The rising sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as J's eyes fluttered open. He stretched, feeling the dew-dampened grass beneath his bedroll. Excitement bubbled in his chest at the prospect of a new day of adventure with Hollow.

  J sat up, running a hand through his tousled blonde hair. His gaze fell on Hollow, already awake and intently focused on sharpening one of his blades. The rhythmic scrape of whetstone against blade filled the crisp morning air.

  "Morning, sunshine," J called out cheerfully. "Ready for another exciting day?"

  Hollow's golden eyes flicked up briefly before returning to his task. "I told you last night, J. We're going our separate ways."

  J's heart sank, but he kept his tone light. "Come on, you can't still be serious about that. We make a great team!"

  "I work alone," Hollow growled, his scaled hands never pausing in their methodical movements.

  J watched the play of sunlight across Hollow's obsidian scales, admiring the way it brought out the crimson undertones. He longed to reach out and touch, to bridge the gap between them.

  "But why?" J pressed, leaning forward. "Give me one good reason we shouldn't stick together."

  Hollow set down his whetstone with a sigh. "It's safer this way. For both of us."

  "I can handle myself in a fight," J argued. "And two sets of eyes are better than one for spotting trouble."

  Hollow's tail lashed in agitation. "This isn't up for debate. We're parting ways, end of story."

  J bit back a frustrated groan. How could he make Hollow see reason? He couldn't bear the thought of watching that broad, scaled back disappear into the wilderness, potentially never to be seen again.

  "At least let me travel with you a little longer," J pleaded. "Just until the next town. Then I promise I'll be out of your scales for good."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, considering. J held his breath, hope and fear warring in his chest.

  J's stomach growled, breaking the tense silence. He seized the opportunity, forcing a cheerful grin. "How about some breakfast before we hash this out further?"

  Without waiting for a response, J bounded to his feet and rummaged through his supplies. His hands trembled slightly as he gathered ingredients, determined to impress the stoic lizardfolk.

  "I make a mean campfire omelette," J boasted, cracking eggs into a battered pan. "It'll change your mind about travelling solo, I guarantee it."

  Hollow remained silent, his golden eyes tracking J's movements. J hummed nervously, trying to mask his anxiety as he stirred in herbs and chunks of dried meat.

  "Food brings people together, you know," J rambled, poking at the sizzling eggs. "Nothing like a shared meal to forge bonds."

  He snuck glances at Hollow, searching for any sign of softening. The lizardfolk's face remained impassive, giving nothing away.

  J's mind raced. What if this failed? What if Hollow still insisted on leaving? The thought sent a pang through his chest, sharper than he'd expected.

  "Almost done," J announced, sliding the slightly burnt omelette onto a plate. He presented it to Hollow with a flourish, heart pounding. "There you go! Looks good, huh?"

  Hollow accepted the plate wordlessly. J watched, breath held, as the lizardfolk took a bite. No reaction. Another bite. Still nothing.

  J's hopes plummeted. He'd poured his heart into that omelette, and Hollow might as well have been eating sawdust for all the enthusiasm he showed.

  "Well?" J prompted, unable to bear the silence. "What do you think?"

  Hollow swallowed deliberately. "It's food," he stated flatly.

  J's shoulders slumped. “Well, that’s better than ‘utterly disgusting’, I guess.” He forced a grin, then set about making another serving for himself.

  The narrow trail wound through dense underbrush, barely wide enough for two to walk abreast. J's boots crunched on fallen leaves, the sound unnaturally loud in the tense silence. Hollow's scaled feet made no noise at all.

  J adjusted the strap of his pack, stealing a glance at his companion. Hollow's golden eyes were fixed ahead, his expression as unreadable as ever.

  "You know," Hollow said abruptly, his gravelly voice startling in the quiet, "I meant what I said. I travel alone."

  J forced a chuckle, though his stomach twisted. "Come on, big guy. Two heads are better than one, right? Besides, I'm growing on you. I can tell."

  Hollow's tail lashed, stirring up a small cloud of debris. "You're not."

  "Ouch," J winced, pressing a hand to his chest in mock pain. "You wound me."

  He quickened his pace, falling into step beside Hollow. "Hey, speaking of two heads being better than one - I've been thinking about our journey. What do you say we explore some ruins along the way?"

  Hollow's eye ridges furrowed slightly. "Ruins?"

