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The stars shone brightly above Rae from where he stood on the porch. far into the middle of the night with the silence to match.
He wasn't unused to being around when no one else was. Him residing in his study and losing track of time far too commonly. And his sleep schedule being 'possibly worse than nonexistent' to quote Centross even more commonly.
But it was notable. The silence only welcoming the occasional cricket chirping its night melody.
He leaned onto the railing, mostly just watching.
Maybe it was worse when he knew he was too exhausted to even research- to pour himself into his work. No matter how he felt he should. Because he knew for a fact he'd make no headway, head not clear enough to truly think.
And yet the idea of sleep was more daunting than welcoming, the idea of nightmares, and possibly sharing them.
And maybe just sleep.
Even apart from the nightmares and possibilities. Just sleep.
Of having to lay down, no tasks, just alone in consciousness with his thoughts in the dark of the room.
The thought leaves him dreading.
He huffed a little. The chilled air sending what felt like spikes of ache into his lungs. Too cold and too thin apparently.
A little ironic given that that had been his best remedy a reset prior, the thing he could best recommend to Wolf given the same skulk problem.
Rae debates heading back into the study, warmer, but not by much. But that idea too, is unappealing. The idea of being surrounded by all of the balled-up notes he'd left in there, too frustrated, too wrong, too stupid.
And, that he could not stand to clean up right now, though maybe he should, with the time he had not doing anything else.
The auras muttered tired words, asking if he was going to bed yet, If Aax and Caspian were back yet.
Another asked if he'd be going to Starbarks again, mostly a joke, but one clouded by the exhaustion of staying up.
And frankly, the idea sounded appealing.
No matter how much of a joke it was.
Probably the first thing that did.
He'd not get coffee, not unless he was working on something, he cajoled himself. But still, having a place to be and not think about everything he didn't know, it sounded nice.
It also helped that it always smelled like warm treats there. Always a pleasant nut-meg and cinnamon smell wafting through the air.
He stepped away from the railing to face the stairs up the mountain, of which he got a perfect view of Starbarks just above their house.
"That's.. Actually, a pretty good idea," he addressed quietly, daring not to disturb the silence of the night.
They questioned a little, practically chirping out their confused words, but Rae just set out on walking, offering a hushed "Starbarks is a nice place to decompress" and nothing more.
The ones awake, and that was a concept he was sure, agreed a little. Before settling down.
It really was late.
He made his way through the path and started up the stairs, gasping a little at the repeated chill in his lungs as well as the further exertion. Maybe that was just going to be a pattern tonight, his lungs aching until he finally rested.
Still, He made it up just the same as he always had. Reaching the dog park, then the Starbarks then making it to the doors.
It did occur to him that the doors may not open. Rae couldn't even imagine any of the dog's Wolf assured him 'got benefits' were working, and usually he snuck in to grab coffee during its business hours.
Yet, as the handle turned, it did open and so that was all he could ask. stepping in quietly, and placing a hand under the bell as the door closed, just so Rae didn't wake the dogs that, yeah were asleep, hidden just out of view until he caught the tail peeking out from behind the counter.
He stepped a little closer, almost laughing at the little beds tucked neatly under the counter, names embroidered on them for the extra touch. That made it all the more silly because none of them were in the right ones besides tea who for all intents and purposes, chose to sleep outside.
Coffffffffee in the large Latte's bed, practically engulfing the small dog, even sharing it with the other moderately small Frappuccino. leaving the great Dane to fit haphazardly in the smallest dog’s bed, as well as using Frappuccino'a bed as a pillow, just for extra measure.
It was… incredibly silly, for lack of better words. But all of them were happily snoozing away so Rae didn't dare mess with them, he was pretty sure that may be illegal too?
Workers rights?
He, truly did not know, businesses were not his thing.
Rae settled in one of the seats in the back of the Starbarks, just to be on the safe side. And just sat back, taking in the instant warmth the Starbarks incased, warming his chilled skin. And the baked goods smell.
