Can I still call you home?

[Ayasha]

How long had it been? A year, months..surely it hadn't been as long as it felt. Or at least I would want to believe that. I used to call Ge-rad my home, I want to still. But I've been gone for so long that I don't know if it's possible to still...be a part of them.

The black femme as everyone had known her by, Ayasha, had returned home. That was what she was hoping, that she could still call Ge-rad home. She knew that those she loved would probably be somewhat betrayed, or at least feel that way upon her return. In fact she had been rather selfish. Life, as Tor and Fenris dictated, had plans for Ayasha that took her many miles from those she knew.

One might say that she was somehow finding out how to be on her own. Returning to Ge-rad was for the most part a visit. She had no intention of really anything developing. This was for her benefit, a glimpse into what she had been missing, kind of to see if she was truly happy.

That however was not the message she carried to the wind as she asked for blessings to enter into her once forgotten home. She was calling to Draeg, asking if he would come to her. To let her in. But she was also timid of seeing her sister. Ayasha had in many ways been selfish. She wouldn't be surprised if her family held sour feelings toward her. Actually she was well prepared for it. She knew that her behavior had been something that she was ashamed of. But there wasn't much she could do about it now, except see if they would take her back for the time being. Somehow though, she knew she would have to tell them why she came. Tell them that she made no promises of staying, or really of leaving either. It was all unsure really.

She sat, quietly contemplating her arrival here and the possible outcomes of a greeting. She would give herself a day or two to decide what she was doing. It was a long journey that she had just made. It would be an even longer one returning. Her decision would be crucial, but she felt no hurry to decide. For now she was content to sit and wait for her greeters, whomever they may be.

[Kaemon]

The temperature had definitely taken a turn for the hottest, thanks to the rays of Fenris. The once lush grass was now beginning to dry up until showers helped hydrate the earth again. For now, the earth remained warm and cracked, breaking with every paw step of any Putnar or lera that might be out and about. Not even the orange hued hybrid was no exception, as dust rose into the dry air from his small crème coloured paws. The mann was panting, his large pointed dog-like auds positioned behind him, but not touching his head. His slightly curled tail was now held motionless behind him, showing no signs of life. It was probably wise to stay inside the cool den on a day like this, but when had Kaemon actually proven to be wise about such things?

Still, that wasn’t a reason why the brightly hued mann was out and about. He had a good feeling about today, and he wasn’t quite sure why. Something simply gave him butterflies, much like the moments he had with the ebony fae with green eyes. Ayasha, who had been missing for many moons now. Kaemon wasn’t sure where she had gone, or why she did- whether it was for her, or because of something else. For all he knew it could have been him that scared her away. But he didn’t understand why- they were having fun together, right? So what could have suddenly changed?
After her departure, Kaemon tried looking for her himself, with no such luck. After maybe a month, he had turned back to Ge-Rad, to wait her arrival- if she would come back, that is. But Kaemon still hung on to that thought that she would come back- it seemed to be embedded in his brain. All he could think about was the feeling that he had with Ayasha- how good if felt, how addicting it was (see OOC note below). More than anything he wanted to keep that feeling- little did he know how much he would miss it or how powerful it really was until Ayasha was gone.

Trampling listlessly through the forest, Kaemon all the sudden had perked up to a familiar scent. His heart started pounding, his tail, ears and head quickly snapped upright. He knew that scent, anywhere- it was the scent he had been longing for- and now, it was so close! The young mann quickly began to run through the woods, jumping over brush and weaving through trees. His eyes had become dilated as his heart pumped, and after what seemed like hours- he finally came across that beautiful, familiar ebony form he had missed so much. It had seemed that moment had become so still, that his heart had skipped a beat- when in reality, it was his forelimbs that has missed a step. In a matter or moments Kaemon had somehow tripped over himself, sending himself tumbling through the brush only to land head first at the base of a tree trunk with a dull thump. His head throbbing for a moment, Kaemon opened his chocolate eyes to set sight upon an upside-down fae. “Ayasha!” he barked with joy, letting his body fall so he was right side up again. “Ayasha! You’re back!” was all he really could get out, due to an overload of excitement.


