Moisture had collected in your clothes. When you slipped under the covers with Jin, he winced.

"Apologies.", you rubbed his red cheeks to restore colour to his face.

He was naturally pale, but last time he looked as white as snow, even in the glow of the fire. Exhaling deeply, he closed his eyes and leaned into your touch.

"The scar has healed badly.", you remarked as your thumb stroked the rough skin.

His beard felt full, the hair was soft.

"The scar... was the result of a stupid... accident.", he said. "It's a... lesson. So that I never forget."

Snorting, you approached him. But again, the touch of your damp clothes on his naked torso was like a dagger of ice that you plunged into his flesh.

Again you pulled back. He trembled. His whole body seemed to turn to ice, his lips were already turning slightly blue.

"Our options are severely limited.", you said with raised eyebrows.

He pressed his lips into a thin line and thought for a moment. Then he turned his back to you.

"Do what you must.", he murmured.

You were confused for a moment until it dawned on you. He had turned round so that you could undress. Your clothes wouldn't dry fast enough for you to sleep together.

But you needed a blanket and Jin needed warmth. So it would be best to share all the blankets and the body heat. It would increase his chances of surviving the night.

Your eyes slowly wandered around the house. There was nowhere you could have changed.

Jin still had his back turned to you. Flames danced across his face. And although he had been brought up really well, he found his eyes wandering over his shoulder at the sound of rustling fabric.

"Don't look!", you slapped him on the bare shoulder.

Startled, he winced.

"I didn't...", he bit his tongue because he knew he had done it.

Heat made your head burn. A tingling sensation spread through your body.

Why were you ashamed?

No, it wasn't that. There was nothing you had to hide.

And yet.

As you removed the last layer of clothing, a shiver ran down your spine. Your skin tightened in the cold. Nipples became hard. Embarrassed, you crossed your arms in front of your chest.

"You should... get under the blanket.", Jin lifted the blanket with narrowed eyes.

You didn't dare look at him, turned your back to him and slowly slid under the covers. A trembling breath escaped his lips as your skin touched his. He shivered briefly. Then he exhaled deeply and sighed.

It was cold for a moment and then you had to sigh too. Although he was sweating, there was still a bit of body heat left in him. You snuggled up to him as close as possible, but all that touched were your backs.

That wouldn't be enough for the night.

Rough bandages pressed against your sensitive skin. The crackling of fire was in the air. Golden light filled the room. It was pouring outside the house. Raindrops broke on leaves.

"Jin.", you whispered into the silence.

He moved behind you. Slowly his head turned, just far enough to meet your gaze. The black hair he had previously worn in a thin plait had come undone at the nape of his neck. Now a thousand little strands of hair were travelling down the back of his neck.

"The night is getting... cold...", he just said and turned round again.

With a nod, you took this as his approval and slowly turned round. Your chest briefly caressed his back. Taking a deep breath, you moved a little closer.

His whole body felt like it was covered in a thin layer of ice. When the last distance between you was closed, Jin sighed softly. His eyes fell closed.

"You're... so warm...", he sighed softly and lowered his head.

Your breasts pressed against his back. It took you a moment to find a good place to rest your hand. He noticed the restless movement, frowned and suddenly grabbed your hand to hold it.

He placed it on his chest. You could feel the beat of his heart in the palm of your hand.

The fire was still burning brightly. The warmth kissed your face, chased away the cold that raged in Jin's body.

You lay there with your blankets wrapped tightly around each other, the night dark and cold, listening to the sound of the rain.

Jin's quiet breathing echoed in your ears. He seemed to be asleep, but when you tried to pull your hand away, he held you tight.

"Stay...", he breathed, already half asleep. "You're so nice and warm..."

The way he spoke, no longer quite in control of his senses and as vulnerable as a man could be, made you smile. You carefully moved closer to him again, so close that your breasts pressed against his back.

"I can... feel the beat of your heart...", he whispered and lay down quietly again.

With a gentle smile, you allowed yourself to rest your chin on his shoulder. Now your head was lying on his, ear to ear. Slowly but steadily, his body warmed up. Although his skin still remained pale, the blue faded and his cheeks looked rosier, less like those of a dead man.

When you were so close to him, you could also recognise his scent. Not the iron of blood or the salt of sweat, but the way he was. Wood and incense, but also with a certain tang like the cold water of a glacier.

He smelled of nature, but also like a noble warrior. A bridge between two worlds.

The rain fell from the sky as if the clouds were weeping. The moor was flooding and as your eyes wandered you could see the water rising. So the house was standing on stilts for a reason.

Tiredness made your eyes heavy. Even though you had gained a few hours of sleep with Yuriko and Tanaka, it still wasn't enough.

Your body was aching, exhausted. And Jin's condition didn't help to give you a little peace of mind. Sighing softly, you let your eyes fall shut and bury your face against his neck.

Dark hair tickled your nose. You took a deep breath.

"Jin...", you mumbled half asleep. "How can... a samurai have such beautiful hair...?"