Previously
"I wouldn't have come if I couldn't. Keep us updated," Kakashi coldly replied. The familiar stomach dropping swish hit as Kakashi used his magic to transport us to his family's cabin in the Realm of the Giants. He gently pulled back a few inches to pull off my cloak and hang it on a peg by the door. My shoes follow soon after.
Present
The loss of heat wasn't as bad as I thought it would have been. Odd. It should have been more noticeable. Kakashi took me by the hand and lead the way through the cabin and to the bedroom. I hesitated at the door.
"You okay?" Kakashi asked, concern filling his words.
"Sh-shar-sharing?" The stuttering had gotten worse even as I did not—or just simply could not—feel it get colder. Bad news bears that was. With a snap of his fingers the thick covers on the bed were pulled back. I tried to shuffle toward the bed but Kakashi simply picked me up off my feet and set me on the bed. He felt my head again as he piled the covers on top of me.
"I'll be right back okay? Stay awake till I'm back." He slipped out the door and returned a few minutes later with two ceramic mugs. I tilt my head to the side. He just holds one under my nose for me to sniff. Hot chocolate!! I grab it and drink. Kakashi laughs as he climbs into bed next to me and pulls me close enough to lean on his chest.
We finish our drinks in comfortable silence and set the cups on the nightstand. I curl into his side and place my head on his chest. I was getting really sleepy. His arms curl around me. I felt safe. For the first time in far too long, I genuinely felt and really was safe.
"Rest, love. I'll be here when you wake up, okay?" I simply snuggled closer to him as I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
*~Later~*
I woke up feeling far better than I had before physically, but also egregiously exhausted which was rather annoying to say the least. True to his word, Kakashi was still right where he was when I fell asleep. Well, for the most part. The covers were thrown off his torso and his shirt had ridden up to expose his flat stomach. I gently ran my fingers along the exposed skin. I heard him start to wake up and stilled.
"Wha' time iz it?" He asked groggily. I giggled and turned toward the clock I knew would be on the nightstand. He still really wasn't a morning person. How adorable.
"Eleven in the morning. Sleep well?" He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me against him. I squeaked in surprise. I felt his breathing even out as he fell back asleep. He must have been up really late if he was able to fall back asleep this quickly. I relaxed and nestled back down again. It was comfortable and warm and safe.
I closed my eyes once more to go back to bed and when I opened them, I couldn't feel Kakashi at my back but there was a wonderful aroma that permeated the room. I couldn't place it off the top of my head but it smelled really, really good. I rubbed my eyes as I groggily sat up with a groan. Kakashi was no where to be seen in the bedroom. I whistled softly as I actually took the time to look around the room.
It was pristinely kept. Well, minus the bookcases. Those were crammed full of more books than I could count. I couldn't read the titles from here but I could guess based off the colorful spines and covers they would be quite interesting at least. And the floors were heated! That was utterly amazing! My knees were still rather weak though. How annoying that was.
My energy hadn't fully come back yet. I wondered how long I had actually been asleep. I checked the clock on the nightstand again—13:00. Huh. It seemed only two hours had passed. There was another presence in the house too but knowing Kakashi it would be someone he trusted.
"So the brat finally awakens," rumbled a gruff voice from the door. A pure white wolf with a red marking on its forehand stood in the doorway.
"You people and giving me stupid nicknames I swear." I wobbled a few steps. The wolf was under me to catch my fall in an instant.
"As I am sure you understand, you should not be walking, girl. You do not have the energy for it yet. I must still commend the fact that you were able to last as long as you did on your feet." He was really soft. I ran my fingers lightly over his soft white fur. A soft growl rattled out.
"Don't like?" He butted my chest with his head so I was sitting on the edge of the bed again.
"Very few have ever dared do such a thing."
"But you, my good wolfy, are very soft! And deserving of pets for being a good pup!" I ruffle his fur to encourage my point. He simply huffed at me and hopped up on the bed.
"It has been many moons since I have been a pup, girl." He stretched out his legs as he got comfortable. "Lay back down and get some more rest."
"Where's Kakashi? Is he okay?" I tuck my feet under me as the wolf huffs as he rolls over to face me.
"The Prince is fine. Getting groceries at the moment is all so no need to worry. He will have returned by the time you next wake." I leaned my head against the wolf's tummy. He was soft and warm.
"Got a name, wolfy?" He curled around me and set his head on my lower back.
"Lycaon."
"King of Arcadia, then, yes?" My eyes became heavier and heavier as the seconds slowly ticked by.
"Rest, little one. You can ask your questions another time."
*~Later~*
I woke up to my shoulders being gently shaken. I slowly cracked an eye open to see Kakashi standing next me me. I sat up and wrapped my arms around his waist. He gently patted my head with a hand.
"Good morning to you too, love." I pulled back and rubbed my eyes with my palms. Ice clinked around in the mug as Kakashi handed me a coffee and sat on the bed next to me. I leaned against him as I sipped the drink in my hands. He wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. His warm breath tickled my shoulder.
"Nice to see you two getting along, pup," the wolf rumbled. I scratched behind his ears. He licked my cheek roughly a few times.
"I've never seen him take to anyone this quick," Kakashi whispered.
"She is a special case. You are far more at ease with her than anyone else I have seen you with." He laid back down with his head now facing the door.
"The difference is I trust her."
"You do?" Kakashi pulled me even closer.
"Yes, I do. You light up my world in ways I never thought were possible." I tapped the rim of the mug. "It's also nice having you back to a more normal body temp, too, love. Had me worried for a while."
"Worried enough that you didn't sleep much, I presume?" He groaned.
"You know me far too well." I snorted. "It was only one night of sleep I lost though and well worth it too I think."
"You still need to rest, Kashi. I know you don't get very decent sleep very often but humor me and try for the next few days while I get back on my feet ok?" He hummed his agreement. I moved to stand up and try walking around a little bit again but Kakashi kept a firm hold on my waist, refusing to let go.
"You still don't have all your powers back, you know," he grumbled dejectedly as he looked at the ground.
"I can't fully recover if I don't move a little bit. Besides, I've been sleeping at least all night and most of the morning, right?" He huffed in defeat before slowly releasing his hold on my waist and standing up himself. He offered me a hand that I gladly accepted. My legs already felt much stronger than they had earlier. Good. I was getting my strength back.
"You recovered fast this time, Rin—only about a day has passed since the bridge. How?" We walked through the hall and to the kitchen. I set my now empty mug in the sink then turned to face Kakashi.
"I'm not really sure. It feels like there is far more magic energy up here than back home—reminds me of Hel actually." I looked down. Our still connected hands brought a strange comfort.
"You heal faster in Hel too?" I nodded quickly. He lifts my chin, getting me to look at him again. He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. I lean into his touch. I craved it, even after all that's happened between us. I couldn't figure out why that was though and that question kept rattling around in my head.
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Hello and welcome to another new year! I do hope you enjoyed this chapter.
I am hoping that I can keep updates to at least once a month this year but please bear with me as they will be slow coming out so I do apologize for that.
As school has been and is going to continue to be coming back in session for people I hope this next part of the school year goes well for everyone!
A/W I hope you have a good day/night and I'll see you in the next one! Bye everyone!