((not that you perves, Kaemon still doesn’t know what love is XD and it’s all your fault Draeg! Lol j/k, about that last part : p Well, kind of. You be the judge. ))

[Ayasha]

Though the black femme had no intention of really staying or exactly that of leaving, she would find that something would place a wedge in between those two possible outcomes. That is to say that someone in particular, someone she hadn't really counted on influencing he decision, would in fact influence her decision. She had, for the most part of her strange disappearance and journey that she had found herself to be a part of, had thought about him. Though the thoughts didn't get her very far, except in that she missed him and wished that she could explain her disappearance.

What Ayasha didn't know about life, was how she affected others. She, in a way believed that she drove away her two siblings, father and eventually her mother. Though these things she couldn't really prove, she believed them to be true. Krystal, her sister, someone Ayasha cared for deeply, had been put through some trying times with the black femme. Though these times might have been tests to see just how solid Ayasha could be, she felt that she had failed her sister. In a way she viewed her relationship with her sister as her last chance. Now however, a familar scent would bring back memories to the femme and yet another chance for her to in a way, perhaps make ammends for her actions.

With very little warning for her heart, Kaemon, the mann that Ayasha had fallen in love with came crashing through the brush. In his usual fashion he made a noticable entrance by landing upside down in front of the femora. Her expression was clear. Ayasha was completely startled. But as everything began to register again Ayash felt that pulling in her chest. "Kaemon..." The tone of her voice startled her. It was somewhere in between happiness and an almost pain. "Wha..." At first she had thousands of questions, well more like she wanted to speak. To try and explain herself. But that desire fell by the side as she lept forward to bury her head in his neck fur and nuzzle him. "Kaemon I should've told you where I was going. I had no intention of just suddenly dissapearing. It just kind of happened and I'm sorry. I didn't want anyone to worry. I thought about you and I felt bad for leaving." she blurted out the words, unsure of what was really the intention of her saying these things. He brought out a certain feeling in her and she felt the desire to be close to him. Now that his scent filled her nares and she could feel him against her.

"I love you Kaemon." It was this point where Ayasha froze. Though she knew perfectly well that her feelings were genuine, and she had her hopes about how the mann felt about her, she was still unsure if what she had just spoken had been in fact the correct thing to say.

OCC: holy cow she said the three words!

[Draeg]

In the sweltering summer heat the temperate forest of Ge-Rad became like a sauna. The lush forest canopy that had once provided shelter from Fenris mighty rays had transformed into little more than a gigantic insulator, trapping the fierce summer heat within its basin until it became like a sauna. Things couldn’t have been much worse for the amber dragga of Ge-Rad whose thick bristling pelt only added to the already unbearable heat, slowly zapping his strength with each passing moment and turning his life into a literal hell.

Dirt cracking beneath lithe paws the Norwegian Dragga moved lethargically through the sweltering tree line, tongue dangling limply from his crusted maw as he panted heavily against the oppressive summer heat. Under different circumstances he might have used the time to admire the scenery or renew the fragile scent markers that formed the borders of his beloved packlands, but with such immolated temperatures the amber brute simply desired a respite from the sun god’s fiery wrath.

He had been on his way to the packs primary watering hole, affectionately dubbed Cwen’s Pond by his devoted beta, when he had heard the call, familiar octaves resonating throughout the air and sweeping across Ge-Rad like a rabid wildfire.

Pausing in midst ride Draeg froze, pointed auds snapping forward to take in the familiar song that seemed to originate from somewhere near the fringes of Ge-Rad. He was quick to identify the tones of his beloved stepdaughter, the ebony hued Ayasha, having practically raised the green eyed femora alongside her mother and former beta, Uskiya, since she was pup before officially adopting her shortly Uskiya’s abrupt and subtle disappearance. Her voice had carried out through the forest like a trumpet, filling the air with her melodic tone and shattering the stoic silence that had settled around him with a resounding boom. She was calling out to him and to everyone in the immediate vicinity that might be listening to join her so that she might be properly welcomed back into the pack after her long sojourn from Ge-Rad and reintroduce herself to pack life. Maw parting he let out an eerie howl, head falling back between his shoulders as he replied to Ayasha’s melodic chant with his own haunting song, welcoming her home.

No sooner had his song concluded than Draeg was on the move, thick paws pounding against the ground and sending up a spray of dust and debris as, heat forgotten, he resumed his trek through the sweltering forest basin. He had a new destination in mind, one that did not included finding shelter but rather welcoming back a member of Ge-Rad as well as a member of his increasingly dwindling family.

