#...my baby...

don't think about how his chest and back were in insurmountable pain from growing new bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage.

don't think about his skin changing texture and sending searing pain through his body from neck to toe as the cells shifted, cracked, and faded away his human traits.

don't think about how he itched from the hair on his head and body slowly being pushed out to allow for fully formed feathers to grow.

don't think about how his nails fell off as his fingers elongated and the tips formed into hardened talons.

don't think about how he probably spent endless time stumbling and dragging himself, being unable to support his own weight on his bending and shapeshifting legs and feet.

don't think about his panic when he noticed his nose growing and hardening into keratin, not knowing if he would be able to breathe through his nostrils soon enough.

don't think about the dull aches in his belly as his genitalia was covered by feathers and his organs transformed into something unrecognizable.

don't think about how in spite of the absolutely agonizing torture, he kept fighting to ensure the protection of the love of his life.

don't think about how he thought he deserved it all when he finally gave up.

don't think about how he was happy never seeing them again if it meant they were safe.