and everyone else, possibly just to keep that 'tough guy' reputation of his, but Sid couldn't take it anymore and desperately wanted to hear the words come from his mouth, right here and right now.. even if it meant bothering a grumpy tiger in the middle of a nap. Sid kneeled down onto his knees and reached out a clawed paw, taking a hold of one of Diego's long fangs and turning his head to face Sid's. The sloth's smirk softened slightly, but the soft yet teasing tone of voice remained, "Look at me...."

As Diego's face was met with Sid's, the saber locked his eye contact with the other. Sid took a short moment to look into the saber's green-gold eyes before uttering with the same gentle and taunting tone, "Look at me Diego, and tell me you feel the same as I do. Then I'll leave you alone." Diego was now at the point of giving up. He didn't want to have to tell him that, but there was no other options to persuade the stubborn sloth. This is the only way to get him to leave him alone.. at least hopefully.. so he reluctantly gave into the sloth. “Fine… I.. uh…” His insides turned and his skin heated up, struggling to not look so awkward as he muttered slowly, "I... I like you.. too…." Once the words came out of his mouth, he cleared his throat and quickly turned his head away. He grumbled, trying to sound annoyed, but he was extremely nervous, "There... I said it... happy now?"

Sid grinned wide as he finally hears the words he was hoping to hear, and he leaned over and wrapped his arms around the saber's neck, nuzzling into his fur with a soft giggle, "Yup… sure am…" Diego tensed up at the sloth's physical contact, trying to hold down the deep purr rising in his chest. He growled with annoyance, but deep down, he knew he was happy to have finally gotten that off his chest... even if he may get constantly teased for being a softie after pretending to be the 'tough guy' for so long... though he's beginning to wonder if he actually even cared anymore. He coughed awkwardly, trying and failing once again to sound annoyed, "Y-Yeah, uh... whatever... now can you just leave me alone?" Sid just let out a laugh and hugged the saber closer, wanting to be as close to him as possible.

"Hah.. come on, you know me, Diego... besides… annoying you is what I'm best at anyway..." Diego rolled his eyes and groaned. I knew he’d do this... he thought to himself.

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They were all exhausted after all the chaotic events they dealt with the past two days. After washing up at the island on an ice floe earlier that day, the mammals had situated themselves in an area not far from the seashore. The sun was now setting and they all gathered around a fire that Sid had built. They began planning their strategy to take Gutt’s ship in order to return home before settling down for the night. As Manny was explaining the details, the others payed close attention… mostly. Diego was focusing on the plan when his attention was suddenly shifted towards Sid, who was hardly even listening, holding back snickers and grinning wide to himself, just doing his own little thing with his back turned away from the saber.

Diego couldn’t tell what the sloth was even doing, but he noticed a strange looking object wrapped around his neck. He observed more closely and saw a bunch of random seashells, stones and other random materials collected from the beach attached to the string like some sort of necklace. He didn’t think much of it and so turned his attention back to Manny. But not even a minute later, something was tossed over Diego’s head and around his neck. Sid giggled as he put a necklace around Diego’s neck that looked exactly like his, but much larger to suit his size. Diego looked down bewilderingly at the necklace and raised a brow, taking a claw and lifting one of the seashells attached to get a closer look. He turned his gaze back to the giggling sloth, confused and slightly agitated.

“Uh… What is this for…?” Diego questioned, his tone slightly unsettled as he waited for Sid to stop his giggling. Sid then calmed himself down and stepped closer to the saber to shamelessly display his matching necklace. His voice was perky as he finally answered, “It’s a coral necklace! Just like mine! Made it just for you…” Diego felt his face heat up with embarrassment from the awkward gift and carefully looked around to see if the others were looking. To his horror, he saw that everyone else’s eyes were now facing two. Manny just groaned and shook his head, exasperated that he now has to repeat himself after finding that they got distracted in the middle of something important.

Diego took off the necklace and carefully placed it back next to Sid and turned away to focus on the plan. Sid picked up the necklace and reached his paw out to pet Diego’s head. “Aww, you don’t like my necklace?” Diego sighed and muttered softly without looking back at Sid, “No- I mean.. not that… just… not in front of everyone else, alright…?” He didn’t say another word to the sloth after that and went back to listening to the plan. He almost couldn’t stand it whenever Sid did embarrassing stuff like this with him all while everyone could see them… even though he thought the necklace was kind of cute… but he kept it to himself for now.

