The human’s head slumped back against the soft pillow beneath his head, and Rahar heard him heave a sigh. “Why do you keep giving me that puppy dog look…” Theo whispered softly to himself. “I…I don’t care, do what you want…” Theo grumbled, and then rolled over onto his side.

Rahar’s spirits lifted, his eyes brightening as he focused on the human, who now had his back turned to Rahar. “Do you mean that, Theo?” he said, unable to hide his relief, and excitement. He wanted to stay close to the human, since it was easier to protect him. And beyond that, Theo was officially part of his hoard, and dragons tended to stay close to anyone an anything within it.

Theo muttered something under his breath, but Rahar only caught a few words, not enough to piece together a full thought. He had gone through this many times before. Rahar wasn’t exactly sure what a puppy dog look was, but people tended to reluctantly give in to him. It might be that, though Rahar wasn’t sure exactly what it meant.

“Like I said, do what you want, I’m tired…” Theo grumbled out, though he had lifted his arm slightly, and had it resting over his face and eyes. His voice was coming out muffled, though Rahar could still understand him.

Rahar hesitated a moment, feeling a brief flash of guilt. He was used to getting his way, but his closest retainers and brother often called him a spoiled brat because of it. Even though they were always the ones giving in. “I just want to keep you safe…” he said quietly.

He heard Theo give another sigh, and saw him lower his arm. His cheeks were still flushed, the soft pink glow having radiated to the human’s ears as well. Which was even more worrisome, if it was because of the fever he most certainly had. “I know that. Which is why it’s fine…a-as long as you’re in your dragon form…”

Rahar smiled again, giving a few rapid nods. He could agree to that. It was easier to regain energy in that form, anyways. “I can do that…” he shifted away from Theo, not wanting to accidentally hurt him with his magic. It involved fire, and was best to use far away from other non-dragons. His magic would protect Theo’s clothing, though, and it was more convenient to keep them on. It had never been explained to him, but somehow the dragon magic protected the clothes, and magiced them away. His teacher had once tried to explain, but had grown frustrated, and just left it at “dragon magic just works like that.” Rahar had had no qualms about leaving it like that. Leave the brainy stuff to his brother, who surely understood it.

Rahar stood up, and stepped away from the bed, letting the flames of his magic flutter over his skin. It started with scales growing over his tanned skin. His nails grew to claws, and seconds later, the painless transformation was complete. It left him far more fatigued than it normally would have, despite his smaller size. Or maybe it was because of the smaller size- it was harder to fit all of his energy in one tiny package.

At least while he wasn’t at full strength.

Rahar sighed, and then padded up to the bed, tail lashing lightly, before he jumped up onto the top of it. He moved closer to Theo, and then curled up in a ball close to Theo’s head. He rested his chin on the edge of the soft pillow, amethyst eyes remaining open, just watching the back of Theo’s head. Despite arguing against going to bed, Theo’s breathing was already even and slow, a sure sign that he had fallen asleep.

Rahar watched for a long moment, reflecting over all that had happened so far. It had only been a day- or was it two, now? But so much had changed. He felt a weariness sliding over his own frame, and letting out a little yawn, snuggling closer to Theo’s soft warmth. He needed to keep the human safe, and find a way to keep the pendant from falling back into the demons’ hands. Once they started sending people after them, things would change. But hopefully, these peaceful days would last for a while. Rahar wasn’t ready to fall back into fighting so soon, and he wanted Theo dragged into this as little as possible.

A dragon could hope, though Rahar knew it would take more than just hope to get them both through this.

((And if anyone's curious about how well this sleeping in the same bed thing goes, just look below!! spoiler:: Not well for one of them))