It was a dreamless sleep, but comfortable. Really comfortable. She opened her eyes slowly, the sun light coming from the window hitting her face. She felt so warm...

"Soft... hm?"

The girl finally woke up, realizing she had been sleeping curled up against the werewolf who was still sleeping soundly, blankets and quilt spread all over them and the floor. She knew she should get up, but... he was so warm and soft...

She buried her face on the black fur and sighed, already worrying about that silly werewolf. He was too trusting and too careless. His next encounter with hunters could very well be his last. And even if he only gave her worries, those two nights falling asleep with him nearby had been the safest she had felt in a long time.

"I have to be crazy to even be considering this..."

She turned her head and looked at the sleeping creature. All the stories she had heard from the townsfolk and hunters depicted the cursed ones as bloodthirsty monsters, many times killing their own families once they turned, devouring the flesh of their loved ones. Terrible beasts mad from the curse and the pain, turning more feral as they lost their humanity with each passing day until they became as dangerous as the original werewolves.

And yet all she saw was a peaceful creature sleeping quietly. A creature that had shown gratitude and consideration, who had not hurt her in any way not even when threatened. How pure was his heart and how steeled was his soul to resist like that to the curse?

He stirred in his sleep, letting out a small whine before sleeping quietly again. The girl watched for a while before reaching out and digging her fingers on the black curls on his head, gently petting him. Should she really do such a crazy thing? Care again, and about a werewolf of all things? It was the perfect recipe for suffering. And yet...

- Huh?

She blinked and snapped out of her thoughts, only to find a pair of black and purple eyes staring at her, wide in surprise, her hand still on his head. Feeling a sudden twinge of embarrassment, she retreated and sat back straight, holding her hands together over her chest.

- You're awake, g-good... well... feeling better, I hope? -he sat up on his hind legs, like a well behaved dog- very well, I hope you learned a lesson about sleeping on doorsteps during a snow storm!

She was trying to scold him, but all he did was tilt his head and make a sound of curiosity, making her sigh in defeat. Silly. Silly werewolf.

- So... if I understand correctly, you... would like to stay here? -he didn't reply but the way his tail had started to wag was quite a confirmation- right... so, huh... God, I can't believe I'm doing this... -she rubbed her forehead with one hand and got up, staring him down- I've decided to let you stay, for a while! -she raised one hand- just to see how you behave. If you comply to certain simple rules, I might consider making your stay more... permanent.

As soon as she finished talking, his expression changed completely, literally brightening. She didn't even know werewolves could smile! And his eyes, he looked so... happy! Almost human, if it weren't for all that fur. And before she knew it, she had two large arms wrapped around her waist and a very happy werewolf nuzzling her stomach. She stood still, not sure of how to react before hesitantly raising one hand and resting it on his head.

"...cute..."

Finally relaxing, her expression softened and she smiled, petting him gently. It seemed her life was going to become very different from now on.