It was quiet around the house for the next couple days, Declan too busy to check up on Faun.
Faun made it difficult too, constantly staying out of sight. The only times they saw each other was when they ate meals and Faun was off to his bedroom again.
Declan didn't have the time to worry about it, he would just believe that Faun was trying to decipher the cook books all on his own or maybe sneaking out to the house to spend time in the woods.
Either was fine by Declan, after finishing up the novel he was working on, he had told Isla that he wouldn't be writing anymore for the rest of the year.
It wasn't like he needed the money.
Isla had easily agreed, much to his surprise. He appreciated her hounding him to finish the one he was working on, if she hadn't done that he would have probably never gotten round to finishing it.
It was the same with the first novel he wrote, if she hadn't dogged his steps, he would have never finished it either.
He was never going to tell her that though.
He was already on the final scene, steadily writing. Something caught his attention and he glanced up, listening intently.
He could hear the television from the living room and he let out a breath he had no idea he was even holding, it was good news of sorts if Faun was watching shows again.
It was a little late too, they had dinner a couple hours ago.
Declan went back to writing, he planned to finish up the novel before he slept and it didn't take too long fortunately.
An hour later, he was shutting down his laptop with a big sigh. The novel was finally complete, he could enjoy his break.
He doubted he would be writing another one but Isla didn't need to know that, she didn't need to know a lot of things, just like Faun.
He could still hear the television running so he already knew what to expect. Faun was asleep on the couch when he checked but something was wrong.
His ears and tail weren't out, it made Declan worried for some reason.
Was Faun uncomfortable? Did he want to leave?
That would be a problem because there wasn't anywhere for him to go.
Worrying about it wasn't going to bring Declan any answers, he would be better off taking Faun to his much more comfortable bed.
There was a substantial difference in Faun's weight in comparison to the first time he had to carry him and it was just under a week, Declan felt proud about that for some reason.
Faun's snuggling up to him caught him off guard but he just glanced down at the sleeping hybrid and did nothing, continuing his journey.
The sensation of Faun's tail wrapping around one of his legs was both startling and familiar, he didn't need to glance down to know that Faun's ears were also peeking out of his hair.
Mixed emotions fell in a waterfall down Declan's chest but he didn't slow down, nudging open the door to Faun's bedroom.
Disentangling Faun's tail was easier this time, his tail immediately wrapping around his own waist instead, his ears twitching.
Declan had to bite back the words 'goodnight' before they slipped past his lips, turning around to head to his room.
The next day, he was up at the crack of dawn. It wasn't that he wanted to wake up early but that he couldn't sleep any longer.
He would clean up the entire cottage the next day, something told him though that Faun would want to take over that as well. He didn't mind.
But now that he wasn't writing anymore, there was really nothing to do. He would find something to do though, that was for later.
Just as he was expecting, Faun was up in no time, beelining straight for the kitchen.
"How did you sleep?" Declan asked conversationally, leaning against the counter as he watched Faun cook up breakfast.
Faun steadfastly looked away from Declan's gaze but he seemed better, less tense and less occupied with his thoughts.
"Good." Faun said shortly, busying himself with preparing coffee for Declan.
Declan frowned but made no comment, he needed to tell Faun something else anyway.
"My editor Isla will be coming over today, do you mind staying in your room while she's around?" He asked carefully.
As much as he knew that Faun would rather avoid humans, he still had to be tactical about asking.
"I don't." Faun replied quickly, looking at him for the first time since he stepped into the kitchen. He looked away just as quickly though, red tinting his cheeks.
Declan didn't notice this, settling down at the kitchen island after helping Faun set up the table.
"Do you want to do anything after? We could go for a walk in the woods." He offered awkwardly after a while of eating quietly side by side.
Faun's eyes widened slightly in surprise at this but he kept his head down, his gaze fixed on his food.
"Okay" He answered in a half whisper.
"Is something wrong?" Declan had to ask, staring at Faun in concern.
Faun glanced up at him, his gaze dropped and went back to Declan's face. "You… You're not wearing any clothes." He blurted out, looking away again.
Declan glanced down, biting back a curse; he had forgotten to put a shirt on after showering. In his defense, he just finished working out and still felt heated even after taking a shower.
He looked up at Faun again, was that why the hybrid had been avoiding looking at him the entire morning?
It was a little rude to go around half naked while he had a guest but he rather liked a flustered Faun.
He reached out to take Faun's jaw in a hand, bringing his face around to him. "Does it bother you?"
Faun's eyes widened in a panic, his face reddening even further, his freckles practically jumping out of his face.
What was he supposed to say??