Sid just smiled and turned his attention back to Manny, scooting closer to his saber’s side. You know you like it… Sid said in his head.

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“Why do you think stars twinkle?” Sid asked, his voice a soft echo in the den.

Diego growled quietly once more, putting a large paw over his face in annoyance. “Sid, it’s late. I’m trying to sleep,” he replied in a mixed tone of exasperation and affection. This was probably the fifth time he’s reminded this to the restless sloth. “Oh, right. I’m sorry,” Sid murmured, his gaze shifting from the glittering sky outside the den entrance to the slumbering saber beside him. He nuzzled closer, his fur warm and comforting. “But don’t you ever wonder? Like, why can’t we just reach out and touch them?” The sloth went on, extending an arm up into the air.

Diego sighed, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He couldn’t stay irritated with him for long. The sloth’s boundless enthusiasm was infectious. “Because they’re far away, Sid. Really, really far.” Diego muttered tiredly. He turned his head, trying to hide the smile that’s beginning to grow a little wider, “Now can we please go to sleep?” Ignoring Diego’s question, Sid’s curiosity grew. “But what if we could fly, Diego? Imagine flying up there to get closer to those sparkly dots. Wouldn’t that be amazing?” Diego groaned softly and rolled onto his side to face the sloth, propping himself up on an arm. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?” His eyes searched Sid’s in the dim moonlight, amusement slightly visible on his face.

Sid’s eyes are wide with excitement. “Could you imagine? We’d be like those flying squirrels we saw once!” He paused, then whispered conspiratorially, “Maybe there’s a way, Diego. Maybe if we…” Diego tried to hold back a chuckle, but failed only slightly. The saber sighed and cut him off before he could finish, “We’re not squirrels, Sid. And we can’t just decide to sprout wings.” He laid back down, his eyes closing once again, but not turning away from the sloth’s gaze. But Sid was undeterred. “I know that, but maybe we could still find a way to get closer. Like, what if we climbed a really, really tall tree?”

Diego’s eyes snapped open again, irritation beginning to return into his tone of voice. “Sid, we’re not climbing trees in the middle of the night. And we’re definitely not doing it to chase stars.” He stared straight into Sid’s eyes, putting on a menacing expression in hopes of getting him to listen. Sid shrank back a little at the look, but still wasn’t completely convinced to stop, when normally, that intimidating face of his would always get him to shut up. Sid looked at Diego with a pout, his eyes shimmering with the reflection of the moon and stars outside their shared den. “Why not?” Diego’s expression softened a little. He knew Sid’s inability to sleep was due to his overactive imagination. It wasn’t the first time he’s dealt with night’s like this with the sloth’s restlessness and curiosity.

“Because it’s not safe, Sid. And because we need to get some rest right now.” Diego said in a soothing voice, smiling softly at him. Sid sighed, his enthusiasm beginning to deflate and letting out a yawn. The sound relieved Diego as he took it as a sign of him finally settling down for the night and knew it would never take long for the sloth to fall asleep considering his lazy personality. “Okay, Diego. I’ll try to be quiet,” Sid replied, his voice lowering in volume and his eyes quickly growing heavy. For a few moments, the only sounds were the distant calls of nocturnal creatures and the crackling of the small fire that had burned down to embers. Diego’s breathing grew deeper, hinting that he was finally drifting off to sleep. The quiet was soothing, and the warmth of Diego’s body next to him was comforting.

As Sid’s eyes grew heavier by the second, his mind continued to race with thoughts of the stars in the sky, and what it would be like if they could chase after them. But as he became more and more fatigued, he couldn’t find the energy to speak the questions out loud anymore, but he figured he should just let his tiger sleep for once after remembering hearing him ask multiple times for him to shut his mouth. Suddenly, a small but cold breeze of wind blew into the den, sending a shiver down Sid’s spine. He instinctively cuddled closer to Diego’s side, seeking warmth. The saber, half-asleep, wrapped an arm around Sid’s small frame, holding him just a little closer without even opening his eyes. A quiet purr rumbled deeply through Diego’s chest as a small smile appeared on his muzzle once more before it faded again, drifting deeper into sleep.

