A fawn at dawn

When I woke up the next morning, my eyes were still closed when I felt something soft and warm against my hands. Groggily, I kneaded the soft texture, eliciting a sudden, high-pitched squeak. Startled, I opened my eyes to see Lillia's back pressed tightly against me, her deer-like hindquarters nestled against my body. My hands were buried in the soft fur of her lower half.

She must have snuck closer during the night, seeking warmth. As I realized this, Lillia began to stir, turning her head slightly to look at me with a deeply embarrassed expression.

"I-I'm so sorry!" she stammered, her cheeks turning a deep shade of pink. "It got so cold during the night, and I thought... I thought it would be okay to get some warmth from you. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Please don't be mad."

Her sincere apology and the look of worry in her eyes melted any irritation I might have felt. Instead of speaking, I let my actions reassure her. My sleepy kneading turned into gentle strokes, my fingers moving through the soft fur of her back and down to her hindquarters. Her tail began to wag uncontrollably, betraying her delight despite her embarrassment.

"It's okay, Lillia," I said softly. "You can always come to me for warmth. I don't mind at all."

Her eyes softened, and she gave me a shy smile, her tension easing as she realized I wasn't upset. We stayed like that for a while, enjoying the peaceful morning and each other's company. I continued to stroke her gently, feeling a growing bond between us with each touch.

After our little cuddle session, Lillia perked up and suggested, "How about I go get us some breakfast? There are some berry bushes nearby that I noticed yesterday."

I nodded, appreciating her eagerness to help. She bounced to her feet, her natural grace mixed with her characteristic clumsiness, and trotted off into the forest, humming a cheerful tune. Watching her go, I couldn't help but smile at her innocence and charm.

A short while later, Lillia returned, her arms full of fresh berries. She laid them out on a large leaf, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I hope you like them! They're really sweet."

I took a handful of the berries and tasted them, the sweet and tangy flavor bursting in my mouth. "They're delicious, Lillia. Thank you."

She beamed at the compliment, her tail flicking happily behind her. "I'm glad you like them. There's plenty more if you're still hungry."