Weaving through trees and leaping over bushes and the occasional fallen log Draeg tore through the dense treeline, nose working furiously as he filtered through the menagerie of odors in search of his stepdaughter’s scent. He felt his lips tugging in a sly smile as another scent soon caught his attention, mingling intimately well with little of Ayasha’s scent he had been able to pick up. Kaemon. Draeg had to resist the urge to laugh, recalling the last time he had walked in on his grandson and stepdaughter alone as well as the commotion that had followed after. With this in mind the amber dragga made a mental note to speak with both varg in private when he got the chance, knowing that both Kaemon and Ayasha could probably benefit from a little one on one chat about the nature of their relationship and, in Kaemon‘s case at least, the complexity of the opposite sex.

From further ahead there came a calamitous uproar as something, or more specifically someone, tore through the brush at a rapid pace, the amber varg wincing as a loud thunk sounded a moment later. The jubilant bark that followed confirming his earlier suspicions Draeg found himself shaking his head as he quietly crept in the direction he’d heard his grandson crash, reluctant to announce his presence in what he suspected would be a most heartfelt reunion.

((sorry for the delay, my muse was a tad bit neglectful yesterday.))

[Kaemon]

Wagging his semi curly tail, Kaemon's oculars glittered with longing. His stomach seemed to do back flips at the very sight of her, as he felt his very being increase in energy and joy. "I'm just happy you're back," the mann yipped with joy, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. Though studding the fae's features, he could see she was somewhat sad. He didn't understand this, what was there to be sad about? She was here now, so what with the long face? Kaemon just couldn't understand, he still had a lot of growing up to do. "But you shouldn't feel bad now, please don't- this should be a happy occasion," the orangish mann grinned ear to ear, as Ayasha nuzzled her head in his chest. Kaemon let out a little laugh as he tugged on her ear playfully.

What caught Kaemon off guard is what Ayasha said next. ‘Love?’ Kaemon repeated in his head, as he froze. He still really hadn’t grasped the concept of love, but could this be what he was feeling? This butterfly-like sensation? But this love- this is what two vargs feel toward each other, when they become mates. Kaemon knew that much, but did this mean him and Ayasha were mates? After all, they did do it- didn’t they? Kaemon had to admit, he had a different picture in mind of it than what they did. As far as he knew, what they were doing with just some very odd but pleasing game.
Kaemon cocked his puppy-like face at Ayasha- he honestly didn’t know what to say, and felt rather foolish. “I don’t want to loose you, Ayasha- you’re always on my mind, and I always get this wonderful sensation though my body every time I see or think about you-” he whispered in her ear. “If that’s what love is- then I feel it too,” the mann grinned, nuzzling Ayasha back.

Just then, something startled him- another scent. He knew that scent, how could he not? It had intruded on him once before. Looking to where the scent was the strongest, Kaemon barked at the intruder. “Oye! Being a perve again, old man?” Kaemon laughed at his grandfather.

[Ayasha]

When she had thought about Kaemon it had never entered her mind to actually tell him what she felt for him. She wasn't scared of losing someone she loved, more of she was just unsure when the right moment was; if there was an actual right moment. So it can be imagined that when these words escaped her maw she felt rather foolish for blurting them out so suddenly. It can also be imagined that Ayasha felt even mor foolish having heard the call of her father, the amber Dragga of Ge-rad. Mentally she would've like to kick herself, but what had been said was said. The only thing left to do was to find out what would happen.

The situation went better than expected, in fact Ayasha felt her maw spread into a grin as Kaemon playfully nipped at her auds. She watched him for a moment, auds pinpointed on him and her jade orbs fixated on his face. She was about to speak when the young manne, beating her to it opened his maw. The words that came from him was pleasantly startling to the femme. The words whispered into her auds and the nuzzle that followed were more than she had ever expected at this point in time. After all, the two of them had been through interesting moments, some...granted, more interesting than the others. But they were both still fairly young and the prospect of love and of even being mates was something most vargs their age wouldn't consider. There was enough clumsy moments without love being involved. "Kaemon...I've felt this way for a long time, but I didn't think I would speak of it so soon." She looked at him, a small smile on her maw. Indeed she had felt this way for a long time, and had known it to be love. At first she was reluctant to admit to it. But she found that as time went on she grew more and more eager to share this feeling with someone. Now she had shared it with him. He had been a steady rock, someone who didn't really give in to pity her for the hard blows life had given her. They had both been through rough times, and it was Kaemon's words that had brought her back to the ground when she felt like she was floating away.

