"Doesn't that make it cool, though? Plus, it looks super soft, which is adorable!"

Admiring her hair still, they travel side by side towards the diner.

"Have you been up to anything fun as of late?"

"Oh-!"

Amara can barely hold back her laughter as Tsuki admits the truth, inviting her in regardless.

"That's completely fine, my door is always open to a dear friend, so by all means, my bathroom is on the right down the hall."

Flinching back slightly, Amara withdraws her hand from Kei, proving her some space.

"Goodness, I'm ever so sorry! I really should have approached you better, huh? I'm pleased you're doing fine, it's great to see you again."

"I think I was around eight when it first happened? I remember being in school and barely being able to stay awake, and when I was taken home, I ate a whole ton and slept for about a week before my parents realised what was happening..."

The waking world feels strange to her now, bright and fresh.

☆Gonna head off to sleep now, gn!! >◇<

"Different natural instincts and such, I never really understood it, but I prepare for it now. I remember having my first hibernation as a young girl, it was so strange, feeling so lethargic until I rested and stayed in bed for days!"

Rays of light make her living room glow with a welcome softness.

She's momentarily dumbfounded, looking at the sheer volume of Clara's hair.

"This is after you cut it? No way! You're right, it must keep you warm and insulated, as well as incredibly stylish!"

"I'm not uncomfortable explaining, don't worry! It's just hard to articulate. I enter a dormant phase where I'm somewhat lucid, my body decreases in energy and body temperature to keep me alive through the cold months."

Sitting down on her couch, Amara offers Akito a seat.

@bad-black-kitty.bsky.social

Staring down from a branch above, her wings remain poised and wide, noticing the feline woman beneath her, prepared, cautious.

With a fell swoop, Amara drops down, tapping her shoulders gently with a huge grin.

"Surprise! I haven't seen you in forever!"

"Oh, don't go saying that, you're so flattering!"

Waving a hand slightly, Amara can't help but at least feel honoured at the thought. Family. It feels comforting.

"I love what you've done with your hair, Clara, it's stunning!"

"Ah, no wonder this place feels spotless, I expected it to be dustier, but since you've been here, it makes more sense now."

Patting her hand on top of his own, Amara smiles up at Akito, watching the sunlight catch the drops of water caught atop the petals.

"Sort of, it's hard to explain..."

"My sleep time can vary, I could feel my rest becoming lighter as of late, so it was a sign."

The chill of the morning bites at her cheeks, turning her breath to steam. Her hair is still ruffled from sleep, with skewed feathers and comfy pyjamas.

"Thank you... have you come by regularly, then?"

Cautiously approaching the balcony, she knows it could only be a handful of people, since she lives rather high up. Seeing a bold peek of red hair, she immediately knows, watching what he's doing

Knocking before stepping out, not to startle him, Amara yawns, smiling after

"Were you gonna say hi?"

"I'm sure there are some that do and don't, I just so happened to pick up that trait!"

Wiping her hand on her leg first to clear it of any dirt, Amara reaches up and takes Clara's hand.

"Would you, or anyone, mind if I came by since you're closed?"

"Oh, no, no, not personal at all! I have to stock up on a lot of non-perishable foods and eat a ton to keep my body's energy and calories up, I clean my place up and make sure to preen any loose feathers before settling down to pass the cold months away!"

She laughs slightly, watching dust settle.

@krimsononi.bsky.social

Hibernation. Quiet. The silence and dust that settles across her surroundings. Her apartment had been still ever since Akito and Eileen had found a home of their own, and this long sleep only furthers that.

Waking to a sound from her balcony, Amara goes to investigate...

"It really has been a while, hasn't it? Not that I mind! I've been asleep this whole time, hibernation instincts and all..."

Rubbing the back of her neck slightly, her fingers ruffle her feathers.

"I'm pleased to hear you're well, it's always a pleasure to see you! Is aunt Maddy around?"

"Awh, I hope that's been going well for you! Did you not get a break from your job over the holidays?"

Pushing the top of the french press, Amara pours out the coffee out for the two of them, tapping two spoons of sugar into Demo's mug.

"It really is lovely to have company again."

"Most certainly!"

Humming to herself, Amara reaches for two mugs inside of the kitchen cabinet, scooping the coffee into her french press.

"Have you been up to much since the new year?"

@regalreaper.bsky.social

Many months had passed since Amara had seen her dear friend Testament, and she had wondered how they were doing from time to time...

Getting some fresh air after her hibernation, she glides through the city, spotting a familiar figure, dressed dark and elegant...

"I'm pleased to hear you've been well, Demo, these months have flown by for me since I went into hibernation."

Chirping gently with laughter, Amara makes her way over into her kitchen area.

"Oh, goodness, no! I can make the coffee, I wouldn't expect a guest to do the work! How do you take yours?"

"Why, you most certainly can! We have a range of coffee options, here, do you have a preference or are you looking for a regular americano?"

Not wanting to provide the wrong thing, Amara points to their menu listed behind the cafe counter.

"Demo, what excellent timing! I was actually trying to draft you a letter, but my brain is so fried from hibernation that I wasn't sure what to say! I'm pleased to see you."

Stepping aside, Amara invites Demo indoors with a bowing gesture.

"I'm still waking up, would you believe! What about you?"

The sudden sound shakes Amara from her thoughts, now focused on who might be at her door. Placing her pen down on the counter, she glides on over to answer.

Unlatching the lock and opening the door, a smile creeps across her face.

"I was just thinking of you!"

☆WIZEMAN MENTIONED??? OH MY GOD??? NiGHTS ON MY TIMELINE???

The surprise snaps her out of her sleep-addled haze, cool grass and soil greeting her back and hair as she squawks sharply before realising who it is that's jumped her.

"Clara? Oh my goodness, hi! You spooked the feathers off me! How are you?"

@an-endless-cycle.bsky.social

The bell overhead rings, demanding Amara's attention as she cleans up the service counter.

"Hmm? Good morning! What can we do for you today?"

Seems you've caught her at work! Is Mike in the mood for a coffee, perhaps?

@highwayrealms.bsky.social

{For Demo}

Sat hunched over her kitchen table, Amara focuses on the paper before her, tongue stuck out slightly in concentration.

She hasn't spoken to or seen Demo since she went into hibernation, so what better way to start by writing a letter?

@armlesstsuki.bsky.social

"Ah, Tsuki! It feels like I haven't seen you in so long!"

Beaming as she invites her indoors, Amara does her best to seem presentable.

"Say, what brings you by?"

@mrsmadelynsnappe.bsky.social

Making her way through the forest to see Madelyn, Amara eventually finds herself gliding amongst the trees, her mind still slowly waking up from such a long winter's rest.