The Overnight Guest

Hikaru gracefully poured out of the driver side of the truck to wrap around and open the door for me. I had never had anyone open a vehicle door for me before unless you counted the terrifying man who dragged me in and out of the van tonight. This was far nicer.

We made our way upstairs. When we got to my door, my hands were shaking as I tried to place the key in the lock. Hikaru let out a quiet shhhhhh sound. “You’re completely safe. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. And you can tell me to leave at any time, I won’t be offended.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “No, that’s not it. It’s probably just low blood sugar. It’s fine.” I eventually managed to turn the key and open the door. After entering, I wave my hand and state, “You’re invited to enter.”

As soon as the words escaped my mouth, I was filled with immediate regret. Was it werewolves that you had to invite inside? I don’t consume a lot of fiction, but I know I heard that come up on one of Juno’s television shows.

Hikaru entered with a quiet laugh, running a lanky hand through silky black hair. “Thank you. Your trust means a lot to me.” They take a few casual steps deeper into the living room, taking in their surroundings.

“Are you hungry? I have snacks if you’re hungry. Or I could make a whole meal if you’re really hungry. Do you like soup? Do you have any dietary restrictions? Can werewolves even be vegan?” Feeling myself start to ramble again, I cut myself off and looked over at the gorgeous creature I’d invited into my home.

They let out a sincere laugh. “I guess some wolves could, but I eat just about anything. I don’t want you to have to make something just for me, though.” They looked down at their clothes as though just now realizing how torn and bloody they were. “Do you think I could borrow some clothes? I really don’t want to get your apartment dirty, it’s so nice here.”

That was probably a good idea. If Juno found bloodstains on the couch, she would have questions for sure. “Yes, absolutely. I mean, you’re taller than me. And skinnier. But I’m sure I can find something you’ll be comfortable in.”

I retreated to my bedroom and dug out a black tank top and some gray basketball shorts that were leftover from the year I promised myself I’d become more active. I probably wore them twice. I also grabbed a hoodie and some socks, then pondered over the underwear drawer.

They weren’t male, but the pack expected me to mate with them which would mean they probably differed from me in that region. I didn’t have any underwear to accommodate that, so I hoped the shorts would suffice.

What was I getting myself into? I have never even been on a date before, and now I’m panicking over underwear for someone who is about to change clothes in my apartment. I took a few breaths to calm myself.

When I emerged from my room, they were in the same spot looking at the pictures on the wall. “I hope this fits alright,” I said while offering the clothes to them with an awkward smile. I reminded myself to not ask about the underwear. I didn’t want to give them the wrong impression. “If you want, you can take a hot shower while I get the food ready. It’s right through there, use whatever you want.”

They took the clothes and slowly nodded. “A hot shower sounds so good right now, it has been a while. Thank you.” After they disappeared into the bathroom, I made my way into the kitchen to get things ready. I filled a platter with fistfulls of cheeses, meats, crackers, and veggies. Since I was usually working or studying, most of my meals were like this. I got the tea ready and set out some milk and honey in case they needed it.

I sat down on the couch and heard the water cut off, suddenly very aware that there was a naked person in my bathroom. I knew they were currently placing their immaculate body inside my drab off brand clothes. The thought of it made me sweat, but I wasn’t sure if taking my hoodie off would send the wrong message. I flapped it open and shut like a mad bird until I heard the door creak open.

“That was the best shower I’ve had in a long, long time. Thank you so much, Gabby.”

When they emerged wearing my clothes and saying my name, I felt like I could melt. They didn’t have on the socks or hoodie, but I assumed they weren’t going to fit them very well anyway. Their body looked completely healed, which was a stark contrast from when they were chained to that post.

“The tea should be cool enough to drink now. I didn’t know how you take it, so I put some things out.” I motioned toward the table in a gesture of offering.

Hikaru gracefully glided across the room and into the couch next to me with a warm smile. “Everything smells great, you’re so kind.”

We quietly drank tea and picked at the food. I had so many questions, but nothing felt appropriate to ask after such a chaotic night.

I could smell my body wash on them, apple cider. I wondered to myself if they used my loofah to clean their battered body. After letting myself get lost in my imagination, I snapped back in a tiny panic and blurted out, “I don’t want to mate with you.” I could feel the heat rise into my cheeks.

Surprised by my sudden declaration, they nearly choked on a slice of salami. I continued, “I mean, I’m not ready. I haven’t even been kissed before, so I’m not, like, experienced. With that kind of stuff. I promised my uncle I’d focus on school, so I haven’t even been on a date before.”

Hikaru finished their tea and set it back on the coffee table. “So you’re saying this isn’t a date?”

I blinked a few times, trying to take stock of the situation. I rode in their vehicle and invited them into my home. They were naked in my bathroom and we shared a meal together. Was this a date?

They give a tiny laugh. “I’m teasing, this doesn’t have to be anything. Labels aren’t important to me. But now that we’re bonded, you are. The bond is complicated to explain, but it's undeniable that I was drawn to you. But you don’t have to do anything you aren’t comfortable with for my sake, ever.” They tilted their head down, offering an almost submissive smile. “But for the record, I’m quite experienced. And from this point on, I’m all yours.”

Hearing those words escape their soft lips caused me to quickly avert my gaze. I took a deep breath and inched my body closer to them on the couch while staring down at my knees. I felt a warm arm wrap around my shoulders in a gentle embrace. I closed my eyes and laid my head on their shoulder, suddenly aware of how tired I was.

“Would you lay here with me? While I sleep?” I asked, weakly. “I’m scared to be alone tonight.”

Hikaru gently leaned back and gave my shoulders a tender squeeze. “You never have to be alone again unless you want to be.” Their tone was genuine, and their body was warm and inviting. I quickly fell into a deep sleep, wrapped in their embrace.