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Harry woke up with a start. Last night had been terrifying. The Remnants had attacked and the thought of Wir being near his nest left him trembling with fear. He tried to push away the images of his bonded fighting the unnatural creatures. No one had been seriously harmed, thankfully, but Harry had hated they they put themselves in danger on his behalf. He knew he was being silly; any one of his Bhendhros would tell him it was their job to protect their nest, not something they did just for him. But after all the death he had witnessed growing up, he still had mixed feelings about anyone fighting to protect him.
Seeking comfort, he took refuge in the arms of his Deuk, Theo. He had been too tired to shift out of his half-form so his full creature attributes were on display. Theo woke up to the sensation of Harry nestled against him, Harry's feathers ruffled and his serpentine tail curled protectively around himself. Gently, Theo's blue avian eyes blinked open, and he smiled at the sight of Harry tucked in his arms and wings. He, too, had been too distressed to shift into his human form when he felt a danger so close to one of his Bhendhros, to his Krdi. "You had a rough night, my heart," Theo whispered, his voice a soft cooing sound. Theo had felt Harry shift earlier and knew he was awake.Harry nodded, his human and snake-like features expressing vulnerability.
"They were here, near our nest, Theo."
Theo ran his fingers through Harry's feathered hair, soothing him. "I know, my heart, but you're safe now. I won't let anything harm you."
Harry met Theo's gaze with gratitude and he smiled. "I know. You make me feel safe, Theo. Always."
They spoke softly, talking of nothing and sharing smiles and laughter, and as the morning light filtered through the window, Harry's fear began to ebb away. Theo's presence was like a protective shield, keeping the nightmares at bay.
As their conversation wound down, Harry snuggled closer to Theo, his serpentine tail wrapping around Theo's legs. "Can we just stay in bed today?" Harry asked.
Theo pressed a gentle kiss to Harry's forehead. "Of course, my heart."
They spent a lazy day in bed, their bodies entwined and their hearts intertwined. The outside world faded away as they lost themselves in each other's presence. Harry's fears were forgotten, replaced by the overwhelming love and comfort that Theo provided. Later they would emerge and let their other bonded know they were okay, assuaging their fears and fondly put up with their fussing, but for now they basked in each other's presence. Theo's feathered wings cradled Harry, and Harry's serpentine tail twined around Theo, creating a cozy cocoon of affection. In the safety of their love, the remnants from the night before seemed like a distant memory.
As the day turned to dusk, they fell asleep, wrapped in each other's arms, their hybrid forms intertwined in a testament to the unique and profound love they shared. In the sanctuary of their love, Harry knew he was truly safe, no matter the storms that might come his way.