“Thanks,” Sid murmured, his voice barely audible as he drifted to sleep with him. Diego’s hold tightened around him in response and his breathing remained steady. Sid felt the warmth of Diego’s body heat seep into him, chasing away the cold. His mind slowed down, the stars outside becoming less of an obsession. The tension in his body began to ease as he allowed sleep to claim him. Diego could feel Sid’s chest rising and falling in time with his own, and despite his earlier annoyance, he found the sloth’s proximity comforting.

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“Come on, Sid,” Diego groaned, stretching out his limbs, “You know I’ve got to go out for a hunt.”

The saber looked down at the clingy sloth who lazily crawled over to wrap his arms around his front leg, holding on to him with a desperation that was both endearing and slightly exasperating. “But why can’t you just stay here? It’s so warm and cozy.. it’s too early for you to go on a hunt,” he mumbled into Diego’s fur. Diego sighed, “You know why.” He gently peeled Sid’s arms from around his leg. “I need to eat. I don’t just stash away a bunch of berries like you do. You’re lucky that you don’t have to chase after your food.” Sid’s grips loosened, and he sat back on his haunches, his shoulders drooping.

“I know,” he whined, “but what if something happens to you?” His voice was small and worrisome, and he looked up to meet Diego’s gaze. The saber’s heart softened at Sid’s begs for him to stay and he put a paw on his shoulder. “Hey. I’ve done this a hundred times already. You know that. I may have twisted a paw here and there, but I’m a skilled hunter, okay? Nothing’s going to happen to me.” He offered a reassuring smile, though he couldn’t help but feel a small twinge of concern at Sid’s vulnerability.

Sid sighed once more. “I know… But I still don’t want you to go. Can you just stay a little longer? I’ll be lonely if you go.” Diego’s smile faded as he considered Sid’s plea. He knew the sloth had grown more clingy since their unlikely bond was established. The fiercely independent predator had never imagined himself in a situation where he’d have to comfort a creature that was once considered his prey, but here he was. He sighed, a soft smile slowly returning once more. “Alright, just a few more minutes,” he conceded. "…But then you gotta let me go. You don’t want me to be all hungry and grumpy all morning now, don’t ya?" He teased with a smirk. Sid’s eyes lit up and he snuggled closer to Diego, his relief palpable. "Oh, thank you, Diego. And yes, I promise I'll let you go.” Diego chuckled and wrapped a paw around the sloth. "Thanks, Sid.”

They sat there in silence, just watching the sun rise higher in the sky. The warmth of Sid’s body against his own reminded Diego of the companionship they'd found in each other. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced since the days with his own pack. In fact, it felt even better than it did before. As the minutes ticked by, Diego felt a growing sense of unease. He knew the longer he stayed, the greater the risk of returning empty-pawed. “Sid,” he said finally, his voice laced with reluctance, “I really need to get going now.” As much as he still didn’t want Diego to leave, Sid leaned back, his expression a mix of sadness and understanding. He nodded slowly. “Okay… But please don’t take too long. I’ll miss you too much.”

Diego smiled and gave a tender lick to Sid’s nose as a gesture of goodbye. “Oh I’ll be quick, don’t worry. I’ll be back before you know it,” he assured before standing onto his paws and turning around, beginning to head on his way out into the snowy valley in search of prey.

Sid observed the saber’s powerful strides as he trotted off, not looking away from Diego’s direction until he disappeared completely from his sight. He knew he needed to let him go in order for him to eat, but that didn’t make the waiting any easier.

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Unlike the other nights where he was usually his cheerful and optimistic self, Sid found himself in a state of solitude as his mind spiraled into thoughts and echoes from his past. He reflected on the bad memories where his family abandoned him and saw him as nothing but a nuisance and a disgrace to his family and everyone around him. But despite trying to forget about those times, the memories began to creep back into his mind and send him into a state of shame and guilt. He began to fear that it would end up being the same with the herd including Diego.

