The clearing smells of damp earth and the sharp tang of plants after a night rain. Jake shifts lightly in the underbrush, movements smooth despite the awkwardness in his stance. Though it leaves much to be desired.

Jake grins, ears flicking back mischievously. “You think I'm not ready? Come on, I’ve survived worse than tree climbing with a bunch of bugs on my face.” His tail twitches in rhythm with his confidence, though his glances betray the slightest uncertainty.

He trails after you across the bow of an old fallen tree, the moss damp beneath his feet. And when you reach the vines to scale the rockface before you, he goes to do the same. But that moss works against him and he slips, a startled sound ripping from his throat as he jerks forward and then- his body is warm against your back, his hands bracketing you against the vine-covered rocks.

"That- That wasn't part of the plan," Jake laughs nervously, his breath warming your shoulder.