Ayasha cocked her head in the direction that the Dragga's scent came from. She grinned from aud to aud as Kaemon spoke "He must really care about us to be following you around Kaemon." She smiled, tassel wagging as she waited for Draeg to appear. It had been far too long since she had been gone. So much for not really planning on staying or leaving. Despite her orignal thoughts, the ebony femme knew that she would once again become Ge-rad's Spitfire. This after all was her home and they were her family, and potential mate. It was then that Ayasha grew curious, having admitted love to one another, did that actually make them anything? Shaking her head she let out and playful bark and launched herself in Draeg's direction. Hoping to pounce on him in an enthusiastic greeting.

[Draeg]

Pushing through the surrounding flora Draeg crept closer to the unsuspecting pair, tiptoeing over the loose debris that littered the forest floor in an attempt to mask his presence. It wasn’t the first time he had listened in on one of his offspring’s private exchanges, having developed quite a knack for eavesdropping throughout the course of several litters. At first he could only make out a few muffled words, the dense vegetation and distance making it difficult to determine the speaker let alone what either varg was saying. It didn’t last however as the voices grew clearer with each passing step, until at last the amber varg could distinguish both speakers from one another perfectly.

Hearing this he slowed his pace, eventually coming to a halt near a group of shrubbery. He listened for a while, ears quick to take in the details of their conversation with a knowing smile. Despite her normally fiery demeanor it was easy to see that Ayasha was nervous, strong tones wavering beneath the warming gaze of the playful brute before her. Kaemon on the other hand sounded as though he didn’t have a clue what was going on, Draeg noting the orange hybrid’s innocent expression as Ayasha pressed herself against his broad chest. Despite his private session with the ebon seductress several moons ago Kaemon was still inexperienced in matters pertaining to love, something Draeg chalked up to the orange youths almost pup like personality. Just how Kaemon would respond to Ayasha’s abrupt confession was anyone’s guess however Draeg found himself hoping that his grandson reciprocated the ebon fae’s feelings.

He felt his chest swell with pride for the rambunctious wolf as he not only returned the fae’s affections but voiced it in such a deep and meaningful manner Draeg would never have expected. Watching them from his hiding place amidst the bushes the amber varg felt a pang of nostalgia course through him at Ayasha’s startling -but not altogether unexpected- confession, mind suddenly turning to thoughts of his own beloved mate, Firefly, and her current whereabouts. He hadn’t seen the tan femme in some time, secretly part of him wondered if perhaps in the grief of losing one mate he had driven away the other.

In his contemplation the amber mann failed to notice the subtle change in the winds direction, unaware that his scent had drifted towards the two lovers. Draeg frowned, chiding himself for not slipping away before he had the chance to be discovered and leaving the couple to enjoy their newfound romance in private. Rolling his shoulders indifferently he shrugged, chuckling softly at the playful banter as he made his way forward through the bracken. “Nah, I just like to watch. You two try such interesting positions.” he countered. As he emerged from his hiding place to greet the duo his eyes were greeted by the sight of an ebon blur streaking towards him, slamming into him and knocking him to the ground with barely enough time to yelp.

[Kaemon]

//Sorry again, long time no post- but I figured I needed to start somewhere, right? Oh, lol, and I just couldn’t help myself, it was something I heard at work- I’m sure you know what I’m talking about when you find it XD//

The hybrid’s chocolate oculars had remained upon the ebon beauty, perhaps finally able to connect all these startling feelings of butterflies and the sensation of being high to one complicated and unfamiliar emotion. He was almost sure of it now, the way he had heard it being described in the passing of private conversations he had eavesdropped upon in the past. Not only that, but he could feel the connection between Ayasha- it might have been just his imagination or perhaps his wishful thinking, but he was almost positive he had felt her heart flutter as the orange mann’s confessions spewed out of his small maw like an incompetent dog with diarrhea.
However, Kaemon’s head lowered just a tad when Ayasha spoke to him next, which only made his mind rush into a world of confusion. He didn’t understand why she was saying this, he was sure they felt the same way- was there something wrong? Maybe it was him, maybe it was them, together- after all, they were rather young, but so was his mother. Then again, they were only together for so long before she had disappeared- maybe Ayasha had thought of this, and didn’t want that to happen to them? The questions seemed to go on forever, but somewhere in the back of Kaemon’s mind, he knew it was ok. It was the small ebon grin that kept the younger’s faith in place, something that told him to just relax, everything was still ok. “I see,” Kaemon said after a long pause, his brain still doing laps. “I understand, I’m sure- we’re young, what’s the rush? There will always be time for that- later,” the mann grinned stupidy, his tongue partly hanging out of his maw.

