Chapter Text
Time, as it will, moves forward.
Nothing grows in the charred clearing. Well, not quite nothing.
They grow.
Kei’s flames grow more vibrant with each passing day. Tobio’s animals grow more fierce each time he calls to them. Kei’s fire grows to instinctively keep Tobio unharmed. Tobio’s animals grow to protect Kei like he was theirs all along.
Kei grows used to Tobio’s fingers lingering at the base of his throat, a warm comfort instead of a piercing reminder.
Tobio grows used to Kei’s steady breath, now always beside him instead of lingering behind.
They may grow comfortable, in the tiny bedroom, in the small hut shared by a family with large hearts. But they never grow weak.
Time marches on and one day soon they will march as well.
They will return. With their shoulders and shadows having grown much larger since the night they hurried into the woods.
Until then time will continue rolling and they will continue to grow; stronger, closer, and more comfortable in their powers.
Tobio’s finger traces the five point star at the base of Kei’s throat while his wolf curls up beside them. The cool breeze from the window makes him shiver and Kei scoffs as he draws the blanket higher.
“Why do you never shut the window if you’re always so cold at night?” Tobio’s voice is muffled into Kei’s shoulder. “What was that?”
“I asked why you constantly ask questions you already know the answers to.”
“Because,” Kei turns onto his side and tucks Tobio’s head under his chin. “I know for a fact I didn’t invite you inside.”
Tobio slides his hand up and presses his palm against Kei’s chest. He can feel Kei’s steady heartbeat under his fingertips.
“Yet you leave your window unlocked.”
“Who am I to deny you anything?” Kei runs his fingers through Tobio’s hair.
“Mine,” Tobio whispers. “Same as you’ve always been.”
Kei presses his finger against the dark five pointed star resting just behind Tobio’s ear, hidden beneath his hair, and smiles wickedly in the dark.
“True north,” they whisper together.
Soon the wind seems to whisper back as it rushes through the clearing and the crows high in the trees echo the word back with their cries. Soon.
Soon it would be time.