Page 40 of Hallowed & Haunted

They wash each other with reverent touches afterward, both still overwhelmed that they’re allowed this. And when they finally emerge from the shower, Niillas wraps him in a soft towel, and holds him close some more.

Perfect.

Right.

“I didn’t know that shower sex could be a quasi-religious experience,” Sander mumbles when they’re finally back in the kitchen, and he fumbles with the coffee machine.

Niillas grins, looking him over like he wants to devour him.

“Okay, coffee and food first, and maybe then I can show you another spiritual awakening.”

Karo whines reproachfully from where he’s curled up on the rug under the table, looking perfectly at home already.

“We need to get him checked by a vet,” Niillas says, crouching down to scratch behind Karo’s ears. “Make sure he’s healthy.”

“I can make an appointment,” Sander says automatically, and Niillas only nods, not commenting on the fact that they’ve gone from allegedly hating each other to fucking and shared pet parenthood in less than 24 hours.

They settle together on the plush kitchen sofa with their breakfast, companionable and close, and Karo positions himself hopefully at their feet. Breaking off a piece of his salmon sandwich, Niillas offers it to the dog, who accepts it with delighted eagerness.

“So much for not feeding him your sandwich,” Sander teases.

“He deserves a treat. He’s been through a lot.”

Sander considers the truth of that. Karo had died, probably defending Marta from the stállu, and had been trapped between worlds for who knows how long. Now he’s here with them, solid and real and wagging his tail over bits of Niillas’ sandwich.

“Do you think Marta is really gone?” The question slips out before Sander can stop it.

Niillas is quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

“I think the veil was thin enough for Karo to slip from whichever place he was trapped in. Maybe Marta was able to leave, too. I felt her essence unravel under my claws after all.”

“I hope she found peace,” Sander says, suddenly sad.

“She tried to kill you.”

Niillas doesn’t seem inclined to forgive her anytime soon.

“She was scared and alone and desperate. I can’t hate her for that.”

Throwing an arm over Sander’s shoulder, Niillas pulls him closer.

“Your compassion is going to get you into trouble.”

“Already has, apparently.”

Niillas huffs the same annoyed sound he makes as a bear, and Sander chuckles.

“This ends now,” Niillas grumbles, taking a huge bite of his sandwich and surrendering the rest of it to Karo.

They eat in comfortable silence for a while, and Sander marvels at how easy this feels. No pressure to fill every moment with conversation, no need to perform or lay on the charm. Just being.

Once they’re sufficiently stuffed with cinnamon buns, Sander gets up and pulls Niillas to the living room, Karo trailing at their heels. Sander’s exhaustion is suddenly catching up with him, the adrenaline of last night and the exhilaration of Niillas’ proximity finally giving way to a bone-deep tiredness. He collapses onto the couch, pulling Niillas with him.

“How about we stay here till practice tonight?”

Niillas arranges Sander comfortably in his arms, pulling a wool blanket over them both.

“Not sure yet if I’m letting you practice today.”