And Rae was sure he had nothing to think about. He had no energy- nor brain power. Nothing he wanted to think about anyway. Nothing that he could look into without the books in his study, which was probably for the best. And ultimately, nothing that was a problem. Especially nothing to warrant being thought about in the dim light of the Starbarks.
Nothing, his study a mess in a classic example of it.
Nothing,
He's sure, if he really wanted to he could probably think about a dozen other things. But those particular things he'd rather ignore, avoid, not think about nor panic about.
And so he didn't try, ignoring the distant familiar swirl of guilt pooling in his stomach. And instead, focusing elsewhere. Trying to get a moment of solace.
Of not having to think.
..He hadn't been a very good book club member, maybe he could catch up on the week’s book until he was ready to go back down to the house again. Or until the sun rose, and he figured he should probably not be caught.
That sounded nice.
Gods, it's been a while since he was able to just read something that didn't require urgency.
He pulls out one of the shulkers, searching the sack beside him as he looked for said book, because he was pretty sure he had a copy in it, far neglected, but still in it all the same.
He grabbed blindly at a couple different blank covered books before finally finding it, and fighting a silent cheer as he pulled it out with little flair. Catching attention.
"Wait- Rae?"
Rae jolted . swirling around in the seat suddenly, book in hand. And coming face to face with Wolf, un-masked face twisted in a concoction of surprise and worry.
Crap.
Speak of the devil and he shall appear?
"...hi Wolf"
Wolf raised his eyebrow, and Rae just offered his most appeasing smile, mostly doing nothing more than looking like a guilty cat.
"Didn't hear you come in..?" He adds and Wolf just presses his lips together in a thin line.
"Yeah, I noticed- I didn't even stop the bell..?" And Rae just feels a new layer of sheepish, wow, he should've heard that.
That seemed like a pretty distinct noise..
Was he really that engrossed in searching through his books? Or was his attention just that lacked?
"I- was just a little.. distracted?" Rae tried.
And Wolf just blinked at him slowly
" Look- it's late!" He defends weakly, not making any points in his favor.
"It is." Wolf agrees, " I was only coming to grab something I'd forgotten, you look like you were getting ready to settle in" he points out,
And Rae shrinks back a little, " I can leave-?" He mumbles, and instantly Wolf's face softens.
"Now I didn't say you had to do that, just-" he grabs the back of the chair next to Rae and sits down, changing directions as he faced to look at Rae "-what's going on?"
"Why does something have to be going on?" Rae asked
Wolf once again blinked at him, but it didn't quite hold the same effect, though similar "you're sitting in Starbarks at gods know what hour" he pointed out deadpan, before again going softer, " is something going on? "
".. Not this time." Rae muttered. Because okay, he couldn't sleep, but that wasn't 'something going on' for all intents and purposes, everything was fine. A nd he wasn't even being flippant!
No bad interactions, not.. A lot of overthinking, especially not for him. Nothing he knew Wolf would count as a 'something'!
It wasn't a great evening, but it was by no means a bad one.
"Okay," Wolf relented, "still, can I ask why you're at Starbarks- again your welcome here- but coffee at this hour, really? " He asked, eyebrows pinched together, now in slightly less of concern- though Rae knew that was still evident in his two-toned eyes. And more of general confusion, and maybe a little mirth.
"I wasn't coming for the coffee!" Rae defended quickly, "I still have some even!" He says to make his point further and Wolf raises an eyebrow "I just.. Wanted to sit down for a minute and read.. something that wasn't related to everything, and.. urgently important?" he tried, trying to press down how.. selfish? it sounded to his ears.
"Oh" Wolf said, blinking, rerouting his train of thought. Before nodding, “that's a good idea”
and then pausing for a minute once again, though this time much more amused "Rae.. "
"Wolf..?"
“We have a loft, specifically to read books”
“ ”Oh,” Rae blinked, parsing his brain for the same information as it clicked. "Right."
