The two of them had grown to understand each other deeply, even without much communication, their work proceeded seamlessly. Before long, the snails had been transferred into new kitchen hanging baskets, then carefully suspended above the hearth.
"All done." Having hung the last basket, Ewan let out a long breath. He was just about to wipe the sweat from his forehead when the Alpha proved a beat faster, carefully wiping the sweat away for Ewan.
"Be careful, you are smearing soot all over your face like a calico cat." Asher Ryder said while meticulously wiping the smudge of soot from Ewan's cheek. The man's fingers bore faint calluses, sending an indescribable flutter through Ewan's heart.
Ewan's ears flushed crimson, and he quickly changed the subject: "It looks much better hung up like this, doesn't it? The space feels more open, and the smoke drifts right into the baskets instead of getting trapped..."