He sat outside the den that night, just staring into the stars and the darkness of the night sky and recalling every little thing he could remember from his past life with his family for what now felt like hours. He wondered what he had done to deserve what his family did to him and what he could’ve done to be better for them… and what he could possibly do to be better for the herd if his thoughts are true. Eventually, he couldn’t handle the thoughts anymore and tears began to fall from his eyes before burying his face into his arms that were propped up on his knees, hiding the sounds of his sniffles and weeping. Diego, however, was only in a light sleep that night, and he easily woke up to the sounds of quiet sobbing as it disrupted the complete silence of the night.

First, the tiger looked over to his side to find Sid not asleep next to him and quickly recognized whose crying he was hearing. When he turned his head and looked out the entrance, sure enough, he saw Sid huddled in a ball right outside their den. The sight made his heart sink and he wasn’t sure what to even do about the situation. He sat there for a moment, just observing the sloth, unable to decide whether or not it was a good idea to speak to him right now. But then, he couldn’t handle watching Sid in his miserable state anymore and he stood up and walked out the den, slowly and carefully approaching Sid from behind. He remained silent and when he got close enough, he sat right next to the sloth. Sid knew Diego was there at that point, but he felt too ashamed to speak to him and instead continued crying into his arms.

After another moment without a word, Diego finally spoke, his voice gentle and full of concern, “Sid…?” Sid’s crying started to quiet down a little, but he didn’t answer. Diego tried again, “Sid? Are you okay?” His deep, comforting voice pierced through the quiet night along with the sound of Sid’s soft crying. Sid wasn’t sure how to respond at first as all he could think about at the moment is how much of a burden he feels like he might be to Diego. “I’m.. sorry…” was all he could utter out in between his sobs. Diego tilted his head, confused. “Sorry? Why are you sorry?” He asked worriedly, gently putting a paw on Sid’s back.

“I’m so sorry… if I was ever a pest or a nuisance to you, Diego.” Sid said, his breath hitching a little in the middle of his sentence. Diego’s ears drooped down against his head as he tried to process what Sid was saying. What makes him think something like that…? After all the time they’ve spent together so far…?

“Sid… What do you mean? Why would you think that?” Diego asked, his voice more gentle and sympathetic. He’d never seen the sloth so vulnerable like this before. Sid sniffled. “I just… I’m scared…. I’ve been nothing but a disappointment to my family.. and they left me behind because of it. And I’m just afraid if I ever seem that way to you… or the others. I just don’t want to be left alone again. But sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough for you guys. That I’m just… unnecessary.” He explained through his choked up voice before sobbing again once he finished. Diego knew about Sid’s history with his family, but hearing his pain laid bare was like a punch to the gut. He couldn’t stand hearing Sid think that way about himself. Sid looked and sounded so ashamed of himself and it broke the saber’s heart.

Diego’s expression grew serious as he moved closer, determined to prove Sid wrong about his fears and self doubt. He nuzzled against Sid’s cheek. “Hey, don’t say that about yourself. That was a long time ago. You’re not a nuisance or a bother to us and especially not to me, okay? You’re far from it.” Sid sniffed once more, trying not to shed more tears as he looked up at Diego. “But what if they were right?” Diego sighed and looked straight into Sid’s eyes. “They weren’t, Sid. They were completely wrong about you. You are the complete opposite of a disgrace. Your family was just too blind to see what they had when you were with them, and they can rot in hell for all I care. You’re an important member of the herd, Sid, and we’d be nothing without you. So don’t think that you’re a burden for us or that you’re not good enough, because you are.”

Those words touched Sid’s heart deeply and the tension in his shoulders began to ease before he uncurled himself from his scrunched up position. Soon he calmed down and his sobbing completely subsided and he managed a small, tentative smile. “Thanks, Diego,” Sid murmured, his voice still thick with emotion. “It’s just hard sometimes… you know? I just don’t wanna screw things up.” Diego smiled affectionately and placed a paw on Sid’s. “You couldn’t mess this up if you tried. It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. But don’t let those old memories define who you are okay? Because you’re none of those things your family said about you.” Sid wiped his nose with a furry arm, nodding gently. “Okay,” he said before he leaned into Diego, who nuzzled him comfortingly.

