Damien nudged his horse into a fast trot, keeping just a little behind the rest of the group. He didn't mind; after all, on four legs he could outrun the horses.

Rose would admit, she had fun on the ride. But she was still looking forward to settling in for the evening with Damien, too. Or rather, telling the family that she was settling in with Damien, while in reality getting ready for the night walk with him.

Damien was patient through dinner and nightfall, heading back to their place to wait for things to calm down so he could change safely. He didn't actually want people seeing him, after all.

Rose stayed near him for most of the evening, so she could tell how twitchy he was getting. She knew he was anxious to get out into the woods.

"About midnight," she murmured to him. "Everyone should be in bed then."

Damien nodded. "I figured," he murmured. "Doesn't make the waiting easier, but oh well. I'll deal with it."

Rose kissed him briefly.

"You've dealt with worse before," she reminded him. "I distinctly remember our first or second date. In hindsight, I should have realized a lot sooner."

Damien shrugged. "I'm used to keeping it hidden away," he said. "I'm surprised you learned as quickly as you did."

"Sera's fault," Rose replied. "But still, looking back, I should have noticed, at least that once." She gave him a look. "Because you took me on a date on a moon."

"I did." Damien grinned briefly. "I thought it would be interesting, although probably moreso for me than you."

"It was a little unnerving, actually," Rose mused. "When I didn't realize what I was seeing. But it makes sense now." She snuggled close to him. "Besides, I have a soft spot for big kitties."

Damien laughed quietly. "Good thing, too," he said quietly, pulling her closer. Only another hour and a half to go. "You know, I have an idea how we can pass the time."

"And what idea is that?" Rose asked as she cuddled into his arms.

Damien just grinned and leaned down, kissing her briefly before kissing along her neck.

Rose returned the first kiss, and then tilted her head back slightly.

"I think we should go somewhere move private for that," she murmured breathlessly.

"Define more private," Damien murmured against her skin. It was dark and they were already away from the rest of the house.

"Where they won't hear us," Rose replied quietly, shuddering slightly when she felt his hand going up her back. Yes, they definitely needed somewhere more private.

Damien hummed and managed to get up and pick her up, carrying her farther away from the house. Where they wouldn't be able to hear.

Rose clung to him as he carried her. Hopefully, neither one would forget that they'd planned to go on that late-night walk later.

Damien wouldn't forget. It might just be rather delayed.

A while later, Rose snuggled next to him, giving a pleased little sigh.

"I think you've been waiting for that," she accused softly, teasing.

Damien grinned briefly. "Only a little." He stretched and settled down again. "Besides, I didn't hear you complaining, either."

"Not complaining at all," Rose replied. She laid her head on his shoulder.

Damin grinned and stayed there for a while before he nudged her.

"Ready to go on our walk now?"

"If my legs still work, sure," Rose replied, giving him a kiss.

Damien laughed quietly and kissed her gently. "We'll give you a little bit more time, then."