Mortis stayed by Hikas side, all through the night, and the mokery of a day. Then the next night, and the one after that. The fever raged through the friend of his heart and Mortis could barely bring himself to leave his side. He brought the white wolf soup made by Lia, and herbs that seemed to do something to help with the heat that raged through Hikas skin. The boy was as wet from Mortis' tears as he was from the heat of the fever. He dabbled soup on the boys tongue, he wiped damp cloths across his fur. Ultimately, he knew he was waiting for the day the terrible fever took his weakened body from Mortis forever.

Then, one day, he did not know how many later, there was light in the sky. A burning orange haze, the likes of which had not touched the land for so very long. He looked back to Hika, and like a lifting spell, the fever broke. His not-yet lover weakly opened his beautiful eyes, and Mortis looked at him, tears in his own. He gently soothed the fur from the boys eyes, clasping his hand to his cheek lovingly. "There's you are" he whispered, knowing his friend had made made back to him.

Hikaru had never been so sick in his life, his fever was high, he felt miserable and he was in and out of consciousness for so long. It was always dark and frightening, he never knew if his next breath would be his last. Through all the bad and the terrible there was one constant that kept him alive. One wolf that was there to see him through the bad times. Sips of soup, icy cloths, and a warm body beside him when he was cold. Even more important were the tender kisses, soft tears, and quiet words of encouragement and love.

Had he not had Mortis there day in and day out he would have died in the long night. Then like a miracle the sun returned. Daylight seemed to seep away the fever and the sickness and Hikaru finally swam out of the fog. He could finally open his silver eyes to find Mortis’ sweet face beaming down at him like the sunrise. A smile arose on his features as a dark paw lifted to his cheek and he watched sparkling tears fall from his dark cheeks.

"Mortis,” He returned fondly and almost dreamily. Like he was waking from the most terrible nightmare. "We’re both alive?” He wasn’t for sure if he had died or not. But the way Mort grinned at him… He was so blissful maybe they were in heaven.

"Speech"

"You made it back to me" he agreed, brushing tears from his own eyes. He leaned forward, pressing his head against Hikas. Feeling his damp fur, breathing in the scent of him. He laughed softly "you stink, Hika" he teased, finding his laughter returned to him now that Hika had woken. That his eyes were clear and bright for the first time in so long. "Are you strong enough to try a bath? I can heat some water in Io's old tub?" He suggested softly, pulling away from Hika to look him over gently. No doubt his friend would be weak from the Long sickness. Mortis wanted to put good food in him, a warm bath, and wrap him up by a fire. He knew he couldn't push too hard however.

He needed to see whay Hika could manage. Food that would be gentle in his long empty stomach. Perhaps Lia would help get them something while Mortis heated the bath... he grinned down at Hika again, placing a fur over his friends forehead. He couldn't stop touching Hika. He was alive, alive! And Mortis was bursting with the knowledge. "Lifes too short, Hika. I want you, and only you. I don't care if it costs me heir" he swore, his voice determined and sure.

Mort vehemently assured him that he had made it back, they were here together on earth and alive. Seeing the relief in the winged wolf’s face and hearing it in his voice brought overwhelming emotions over Hika. A soft chuckle left his lips, "Probably like fungus.” He found the humor in it, being able to laugh at all felt like a miracle. He’d very nearly lost his life, and Mortis was the reason he was still here. "I’d love a warm bath, I don’t want to be a mushroom anymore.” He spoke softly as he tried to regain his voice.

Silver eyes gazed up into Mort’s deep blue stare and it was something he wasn’t sure he was going to get back. Here they were, bathing in the gentle glow of the sun, together after being nearly torn apart. Hika leaned into Mort’s touch, grateful for his touch, his presence, everything. Mortis spoke again softly, vowing himself, wanting nothing but him even if it cost him his rank. "Mort, I…” He’d never ask the man to rescind something like that for him. He didn’t realize the Warlord would be against their budding relationship. "That means so much.. I want you. Just you.” He confessed softly, knowing he smelled terrible but wanted nothing more than to hold tight to Mort for the rest of his days.

"Speech"

He looked at Hika as the other man seemed rendered speechless for a moment. A measure of anxiety bleeding into Morts vains. He laid himself bare before Hika, confessed the truths in his hearts. He knew Hika liked him, but did he want this? This commitment? He let out an explosive breath when Hika assured him what he wanted. "Oh... good. Good." Mortis said, shifting his weight from paw to paw, and offering Hika a shy smile. "Do you..." he stopped biting back the words. No, no. This wasn't the way to go about it. He would take Hika away again. Maybe not that far this time. He would ask him what was in his heart then, and not a moment before. He was sure they wouldn't want to look back and remembering them both stinky and recovering and weak as the day Mortis asked him.

