Getting time off was easy enough. At his age, Price had enough authority to simply tell someone he’d be off and the entire base would find out soon enough. He needed this time away, for his own sanity.

So he goes to his den.

Price’s den is on a plot of land, owned by distant relatives that hadn’t realized or hadn’t cared, was sparse. No need for decorations or frivolous belongings. No, Price was quite comfortable with the makeshift bed he’d be spending his hibernation in. Actually, it had served him well for the last several years and not once had he been bothered.

When he made it to his den, his bones weary and ready for sleep, he’d tumbled into his calming sleep quite fast. Like clockwork, without interruption. His dreams consisted of nothing short of normal. The occasional counting of sheep dotted his imagination, though he’d prefer dreaming of something more enjoyable. Perhaps a bunny stumbling into his grasp, or maybe a warm body to hold.

Warmth. Price lets out a long sigh as he cozies into the bundle of blankets and bedding he’d accumulated over the years. His body was accustomed to the warmth and silence of the den. Most people that lived nearby were gone this time of year—holiday season in full swing—and that meant Price had his own little world out here.

Until his nose began to twitch and waggle with discomfort—no, not discomfort, it was something familiar. He lifts his head to see a figure in the entrance of his den. Meek, maybe, but he can’t exactly place the scent. His hand rubs his eyes and he blinks away the bleary vision to reveal a rabbit in hand of the individual. His head cranes to the side, nearly touching his shoulder. A rabbit? For me?

His heart almost flutters. Is this…courtship? In his den? He watches the figure, searching for signs of fear, disgust, and while he notices a trembling hand…he cannot help but feel intrigued. Daring, even. Price drags himself to his feet—fighting exhaustion and welcoming the curiosity—and moves closer, bringing a hand up to graze the figure’s cheek. “You…brought this for me?” His vice is gruff and hoarse but almost pleasant.