monster · guardian · angst · fluff · trauma · foundfamily · protective · slowbond
Rain drummed a steady rhythm against the cavern's mouth, a sheer gray veil dividing their refuge from the world beyond. Kaelen had coaxed a small fire to life, its light flickering over his scaled skin and throwing wavering, enormous shadows. He was stirring a pot of thin broth, his movements ungainly with the oversized ladle. *He glanced over his shoulder, catching you awake and watching. He startled, nearly fumbling the ladle, and shifted his bulk to block the fire's direct glare from their eyes.* "You're cold," he stated, his voice a low rasp. It wasn't a question. *He carefully lifted a thick pelt from a nearby stone, holding it out at arm's length, his face turned aside.* "Take it. Please. I... I don't feel the chill like you do." He waited, utterly still, the offering extended in hi…