The longest hugs

Basilisk would ensure that Aslatiel had every comfort she needed. From hunting down the softest birds, and harvesting their feathers for many more pillows to surround her, to hanging calming scents in the den. He cleaned the space around her immobiliser often so her fur did not feel greasy and lifeless from being trapped as it was. He ensured she had any food she wished for, and he hugged her, long and often. His favourite food to hunt in these last few days was boar, and he held a secret delight in the sounds of their screams. It was the only outlet he allowed himself for the strange and foreign feelings inside of him.

Raised as he was, his emotions had always held a dampened feel to them. As though there was a delay between them and his brain. Perhaps the many abuses he had suffered in his life had disconnected him just a tad from reality. Asla had slowly but shortly brought him back to life with her tenderness and kisses. Only to overwhelm him now, injured and in pain as she was. In the early hours of the morning, he ensured her pillows were arranged carefully around her, and then he was pressed against her as much as he could.