Kael opened his eyes to the shimmer of light entering through the entrance of the cave. He looked down and saw Kitsu cuddled against him. He patted her head and gently unwrapped her arms from his waist, placing her head on the pillow.
Kael took one last glance at her sleeping peacefully and got out of bed. He stretched a little and started rummaging through the kitchen. Again, he couldn't find anything but meat. He gave up on preparing breakfast and turned towards the bed, watching her sleep peacefully, her tail curled around her body.
He kept watching for a good while until she finally woke up, fluttering her eyes. Kael thought, She really is cute. I guess I really am falling for her. He leaned closer to her and kissed her eyes.
She looked at him, her heartbeat quickening with his actions, and smiled, her tail slowly starting to wiggle.
"Good morning, Kael."
Kael patted her head, smiling back at her.
"Good morning," he said, gently caressing her cheek. "I couldn't find anything to prepare for breakfast."
She slowly sat up and rested on his lap, hugging him.
"I usually sleep through the morning, so I don't have any ingredients for breakfast. Sorry."
Kael felt happy and excited at her actions, hugging her back.
"It's okay. We can have lunch later."
Does she usually sleep late or something? Why was she sleeping through the morning? Kael wondered.
As Kael was lost in thought, Kitsu leaned closer to his neck, her lips almost brushing his skin, and asked:
"May I?"
Kael snapped out of his thoughts and nodded, tilting his head to the side to make it easier for her.
Kitsu sharpened her fangs and bit him as he offered his neck. She closed her eyes, savoring the taste of his delicious blood.
Kael placed one hand behind her head, pulling her closer, while his other hand rested on her waist, holding her tightly.
Kitsu licked his neck and kissed it after she finished drinking. This human is making me feel things I've never felt before.
"Thank you, Kael," she said softly.
Kael kissed her forehead. How should I tell her that I have to leave tomorrow?
"Would you like to go to my barrack? I'd like to eat something as well."
Kitsu felt happy and safe with his kiss. She buried her face in his chest, feeling embarrassed for being selfish and asking for his blood before he'd eaten anything.
"Sorry, I didn't think of you. Yes, we should go to your barracks so you can have something. You must be feeling tired."
Kael smiled, seeing her concern for him. He stood up, lifting her with him for a second.
"See? I'm not tired at all. Now let's go to my barrack."
Kitsu's eyes widened, and as a reflex, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She smiled at him and held his hand as they left the cave, walking hand in hand.
They didn't say anything on the way, simply enjoying the feeling of each other's hands and relaxing to the soothing sounds of nature.
When they arrived at the barrack, she insisted:
"I'll prepare breakfast this time. You must be exhausted from the walk, especially after I drank your blood."
Kael patted her head, wondering, What is she going to prepare? I hope it doesn't involve meat. I really don't want to eat any more meat after yesterday.
"Okay, okay. What are we having for breakfast, then?"
She smiled and said,
"I'll make 'Yumurtalı ekmek,' but I need stale bread for it. Do you have any? My mom used to cook it when I was little."
Kal was surprised. What is yumurtalı ekmek? And why does it need stale bread? I hope I don't get food poisoning.
"The ones in that basket must be stale. They've been there for two days."
Kitsu's eyes sparkled with joy as she pushed him towards the bed and quickly returned to the counter. She selected two loaves of bread and started cutting them. Then, she took out two eggs, cracked them into a bowl, and whisked them carefully, adding a pinch of salt. Meanwhile, she heated a frying pan. She dipped each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides were coated. Lastly, she placed the bread in the frying pan, waiting with one hand on her back and her body slightly arched to the side.
Kael, surprised by her little push, sat on the bed. His eyes wandered, stopping at her serious expression as she cooked. He couldn't help but smile. When he saw her take out a frying pan, he panicked. Does she know how to use it? Should I step in? But as he watched her handle everything meticulously, he relaxed and focused on her face again.
As she placed the bread on the pan, he got up and hugged her from behind.
"This smells so good," he said, looking at the food but only smelling her hair.
She was surprised by his hug but slowly relaxed into it, leaning her head against his chest. Giggling at his words, she looked up into his eyes. I like being in his arms and being around him. Is this what they call love?
Snapping out of her thoughts, she pushed him slightly.
"It's almost done. Could you set the table?"
Kael nodded, letting go of her, and began setting the table.
They started eating, but Kitsu was still wondering: Will he like it? What if he doesn't?
As she worried, Kael took his first bite and, shortly after, spoke with a wry smile:
"This reminds me of my grandmother's cooking. Thank you, Kitsu. I really liked it."
Kitsu's tail began wagging.
"I'm glad you liked it," she said. But seeing him get a little emotional, she asked, "Is your grandmother..."
Kael quickly composed himself and smiled.
"Don't worry. It's been a long time."
Kitsu didn't ask anything more, and they finished the rest of the breakfast in silence.
When they were done, Kitsu started licking her hands.
"Kitsu, stop it. Come here," Kael said, standing in front of the bathroom.
She blushed and approached him. Kael washed her hands as gently as he could. Once again, Kitsu felt safe with him and looked at him with gratitude.
"You're not allowed to lick your hands anymore," Kael said.
"But I'm half fox. It's normal," Kitsu replied.
Kael turned to her and started dragging her out of the bathroom.
"No buts."
Her tail and ears droop. Seeing her upset, Kael relented.
"Okay, you can do it, but at least not when I'm around."
Kitsu's tail began wagging again, and she smiled.
Kael sighed, patting her head before hugging her. They both stood there, feeling the warmth of each other.
"Kitsu, I have something to tell you," he said, looking upset.
Kitsu turned her attention to him, waiting for him to speak.
"I have to leave tomorrow."