  "Yeah!" J's eyes lit up, a familiar excitement bubbling in his chest. "Ancient structures, lost treasures, maybe even some forgotten magic. Who knows what we might find?"

  He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Between you and me, I've got a nose for sniffing out the good stuff. Could be lucrative."

  Hollow's nostrils flared, but he remained silent. J pressed on, undeterred.

  "Plus, it'd be a chance to test our skills. Your brawn, my... well, everything else," he winked. "What do you say? Up for a little adventure within an adventure?"

  Hollow's golden eyes narrowed, his scaled brow furrowing. "No," he grunted, quickening his pace.

  J jogged to keep up, his shorter legs working overtime. "No? Just like that? Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"

  "Left it with my emotions," Hollow replied curtly, not bothering to look at J.

  J's spirits dampened, but he pressed on. "Surely you're curious about what we might find? Ancient artefacts, lost knowledge..."

  "Traps. Danger. Death," Hollow countered, his words clipped.

  J sighed, falling silent for a moment. The forest around them seemed to close in, the air thick with unspoken tension.

  As they traversed deeper into the woods the next day, J's keen eyes scanned the surroundings. He was looking for any sign of ruins, but what he found made his blood run cold.

  "Hollow," he whispered urgently, grabbing the lizardfolk's arm. "Look there."

  A broken branch, freshly snapped. A scuff mark in the dirt that didn't belong. J's heart raced as he pieced together the signs.

  "Mercenaries," he breathed, his icy blue eyes meeting Hollow's golden ones. "And they're close."

  J's mind raced, assessing the situation. "We should hang back, plan our approach," he whispered, his fingers tightening on Hollow's scaled arm. "If we're smart about this, we can-"

  Hollow jerked away, his eyes blazing. "No time," he hissed, already moving forward with purposeful strides.

  "Wait!" J called, his voice barely above a whisper. But Hollow was already pushing through the underbrush, his tail whipping behind him.

  Cursing under his breath, J hurried after his companion. Branches slapped at his face as he ran, the forest a blur of green and brown. His heart pounded, not just from exertion but from the thrill of impending danger.

  As they crested a small rise, J nearly collided with Hollow's back. The lizardfolk had stopped abruptly, his body tense. J peered around him, his breath catching in his throat.

  Below them, in a small clearing, a group of mercenaries were setting up an ambush. They moved with practiced efficiency, arranging traps and taking up strategic positions.

  Hollow's muscles coiled, ready to spring. J saw the glint in his eye, the eagerness for battle. Without thinking, J grabbed Hollow's arm again, this time with both hands.

  "Don't," he hissed, locking eyes with the lizardfolk. "We're outnumbered. We need a plan."

  Hollow's nostrils flared, his tail lashing in agitation. For a moment, J thought he might ignore him again. But then, almost imperceptibly, Hollow nodded.

  J's mind raced, assessing the situation. He leaned in close to Hollow, his breath warm against the lizardfolk's scales. "We flank them," he whispered. "Circle around, hit them from both sides. They won't expect it."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, considering. J could almost see the battle playing out in his companion's mind. Finally, Hollow gave a reluctant nod. "Fine," he growled softly. "But if this fails..."

  "It won't," J assured him, a grin tugging at his lips despite the tension. "Trust me."

  They split up, J moving to the left while Hollow took the right. The forest floor was soft beneath J's feet, years of fallen leaves muffling his steps. His heart thundered in his chest, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through him.

  As he crept into position, J caught glimpses of Hollow through the trees. The lizardfolk moved with surprising grace, his dark scales blending with the shadows. J felt a surge of admiration, quickly followed by a twinge of something deeper he couldn't quite name.

  Pushing the thought aside, J focused on the mercenaries. They were still oblivious, caught up in their own preparations. J's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, anticipation building.

  He locked eyes with Hollow across the clearing. The lizardfolk nodded once, sharp and decisive. It was time.

  J burst from the treeline, sword flashing in the dappled sunlight. Simultaneously, Hollow charged from the opposite side, a fearsome roar tearing from his throat.

  The mercenaries' shouts of surprise filled the air, mingling with the clash of steel on steel. J threw himself into the fray, his body moving on instinct. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hollow tearing through the enemy ranks, a whirlwind of scales and fury.

  For a moment, amidst the chaos, J felt a fierce joy. They were working together, a perfect team. And as he parried a blow and countered with his own strike, J knew this was just the beginning.