And suddenly Wolf was up with a laugh and trying to drag Rae up with him, Rae’s mind falling behind at the quick movements “oh- wait where are we going?"
Wolf gestured vaguely ‘up’ and Rae floundered a second before simply accepting it, not questioning it further and instead snatching up his shulker before Wolf made him leave it. Soon being led pointedly past the other chairs, then right.
Which made little- and then quickly, a lot of sense. When they passed the counter and got to the ladder, Rae's mind slowed with fatigue.
"In my defense I didn't want to disturb the dogs!" Rae whispered in a hushed tone, still defending himself, before getting properly shushed as Wolf gestured him up with a smile.
"You're getting the proper book Starbarks experience!" Wolf whispered in a similarly hushed tone, following him up once Rae had reached the top.
Rae huffed a laugh, "I was happy down there too"
"Okay, but have you considered the whimsy of the book nook?" he gestured around, standing up.
Rae breathed out a light " okay " that turned more into a lighthearted laugh, as he looked around. And he'd seen the room many times before during the book clubs he'd attended. But it did, somehow feel more cozy in the dim. Blankets scattered around littering the couches, likely from momboo's shift.
And the café downstairs was still incredibly nice, but Rae was almost mad at how quickly he was convinced, because it was, really, really nice.
"Okay, I will admit it, it is pretty whimsical" Rae sighed fondly.
Wolf nodded seriously, face wrinkling with a barely suppressed smile.
"It is, it is" he nods, and Rae really can't help but smile with him.
Wolf directs Rae to sit down on the couch as he lights a fire and Rae can't help but shake his head fondly as he does, settling the book on the side table as he watched.
Left for only a second to his own devices to twiddle his thumbs and using it. Rae thinks about the circumstances for just a moment. And he laughs, briefly getting a glance from Wolf, "I really spent no time in the starbarks before I got corralled into the book nook, I'd barely gotten my book!" He chuckled. and Wolf laughed with him, short amused breaths. simply uttering a simple "damn, should've started in the book nook then, I guess," voice only teasing, as he continued placing the wood in the fireplace.
Rae could only laugh more as he went back to watching.
And, when it settled, embers worked red. The fire warm and bright, and somehow it keeps amazing him how nice it is.
And Wolf really was right.
Maybe he should spend more sleepless nights here he thinks, another mostly-a-joke thought that he was well aware could turn less so.
It's not a surprise from Wolf of course that it's so cozy, but it's just impressive. And Wolf stands back a little to gaze at his work proudly, as he should.
Before moving to sit by Rae.
And Rae probably shouldn't have been, probably wouldn't be normally. But he seemed to have trouble thinking in general, he's finding. Because he is firmly caught off guard. It was late! Rae was just unable to sleep! It wasn't Wolf’s problem! "Wolf- you don't need to stay with me, I'll be fine, I've been placed. I'm just going to read! I'm fine," he assured.
Wolf hums, considering the words for only a moment. "Well, actually, maybe I just want to appreciate my fire skills," he said, sinking into the couch next to him regardless. And Rae has to repress furrowing his eyebrows as well as the ‘ doesn't the fire bother you?’
"Now, what book are you reading?" Wolf asked. Moving the conversation along smoothly.
And maybe it really is a show of the somehow worsening exhaustion that Rae doesn't put up any further fight as he just shakes his head, shoulders sagging, and goes "the one for book club actually," he briefly turned the book over to read the cover "The 'Tales from Thicketdown Forest?'"
"Oooh, good good," Wolf nods, "very good choice" he tells him seriously and Rae just huffed a laugh.
"Oh, of course" Rae nods, continuing the bit just a little before shaking his head fondly once again. Picking up the book from the table and deciding for a moment before tentatively leaning onto Wolf's side, back meeting shoulder.
Wolf didn't say anything and so Rae just relaxed, pulling an abandoned blanket over their legs, and just settling in.
Maybe Wolf would go back home soon, sleep.
