Much of the nights passed like that from then on. Coran would be kept awake by the cold, and Baize would cuddle with them after almost an hour had passed. The time frame got shorter and shorter, and one day Coran asked if Baize would just start the night with them so they didn't have to suffer those extra minutes. Baize obliged, and the huddle for warmth was a normal thing for them at that point. One of the only positive things about the cold was that Coran knew Julius's body wouldn't rot. It was odd to think about.
After what felt like a month of travel (but was likely much, much less), Coran pointed out their mother's house on the outskirts of town. They suggested stopping by the inn and resting up before continuing on, but Baize vehemently objected. Not wanting to upset their friend, they went with his wishes. It occurred to them afterwards that there was the possibility of the townsfolk hunting Baize down for his fur, and they expressed their sincerest apologies. They were forgiven quite quickly, and when night fell, they were knocking on the door to Arya's house. The red haired woman responded, looking confused.
"Coran? It's not that time of the year yet, is it?" They shook their head, realizing that she was looking directly at Baize.
"N-no, it's not... I... Th-this is Baize. He h-helped me get b-back after J-Julius..." They looked down, and Arya sent a grateful look towards Baize as she stepped forward to hug her child.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry."
The Plegian woman invited the two of them into the house, and Coran immediately sat on the couch. Baize entered with some hesitation, only stepping into the warm building after Coran patted the spot next to them. The Taguel sat a little closer to them than necessary, looking nervous. It occurred to Coran that this was likely the first time he'd been in a human home, and they put a hand on his head, petting him soothingly.
"She's my m-mom. Her n-name is Arya." They provided, and Baize nodded, relaxing a little.
"I guess she's fine then." He muttered, and Coran smiled at their friend.
The two of them went to bed after drinking a spot of tea Arya had brewed. Coran sank into the comfort of the bed with a sigh, not having slept in one ever since they began traveling with Baize. Not even ten minutes after they'd started dozing off, the door to the room they were sleeping in creaked open, and a warm, mildly furry person slipped into bed beside them. Coran let out a 'muh?' of confusion, and Baize mumbled his response.
"Just in case someone breaks in or something, I dunno." Coran giggled.
"I bet you just can't s-sleep without someone to c-cuddle with..."
"Shut up..." He mumbled.
Coran knew they were right.
Word Count: 481
In which Baize meets Arya.
In case you're worried it's too fluffy, happy, and cute, don't worry about that.
Next Saturday: Julius has a humble funeral, and Coran and Baize leave on their way.