Sid felt the steady rhythm of Diego’s heartbeat, along with the deep rumbling in his chest as the saber purred happily. For a moment, the world outside their little bubble of warmth ceased to exist. The chilly air, the distant sounds of the night creatures, even the echoes of his past were all muffled by the comfort of Diego’s presence. He couldn’t be more grateful with what kind of life he’s living now.

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“Diego, come on, you’re not even trying!” Sid’s high-pitched giggle echoed through the snowy woods. The sloth’s wide eyes glinted with mischief as he dodged another half-hearted swipe from the saber.

Diego huffed out a frosty sigh, his gritted in feigned annoyance. The persistent snowflakes stuck to his fur, giving him a frosty mantle. He couldn’t help but feel a warmth in his chest at Sid’s antics, though. It had been a long time since he had allowed anyone to get this close to him, let alone tease him.

“Well I said to stop calling me ‘Kitty’,” he growled, his teeth clenched as Sid continued to laugh. “Oh, but you are a kitty,” Sid retorted, his grin stretching from ear to ear. He skipped away, leaving a trail of flattened snow in his wake. The sloth had always had a knack for getting under Diego’s fur, and it seemed today was no different. Diego, however, took a deep breath, trying to ignore the playful jabs.

He’d come a long way from his days as the ‘Fierce Sabertooth Tiger’. With Sid by his Side, he’d learned the value of companionship, but that didn’t mean he had to enjoy being called a kitty. However, the sight of Sid’s delighted face made it hard to stay angry.

“Alright, alright,” Diego finally relented, trying to fight the smile that was tugging at the corners of his mouth. “But if I’m a kitty, then what does that make you?” He lunged playfully at Sid, his paws swiping through the air and purposefully missing the sloth by a hair. Sid squealed in mock terror, his eyes sparkling. “Me? I’m the Lord of the Flame, of course!” He stood up tall, his chest sticking out and his paws on his sides. The behavior was so ridiculous that Diego found himself chuckling, his deep voice joining Sid’s giggles.

Diego stalked closer, his eyes glinting with playful menace. “Well, if I’m a kitty, I suppose that makes you my prey.” He lowered his head, his whiskers brushing against Sid’s furry cheek. Sid’s giggles turned into full-blown laughter. “Oh no, you wouldn’t!”

Diego rolled his eyes, his playful annoyance completely morphing into genuine amusement. That sloth had a way of bringing warmth into the coldest of moments. “Oh, but I absolutely would,” he purred, his voice playfully gruff as he took a dramatic step forward.

“But look at you, Kitty,” Sid said, holding his paws up in a pitiful attempt to ward off the ‘threat’. “You’re all fluffy and cuddly. How could you ever resist a creature as swift as the Lord of the Flame?” Diego’s eyes narrowed in feigned anger, his teeth bared in a playful snarl. “Fluffy, am I?” He took another swipe, this one a bit more serious but still not intended to harm.

Sid yelped, dodging with surprising agility for a creature of his size. “Yes, yes you are, Kitty! Fluffy, adorable, and utterly harmless!”

“Alright, Sloth,” Diego finally snarled playfully, his tail flicking in amusement despite his gruff tone. His eyes gleamed with the promise of retribution. He lunged forward, his limbs propelling him through the flurry of white, and wrapped Sid in a gentle headlock. The sloth squawked in surprise, his laughter cut short by the sudden shift in their playful banter.

Sid’s cheeks flushed in a reddish hue, and he squirmed in Diego’s grip. “Okay, okay!” He gasped out in between giggles, “I take it back, you’re not a kitty.” Diego tightened his headlock playfully. “Too late for apologies, Sloth,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble. “You’re mine now.”

Sid’s giggles turned into wheezes of laughter. “But what are you going to do with me?” he managed to ask, his eyes shining with excitement. “I’m going to show you what a real predator does with its prey,” Diego replied, his eyes filled with mirth. He pretended to bite Sid’s neck, his teeth gently clicking together.

After a short moment, he released the sloth who collapsed into the snow in a fit of giggles. Sid looked up at him, his expression filled with happiness. “You know, Kitty,” Sid said, gasping for air, “You’re not so intimidating when you’re playing.”

