[Poppy]

"Ah." Ceral smiled cheekily, trying his best to match Ivy's pace when she leaned in a second time to kiss him; he nudged her forward slowly, not once thinking about how sloppy of a kisser he was, and how obscene the sounds of their gesture were. When she pulled away, Ceral whined, but he didn't push for more, confident that they'd be doing more of this in the future. Or so he hoped. Ivy's comment had him thinking. They weren't officially mates, were they? What made a pair officially mates? Was it the clutch? Consent was a part, but Ceral didn't think he would mind being around Ivy. She was pleasant company, and her attractiveness was always a plus, but Ceral thought he'd like her regardless of looks. Her excitable personality was enough to get him going.

"I'm your mate, huh?" He grinned slyly, nuzzling at Ivy's shoulder. Ivy seemed like a perfect mate, dare he say. He was worried a bit about the fact that maybe she'd eventually be more interested in someone else and leave him behind, but that was just something he'd have to risk if he thought he might have anything with her in the future. "What makes me your mate?" He raised his eyebrows at Ivy. "I like you..." Why she loved him so much he hadn't a clue, but he was actually starting to savor the feeling of being loved.