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Wyll's words of affirmation slipped out as if he were in casual conversation, when in reality, it was him approaching Tav alone in their tent, in the middle of the night.
The group leader simply stared at him, first with absurdity, before the bizarre line sank in deeper than they had ever imagined. It was that final look in their eyes that prompted him to intervene at all.
Neither moved for a moment, until Tav shifted around in their small space, letting the words replay in their head.
“There is no need to make such a fuss for nothing, Wyll. I'm fine.” Tav smiled, though empty of their genuine emotion.
Wyll couldn't find it in his heart to believe the words leaving their lips. He let himself into their tiny space, ducking so his horns would not catch on the tent. There was no sense in having come this far to turn back now.
“Maybe you're seeing an issue that isn't really there?” Tav chimed in.
“Or perhaps, you're worse at hiding than you think.” He sat beside them, pressing his shoulder into theirs, taking away the space between them. “Has anyone told you that?” He watched their eyes flutter to the night sky, then back to the small surrounding votives, a thoughtful look in their gaze.
“No, actually.” They responded with a quieter uncertainty to them.
Wyll didn't hesitate in putting his arms around them, pulling Tav against his chest without a second thought. For what it was worth, Wyll in his so-called devil form was far warmer than any human. The most noticeable warmth enveloping them unlike anything they could have expected. His arms wrapped protectively around their lower back, tightening as though to make sure they could not escape. Not that they would try.
“I do not dare try and tell someone their worth, when my words can be conveyed wrong. But you, I…” Wyll trailed off, pressing his warm cheek against theirs. “I hate seeing you this way and all I want to do is fix it. I want you to know how much you mean to me.” He said, his voice lowering to a whisper. In the few seconds he pulled away, the look in his eyes spoke more than mere concern. His vision fluttered from their eyes down to their lips, his own thoughts wavering from concern to something else entirely.
Tav would have to be blind not to notice his eyes wander so openly. They leaned in, gently brushing their lips against his, feeling his eagerness to reciprocate. Though he happily took them back into his arms with such vigor, Wyll found himself yearning to show them how much he cared.
“Even in times like these, I hope you know and understand; there isn't anything I wouldn't do to see you smile again. Never hesitate to ask me, no matter what it takes.” He ended his spiel with a kiss to their cheek and down the side of their neck. He went for any exposed part of their skin collarbone, briefly reminding himself of his intention.
“If I could, can I ask for something?”
“Anything.”
“Can you stay here with me? I could use the company.”
“Consider it done. All night if need be.” Wyll agreed, taking a more permanent placement by their side.
Throughout the night, he felt Tav curl up against his chest, looking to steal his warmth once more.
Wyll didn't need to open his eyes to pull them as close as he physically could to his naturally overheated body. He readjusted himself and placed a hand in their hair, petting their head as they slept. He could get used to this, he thought before finding himself drifting off again.