Diego sat down beside Sid, his large frame creating a small crater in the snow. “You’re the one who started it,” he said, though the edge was gone from his voice. Sid sat up, brushing the snow from his fur. “I know, I know,” he said, his laughter subsiding. He leaned into Diego, his head resting against the tiger’s broad shoulder. “But you love it really,” he murmured, his voice warm and affectionate.

Diego nuzzled Sid gently, brushing his cold, damp nose against the sloth’s cheek. “Maybe a little,” he admitted.

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"Diego, stop pacing. They're not going to come back," Sid said, his voice calm and soothing as he watched his partner's shadow dance along the floor luminated by the nearby fire.

Diego's eyes darted around the cave, his ears perked up like a hare sensing danger. "Yeah, but what if they do? And what if I fail to stop them again? I just can't shake this feeling. They’ve got to be out there." he murmured, his tail flicking nervously behind him. Sid sighed and approached Diego, placing a comforting paw on his shoulder. "Look, I know it's hard to forget, but we've been through worse, right?" He tried to lighten the mood, his voice carrying a hint of his usual optimism. "Remember when we thought the whole world was going to flood?"

Diego paused and met Sid's gaze, his eyes filled with doubt. "This is different. They wanted you. And we can't always be ready for everything." Sid nodded, understanding his concern.

He knew Diego felt guilty for not protecting him during the abduction. It had been a tough pill to swallow for the fiercely loyal saber-toothed tiger. "But you already told them that whole speech about me so they wouldn’t take me. Plus, we're not alone anymore, are we?" He gestured to the other members of their herd, fast asleep around the warm campfire.

Diego's eyes searched Sid's, looking for reassurance. "Yeah, but what if they're smarter this time? What if they come when we least expect it?" His gaze drifted back to the bushes, the fear of losing Sid to those tiny, yet advanced creatures still haunting him. “And I’m pretty sure I heard something out there just a moment ago.” He growled in suspicion.

Sid's sigh grew deeper, acknowledging the validity of Diego's fears. He knew that sometimes, the only thing they could do was to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. "Okay, okay," he murmured, deciding to change his approach. "Let's say, just for argument's sake, that they do come back. What's our plan?"

Diego looked back towards Sid and raised an ear, thinking for a second. “Well I’d make sure they won’t come back, of course.” He said, not wanting to get into too much detail as really, he wanted to tear them to shreds. But that probably wouldn’t have been the best thing to say around someone like Sid.

Sid felt a warmth in his chest at Diego’s fierce protectiveness. It was like a gentle reminder of how far they’ve come from being strangers thrown together by fate to a tight group of friends, to now, being mates. He nuzzled closer to Diego, trying to ease his tension. “I know you would. That’s what makes you, you, Diego. And it’s also what makes me feel safe with you around.” He said with a gentle smile.

Diego’s shoulders relaxed slightly under Sid’s touch, his eyes softening as he looked down at him. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of love and guilt, knowing he wasn’t the best at expressing his feelings. “You really believe that?” He asked, his voice gruff but his eyes betraying his vulnerability.

“Of course, I do!” Sid exclaimed, his eyes widening. “You’ve saved me so many times. Why wouldn’t I believe in you?” He paused and tilted his head, his smile never wavering. “And let’s not forget, I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well. I might be small, but I can be surprisingly resourceful when I need to be!”

Diego couldn’t help but chuckle at Sid’s bravado, his eyes lighting up with amusement. “Surprisingly resourceful, huh? Like the time you used some rocks to start a fire when we were stuck in that blizzard?” Sid rolled his eyes playfully. “Oh hush, I had to do something! Besides, it worked, didn’t it?” He nudged Diego’s leg with his own, feeling a weight lift off his chest as the tension in the air thinned.

Diego couldn’t hold back his grin. “Yeah, maybe sometimes you know a thing or two, sloth brain,” he teased, his tone lighter now. Sid playfully glared up at him. “Come on, you know I’m more than just a sloth with a knack for getting into trouble!” But the sting wasn’t in his words, and Diego knew it. The tension in the air was finally lifting, the shadows of doubt retreating with each of their playful jabs. Diego leaned down and nudged Sid back, his teeth bared in a half-smile. “I never said you weren’t, Sid. Just that you have a gift for the unexpected.” His voice was low and warm, the affection in his tone unmistakable.

