Ocean Kisses

School

Doc pov

Ren was all cuddled up with me in his wolf form, his body warm and surprisingly heavy against mine. He had refused to move all night, making himself at home beside me on the couch. One of his paws was pressed up against my back—or at least I thought it was. I didn’t mind; honestly, it was comforting having him there.

I had been deep in sleep until the shrill sound of my alarm shattered the quiet morning. It was set to make sure my son got up for school, but I barely registered it before I felt Ren suddenly bolt awake beside me. He jumped so violently that it startled me, and the next thing I knew, he was pressed tight against me, trembling slightly.

His paws tucked under his chest, and his cold nose buried itself in the crook of my neck, seeking comfort. His ears were pinned back so tightly against his head that I could feel the tension radiating from him. It was a rare sight, seeing him so vulnerable like this, and it tugged at something deep inside me.

“Hey, it’s okay,” I murmured softly, my hand instinctively reaching up to stroke the fur along his back in slow, calming motions. His breathing was quick and shallow, and I could feel the slight quiver in his frame as I tried to soothe him. “It’s just the alarm. Nothing to worry about.”

Ren didn’t respond, at least not verbally. His tail was tucked tightly against him, and his body remained rigid for a moment longer before he finally began to relax under my touch. The warmth of his breath against my neck gradually steadied, and his ears flicked slightly, no longer plastered flat against his head.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” I added, my voice soft as I continued to stroke his fur. “It’s just for getting the kid up for school. You’re safe here, Ren. Always.”

He huffed lightly, a sound somewhere between a sigh and a grumble, before shifting just enough to glance up at me with those golden eyes of his. They still held a hint of nervousness, but there was trust there too, and it made my chest ache in a way I couldn’t quite describe.

“Come on,” I said gently, giving his side a reassuring pat. “You can relax. I’ll take care of everything.”

Ren stayed where he was for a moment longer, his nose still pressed close to my neck. Finally, with a soft, almost reluctant movement, he let out a deep sigh and rested his head back against me, his body curling up a little tighter.

I got up, groaning a little at the stiffness in my legs, and made my way to shut off the alarm. The noise cut off abruptly, leaving a peaceful stillness in its wake. After making sure my son was awake and moving upstairs, I headed back downstairs to check on Ren.

When I returned, the sight that greeted me made me pause. Ren was completely curled up on the couch where I’d been sitting, snug under the blanket I’d been using. His tail was tucked around him, and his nose was buried into the soft folds of fabric. His breathing was slow and steady, his earlier tension completely gone.

A small smile tugged at my lips. He looked so peaceful now, almost vulnerable in a way I rarely saw. It was endearing, really, watching this proud, fierce creature seeking comfort in something as simple as a warm spot on the couch.

I stepped closer, careful not to make too much noise. It was clear he wasn’t scared anymore—just fast asleep, completely at ease. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d curled up there to soak up the lingering warmth I’d left behind. It wouldn’t surprise me; Ren had a way of doing things like that without ever admitting it outright.

He barely ever talked in his wolf form, which made it harder to guess what he was thinking. Still, the way he’d buried himself into the blanket spoke volumes. He wasn’t just stealing warmth; he was letting himself feel safe, if only for a little while.