The fire had died some but still produced a substantial amount of light and heat, enough to keep the two wolves comfortable. Tsume lay stretched out on his back in his human form, one knee bent and propped against the floor. Haruka lay next to him, curled into his side with her head resting on his right shoulder. His right arm pressed her head gently to his body, making sure she did not wriggle about in her sleep as he slowly ran his fingers through her purple locks. Her left hand was curled up around his neck, keeping his head turned towards her and occasionally he pressed soft kisses to her forehead. Whenever he brushed her skin, a soft whimper escaped her parted lips, and she nuzzled into him as if trying to meld herself to him even in sleep. Tsume felt he could never tire of watching her sleep, and the past few hours melted into a haze.

The pair had enjoyed each other's company long past the dark of the night. Haruka had told of her life, her sister, and her pack and in return, Tsume had spoken of his own circumstances. For the first time in his life he had willingly discussed the origins of his cross scar, all the while unconsciously running his fingers over one of Haruka's arms, feeling the whip scars against her skin. She had read into the action, sensed a great weight hanging over the young man, and had let him ramble on as he pleased afterwards. It was only when he realized that the girl lying next to his sitting frame, with her hands clasping one of his by her head, had quietly fallen asleep that Tsume had ceased his tirade and slid closer to her as he lay down as well. In her sleep, she had sensed his presence and slowly pulled herself into the position Tsume now found them in.