Kaemon grunted in reply to Ayasha, there was many different reasons to why Draeg would be “caring enough” to follow them, or at least him around. And sure enough, to Kaemon’s humiliation, Draeg retorted upon the same subject the adolescent wanted him to forget about- or at least pretend to forget about. Kaemon’s face flushed as he lowered his head, the pinks of his ears turning a bright red. On a regular day, Kaemon would join in with Ayasha’s playful actions toward her adoptive father, but decided to maintain his distance this time. Still, he couldn’t help but laugh as the mann was toppled over upon contact with Ayasha.

[Ayasha]

/// post of doooooom. now the fun begins///

Ayasha quickly rebounded from the strike she had launched on Draeg with a small yelp. In her excitement and playfulness she had been foolish enough to rough house even though she knew she had to be more careful, now that there were pups in her belly. She padded back over to where Kaemon was and lightly descended to her haunches beside him. The thoughts were exploding inside her head and there was no way for her to separate each of them into coherent sentences. Inside her chest she could feel her heart pounding and the blood was racing through her body. She had to say something, it just wasn't fair for no one to know but Krystal. Cautiously she looked from Kaemon to Draeg, emerald orbs gazing outward from her ebon face. She knew her aunt Lydair had been young when she had pups, but that family had slowly broke apart and she was now scared that that would happen to her family. Only recently had Kaemon told her that he loved her, and now to be throwing this at him. She looked to Draeg, waiting for the disapproval, the punishment, whatever. But she couldn't handle the silence. "Please, say something."

"Kaemon....uhh..well and Draeg too..ummm" Her ability to speak seemed to have dissapeared within seconds and she stumbled for words to try and say the secret she was keeping. Was it safe to, after all...Kaemon had said there was no rush. But was he only saying that for her sake, so that she didn't think he was pushing? But she had been the once to coerce him into the encounter that now led to where they were. She let out a breath and tried to regain control of her thoughts even though everything was screaming at her to run away and hide somewhere. But where...where would she sleep now, what would change? "Dad..."She tried out the word, and it felt strange to her tongue. She had rarely ever called Cal 'dad', and now to call Draeg that seemed strange too. But she felt that she needed that family connection and he was her adoptive father, so..."Umm...."

Her auds lowered themselves against her cranium and she thought for a moment.If she opened her maw then everything would spew out like one large incoherent sentence and they would be lucky to understand it. But blurting everything out seemed like the only way to really say what she needed to say. "Well, I didn't tell you why I left because well I found something out about myself and I was really scared and I just kind of ran away and I'm sorry and I really didn't know what I was doing and now that I'm back I really really have to tell you both something and I know it's going to be some.."she took a breath. "Well..I don't really know how to say this but...and I'm scared of what will happen and please don't hate me but I'm pregnant." Just like that she spewed out the secret that had been hiding itself within in her for months.

She lowered her head and stared at the ground. Emerald orbs staring softly at her paws as she waited for what would probably be an explosion of anger, or a barrage of lecturing. Very slowly her orbs traveled upwards and glanced at Kaemon. "Kaemon I'm sorry, I should've told you sooner but I was scared and I didn't know what to do." She let out a whimper and gently nuzzled his neck. The bonds that Ayasha had formed in her life were now critical to her. Not only her survival but her happiness. Ge-rad was her family and she needed them. She needed to feel that connection and feel that she wouldn't be abandoned because somethin happened that wasn't planned for.

