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Each fire from candles to the sturdy fireplace had slowly dwindled as sleep took everything in its light into its lull. Cots cozy with warm blankets to mask the chills pouring in due to the intense winds outside.
Mato snored as the winds had always soothed him. They always made sleep easy. They made him feel grounded when he felt overwhelmed, like no matter how hard the world got he would always have his feet planted firmly in the soil. Nail in hand, ready for anything.
Whilst sleeping, he didn’t have time to be ready for much.
Gentle nudges pulled him from the comfortable darkness. He groaned and tried to turn away, but he was simply prodded more. A single claw seemingly moving him up and shaking him.
Slowly he realized who was touching him. He brought a hand to his face, wiping under his mask. He sat up and saw Ogrim staring at him with concern etched into his face.
He was very confused.
Ogrim was a constant at his hut. Ever since he left his isolation in the pipeways, he had always been a joy to have around.
Mato knew he missed him from the moment they reunited. It was like the world was never ruined and they were back to where they started. Though they tried to not get too lost in the past.
The time they spent together was always so happy, full of laughter and stories to tell.
So why was it that the air was breathless? Everything was dark and all Mato could see was Ogrim barely holding the tears back.
“Ogrim…? Is something the matter?” Mato asked, gently. He sat all the way up, hands ready to grab for a nail.
Ogrim put his claw under Mato’s chin, patting all over while looking him over. He seemed scared but relieved. It was like he was making sure Mato was real.
“I...had a nightmare about you. I wanted to make sure you were okay…” Ogrim wiped his face, trying to shake it off.
Concern welled in Mato’s gut. He grabbed Ogrim by the sides of his head. “A nightmare? Are you okay? Do tell me if you hear things you shouldn’t or smell sweetness.”
Ogrim’s claw wrapped around Mato’s arm, moving it down. “It wasn’t- It wasn't that kind of dream. I didn’t hear anything. ”
Ogrim let Mato hold the tip of his claw in his hand but he couldn’t look at him. “I was coming to visit you but everything was empty. I checked your hut, Dirtmouth, even your brother's homes. Everyone was just...gone. I couldn’t find you…I was alone.”
Mato hated hearing such despair behind simple words. Especially from someone he thought so happy. He used his thumb to rub his claw. He moved closer with caution, hugging Ogrim tightly.
Mato felt all he could do was listen.
Ogrim did not cry but Mato could tell in his breath that he was trying not to. He breathed sharply for a few moments before speaking again.
“I can’t do that again. I can’t be alone just like that again so soon. I don’t know if I’d be able to come back again…”
“..I feel the same..I wouldn’t either.”
The two stayed in each others arms for as long as Ogrim needed. After a good chunk of silence, he pulled away. Mato pressed his horns against his. Ogrim learned fast that this was a kiss.
It had been a very long time since he had been kissed so when Mato did it like that it always surprised him.
Mato kept their faces close, and whispered. “As long as I am still here breathing, I will never leave you unless you expressly wish for simple solitude.”
All Ogrim could do was breathe a faint “Thank you.”