"Oh, no, ssh," Aiden breathed, dismayed when he saw the crocodile tears pooling in the great big eyes, and he shook his head earnestly, made Wren catch his gaze and hold it. "No, don't cry. I'm okay, bird." Quiet, urgent. He never wanted to hurt Wren, never wanted him to be distraught because of something that couldn't be helped.
"I'm tough, I can take it," he promised into the soft dark hair, hugging Wren again. "Don't even hurt." That was a lie, Christ it had hurt when teeth met through his skin and he'd gritted his teeth and worked through it. But he was here now, a safe house with nice people and Wren. He was fine.
"Was just worried about you," Aiden murmured, pulling back, sitting on the edge of the cot and his hands finding Wren's. "Shouldn't have been, you're so good and brave. Got here just like we said, huh?"