Isn't it fascinating how fast children can heal?

"Ignis," Natha called out softly through the slightly open window, before returning to the bed where Valen was curling peacefully under a blanket.

He stroked the blossoming cheeks tinted with exhaustion and satisfaction, listening to the steady heartbeat and savoring the soft breathing. He stared and stared at the smiling lips that filled his heart with warmth but also pain.

These days, he just felt like he was constantly failing. Failing to uphold his promise of filling Valen's life with nothing but smiles and sunshine. But more than anything, failing to stop Valen from worrying. What a failure he was, that even his sweetheart had to scold him this morning.

Natha let out a bitter, self-deprecating chuckle.

"I'll tell Valen if you keep making that face," Ignis flicked his tail against the windowsill to close it, the bright light blue eyes flickered in warning.