IoQ: Hospitals and Real Healling

Thumbelina woke rather suddenly in the hospital bed, sitting straight up and looking around before relaxing slightly. She was in the hospital, her body relaxed more as she grew aware of her surroundings.. her first thought had been of her friend.. had he made it out alright?
Waldor was perched in the room, having settled himself across from the door so that he would be aware of everyone that came in. The smell of the place made him hiss but he would not leave until he was assured that his friend had been treated properly. Hospital...that's what they called this place. He was sure it was a torture chamber instead. But if they believed it to work he would try it...this once.
Seeing that he was also there she frowned, assuming that he had fallen as well. Thumbelina swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood.. too quickly though and she gave herself a headrush. A single hand went to her forehead and another to the bed's frame as she asked. "Are you alright?"
Movement to his right gave him pause before he hopped down from his perch and moved to Thumbelina's side. "Yes, your magic protected me and I dispelled the creatures before bringing you to this hell though it seems to have helped you..." Very VERY carefully taloned hands brushed along her face, trying to judge if she was in pain. "You are well? May we leave this place?"
"You brought me here?" Thumbelina blinked in suprise then smiled warmly, placing the hand she'd had on the one he'd brought to her face."Thank you." She paused in thought for a moment before nodding. "Yes we can go."
He nodded then quickly straightened, keeping her hand as he lowered his. "Quickly please. This place is unpleasant for me."
"Of course." Thumbelina nodded, giving the hand he was holding a light squeeze before leading him towards the exit.
He practically scurried out of the hospital, not slowing until they were well outside the doors. He was fluffed but not in anger, this time in discomfort. Waldor took a deep breath and let a shudder run through him. "Forgive me. I do not like that place."
"That's alright... You are always welcome to stop by my place if you require healling." It was amusing to her that he was still holding her hand.. granted she had held his often when they were flying.. but for being one she usually found harder to hug or touch.. Perhaps he was more comfortable around her now. Her smile grew as she asked. "What would you like to do now?"
He was still unsettled by the the hospital experience and hadn't yet realized he still had a grip on her hand. Waldor took another few deep breaths and 'looked' towards Thumby. "Perhaps take my things home, though I believe you should travel that way as well and ensure your children are still sleeping."
"Yes.." She began walking again, though she kept a very soft hold on his hand.. if he wished to have his hand back she wouldn't stop him. "I don't usually sleep very well anyway... So... It's not a big deal that I was gone." It was late in the evening, she knew that Jonathan had been home though.. so if something had gone on with the babies they would be alright.. She just hoped Jamal hadn't snuck out a window again.
He left his hand in hers as they walked. "Hmmm...all the same. I imagine children to be unruly and unpredictable. Your daughter seems it at least, though I find her manner charming in honesty."
"Only Mel is.. But I guess she's enough of a rowdy toddler to make up for the other two." Thumbelina laughed lightly. "I really am glad that you enjoy her. You have no idea what a relief it is to be able to know she's with someone I trust when she runs off to 'adventure'."
That made him pause and he turned his head towards her. "You....trust me?" The feathers around his collar fluffed again some.
Thumbelina stopped about a step after he did. "Of course I do. You have done nothing but give me reasons to trust you. You're very dear to me and I only trust my dear friends with my children.. I think of you as part of my family.." Her tone was soft and caring with a slight hint of confusion. She had just assumed he could tell that..
Family. A pleased series of chirps left him and suddenly where had been a dourface owl was probably the dorkiest looking thing ever. All of his feathers fluffed and confused but very happy expression settled on his face. Waldor remained silent though, he couldn't find the words to express how pleased he was that he was trusted enough to be considered family.
He was happy. That warmed her heart so much... He had always seemed so unwilling to be happy she just. It was good to see him happy in the moment. Smiling warmly, Thumbelina released his hand and wrapped her arms around him in a hug instead. It was a moment more suited for a hug than more words.
Heavy wings wrapped around her as Waldor pulled her into the hug and kept chirping softly. He knew he was being absolutely silly but it had been a long, long time since he had been in a family and the concept made the normally grumpy owl much too happy.
Thumbelina stayed there for awhile. She had no intention to hug and run.. that just seemed rude. Slowly though.. once the adorable chirping had stopped she loosened her arms and smiled up.
When she moved her arms Waldor realized what he'd been doing. A scarlet streak spread across his grey skin and he pulled his wings back to let her go and cleared his throat. "Forgive me."
"For what? I like hugs... And you're very adorable when you chirp." Thumbelina continued to smile as she stepped back, giving him whatever space he wanted. Was he embarrassed? She didn't think she'd ever seen him go red before.
He tucked his wings around himself and reddened more, 'looking' towards the ground. "It is not something I often do." He shifted on his feet, more embarassed then he could actually ever remember being in his life. He cleared his throat again. "Should we continue on?" By the talon his voice just squeaked. Maybe a pit would open up under his feet and save him from this feeling-though he knew it wouldn't.
Either to his benefit or loss, she seemed oblivious to the true nature of his discomfort. "Of course." And with that she started walking again, glancing back to make sure he was still coming.
Waldor chirped again and shook himself bodily to get himself under control. He stepped after her and quickly took his place at her side again.
They eventually reached Waldor's door, Thumbelina figured she could walk herself back down the hill after he was safely home. Turning to face him she asked. "Do I get a hug goodbye or are you all hugged out for today?"
Another chirp, this one surprised, but his wings went back anyway and he held out his arms for a hug.
Her smile grew slightly as took the offer. As her arms wrapped around him she spoke softly. "This was fun, lets go flying again soon."
It was barely there but it counted. Waldor smiled and nodded as he hugged Thumby. "Yes Belina, I would enjoy that. Thank you for accompanying me, even with the madness that ensued."
Thumbelina nodded as she let go. "Well, you know where I live, you are always welcome in my home." Then she left, hurrying down the hill towards her home.
Waldor stayed in front of his home, listening to Thumbelina as she rushed off. He waited until he was fairly certain she had made it to her home unscathed before stepping inside and promptly thunking into table he forgot he'd moved. Perfect.