  J's eyes darted to a lone mercenary edging away from the main conflict. With a swift, silent movement, he circled behind the man. J's heart raced as he closed the distance, his steps careful and measured.

  In one fluid motion, J clamped a hand over the mercenary's mouth and drove his sword between the ribs. The man's muffled cry was lost in the din of battle. J eased the body to the ground, adrenaline mixing with grim satisfaction.

  "One down," J muttered, wiping his blade clean.

  A thunderous roar drew his attention. Hollow had abandoned all pretence of stealth, hurling himself into the thick of the fight. His blades whirled in deadly arcs, black scales gleaming with sweat and blood.

  J watched, mesmerised, as Hollow dispatched foe after foe. The lizardfolk's movements were a brutal dance, each strike precise and devastating.

  "By the gods," J breathed, both awed and slightly terrified. "He's magnificent."

  Hollow's golden eyes blazed with fierce joy, a primal energy radiating from him. J felt a thrill run down his spine, equal parts fear and attraction.

  Focus, J, he chided himself, tearing his gaze away. This isn't the time for…

  His words trailed off as he dove back into the fray, trying to ignore the heat blooming in his chest.

  The clash of steel faded as the last mercenary fell. J's chest heaved, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He turned to Hollow, a grin spreading across his face.

  "We did it!" J exclaimed, raising his sword in triumph. "That was incredible! The way you—"

  Hollow ignored him, wiping his blades clean with methodical precision. J's enthusiasm faltered, his arm lowering slowly.

  "We should find their camp," Hollow said, his voice low and gravelly. "There might be more."

  J swallowed his disappointment. "Right, of course. Good thinking."

  They set off into the forest, J trailing behind Hollow's purposeful stride. The dense foliage closed in around them, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. J's mind raced, replaying Hollow's fluid movements during the battle.

  "So, uh, where do you think we should start looking?" J asked, breaking the silence.

  Hollow's tail swished irritably. "Look for signs. Broken branches. Discarded supplies. Footprints."

  J nodded, focusing on the forest floor. Hours passed, the sun arcing across the sky. They found nothing.

  As night fell, J's optimism waned. "Maybe we should make camp?" he suggested tentatively.

  Hollow shook his head. “Not when there’s a threat of ambush.” As he turned, and the fading light caught Hollow’s scales, J couldn't help but stare, mesmerised.

  "What?" Hollow snapped, catching his gaze.

  J looked away quickly. "Nothing, just... thinking."

  Hours blurred together as they searched. J's feet ached, his spirits sinking with each fruitless hour. As the faint beginnings of sunlight filtered through the trees, a glimmer of hope emerged.

  "Look," Hollow hissed, pointing to a faint trail of boot prints.

  J's heart leapt. "Finally!"

  They followed the trail, tension mounting. As they crested a small hill, J caught sight of canvas tents through the trees.

  "There," he whispered, excitement bubbling up inside him. "We found it."

  Hollow nodded, a hint of approval in his golden eyes. "Let's see what they left behind."

  J's heart raced as they crept into the abandoned mercenary camp. The smell of stale sweat and smoke lingered in the air. Overturned crates and discarded belongings littered the ground.

  "Jackpot," J whispered, his eyes lighting up as he spotted a large wooden chest partially hidden beneath a torn tent flap. He knelt beside it, fingers working deftly to pick the lock.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  With a satisfying click, the chest opened. J's breath caught in his throat. "Holy shit," he muttered, reaching in and withdrawing a gleaming dagger. Its blade was etched with intricate runes, the hilt inlaid with deep red stones.

  J turned to Hollow, holding out the dagger. "Here," he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "This looks like it'd suit you."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, flickering between J's face and the offered weapon. For a moment, J thought he might refuse. Then, slowly, Hollow reached out and took the dagger.

  "Thanks," Hollow grunted, the word barely audible. He gave a short nod, his expression unreadable.

  J's chest tightened with an unexpected surge of emotion. It wasn't much, but it felt like progress. He cleared his throat, trying to lighten the moment. "Maybe next time we can find you a nice matching scarf, yeah?"

  Hollow snorted, but J caught the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth. It wasn't quite a smile, but it was close enough to make J grin.

  The sun was still low in the sky, painting the forest in hues of amber and gold. J's boots crunched over fallen leaves as he walked beside Hollow, stealing occasional glances at his companion. The Lizardfolk's golden eyes were fixed straight ahead, his posture rigid.