[Draeg]

No sooner had the amber varg set foot into the clearing then he was assailed by a startling black mass, ebony form plowing into him before he had a chance to react and sending him sprawling back into thicket from which he had emerged only seconds before. Winded by the unexpected assault Draeg hadn’t even had the chance to let out a proper yelp, the pathetic high pitch squeal that had resonated from his maw sounding more like a squeaking rodent. He was dimly aware of Kaemon laughing back in the clearing, the orange hybrid no doubt taking great pleasure in seeing the elder dragga toppled over so soon after issuing a teasing remark. Draeg probably would have laughed too had Ayasha not retreated so quickly, ebon fae recoiling with a slight yelp as though she had suddenly been struck by lighting. Letting out a confused rasp he rose to his feet, regarding his adopted daughter carefully as she quickly made her way back towards Kaemon, seeming somewhat shaken. “Ayasha? What’s wrong?”

Something was seriously wrong. Draeg had never seen Ayasha this shaken before, not even the time she thought she thought she would be expulsed from Ge-Rad. Taking a tentative step forward he watched her shift her gaze back and forth nervously between Kaemon and himself, stammering slightly as she fumbled through her words. “Ayasha, whatever it is you can tell me.” His face becoming a mask of concern the amber dragga moved to comfort ebon drappa, approaching slowly in a feeble attempt to avoid startling her for fear that she would misinterpret his actions for something hostile. He shot Kaemon a questioning glance to see if perhaps his grandson knew what was going on, however it seemed that the orange mann was just as lost in the matter as Draeg was himself. Attention falling back toward Ayasha Draeg found himself becoming increasingly worried, despite having official adopted her some moons prior Ayasha wasn’t normally in the habit of addressing him by the title of ‘dad’. To hear her do so only made him believe the situation was all the more dire.

For a moment it seemed as though Ayasha was beginning to compose herself however that simply was not the case as Draeg found out. In an instant everything was out in the open, brought forth by a stream of apologies and hurried explanations. Pregnant! Ayasha was pregnant! Draeg was stunned, unsure how to react to this startling news. No doubt Kaemon was the father, of that Draeg was certain, not that it could really be anyone else. It was kind of hard to deny when the amber varg had pretty much walked in on the pair going at it, most likely during the day of conception. Thinking back on it Draeg cursed himself, he should have realized that Ayasha was in heat. How could he have not noticed something like that? Then he remembered that Krystal had been with him that day and that the former Zanguzen had also been in heat at the time, again Draeg cursed his ineptitude for being unable to distinguish between the two fae. Had he known he might have been able to anticipate the consequences of Ayasha’s coupling and helped her along throughout the term of her pregnancy, as it was he had failed to notice even the most obvious of signs which had no doubt caused her to flee in a panic at the first signs of her symptoms.

Padding forward Draeg made his way over to Ayasha’s side, pulling up beside her and nuzzling her neck reassuringly in an attempt to calm his stepdaughter. The last thing Ayasha needed was more stress, she obviously felt bad enough already and making her feel worse wouldn’t help her or the pups anymore than it already had. The best thing Draeg could do for Ayasha right now was keep her calm and reassure her that her place in the pack wouldn’t be jeopardized by her newfound state. “Hush. It’s all right.” he said soothingly, licking her scalp reassuringly. “What happened, happened, we can’t change that. What’s important now is that we get you situated for your upcoming litter. How long have you known this was going on?” True he wasn’t exactly happy about the way things were turning out but in reality they could have been worse, young as she was Ayasha was still old enough to safely sire a healthy litter without any serious complications. What’s more she would have the rest of Ge-Rad to look after her throughout the course of her pregnancy, however longer that lasted. In fact Draeg’s main concern at the moment was how Kaemon would react to finding out that he was going to be a father after being blindsided like that, for all he’d grown the orange youth still behaved in many ways like a pup. Would he be able to rise to the occasion now that he had been thrust in a situation in which he would be forced to assume more responsibility? Draeg sincerely hoped so.

[Kaemon]

At the sound of the sudden yelp that filled the air Kaemon looked up in surprise, at first thinking Ayasha had somehow injured herself. However, this was not the case as both men’s eyes were upon the ebon fae, as she delicately padded over to Kaemon, a look of worry and confusion overcoming her features. Kaemon could sense something was wrong, or at least different- and to be frank it scared him to the core. Cocking his head, Kaemon let out a small whimper, as Ayasha began to stutter. It was apparent that whatever was on her mind was certainly not something so simple, as her stuttering soon became a jumble of words spoken in one breath. She was so nervous, that Kaemon had replay her words twice in his head to clearly hear what she said- she was pregnant.