The sloth chuckled and leaned into Diego, feeling the tension in his body slowly melt away. They stood there for a moment, the sound of their breathing and the crackling of the fire the only things breaking the silence. The warmth of Diego’s fur against Sid’s was comforting, reminding him that he wasn’t alone anymore.

Sid yawned, his eyes drooping with fatigue. "You know what we really need, Diego?" He asked, his voice sleepy. "Some rest."

Diego nodded, his eyes never leaving the darkness outside the cave. "Fine," he said, his voice still tense. "But I'm holding onto you all night. Just in case."

Sid looked up at him, his expression a mix of affection and amusement. "You know, for a big, scary saber, you can be pretty clingy," he teased. But Diego's expression was serious, his gaze unwavering. "You're not just any sloth, Sid. You're my sloth. And I'll do anything to keep you safe." His words were gruff, but the tenderness in his eyes spoke volumes.

They settled down beside the fire, Diego wrapping his powerful arms around Sid, pulling him into a tight embrace. The sloth felt a shiver run down his spine, not from cold but from the warmth and protection Diego offered. "You really don't have to," Sid whispered, but he didn't resist, instead, he nuzzled closer, enjoying the feeling of security that Diego's arms provided as they both drifted off to sleep for the night.

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In the quiet warmth of his den, Sid was sprawled out on his back, taking in the light of the afternoon sun. The rays shining through the leaves above made a spotted pattern on his fur as he lay stretched out on a bed of branches and moss. It was the kind of day that made you want to do nothing but sleep, the kind of day that felt like it had been made just for sloths.

The sound of rustling leaves and the occasional birdcall lulled Sid deeper into his state of relaxation, the perfect soundtrack to his lazy afternoon. He was so at peace that he barely heard the familiar footsteps approaching, Diego's heavy paws moving almost silently across the ground outside. The saber had quickly learned to tread quietly around Sid’s favorite spots, not wanting to disturb the tranquil naps or relaxing sessions that Sid enjoyed so much.

But as Diego reached the entrance of the den, something in his body language was different, something that pulled Sid from the brink of a light sleep and into a state of mild curiosity. He peeled open one eye to see Diego standing there, his majestic orange fur ruffled and his tail swishing low. The tension in Diego's shoulders was palpable, even to Sid's sleepy senses. The saber looked lost, his usually sharp eyes clouded over with a sadness that was all too rare.

Sid sat up with a yawn, stretching his limbs languidly. "Hey, buddy," he greeted, his voice thick with sleep. "What's up? You don't look like your usual self."

Diego sighed, his chest rumbling the way it did when he was particularly troubled. He took a tentative step into the den, his eyes never leaving Sid's. "I... I just needed some company, Sid. I was out hunting, and I couldn't shake off this feeling of loneliness."

Sid's expression softened, and he patted the spot next to him. "C'mon over, Diego. Sounds like a sloth cuddle is what you need."

Diego hesitated for a moment, his ears flicking back and forth as if weighing his pride against his need for comfort. Then, with a quiet resolve, he padded over and curled up beside Sid, his large frame fitting surprisingly well into the cozy space. The sloth wrapped his arms around the tiger's neck, pulling him into an embrace that was as warm as it was tight.

For a moment, Diego remained stiff, unsure of how to respond to the affectionate gesture. But as Sid's gentle breathing and the steady beat of his heart filled the air, he slowly relaxed, allowing the warmth to seep into his bones and a gentle purr to rumble through his chest. He leaned into Sid's touch, his head resting heavily on the sloth's shoulder. It had been a long time since he'd felt so... vulnerable.

Sid, ever the intuitive one, could sense Diego's unease. He began to softly rub circles on the tiger's back with his thumbs, the same way his parents used to when he was a cub. Before they abandoned him.

"You know, Diego," Sid murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "you don't always have to be the strong one."

Diego's eyes searched Sid's, a hint of confusion flickering in them. "What do you mean?"

"Sometimes," Sid continued, his voice still low and soothing, "even the mightiest of predators need a safe place to be... well, not so mighty."

