Kintsugi

Were it not for Deimos prompting her to get out of bed and eat, Ikigai would not have done so. She felt empty and hollow and it was easier to just sleep and not feel. Iki wasn't the only one suffering though and she knew this. Deimos had suffered loss as well. They were in this together so if he was making the effort to try, she would as well when in his presence.

The sweet affections brought a small smile to the woman's face and, as Deimos got up, Iki did as well. The purple man saw her to their table and then left her side to go and grab something from storage for breakfast. Iki sat and waited, too exhausted to help. It had been some time since her forced miscarriage, but the blow to her system had taken a lot out of the woman. She did indeed have a broken rib and was forced to stay still because of it.

Warm sunlight streamed in through the now open doorway, falling upon the pale woman. The warmth soaked into her body and Iki's marbled eyes closed before she released a pleased sigh. She had to cling to the little joys and the warmth of the suns rays soaking into her battered body definitely brought her joy. Iki only opened her eyes again when Deimos returned with her meal. She nodded in thanks and delicately picked at the pieces of meat on the dish. Iki ate a few bites, but she mostly pushed the meat around on her plate to make it look as though she'd eaten more.

Surprise struck the woman as she felt the heat and weight of Deimos behind her. A moment later, he was gently working a comb through her fur. The thoughtfulness of the act brought tears to the fae's eyes and she laughed softly as he mentioned her ease at carrying out the task. "Its all in the paws," she spoke softly, lifting her paw and giving a wave of each digit one after the other, including her opposable thumb. With her demonstration done, Ikigai turned in her seat and, pushing Deimos' paw gently aside, moved in to place herself against his wide chest, tucking in with her head just under his chin. "Thank you," she whispered softly.

"Deimos & Ikigai"