Both of them were breathing heavily, sweat matting their fur, along with other fluids.

They shifted and turning, laying to the side to face each other. They just wordlessly smiled, staring into the oceans of their eyes and minds.

A soft, tender kiss, the otter and lynx alike puring as much love as possible, for they were not truly each other's for all eternal history.

A white metallic ring in each fifth finger was a testament to a vow, in truth made so long ago when they realised it wasn't a teenager's crush, but a choice to carefully maintain their love like a bonzai tree.

On TJ's end, it was a divine fate entwining their souls. On Sydney's fate, it was free will granting him the most precious of all choices. But regardless of the origin, all beneath Heaven and above Hell witnessed their most grandiose gesture to what they had. TJ believed God sanctioned their union; Sydney was inclined to agree, but secretly hoped there was some resistance so he could fight against all spirits, which his now well-liked Gnostic texts informed him were all inferior to the mortal mind.

Each mouthed an "I love how", to exhausted for words.

TJ gently rubbed his foot against Sydney's, and in no time their exhausted bliss gave way to one last silly foot game, kicking each other playfully. TJ was laughing in joy, giving Sydney pause.

"I give up" the otter said.

"...I'll still let you win anyways" TJ said, all but jumping - basically a side push up - into Sydney's eager arms.

And slowly, amidst nuzzling and reaffirmations of their vow, the two fell asleep.