Nightmare

Chapter 21

"Not going to sleep?"

You turn to look at Kai, who had just gotten back from searching the little perimeter of woods around you, nodding your head softly.

He hums softly. "Because of the nightmare?"

You nod again.

"Makes sense. Do you mind some company?"

He takes a seat by you when you make no move to protest. Once he's comfortable, he pulls you against him, making sure to avoid irritating your injuries.

"It's really quiet out here," Kai notes, a small smile on his lips. "It's refreshing."

The two of you fall into a comfortable silence. You focus up at the sky, eyes taking in the sight of the myriad of stars casting light above the two of you. Some twinkly when you lay your sight upon them. The soft sound of the breeze floats past your ears and the tree softly rustles in it. The small stream beside you creates a tranquil background for you and your mate. You lean further against him, burrowing your head into his neck as the two of you simply exist.

Kai places a small, quick kiss on your forehead. "Do you like the stars?"

You think for a moment, then nod.

"Me too," Kai whispers, like it's a secret between the two of you. "To be honest, I don't know many names of the constellations. I just enjoy looking up at them at night. I think the only star I can actually find is Polaris."

You reach a hand down to the soft dirt, carefully dragging your finger through it. 'North Star?'

"Yeah, the North Star. I use it to find my way back home after I've worn myself out tracking."

Your mouth opens in an 'oh' fashion.

Kai giggles quietly at your face. "Yeah. I know how to find it so I always make it back to my mates."

He trails off, soft brown eyes going distant for a moment, then coming back. "Anyways, the stars really just make me feel, well I don't really know how to explain it. I just feel..."

"Less alone?"

Kai pulls back quickly, looking down at you with a shocked expression. Your voice is rough, and you think you might have made your throat bleed again by just speaking those two words, but you needed Kai to know you understand. Everything he had said, you understood, you related to. He wasn't alone with the thoughts.

"Sol..."

You shoot him a soft smile.

Kai can't seem to find his voice.

You shift your body a bit to face him fully. One of your hands travels up to lightly cup his face, and the vampire immediately leans into the touch, closing his eyes. You take a moment to admire the man in front of you. His entire body is relaxed and he seems to want to burrow further into your hand, seeping up the warmth you are radiating.

With his eyes closed, you lean forward carefully, attempting not to aggravate your wounds anymore. Pressing your lips lightly against his, you allow your body to rest against his as he lets out a soft, surprised "oh." The surprise doesn't last long, however, as he responds to your kiss quickly. His lips slot against yours perfectly, soft enough to not cause you any pain, but firm enough for you to fully feel them. When you pull away, you lay your head on his shoulder, burrowing into his neck. Kai copies your actions, laying his head on yours.

Kai huffs softly when a yawn passes your lips. "Go to sleep, Sol."

You shake your head, but your eyes slip closed despite you.