Work Text:
“Salt…” Elder Faerie gently stroked his lover’s face. “You’ve been quiet lately.”
Salt of Solidarity sighed leaning into the faerie cookie’s touch. “I’m fine, my love, don’t worry about me.”
“I cannot HELP but to worry, dearest,” Elder Faerie’s wings twitched. “I can tell something is wrong, you’re all tense…”
Salt waved a hand, brushing off his husband’s concern. “It’s fine.”
“Is it… about the babies?”
Salt froze for a moment, his head snapping up to look at Elder Faerie.
Elder Faerie gave him a soft look and put a hand on his cheek. “My dear…”
“They- they’re just so small, and defenseless, and they entirely rely on US to take care of them, they could die if we do anything wrong, I-”
Elder Faerie chuckled. “I didn’t think you would be the worried one, Salt, you’ve always been the more stoic one.”
Salt of Solidarity flushed and turned away. “. . . Don’t.”
“The babies are fine, darling. Perfectly healthy. They’ll be fine,” Elder Faerie smiled. “You don’t have to be worried."
“But I still am, I can’t help it!” Salt sighed. “They- I just- they’re so-”
Elder Faerie kissed his lover’s forehead. “I know, I know.”
Salt went quiet and leaned into the touch.
“Would seeing them make you feel better?”
Salt nodded.
Elder Faerie took Salt’s arm and guided him towards the nursery.
Salt of Solidarity’s expression softened as he saw their three little babies in the nest. Silverbell, Sugarfly, and Hyacinth Salt Cookie, their little doughlings, all cuddled up together among the blankets, looking so small and sweet.
“See, they’re alright,” Elder Faerie purred, stroking Silverbell’s soft hair. “And just so precious…”
Salt of Solidarity stood there, not touching the doughlings, afraid he might accidentally crush them. Anxiety creeping in at the thought of accidentally hurting his precious babies.
Elder Faerie slowly climbed into the nest, curling up around the babies and looking up at his husband. “Come sit with us, darling.”
Salt hesitated for a moment, before Elder Faerie dragged him into the nest.
Elder Faerie nuzzled into him, the two of them curled up around the babies in the middle of the nest. Sugarfly babbled and reached up to Salt, her tiny hand resting on his cheek.
Salt’s breath hitched, and he couldn’t help himself from pulling her close and holding her. Sugarfly giggled and clung to her papa happily.
Elder Faerie chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Papa’s girl.”
Sugarfly pushed Elder Faerie’s hand away in favor of cuddling closer to Salt. Elder Faerie clutched his heart in mock offense.
Silverbell started babbling, reaching for Elder Faerie, who scooped up the little one happily.
Sugarfly babbled, clutching Salt of Solidarity’s shirt tightly in her little fist. She looked up at Salt and giggled.
“Hey there,” Salt smiled down at her.
Hyacinth Salt babbled, rolling over onto his back to stare up at his parents.
“Hey there, sweetheart,” Elder Faerie ran a hand over Hyacinth’s side.
Salt let himself relax fully. He was surrounded by the soft blankets of their nest, their three doughlings, and his lover. They were safe, warm, and comfortable. The comfort of the moment eventually led him into a nice sleep.