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The chase concludes as it usually does with Wile failing to catch the roadrunner again. But unlike ten years ago there isn't a single speck of anger in his chest just acceptance. And as Rhodes peeks down at him with eyes filled with mirth Wile can only pout playfully back.
Unlike ten years ago Rhodes doesn't leave right away, he helps Wile get back onto his feet and they walk side by side as the sun slowly sets over the horizon.
Wile appreciates the quiet moments. Sometimes they talk but most times they just walk together, enjoying each other's company. Sometimes they hold hands. Other times they go past that. People may find it weird how a coyote hybrid and a roadrunner hybrid get into a relationship, but to Wile it was inevitable. Seventy-seven years of dancing around each other was bound to lead somewhere. Whether it was their mutual demise or to this flourishing relationship, it could've gone either way.
Rhodes stops by a cliffside that overlooked a grand stretch of the desert. Wile stops right beside him, staring at the vast desert, the golden sand made red-orange by the spilling sunset and the sky that drew the same color with it. It's beautiful.
The roadrunner tugs Wile to a nearby flat rock, wide enough to fit both of them and they sit down.
"What are we doing?" Wile asked, confused.
"Watching the sunset together. It's the perfect time to rest and relax." Rhodes explained without missing a beat.
Used to his mate's impulsiveness Wile shrugs and looks back at the glowing sunset. Watching clouds go by in a crawl slower than a snail's. He's content to watch for a few minutes, tension leaving his frame before he feels eyes on him. He turns to his right and Rhodes was looking right at him. The glee in his eyes never left, crow's feet evident from all the years of expressing joy imbedding itself into his skin. Wile wanted to say something but his tongue is stuck to the roof of his mouth, words unable to leave his throat.
Rhodes moves first, he always does. Holding Wile's face gently with his large hand cupping the coyote hybrid's cheek, thumb passing through the stubble and growing fur along his jaw, eyes trailing through brown fur streaked with white from age. The sunlight illuminates their faces, shadows emphasizing wrinkles made from years lived, their skin bearing proof of what they've gone through and what they've survived.
Navy eyes trail each detail on Wile's face with single-minded focus. There's something in his gaze that makes Wile look away.
"Don't look away." Rhodes coos, voice and smile gentle. "Only look at me."
Rhodes directs Wile's face back towards him, exuding nothing but love and adoration. Wile never knows how to respond even after a decade of being together, he's always at a loss in the face of such blatant affection. Unfiltered. It makes his heart race upon seeing it just as much as it has since the first time. And Rhodes stares at him the same way even before Wile noticed the other's affections for him. That look has always been in Rhodes' eyes for years and years.
Unwavering.
Unchanging.
Unconditional.
Wile doesn't know what Rhodes sees in him that is worth the effort of staying. What does he have that makes Rhodes look so infatuated, attention captured completely more than anything else could. More than anyone could.
What makes Wile worth loving?
Wile may never know. But as Rhodes' pulls him into a tender kiss, warm lips touching his own, Wile has a feeling he'll get to know the answer eventually. If not all at once then piece by piece. Wile will let Rhodes love him until he understands the reason for it all.