Diego snorted out a small laugh, his eyes never leaving Sid's. "Is that what I am to you? A predator who needs a safe place?"

Sid's smile was gentle, his eyes full of understanding. "You're more than that, Diego. You're my friend, my family. And yes, sometimes even the strongest of us need a break." He tightened his arms around the tiger's neck, feeling the tension in Diego's muscles begin to ease.

Diego closed his eyes, letting Sid's words sink in. It was true; he had always felt like he had to be the protector. The one who was never allowed to show weakness. But here, in this small, enclosed space with the sloth he had come to care for deeply, he could finally let his guard down.

"Thanks, Sid," he murmured, his voice gruff.

The two of them laid there, the silence stretching out between them like a warm blanket. Sid could feel Diego's breathing slow, his body finally relaxing into the embrace. The sloth knew that his tough-as-nails exterior was just that—an exterior. Diego had a soft side, one that not many got to see, and Sid was honored to be one of the few.

Chapter Text

"Diego, why?" Sid's voice was a quiet echo in the warm den they had shared since they established their relationship. His eyes, usually bright with enthusiasm, stared straight ahead, looking empty and confused.

The saber-toothed tiger's eyes searched the shadows, the fiery orange glow from outside casting deep shadows on his scarred face. "What do you mean, 'why'?" Diego's gruff tone was an attempt to hide the nervousness churning within him. He knew exactly what Sid was referring to: the moment he had risked everything to rescue him from the underground world of the dinosaurs despite him leaving him the day before.

Sid, feeling the weight of his own question, took a deep breath. "The other day, you left me. You said that the herd didn’t need us anymore. That it was time to move on. Then you just left me there alone." The sloth's voice cracked with each painful word, his heart heavy with doubt and fear of abandonment. "But.. then you put your life on the line just to get me out of there. Why would you do that?"

Diego's gaze softened as he looked at Sid, his small form nestled against Diego’s larger one, seeking warmth and comfort. "I never wanted to leave you, Sid. But I didn't know how to tell you that I was afraid… Afraid of losing you, afraid of being a burden. I know what I said, Sid. But when I saw you in danger, I realized." He paused, his chest rising and falling with each breath.

"I started to regret everything I said, and I should’ve never left you alone. It didn’t feel right when I left, but after all that happened, I realized that it wasn’t the right choice. I was just doing it for myself without even thinking about how you even felt about it. I just want to apologize for what I put you through, because all that happened was my fault.” Diego spoke with a sincerity that was palpable, his eyes reflecting the pain of his confession.

Sid felt the tension in Diego's body and looked up at him, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But why, Diego? Why did you come back for me?" His voice was barely above a whisper, his heart pounding with hope and fear, waiting for the answer that could define their future together.

Diego sighed, his green-gold eyes meeting Sid's teal ones. "I came back for you because you're more than family, Sid. You're my...mate." The word hung in the air, charged with meaning, and Diego felt his heart race as he said it, but he knew Sid needed to hear it. “I just want to make things right again with you. I want to keep things the way they were.”

Sid's eyes widened, and a tentative smile began to form on his face. "Really, Diego? After everything, you still want to be with me?" He paused, searching for the right words to express his feelings. "Because I thought we were over when you left me, and I thought you didn’t want me slowing you down."

Diego's expression grew more earnest. "Sid, I was wrong. So wrong. I let pride rule me, but when I saw you in danger, I knew that I couldn’t just leave you." He reached out a paw and gently caressed Sid's cheek, his touch as soft as a feather. "You're the one who makes me feel alive, who challenges me, and who brings joy into my life." Diego never expected himself to say anything like this. He normally would find these words to be too corny for his liking, but in the heat of the moment, they easily slipped off his tongue.

Sid's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with happiness. He leaned into Diego's touch, feeling a warmth spread through his body that was not entirely due to their close proximity. "But what about your life as a predator?"

Diego's gaze grew thoughtful. "I don’t care about that anymore, I have what I need right here."

Sid's heart swelled with hope. "So, you're not leaving?"

Diego's paw moved to Sid's, giving it a firm squeeze. "I'm not going anywhere, buddy. I'm here to stay."