Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Seven: Planning Ten Steps Ahead

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the early morning light streaming into the hut. I remembered sleeping early last night after everything, but the soft scuffling sounds from the main room pulled me up from bed.

Curious, I wandered out and stopped short at the sight before me. Harvey was there, carving a dining chair by hand, with several other pieces of new furniture surrounding him. He looked utterly exhausted, mentally and physically, his shoulders slumped, and his eyes heavy with fatigue.

"Harvey, what are you doing?" I asked, the concern clear in my voice. "Did you stay up all night for this?"

He looked up, managing a tired smile. "Yes. I was restless and wanted you to be comfortable," he admitted, voice soft. He gestured to the chair, though his expression was undeniably weary. "There's one more chair to finish. After that, I'll tackle the kitchen counters and the bedroom furniture."

I appreciated his efforts, but seeing him so worn down, I couldn't help but worry. "Harvey, you should've asked for help or at least let me help you. We can take it one step at a time. I'm grateful for this, but you need rest," I said firmly.

He shook his head, his gaze steady. "I wanted to do it myself, for you." Then his eyes fell to my side, and I knew what was coming. "How's your wound?"

"Oh, it doesn't even hurt," I assured him, brushing it off. "Honestly, it's just the look of it now—it's barely noticeable." A moment passed, and I realized just how effective the treatment he'd made was. "You did a wonderful job with it... thank you." I said warmly as I looked at him.

As Imara said those words to me, I looked at her, feeling that sweetness I was getting so used to. Her gentle smile, her gratitude—it was almost overwhelming. I couldn't help but melt a little under the weight of it, feeling my heart beat just a little louder, a little stronger. I reached out, placing my hands lightly on her waist, pulling her a bit closer as I searched her eyes for any sign of pain.

"You're sure?" I asked, needing her honesty.

She took a step closer, her eyes warm with trust as her hand brushed against mines. "I'm sure. Thank you, Harvey. For everything."

The way she looked at me in that moment—it was everything. I leaned my forehead down against hers, letting the warmth between us settle into something real, something grounding. How could I ever let her go? The thought filled me with both peace and a fierce determination. This closeness, her acceptance, her gentleness—it was like breathing.

And as we stayed there, heads pressed together, I felt my mind calm in a way I hadn't known I needed. She was grounding me.

Finally, I took a small step back, unable to keep a soft smile from my face. "Well," I said, clearing my throat, "at least let me warm your water, and while you freshen up, I'll cook. What would you like?"

"Aht aht, no way. You need to rest," I said, grabbing his hand to lead him back to the room. He opened his mouth to protest, but I just shook my head, placing my hand on my hip. "Morph now and go lay down."

Reluctantly, he shifted into his leopard form, finally letting his exhaustion show. As he lay down, I settled next to him, cradling his head on my lap. Gently, I rubbed his ears and face, singing a soothing melody to help him relax.

As I sang softly, he looked at me, startled, but easily content. I smiled and continued singing until he finally drifted into sleep.

Song

"I had a dream, I got everything I wanted. But when I wake up, I see you with me.

And you say, as long as I'm here, no one can hurt you. Don't wanna lie here, but you can learn to.