"... er, want to have that bath now, then?" He said, bringing his sentence to a different conclusion. "Come on, mushroom breath" he teased softly, reaching a paw down to offer it and his shoulder to Hika. "Lias been checking in on you every day, I'll ask her to fix you up some breakfast" he suggested as he pulled Hika to his feet. He expected his friend to be unsteady, and offered all of himself as support to the other wolf. All of himself. That was what Hika owned now.

He still felt weak and drowsy, and unsettled from the sickness that was leaving him, but as he looked up to Mortis he swept it all away. It was still hard to accept that Mort would give up the rank he had been born int. Hika knew him well enough to know about his own doubts about becoming a leader, the leader. The koi would have followed him to the ends of the earth, alpha or not. Mortis was his best friend, the one who was always there for him, the only one that truly and deeply cared about him. His soul mate. "I love you Mortis,” he finished softly with a blush as the winged man looked down on him shyly and started a question.

Hikaru tilted his head slightly as Mort paused and finally followed up with a question about that bath that he had offered. "I do!” He spoke confidently, but didn’t move as confidently. He was weak on his paws though and as he was trying to stand he was pitched forward into Mort’s chest. The dark and blue man held him and helped Hika to his paws. Kohl tipped ears lowered to his head and he smiled shyly back up at Mort. "Let’s get out of here.” For the first time in weeks, Hika would finally leave the den. He was free of the illness, now he just had to recover his strength.

"Speech"

Mortis blushed at the proclamation, it was an idea, a word, that was still new between them. Not that he should have been shy about it, here he was professing how he wished Hika to be his future. He blinked, and ducked his head, just a little, but there was a smile on his lips.

As Hika tried to stand, Mort could feel his weight slide, and caught him as he collided with the winged boy's chest. He laughed softly, and helped Hika to his paws. His friend might still be weak, but it was a clear and wonderful change to his almost coma-like existence these last few nights.

“Lets” Mortis agreed with a smile, and helped tow the boy from the den, to the tub near Io’s old cottage. Mortis got a fire started beneath it, and grabbed a bucket. Just as he was about to leave to get water, Lia - bless her - arrived with food. “I saw Hika was out and about and grabbed you boys some breakfast” she said with a kind smile, and placed a bundle before Hika’s paws. She bent close to the white wolf “it’s good to see on your feet again” she said warmly, and then left the two of them to it.


"Speech"

x

Hika thought he saw the white fur of Mort’s eye marking flush red, and he felt himself become bashful as well. He’d never said those words before but he meant them with his whole heart. Mortis was everything to him, the only one who truly cared, the only one he wanted to entine his life with. They started as easy friends, which quickly turned to best friends, and Hikaru had been fostering these deeper emotions for a long time.

One of the reasons was because Hika could count on the winged man to catch him, no matter why he was falling. Mort caught him now as he struggled to his paws, and the young koi knew these were the arms he always wanted to help hold him up.

Mortis helped him out of the den and to the tub in Io’s once home. Lia met them there with breakfast and Hika’s stomach growled in protest. He grinned bashfully as she mentioned how good it was to see him up and moving. Even Lia had been convinced he was going to die. "Thank you,” he offered with a shy smile as she grinned and left the pair of them to their meal. Hika looked to Mort before unwrapping the packet of food. He’d happily eat as Mort filled the bath.

"Speech"

Mortis watched the exchange for a moment, and used a wing to wave as Lia left the two of them to it. He knew she would stop and help fetch buckets if he asked, but he never felt comfortable making requests of low ranking wolves. He waited until she was gone, before crouching down in front of Hika. “Eat, i’ll get the tub sorted” he said, and, with another blush coating his dark cheeks - thank goodness for the darkness of his coat - he bent down and gave the other boy a gentle kiss. Brushing his paw under Hika’s chin. Lingering, for just a moment. Remembering how he had looked, still and feverish.

He released Hika, offered him a shy grin, and went to start the fire under the tub, before grabbing an empty bucket. It took a few runs to get the rub at a good level, and would need a little time to heat. He dipped a paw in the cool water, and then returned to Hika’s side, leaning against the other boy as he waited for the water to warm. He didn't stay there for long however, before he straightened with a thought. "I'll grab some soaps - about half our stores?" he teased, brushing a paw through the fur between Hika's ears. They had much sickness to scrub away.