  "So," J ventured, breaking the silence, "ever been to the Whispering Caverns? I hear they're haunted."

  Hollow grunted noncommittally.

  J pressed on, undeterred. "I went there once. Nearly pissed myself when a ghost hand grabbed my ankle." He chuckled, remembering. "Turned out to be some bioluminescent moss, but still..."

  As they walked, J felt a warmth blooming in his chest. Despite Hollow's reticence, there was a comfort in his presence, a sense of shared purpose that hadn't been there before.

  When night fell once again, they made camp in a small clearing. J busied himself building a fire, his hands moving with practised ease. Hollow sat nearby, sharpening his new dagger.

  "You know," J said, settling back against a log, "I once explored this ancient temple in the Sundered Wastes. Place was crawling with undead."

  Hollow's eyes flickered up, a spark of interest there and gone in an instant.

  Encouraged, J leaned forward. "There I was, surrounded by skeletal warriors, when I remembered this old trick..." He launched into the tale, gesturing animatedly.

  As he spoke, J watched Hollow's face, searching for any reaction. The Lizardfolk's expression remained impassive, but he'd stopped sharpening his dagger, listening intently.

  J's heart raced. It wasn't much, but it felt like the beginnings of something. A friendship, maybe. Or at least, a partnership built on more than necessity.

  "What happened next?" Hollow asked suddenly, his voice low and gravelly.

  J blinked, surprised. Then he grinned, leaning in closer. "Well," he said, "that's when things got really interesting..."

  Hollow listened, his golden eyes fixed on J, but his posture remained rigid. When J finished his tale, Hollow simply nodded, offering no stories of his own in return. The silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the crackle of the fire.

  J cleared his throat. "So, uh, any exciting adventures in your past?"

  Hollow's jaw tightened. "No," he said flatly, turning away.

  J sighed, recognizing the wall Hollow had erected. He settled back, watching the flames dance.

  The next morning dawned crisp and clear. As they trekked through dense forest, J's ears pricked at a distant sound.

  "Water," he said, perking up.

  Hollow nodded, his tongue flicking out to taste the air. "River ahead."

  They pushed through a tangle of undergrowth, emerging onto a pebbly bank. The river stretched before them, wide and swift.

  J stretched, joints popping. "Think we could use a break, yeah?"

  Hollow surveyed the area, then gave a curt nod. "One day. To rest and resupply."

  J grinned, already unlacing his boots. "Excellent! I'm dying for a proper wash."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, settling onto a sun-warmed rock.

  J felt a twinge of disappointment at Hollow's continued aloofness. Still, he reminded himself, progress was progress. At least Hollow had agreed to stay.

  J stripped down to his undergarments, the cool air prickling his skin. He waded into the river, gasping at the shock of cold water.

  "Come on in, Hollow! The water's... invigorating," J called, teeth chattering slightly.

  Hollow remained motionless on the bank, his golden eyes tracking J's movements.

  J ducked under the surface, scrubbing at his hair. When he emerged, he flashed a grin at Hollow. "Suit yourself. But I'm not just here to bathe."

  He waded to a shallower part of the river, where the water lapped at his waist. J closed his eyes, focusing on the flow around him. He began a series of fluid movements, mimicking the river's current.

  "Thought I'd practise some combat moves," J explained, executing a graceful turn. "Water resistance is great for building strength."

  Hollow's head tilted slightly, his interest seemingly piqued.

  J continued his routine, each movement precise and controlled. He was acutely aware of Hollow's gaze, a mixture of pride and nervousness fluttering in his chest.

  "You know," J said between breaths, "this would be more fun with a partner."

  Hollow's tail twitched, but he remained seated. "I prefer to observe," he replied, his voice low.

  J nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "Fair enough. Any critiques from the expert?"

  Hollow was silent for a moment. Then, to J's surprise, he spoke. "Your form is... not terrible. But your left side is weak. You telegraph your moves."

  J grinned, warmth spreading through him despite the cold water. It wasn't quite praise, but it was something. "Thanks. I'll work on that."

  As J continued his practice, he couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in Hollow's demeanour. The Lizardfolk's posture had relaxed slightly, and there was a glimmer of something in his eyes. Approval, perhaps?

  J allowed himself a small, private smile. It wasn't much, but it felt like progress.

