He did not expect his reaction to Willow prodding at the string to make her tense up so much. Her words of concern echoed in his ears. “Oh my, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to offend. I’m so so sorry. I- I didn’t mean any harm. Which-which didn’t you like, my prodding or my question?” Redd pulled his mind away from the fading pain in his chest and looked to Willow, who looked to be a mess. His expression softened, soft words leaving his mouth too. ”Willow, you did not intentionally hurt me. You’re okay. I forgive you.” He spoke, slowly moving forward as to not spook her more. However, this time, as he moved forward, his chest did not get warmer like it had the last time…his starry eyes glanced down to his chest to see the string was gone. Did her prodding get rid of it? It did not seem strong enough to snap it, did it? He tried to get Willow to meet his gaze rather than glancing down at their chests like he had just done. ”Look at me, Willow.” He paused, softening his expression once again. ”I’m not hurting any more. It’s okay.” Redd was not known to be soft like this with anyone, but given the situation, it felt natural for him to be concerned and careful with her. Sure, he was not a fan of how fragile she seemed to be, but that was likely a result of bad coping mechanisms for traumatic events. Willow said her brother died, perhaps that’s why she was as jumpy and anxiety-ridden as she was? Redd would attempt to sit by her side again and wrap his tail around her body, directing her head into his shoulder to hopefully soothe her, get her breathing back to normal, and the like. As much as he was kind of uncomfortable with consoling a stranger, part of him wished someone had done the same for him as he grew up without either of his parents. Actions & Words.
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