Nathan spent the next hour studying Griffin's face. His sharp cheekbones, strong jawline, thin lips, thick eyelashes and dark stubble. As he memorized the face in front of him, his exhaustion finally caught with him as he drifted off, dreaming of the man lying next to him.
Shortly after Nathan nodded off, Griffin began to stir. He turned to look at the wolf beside him and grinned softly. "He's even more beautiful in his sleep," he sighed.
Kael roused at the words. [Be careful not to wake him. He was awake most of the night and needs sleep.]
Griffin startled, "What? Why was he awake?"
[How should I know?] Kael snorted. [I just know he was. It looked like he was going to get up an hour ago before laying back down.]
Griffin hmmed quietly. "I guess I'll go get started on the day's tasks."
As he got up he took care to not jostle the bed and tried to avoid the floorboards he knew squeaked. As he got dressed he thought about what the two of them could do that day.
[Don't get too excited,] Kael chimed in. [He probably needs to learn how to walk and hold things on his own before he can do any of the grandiose things you're thinking of.]
The reminder hit Griffin hard. "That's right," he said, having moved out to the yard to chop up more wood. "He was barely able to stand yesterday. And that's with help."
As Griffin chopped, he thought about how best to help Nathan. After he'd chopped enough wood to last them at least two weeks, he'd decided he'd have to treat Nathan as if he was a baby who'd just started learning how to walk. Albeit, one who could talk and understand everything he was saying.
Heading back into the cabin, he heard soft rustling coming from the bedroom. Griffin stopped just inside the door, watching a ruffled and bleary eyed Nathan try to sit up.
"Need some help?" He asked.
Nathan merely hummed in response.
Kael commented as they walked over to provide the support that Nathan needed. [He really is like a baby, isn't he? Soft, adorable and utterly helpless.]
Griffin ignored him as he greeted Nathan. "Good morning, Nate. How'd you sleep last night?"
Nathan finally managed to pry open his eyes. As he stared up at the man holding him, a small grin pulled up the corners of his mouth. "I slept great. Once I was able to fall asleep."
Griffin felt his own lips curl in response. "Yeah, Kael told me. What kept you up so late?"
"Mmm. Just couldn't sleep. I think it was more from not being used to a bed or having someone else nearby."
Griffin could see a blush start to creep across Nathan's cheeks. "Well maybe tonight will be better then. Do you need help to the bathroom?"
"Yes, please. I still don't think my legs can support me very well."
"Okay, that's fine. Do you want me to carry you or do you want to try to walk with support?" Griffin gave him the choice, but hoped he'd ask to be carried.
"I want to try walking," Nathan said.
Griffin felt a minor pang of disappointment but quickly shook it off. He was fast to offer Nathan help in standing before moving to support him like the previous night.