"Speech"

x

Lia offered the food and he’d accepted with the best smile he could muster, but she was quick to leave and Mortis would again have all of his attention. Silver kohl lined eyes looked up towards the winged once-heir as he lowered himself before him. Hikaru already laid back down, he was tired and the walk here was enough to wind him. He’d eat while Mort managed the bath, but first… Mort tilted his chin and gave him another kiss, still new but full of the emotions that lingered inside behind that sweet affection.

Their kisses were never quite long enough Mortis pulled away, Hika smiled dreamily as he watched him go for a moment longer prior to finally eating. He hadn’t had a real meal in too long, and Lia, ever considerate of that, hadn’t brought him anything intense. Mostly the soup he’d been eating, but he could tell it was a little heartier to get his strength up. He took his time in savoring his meal, eating slow so his stomach didn’t get overwhelmed. He was finishing when Mortis returned to him.

Down and up again Mort had an idea, and took another opportunity to tease him. Hika shook his head in amusement as he grinned back up at the other boy, "At least half.” He returned with an amused smirk, but closed his eyes blissfully as Mortis ran his claws through his fur. He really needed this bath.

"Speech"

Mortis grinned, enjoying the glimmer of humour returning to both their lives. He took off then, racing towards the central location of the pack, where the Armada supplies lay. He opened the cellar, and picked out what he needed - some soaps and brushes. In moments, he was securely closing the latch again and trotting back to his…. Boyfriend?

He arrived and leaned lightly against the white wolf. “Come on, let's get you into the tub” he said gently, helping the other wolf back to his feet. He kicked the bucket of sand that lay by the fire over, smothering the flames. He wanted the water warm - not to cook his friend. It was a small climb into the tub, but Mortis would be there every step of the way.


"Speech"

Hikaru did what he could to finish the meal Lia brought for him but his efforts were mostly in vain. His stomach just couldn’t handle so much food while he was so exhausted. His body was still recovering, and it was a slow one. He was very much satisfied with said meal when Mortis returned with the supplies he promised, and mentioned far too giddily it was time for that promised bath.

Mort helped him find his paws, he was steady enough that he could shake the dust from his coat as the winged man put out the fire and ushered him into the big tub. It was a little bit of a struggled for the weakened koi but worth every strain as his pale body slipped into the hot water. He heaved a heavy sigh of relief as he sunk into the bath. He closed his eyes and leaned against the side of the tub. The warmth of the water, the relief in his muscles. The way his skin felt getting rid of the dirt, ooze, and filth stuck to his fur while he ailed. There wasn’t anything else that felt like this.

"Now that I’m here I don’t ever want to get out.” He teased dreamily, sporting a grin as the steam rose around his features.

"Speech"

It was a bit awkward, but together, the two of them achieved it. The winged heir eased Hika down into the warmed water, leaning over the tub to grin at the white wolf. As the smaller wolf closed his eyes,Mortis leaned forward and kissed his brow, and then his lips. Breathing in the scent of him, even mingled with sickness, he was still Hika. The aroma of the heated water and the scent of the soaps in his paws reminded him what he was here to do.

“Will I have to fetch you food every day as you slowly melt more and more into the water?” he teased lightly, grabbing the soap and bringing it to the space behind Hika’s ears. “Lean forward, love.” The endearment slipped out as he furrowed his brow with concentration - and then broke it immediately. He blushed, and ducked his head forward, pressing the soap against Hika’s coat again.

"Speech"

Hikaru smiled into the warm water as Mort helped lowered him easily into the steaming water. His silver eyes were closed, and his grin grew when he felt lips on his brow. That grin turned to a smile as Mortis shifted to kiss his lips, and for a moment everything was forgotten. He kissed his best friend back as they slowly discovered the deeper meanings and feelings of their blossoming relationship.

Regretfully Mortis pulled away, probably reminded of the sick that clung to his own fur. Hika’s ears fell as the bath became their focus once again. Mortis wouldn’t leave him to struggle on his own, from helping him to the bath, to into the bath, and now he had the task of washing his pale coat. Again Hika found himself thankful for Mort’s presence. He’d saved him more than once and now he was caring for him again. There wasn’t anyone else Hika wanted at his side. Mortis was his best friend, his biggest cheerleader, and obviously now the one that he loved.

"No, I’ll get out eventually,” he feigned disappointment. "How will we adventure together if I stay here in this tub?” He chuckled shyly as Mortis began to scrub the soap into his dirty fur leaning forward as Mort asked him to. He sighed softly and let Mort rub his claws and the soap through his wet fur. It was a relaxing rhythm that felt much more pleasant than maybe it should have.

