"I think you've been… avoiding thinking about your mom's death." Bryn tucked his head on top of Sebastian's. "And now, because you've never really processed it, the grief is starting to overwhelm you. You've never really had to go through something like this before. Your mind's getting flooded with emotions, and you don't know how to stay afloat."
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Sebastian listened quietly, realizing Bryn was probably right. He let out a little breath, pushing his head up lightly against the underside of Bryn's jaw.
"I…"
Bryn looked down at him. "You what, Sebastian? You don't have to be insightful or profound, I just want you to talk."
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Sebastian could feel the memories slowly losing their hold as they continued, closing his eyes.
"I miss her."
Bryn sighed softly and pulled Sebastian closer. "Of course you do Sebastian, she was your mom and you loved her. It's okay to be upset, it's an upsetting situation and you never really grieved over the worst part of it."
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Sebastian took a deep breath, letting Bryn's words sink in. He tucked his head under Bryn's again, not responding. He just wanted this to be over.
Bryn curled up around him, pulling him closer protectively. "Grieving takes a long time sweetheart, and you don't have to do it if you don't want to. But… it'll get better with time. I can promise you that much."
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Sebastian just nodded. By now, he was fully back in the present. He just didn't have anything to say. He kissed Bryn's chest, closing his eyes.
Bryn kissed the top of his head, stifling a yawn against his hand. He was getting sleepy, but he didn't want to doze off just in case Sebastian was still struggling. "I love you," he mumbled. "I'll always be here for you, for whatever you need."
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"I love you too," Sebastian mumbled. He himself was already falling asleep, energy drained.
Bryn nodded, pulling Sebastian as close as he could as he slowly lost the fight to stay awake and slipped off to sleep.
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Sebastian awoke later, still snuggled flush against a sleeping Bryn. He smiled softly, resting his head against Bryn's chest again, letting out a tiny breath. This was nice.
Bryn had Sebastian squished between one of the walls of the nest and his body, an attempt to keep him protected on all sides. He was still dozing quietly, head tucked securely on top of Sebastian's and arms wrapped protectively around his waist.
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Sebastian rubbed Bryn's back lightly, eyes half-closed again. He felt warm, and safe.
Bryn hummed softly, nuzzling Sebastian's hair as he stirred.
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Sebastian smiled when he felt Bryn nuzzle his hair, tilting his head up to kiss Bryn's chin.
Bryn let out a happy sounding sigh and his eyes cracked open, scanning the room lazily before they landed on Sebastian and he lit up. "Hi," he murmured, voice soft with sleep. "Feeling better?"
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"Much," Sebastian grinned up, pulling himself up just a little so he wasn't craning his neck to look Bryn in the eyes.
"Thank you."
Bryn nodded, muffling a yawn against Sebastian's shoulder as his human shifted them around. "Of course, I'm glad I could help."
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Sebastian was completely relaxed by now, one hand going up to play with Bryn's hair. He loved touching it.
"Well, you did an amazing job of it."
Bryn hummed happily, leaning back into his touch with a soft smile. "Good! You seemed really distraught, I was worried I wouldn't be able to help you."
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Sebastian nodded.
"Yeah… well, I'm glad it's over now." He kissed Bryn once, grinning again.
Bryn smiled back at him, returning the kiss eagerly. "Yeah, me too. You really promise you're feeling better?"
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"Promise." he stretched a little, settling down again and wrapping his arms around Bryn's waist in return.
"I'm okay now."
Bryn curled up against his chest automatically, wrapping his arms around Sebastian's chest so they could still stay curled up next to each other. "Good. You come to me if anything like that happens again, alright? I hate seeing you so worked up."
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"Okay. I'll do that." He kissed Bryn's forehead, content to stay happily squished between Bryn and the nest.
Bryn seemed to relax once he got all the questions out of the way, pressing a gentle peck to Sebastian's lips. "Great. How'd you sleep? Did you have sweet dreams?"
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"I slept amazingly." He smiled, resting his hed against Bryn.
"It's hard not to when we're like this."
Bryn laughed and pushed their foreheads together. "Well I'm glad, because next time we nap I get to be squished in the middle."
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Sebastian laughed sweetly, nuzzling Bryn's nose with his own.
"Okay then. I'll be sure to remember."