  As the evening started to settle, the usual crackling fire cast dancing shadows across their faces as J and Hollow sat in companionable silence. The night air was cool, filled with the chirping of crickets and the distant hooting of an owl. J poked at the embers with a stick, sending sparks spiralling upward.

  "So," J said, his tone light, "ever play 'Never Have I Ever'? Great for breaking the ice."

  Hollow's golden eyes flickered in the firelight. "No."

  J chuckled. "Come on, it'll be fun. I'll start. Never have I ever... eaten a raw fish whole."

  Hollow's scaled brow ridge raised slightly. "Is that supposed to be amusing?"

  "Well, have you?" J pressed, grinning.

  After a moment's hesitation, Hollow nodded once.

  "Ha! See? We're learning about each other already," J said triumphantly. "Your turn."

  Hollow was quiet for so long that J thought he wouldn't participate. Then, unexpectedly, he spoke. "Never have I ever... had a family meal."

  The playful atmosphere evaporated. J's smile faded as he studied Hollow's face, seeing a flicker of something vulnerable in those usually guarded eyes.

  "I... I'm sorry," J said softly. "That must have been tough."

  Hollow's tail twitched. "It was what it was. The other children in the compound… We ate together sometimes. In silence."

  J's heart ached at the implication. "Compound? You mean, where you trained?"

  Hollow nodded, his gaze fixed on the fire. "From the time I could walk. We were weapons, nothing more."

  J resisted the urge to reach out and touch Hollow's arm. Instead, he said gently, "You're so much more than that now, you know."

  Hollow's eyes met J's, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths. For a moment, J thought he might say more, but then Hollow looked away, the walls slamming back into place.

  "We should rest," Hollow said abruptly. "Long day tomorrow."

  As they prepared for sleep, J's mind raced with questions. But he knew better than to push. That small glimpse into Hollow's past felt like a precious gift, and he wasn't about to squander it.

  The next morning, J awoke to find Hollow already up, methodically sharpening his blades. A faint smile tugged at J's lips as he observed the Lizardfolk's focused movements. There was something different in the air between them, a subtle shift that J couldn't quite name.

  "Morning," J said, stretching. "Sleep well?"

  Hollow grunted in response, but J noticed his shoulders weren't as tense as usual.

  As they packed up camp, J hummed a tune, earning a curious glance from Hollow. "What?" J grinned. "Too cheerful for you?"

  "It's... not unpleasant," Hollow admitted, surprising J.

  They set off, the forest alive with birdsong. J's spirits soared, buoyed by the newfound ease between them. He chattered about inconsequential things, and to his delight, Hollow occasionally offered brief responses.

  Around midday, a twig snapped in the distance. Both froze, instantly alert. J's hand went to his sword, adrenaline spiking. Through the trees, he spotted movement – mercenaries.

  "Looks like we've got company," J whispered, excitement thrumming through him. He felt oddly confident, ready to face whatever came their way.

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, assessing. "How many?" he asked, voice low.

  J grinned, pleased by Hollow's trust in his observation. "I count five. Armed, but they don't look too organised."

  A slow smile spread across Hollow's face, all sharp teeth and predatory intent. "Good," he growled. "Let's show them what we can do."

  Hollow's tail swished, his muscles taut with anticipation. But instead of charging forward as he usually would, he turned to J with an expectant look.

  "What's your read on this, scout?" Hollow asked, his voice a low rumble.

  J's eyebrows shot up, surprised by the deference. He swallowed, suddenly aware of the weight of Hollow's trust. "Right," he whispered, scanning the area. "Let me take a closer look."

  Crouching low, J crept forward, his stocky frame surprisingly agile as he moved through the underbrush. He felt Hollow's golden eyes on his back, watching intently. The forest seemed to hold its breath.

  After a few tense minutes, J returned, his icy blue eyes gleaming with excitement. "There's a small ravine to our left," he explained, gesturing. "If we circle around, we can catch them off guard from above."

  Hollow nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze. "Lead the way," he said simply.

  Heart pounding, J guided them through the forest. The duo moved in perfect sync, communicating with subtle gestures and shared glances. As they approached the ravine's edge, J felt a thrill of anticipation.

  "Ready?" he mouthed to Hollow.

  The Lizardfolk's answering grin was fierce and beautiful. In that moment, J felt invincible.

  They sprang into action. J leapt down, his sword flashing in the dappled sunlight. Hollow followed, his twin blades a blur of deadly precision. The mercenaries, caught completely unaware, barely had time to shout before the battle was joined.