Or maybe he wouldn't, Rae not able to non-hypocritically say anything regardless.
Rae had no sway.
…
He shouldn't not want him to leave. He shouldn't just want the presence, the warmth emanating through his back.
He should want Wolf to go back home and get some sleep. Even if it was away from him.
He doesn't though. If Rae was honest, with himself at least. Finding comfort in the man’s presence alone.
Rae parsed the lines in the book. Wolf leaning his head onto Rae’s, narrowly avoiding the pair of stacked horns. watching the stars, or maybe the fire, Rae unable to tell with the flicking of his attention. Rae briefly allowing himself to be drawn into the contents of the story. finger tracing under the words as he read.
He paused momentarily, thinking for just a second.
"You alright, Rae?" He felt rumble from the man behind him and he turned his head in confusion.
"What?"
"You stopped reading," Wolf supplied only.
What? Rae's mouth moved to repeat, how could he tell?
How was he always able to tell?
And yet just as the words were about to come out, Wolf answered "You breathe differently when you're reading" he tried, before clarifying quickly, "it's not super noticeable, but when you're reading or writing.. You almost hold your breath?" He told him casually, "And you stopped."
Rae processed that for a moment, rolling it over in his mind as a slow embarrassed magenta spread through his cheeks and to the tips of his ears "...wait.. That's not fair..!"
Wolf pulled back and tilted his head, and Rae just flushed further. Turning his head away, though not by much and pressing his face into his hands.
"I was just- agh- it's not fair you can t ell! " Rae declared, voice cracking at the end in pure embarrassment the more he thought about it.
Wolf smiled, eyes softening with mirth and cheeks wrinkling, "why not?"
All that came out with a frustrated "Mm!" Promptly followed by an equally frustrated "because!" not able to find a solid reason really besides it was mortifying that he had a noticeable tell of when he was reading or not. Though he was probably more embarrassed then it actually called for. Wolf laughed, arms shifting with the weight of it.
And Rae briefly took fondness in watching, eyes peeking over his fingers, light-hearted complaints and noises silenced as he just looked at him. Wolf's whole face just illuminating in cheer, truly only slightly dampened by the offense of being known so well .
Rae hadn't even realized, did he really do that? Has he always? He knew he sometimes hummed- Caspian had pointed that out long ago but-
What did Wolf even mean??
He grumbled a little bit, only seeming to fuel Wolf's light-hearted laughter. A nd how did he make the room feel warmer with his laugh, that shouldn't be possible.
He turned his face back down into his hands to properly grieve any remaining dignity.
And eventually, done with teasing his.. friend , Wolf just huffed one last laugh, watching and letting Rae's flush wear down before getting back onto topic.
"Anyway, what were you thinking about?" Wolf asked and Rae slowly unhid his face, blinking a little to adjust for the firelight.
"Oh right- I just- I realized you didn't have anything to really do and I wondered if you wanted me to read it aloud so you could at least listen?" Rae suggested, and Wolf blinked.
"Oh yeah!" Wolf accepted "Book moment!" he declared. Getting more comfortable instantly as he swung his legs over onto the couch, and pressed himself back into the couch arm, briefly dislodging Rae as the shorter man huffed a laugh.
Rae followed quickly after, shuffling back, now practically nestled between the couch and Wolf's chest. Dragging the blanket along, and settling it neatly over their legs.
Rae opened the book once more, thumbing the pages to get back at the beginning, and humming in satisfaction when victorious.
Rae took a breath, hoping beyond hope his lungs had no issue with him reading for prolonged periods of time. Before starting, finger still tracing the words as he read.
"Most people today" Rae started slowly "live in big cities. Big, bustling areas with lots of concrete and people living on top of each other. And everybody knows how to get around and everybody says hi to their neighbors."
Wolf followed the words with a nod, and Rae settled further into his little nook.
"Some people live in smaller towns. Smaller, not quite as bustling areas, with fewer buildings and people live a little farther apart." Rae breathed. "But everybody knows how to get around and everybody says hi to their neighbors."