"So what does this mean?” He asked softly, trying to be nonchalant about such a huge topic. "Are we still best friends, are you my… boyfriend?” The word felt weird on his tongue, but he liked the thrill it sent up in his belly when he said it. "Will we be mates?”

"Speech"

Mortis grinned lighty down at the soaking wolf, running his paws gently across the other wolf's body, soothing his muscles and cleaning his fur. Working his paws into the muscles, and mixing the soap into the water. Already a pleasant smell was filling the air. “Oh good, it might be awkward trying to talk to you each day in the hot tub” he teased lightly back. “I do like adventuring with you,” he added, almost shyly “Even if weird things keep trying to intrude on it” like how the long night had ruined his carefully planned holiday with Hika.

He startled in surprise then at Hika’s words, lifting his head from his work and where he had been admiring the other wolf's soft long legs. “I, we, thats’, um”[ /b] he said, suddenly tongue tied. [b] “That is… I would like… I think, I want to be more. I want to be more to you, Hika.” he said, blushing as he glanced up at the white wolfs silver eyes and his lightly red-smudged lips. “If you’d… have me.”


"Speech"

Scrubbing his soiled fur slowly turned into Mortis working his paw pads into sore muscles and aching limbs. Hikaru sighed softly, stifling a pleased groan as Mortis focused his attention on a thick knot on Hika’s neck. Mortis continued the joke about staying in the bath forever, saying it would be awkward having to come in here to talk. Hikaru chuckled, it would be awkward having him light the fire and put it out every couple of hours too. Adventuring was a must, as Mortis said even if things kept going wrong.

"Almost dying together is part of the fun.” Hika chuckled softly in response, blinking open kohl rimmed eyes almost sleepily as he looked up to the winged heir and spoke again. About topics much more difficult than just teasing about a bathtub. He didn’t mean to take Mortis off guard. They were so close, and everything was changing so easily. Hikaru didn’t want to avoid saying it out loud. Still, he couldn’t deny how cute the massive wolf looked blushing and stuttering his sweet answer.

Hikaru grinned sheepishly and felt his features blush, even if he had been trying to keep everything simple those silly little feelings welled up inside like caged butterflies. He met Mort’s vivid blue stare and smiled with him. "You’re everything to me, Mortis. I don’t need anything but you.” Hikaru confessed in return, only just refraining from wrapping his sopping wet arms around Mort’s neck. Instead he lifted his wet paw to Mort’s cheek and very gently leaned forward for one of the kisses he was starting to crave.

The feel of Mort’s tusks against his lips and the warmth of his affection made the heat of the water around him pale in comparison. A soft whine slipped from his throat, an audible indication of just how happy he really was.

"Speech"

The winged boy snorted softly at Hika’s words. Watching Hika linger close to death was not fun. But he had to admit they made a good team, adventuring together. They supported each other's weaknesses. Like on the cliff…

He met the silver gaze of the other boy as he admitted what Mortis was to him. It seemed so easy to Hika, no shyness. Only love. He felt a wet white paw on his cheek, and realised what Hika was leaning in for. Still blushing, the winged boy obliged. Leaning down, his paws gently cradling the bathing wolf's shoulders as he responded with a kiss of his own. Feeling the warmth of it zing through him. He caught his breath when they came up for ear, and he nuzzled Hika’s damp neck. “How are you feeling?” he asked softly.


"Speech"

Mortis was the closest wolf to him in the whole world; he'd seen him near his deathbed and knew him when he thought he had reached the end of his rope. No one else had seen Hikaru as Mortis had, and the koi felt the same was true for Mortis. They had been alone together on that cliff, they crawled back to the Armada stricken with mushrooms, clung to each other in what they thought were their final moments.. They had overcome so much together Hikaru couldn’t imagine having anyone else at his side.

The winged man relented to Hika’s affection, and as the koi guided him their lips met. Shy and hesitant as they learned the more intimate intricacies of their relationship. Hika enjoyed the way each kiss caused his insides to erupt in butterflies and the little shivers that raced over his skin at his touch. The illness took a lot out of him but Hika was sure it was Mort that did it, not the residuals.

Despite feeling like he wanted to suffocate in Mortis they still needed to breathe, and they pulled apart reluctantly. Mortis asked how he was feeling. Hika tried to decide how deep a question he was asked. "Wet,” he answered with an innocent chuckle. "I feel… really good.” Hikaru went on to answer and explain further, "But I think I should get back to bed soon.” A nice fresh nest to sleep in after his cursed illness. He had a lot of strength to regain, and he could already feel exhaustion pull at his conscious.

"Speech"