Make Me Forget

“Anything for you.” The mask of his slavery was ripped away, showing vunrability for vulnerability. Even his gentle snark was absent in the moment. He had always obeyed his master, but he had never loved them. Aslatiel was different. She had treated him differently, right from the start. She confused and exasperated and thrilled him. She was changing him from an empty vessel to a well of emotion. He didn’t know yet if that was a good thing.

Her breathing evened out, and a soft subtle whistle blew past her muzzle. She was asleep. He held her a little longer to be certain, before gently and subtly untangling himself. He grabbed a small piece of cloth, and heated water over her little fireplace. Warming it, before dipping the cloth into it, and returning to her. He gently dabbed under her eyes, doing everything he could to keep his motions quiet so not to disturb her. Wiping away the salt of her tears so her eyes would not be red and puffy on the ‘morrow. Then he laid out an assortment of soaps Io had allowed him to take. Tomorrow he would convince her was a spa day, with a warm cloth over her eyes, and soft soaps rubbed into her paws. But, for now, sleep. He curled himself back around her, holding her gently against his larger frame, and let sleep take him.