Wolf shifted just a little to undo Rae's hair-tie, before neatening the mess of raven hair with his hands as he gathered it up, receiving a brief look and "wha-?" From Rae before just waving him back to the book with a "don't worry about it, continue"
Rae sighed, partially aware of a plot rising as Wolf parted the hair in three, but no energy to stop it.
Still, He did as requested and continued "Almost no one lives in the middle of nowhere." Rae spoke, "One minuscule area with one building and only one person living miles away from everyone else."
Wolf dragged his fingers through his hair. just once more, taming any excess strays. Before moving to plait them. Left side over, middle replacing it. Right side over, middle replacing it.
"But usually, they know how to get around and would still say hi to their neighbors, if they had them." Rae yawned, relaxing further.
Wolf continued, gently twisting the pattern, intertwining. One, two, one, two.
"But no one lives" Rae yawned, lungs protesting less with the increased breaks, increased time to breathe. "in the Thicketdown Forest. There are no buildings and no people."
Wolf held the sections tuat as he worked his way down slowly. so it wouldn't come undone while he was working on the braid.
"Nobody really knows how to get around and there are no neighbors to say hi to..." Rae blinked slowly, eyelids feeling heavy as he sagged into the other man, just breathing for a moment. Plot working smoothly.
"Most people who wander into Thicketdown Forest stay for a while," Rae yawned, them coming too often for comfort, "walk around, then go back to their homes." Rae read.
Wolf worked his way to the bottom, done with the plaiting as he tied the red hair-tie once again in Rae's hair to hold it together.
"Some stay a little longer and set up temporarily…." Rae's eyes closed, just for a minute, Wolf keeping an eye on it. Before Rae blinked them open again, and did his best to continue. figuring out where he was quickly.
"Places… to stay.." he yawned, "but know very little about how to get around.."
Then, Wolf took a gentle hand of tucking the remaining pieces of hair- mostly face-framing pieces, behind Rae's ears as they began falling into his face. Causing a nuisance of themself. And Rae's eyes slipped shut again, head almost lolling to the side, as his arm barely stayed where the words were. Before he shook himself back awake stubbornly. Though barely, eyes not opening more than a squint.
"They normally.. know.. By the trees.." Rae blinked, voice barely working with him, trying too hard to continue reading, though the words looked more muddled now, having to squint further to try and decipher the letters.
A small voice in the back of his head, or maybe next to it, whispers that he should just rest his eyes, that it’ll be there in the morning. And suddenly that sounds so nice, even just for a minute.
He rests his head on Wolf. hand going slack with the book collapsing into the blanket, Wolf gingerly placing it onto the side table behind them.
And it's just warm.
The fire crackles- it more embers now than anything truly fire-like, or warmth-providing. Causing a gentle background noise.
And even if it isn't the fire, it's just warm.
And Rae’s out like a light.
Wolf huffs a fond laugh, wrapping an arm around Rae and he considers briefly trying to carry him down to his house. Try to get Rae to sleep in the comfort of a bed. But the amount of stairs, while possible, made Wolf decide against it, not willing to wake up the exhausted scientist.
And he doesn't consider leaving him in the loft. not for a second. And so, Wolf just settled with him, whispering a soft "sleep well, starlight" as he made sure he was tucked in. Before turning his attention out-word.
Watching the embers, making sure they die down. Watching the night sky.
Just watching. Protecting.
Until his vision fails too, sometime later, though not too much. The embers gone, all light apart from the stars in the sky, gone.
And maybe Wolf blinks just a little too long, as he falls asleep too, weariness not on his side, as it never is.
And so, there the two sleep. Peacefully, for a change. nightmares not daring to touch the pair of them.
Not daring to touch the fragile tranquility they found themselves in.
And when awoken, after a many hours of restful slumber. It is to the sunbeams of a new, easier day, shining through the balcony.
Easier with a good start in the pair’s pockets at least.