For a moment, Kaemon was completely silent, his brain seemed to turn to mush as his insides felt like they froze to the bone. His stomach did a back flip, for a second Kaemon thought he was going to be sick. Draeg’s vocals seemed distant, Kaemon couldn’t really register what he was saying exactly. “Pregnant?” Kaemon said in a small voice, his chocolate oculars wide with surprise and disbelief. “As in- cubs? I mean, are you sure? H-how could this have happened?” Kaemon was now sputtering aimlessly, an audible whine in his voice as his audits folded back and his tail slumped behind him. If he was just a little bit prepared, maybe he could have reacted better- but then again, how does one prepare for such a shock? After all, they were young, and not to mention they just confessed their love to one another. But really, were they ready for this? Kaemon sure as hell didn’t think so, and he doubted Ayasha did either. Still, how? It was only once they really did it- and Kaemon didn’t think that really even counted, because of gravity- or so he heard.

The young mann’s throat had grown dry as well as his voice, his mind still swelling with questions running through his mind. He wanted to ask “what’s next”, but couldn’t quite get it out. Selfish thoughts filled his mind, he was being to feel anger, to shout "how could you do this to me!?", but was able to restrain himself. It was then did he register Ayasha, that is was she who should be scared. After all, it was her body- there were cubs growing in her body, living cubs, feeding off her meals, sharing her blood, changing her hormones- Kaemon was reminded that she was the one who should be asking the questions, she should be the one who’s scarred. Immediately Kaemon felt guilty, and had every intention of saying so as his gaze met Ayasha’s- but when he opened his maw, no words came. What was he supposed to say? “I’m sorry?” He just couldn’t, not now at least- he needed time to mull things over.
Chocolate oculars fell to the ground, there were so many things that needed to be said that just wouldn’t come out. He really did want to be supportive, but he wasn’t exactly ready to be a father yet. But really, what choice did he have? These puppies were coming, whether he liked it or not.

Scanning the ground, Kaemon’s eyes fell upon a pair of gold paws- Draeg! He had almost totally forgotten about the mann, Ayasha’s adoptive father, and his grandfather. Another chill was felt though Kaemon’s bones, what did he think of him? A coward, no doubt- and was probably furious. He might not have shown it now, but in Kaemon’s own mind, he’d hear of it later, he’d feel the wrath of a father trying to protect his daughter.

“Ayasha-” Kaemon said in dry voice, finally meeting her gaze once again. “I- I just can’t think, I- need to think,” the mann stuttered, trying to communicate with little success as he turned his head away from both vargs. He hoped to Tor that she could see he wasn’t going to leave her, but it felt like he screwed that part up already. But then again, he had to think- was there a reason why he couldn't tell her he'd be there for her?

[Ayasha]

Ayasha could only expect the worst as soon as she had blurted out that she was carrying pups. It hadn't been the best choice to run away, but what else was she to do? She was scared, panicked and now it felt as though she would pay for her foolishness. She closed her orbs and waited for the punishment, the lecture, anything. But as she dared to open on orb she saw Draeg slowly approaching her, a worried look on his face. Cautiously she opened both eyes and watched as he came over and sat beside her. She flinched slightly as he went to lick her cranium, but her tensed muscles relaxed as he spoke.How could I have told you? How could I have said that I had...it was bad enough walking in on us, but this? I couldn't stay, I couldn't face your disapproving stare when I told you. It would've killed me. She let her gaze fall to the ground before returning to Draeg's face.

Her gaze turned to Kaemon, whom upon hearing the news had become somewhat frantic. How did it happen? Pups? Yes she was having pups, and they would have to deal with it the best they could. Draeg's questions returned her gaze upon him and she spoke. "I found out shortly after we.....and that's when I took off. I was scared, I'm sorry."She looked down to her swollen belly. "They should be ready any day now. They been in there for a while, I'm sure they want to come out and see the world."
She tried to sound as positive as she could, but Kaemon's reaction began to worry her. Although what could she really have expected? She turned to him with a apologetic expression. "Kaemon I'm sorry. But...I can't change it now and we're just going to have to do this. But...." She took a breath in before she continued. "But I understand if you don't want to be a part of this." She felt her throat beginning to go dry and her insides began to feel like jello. More importantly though, the pups were moving around and she hadn't had a decent meal for a few days. "I should go. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have run off but I didn't think anyone would be here to help me." She gingerly stood up and padded a few steps away from the two manns before turning back to face them. "Kaemon, I love you. And I need someone to be here by my side through this. I can't do it alone, and I want that someone to be you." She let out a whine. "If you want to leave, if you don't want to be a part of this, then I understand." It wasn't that she wanted him gone, it's just it seemed like he didn't want to be involved with this, and who could blame him? It's not like he really had a choice whether or not he wanted to be involved with this. They were both young, but the gods seemed to think that this was the plan that needed to take place and it would make or break them.