  J ducked under a wild swing, his blade finding flesh with practised ease. He spun, parrying another attack, and caught a glimpse of Hollow moving like liquid shadow. They flowed around each other, covering blind spots and creating openings.

  In minutes, it was over. J stood panting, exhilarated, as he surveyed their handiwork. Five mercenaries lay unconscious or groaning at their feet.

  "That," J said, grinning broadly at Hollow, "was incredible."

  Hollow's chest heaved, his scales glistening with sweat. For a moment, J thought he saw a flash of genuine pleasure in those golden eyes.

  "Not bad," Hollow admitted, and J's heart soared at the grudging compliment.

  J wiped his blade clean, still riding the high of their victory. He turned to Hollow, expecting the Lizardfolk's usual stoic silence. Instead, Hollow met his gaze with an intensity that made J's breath catch.

  "Your plan was... effective," Hollow said, his gravelly voice low. "Quick thinking."

  J blinked, momentarily stunned. "I... thanks," he managed, warmth blooming in his chest. "We make a good team."

  Hollow nodded, the barest hint of a smile tugging at his reptilian features. "Perhaps."

  As they continued their journey, J found himself stealing glances at his companion. The compliment, small as it was, had shifted something between them. Hollow's posture seemed less rigid, his responses less curt.

  On the sixth day together, they traversed a sun-dappled forest path. J's usual chatter felt different now, less like he was talking to a wall and more like a genuine conversation.

  "You know," J mused, ducking under a low-hanging branch, "I never thought I'd enjoy having a travel companion this much."

  Hollow's tail swished thoughtfully. "Nor I," he admitted after a pause.

  J grinned, a warm feeling settling in his chest. It wasn't quite friendship yet, but it was something. Something real and growing, like a seedling pushing through hard earth.

  "So," J ventured, "got any good stories about using those blades of yours?"

  To his surprise and delight, Hollow actually chuckled. "A few," he said, his golden eyes glinting with what might have been mischief. "Though none as ridiculous as your tale about the chicken and the relic hunter."

  J laughed, the sound echoing through the trees. For the first time since they'd met, he felt truly at ease in Hollow's presence.

  As they walked, Hollow's gaze swept the forest, ever-vigilant. "There was a time," he began, voice low, "when I had to scale the walls of a fortress. Impossible, they said. But with these blades…" He trailed off, leaving the rest to J's imagination.

  J's eyes widened, intrigued. "Impressive. How'd you manage that?"

  Hollow's tail swished. "Creativity. Determination." His words were sparse, but J sensed a wealth of untold stories behind them.

  "I get that," J nodded, thinking back on his own experiences. "You know, I once had to escape a collapsing ruin with nothing but a rusty dagger and my wits."

  He paused, memories flooding back. "I was terrified," J admitted, his usual bravado falling away. "Thought I'd be buried alive."

  Hollow's gaze flickered to J, a hint of curiosity in those golden eyes. "How did you survive?"

  J shrugged, a wry smile on his face. "Dumb luck, mostly. And maybe a bit of some magic the guilds hate so much."

  He felt vulnerable, sharing this. But as Hollow nodded, understanding in his silence, J realised that vulnerability might just be the key to unlocking the lizardfolk's trust.

  Hollow's scales rippled, catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. "Your honesty is... refreshing," he said, his gravelly voice softer than usual.

  J's heart quickened at the unexpected praise. He opened his mouth to respond, but Hollow had already turned away, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. Despite the warmth in his chest, J couldn’t reveal everything. It could ruin what they were building together.

  They walked in companionable silence for a while, the forest gradually thinning. As they crested a small hill, a cluster of thatched roofs came into view, nestled in a clearing below.

  "A village," J breathed, relief washing over him. His feet ached from days of travel, and the thought of a real bed made him nearly giddy.

  Hollow tensed beside him, tail twitching. "We should avoid it."

  J shook his head, placing a hand on Hollow's armoured shoulder. "Come on, big guy. We're running low on supplies, and I'd kill for a hot meal that isn't my cooking."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, but he didn't pull away from J's touch. "One night," he conceded grudgingly. "We leave at first light."

  As they approached the village, the scent of woodsmoke and fresh bread filled the air. J's stomach growled audibly, earning a snort from Hollow.

  "What?" J grinned, patting his belly. "Can't help it if I'm a growing boy."

