𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 :: &𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝟎𝐓𝟗 [REVISED]

• Chapter 23 ( revised )

[FEW HOURS LATER]

⎯⎯ ୨ THIRD PERSON'S ୧ ⎯⎯

The night before had served as a much-needed release for Clementine—a purging of raw emotions, pain, and the heavy cloak of guilt she had carried for far too long. In the comforting embrace of Jo’s arms, she had felt the immense weight she had been bearing begin to dissolve, bit by bit. Yet, despite the deep, dreamless slumber that had eventually claimed her, that weight hadn't completely vanished. It lingered, a quiet shadow in the periphery of her thoughts, a subtle reminder of the emotional storm she had weathered. It was the sheer exhaustion of her emotional outpouring, rather than a true inner peace, that had finally pulled her into sleep. After the dam of her emotions had broken, she was left physically and mentally drained, and the moment her head nestled against the soft pillow, she had succumbed to a deep, dreamless rest.

The sun had climbed high in the afternoon sky by the time Clementine finally stirred, the warm, golden light filtering through the gap in the drawn curtains, casting a soft, inviting glow across the peaceful room. For a lingering moment, she remained still, her eyelids fluttering, her mind still pleasantly foggy with the remnants of sleep. The gentle, feather-light kisses brushing against her cheek finally broke the hazy trance, a tender touch that immediately sparked a warmth in her heart. Even before she fully opened her eyes, she recognized the comforting presence of Fuma beside her—one of her older soulmates, his familiar, soothing scent and the gentle warmth radiating from his body bringing her an immediate sense of safety and peace.

“Good morning, my love” Fuma’s voice was quiet, laced with a deep tenderness, as though he too had just emerged from a restful slumber.

“Good morning, sweetheart” Clementine replied, her voice still thick with sleep but softened by the simple joy of having him so close. As she finally opened her eyes, the sight of Fuma’s still-sleepy face, his dark hair endearingly tousled, brought a genuine smile to her lips. He leaned in and pressed another soft kiss to her cheek, making her giggle softly despite the lingering heaviness that still resided in the corners of her heart.

“Did I sleep through the sunrise entirely?” she asked, the words still carrying a sleepy drawl as she stretched languidly, a small yawn escaping her lips.

Fuma’s soft laugh rang out, rich and full of affection. “Just barely, sleepyhead. We didn’t want to wake you any earlier than absolutely necessary. It’s definitely time to rise and shine now, though.”

Clementine stretched her arms above her head, relishing the feeling of her tired muscles loosening and the comforting warmth of Fuma’s hand as he gently pulled away, allowing her to fully wake. She glanced at the empty expanse of the other side of the bed, where Jo had been just hours before, and a slight furrow creased her brow. “Where are the others, love?”