Fright night

They wouldn’t be able to remain here more than a night, not without repercussions on their vacation. As it was, Mortis was squished as tight as he could get against the insides of the tree. Not that Hika was paying much more attention to Mort than he was the threat outside. He knew the sounds of other predators and that was not what he heard. He hated the thought of it, but it sounded like a demon. He just hoped they weren’t seen, while he wished he had his warding talismans still.

Mortis tensed as the sound of heavy footfalls sounded, and for a moment there really was nothing but silence. And then Mortis was somehow even closer. His breath on his cheek, the warmth of his embrace, and his reassuring words a quiet whisper against his dark rimmed ear. Hikaru shivered, but he wasn’t sure if it was from fright or… something else. The young koi nodded, knowing that he could trust his friend’s word. He was safe here beside him, no matter the fright outside. "I know, I’m glad I have you.” He whispered back as the realization of their closeness finally overtook the fear that had held his heart frozen.

"Hikaru"