"How does it look?"
"Perfect."
.....
Elmstorm was her most frequent visitor, moreso than Pearpool or Silverwing’s remaining siblings. He brought prey, water, a silly joke, a report of a border patrol he was assigned to by Poolstar. He carried warmth and security with him, staying for hours just talking and holding her, allowing her to vent out her frustrations, her fears, and letting her sob into his shoulder or chest while she gripped with with sharp claws, desperate to not let him fall victim to the caiman as well.
Most importantly, he brought hope. His beaming smile made her heart do a funny flip in her chest when he saw her. His brilliant green eyes shone with relief and joy when he saw her start to regain her footing. Endless encouragements and support as she started to venture out of Blackberrythorn’s den and into the camp proper. Complimenting her bravery and courage for overcoming what many did not. On one occasion, he’d even brought her a pretty flower he’d found whilst out paying his respects to Lilyrose and Cypressfern.
“I thought this would suit you,” he’d said, gently laying the white orchid at her paws. “I thought it would really bring out your eyes, and it was really pretty.” His voice had been colored with a shyness Silverwing hadn’t heard before, but she’d found herself smiling and thanking him before allowing him to tuck the flower behind her ear. Once it was in place, he’d sat back on his haunches, just staring at her. “Wow,” he’d breathed, sounding in awe.
Silverwing’s ears had flattened, her cheeks burning as she couldn’t fight the smile tugging at her muzzle. “How does it look?”
“Perfect,” the response was immediate, and Elmstorm didn’t skip a beat. “It looks perfect.” He’d hesitated for a moment before touching his nose to her forehead, breathing in her scent. “You look perfect.”
Silverwing had frozen in that moment, too stunned and overwhelmed by emotion to speak. She’d leaned into his touch, purring softly as time seemed to have slowed down. The outside world fizzled away as all she could smell was his earthy scent and she’d closed her eyes. She could’ve lived in that moment forever. She wanted to live in that moment forever.