  Hollow rolled his eyes, but J caught the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth. Progress, he thought, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the setting sun.

  The village square bustled with activity as J and Hollow entered. Heads turned, conversations halted. J felt the weight of curious gazes, some wary, others openly hostile.

  "Friendly bunch," J muttered, flashing his most disarming smile at a group of scowling humans.

  Hollow's claws flexed at his sides. "We should go."

  "Nonsense," J said, scanning the crowd. His eyes lit up as he spotted a cluster of beastfolk near a well. "Look, your people!"

  Without waiting for a response, J strode toward them, Hollow reluctantly following.

  "Good evening, friends!" J called out cheerfully. "Mind if we join you?"

  A burly minotaur eyed them sceptically, then broke into a toothy grin. "Any friend of scales is welcome here," he rumbled, clapping Hollow on the back.

  J watched as tension visibly drained from Hollow's shoulders. The lizardfolk nodded curtly, but J caught a glimmer of relief in those golden eyes.

  As they settled in, J's gaze wandered, landing on a strapping young satyr struggling with a heavy crate.

  "Excuse me, gentlemen," J said, rising. "Duty calls."

  He sauntered over, flexing subtly. "Need a hand there, handsome?"

  The satyr blushed, stammering. "I-I couldn't impose..."

  J winked, hefting the crate with ease. "Trust me, it's my pleasure. Where to?"

  As they walked, J regaled the satyr with increasingly outrageous tales of his adventures. By the time they reached the storehouse, the satyr was in stitches.

  "You're terrible," he laughed, wiping tears from his eyes.

  J leaned in, voice dropping to a sultry purr. "Oh, you have no idea."

  The satyr's eyes widened, then he shook his head, still chuckling. "Sorry, friend. Flattered, but spoken for."

  J clutched his chest dramatically. "Alas, my heart! Shattered once more!"

  As he walked away, the satyr laughing once again, J caught sight of Hollow watching him intently. The lizardfolk quickly averted his gaze, but not before J saw something unreadable flicker across his face.

  Interesting, J thought, a slow smile spreading across his lips. Very interesting indeed.

  Hollow's golden eyes followed J's every move as the sun dipped below the horizon. The village bustled with activity, but J remained the centre of attention, his infectious laughter carrying across the square.

  "You're quite the social butterfly," Hollow remarked, his voice low and gravelly.

  J flashed a grin. "What can I say? I've got a gift."

  He watched as J effortlessly wove through the crowd, offering compliments and flirtatious winks. Most rebuffed his advances, but J's smile never faltered.

  "Doesn't the rejection bother you?" Hollow asked, genuine curiosity colouring his tone.

  J shrugged, his blue eyes twinkling. "Can't win 'em all. Besides, the chase is half the fun."

  As night fell, they retreated to the village outskirts. J built a small fire, the flames casting dancing shadows across Hollow's scales.

  "You know," Hollow began, his gaze fixed on the flickering light, "I didn't think you'd last this long."

  J raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

  Hollow shifted, uncomfortable with the admission. "You're... not as useless as I first thought."

  "High praise indeed," J chuckled, warmth blooming in his chest.

  Hollow's tail twitched. "Don't let it go to your head."

  "Wouldn't dream of it," J murmured, studying Hollow's profile. For the first time, he saw the barest hint of a smile on the lizardfolk's face.

  The fire crackled, sending sparks dancing into the night sky. J leaned back, his fingers tracing idle patterns in the dirt.

  "So," he said, breaking the comfortable silence, "where should we go next?"

  Hollow's golden eyes flicked to J's face. "We?"

  J's heart skipped a beat. He'd pushed his luck before, but this felt different. "Well, yeah. I thought... after everything..."

  Hollow's tail swished, disturbing the leaves beneath them. "You want to keep travelling together?"

  "Only if you want to," J said quickly, cursing the slight tremor in his voice. He'd never cared this much about someone's approval before.

  Hollow was quiet for a long moment. J held his breath, acutely aware of every subtle shift in the lizardfolk's expression.

  Finally, Hollow spoke. "It would be... logical. We work well together."

  J grinned, relief washing over him. "That we do."

  "Partners, then?" Hollow extended a clawed hand.

  J clasped it without hesitation, marvelling at the rough texture of Hollow's scales. "Partners."

  As their hands lingered, J felt a spark of something more than friendship. He pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the warmth of their newfound bond.