She winced as one pup kicked her side. She hadn't had much time to rest but there had been no time for the weariness to really take hold of her since she had been back in Ge-rad. Now, now that the world seemed to be crashing down on her it seemed like a darn good time to go take a nap. Though it was doubtful that she could take her old den back since she shared it with Krystal. She would need a bigger den, perhaps the old family den would work. Not that she would have a family, at least it didn't feel that way. How could she hold a family together by herself? She needed him to be there. Yes it was scary, yes everything was changing, but she couldn't stop it and neither could he.Ayasha looked to Draeg and gave a weak smile. She wanted to be brave, she wanted to be fine with everything that was going on. But she also wanted her dad, yes it still sounded a little strange, but instincts are instincts and she need Draeg to be her father, to tell her that everything was going to be okay. How could she have been so foolish ? She wasn't ready to be a mother and raise a family. She didn't really know what a family was, did she? She would have to tell her mohter, find her mother. There were so many things to be done before the pups came and they could come at any moment. She hadn't shown any signs yet as to preperation for labor, but she assumed it would come within the next few days. This winter would be a test on the pups, and Ayasha had pushed aside her instincts to build a den, but now they seemed to be screaming at her to listen.

[Draeg]

Draeg wasn’t quite sure how to feel when Ayasha abruptly flinched beneath his touch, evidently fearing the worst possible outcome now that her secret was out in the open. For a moment he had to wonder whether he was really that intimidating or if Ayasha‘s response was typical for someone in her position? He decided to opt for the latter once she began to relax beneath his touch. She was confused and scared, clearly it had taken a lot for her to even tell the amber dragga and her lover that she was expecting. Draeg couldn’t imagine what she had been going through up until now, no doubt fear and paranoia had been eating away at her since she first found out which was mostly likely what had caused her to flee from Ge-Rad in the first place.

Glancing over at Kaemon it seemed that the orange hybrid wasn’t doing much better, his normally playful expression a mask of shock and disbelief. Ears perking atop his crown Draeg turned his attention back toward Ayasha, listening intently as she made a feeble attempt to make light of the situation while she answered his question. “Why didn’t you come to me for help? I can’t say that I wouldn’t have been angry but you know that I would have made sure you were well taken care of.” He nuzzled her again, licking her brow and meeting her gaze for the first time in moons. “You don’t need to be scared to ask me for help, you know I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you.”

Having done his best to belay his stepdaughter’s fears Draeg found himself looking back at Kaemon. It was apparent that his grandson had been rendered speechless by Ayasha’s startling revelation though who could blame him, after all he was still young though not so young to make Draeg think he wasn’t ready to take on such a prominent responsibility. Still he imagined Kaemon’s shock was too great for words, but again that was understandable considering the circumstances. At the very least he hadn’t just run off and flat out abandoned Ayasha at the first sign of trouble, showing that he did indeed still care for the dark coated femme despite his increasingly panicked behavior. Even so Draeg couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity as he watched Kaemon furiously trying to make sense of the situation, frantically trying to put everything together in a such a manner that he would be able to better understand his predicament. “That little stunt with the vines might have had something to do with it.” Draeg muttered beneath his breath, keeping his voice low enough to be just beyond Kaemon’s audio capabilities.

Seeing that Kaemon was going to have a hard time coping with becoming a father practically overnight Draeg allowed himself to comfort Ayasha a little while longer, moving in step with her as she set out to begin making preparations for her upcoming litter. “Don’t worry, he’ll come around. Just give me a few moments with him.” Ayasha gave him a weak smile which he returned, he wanted to reassure her that everything would be alright but in the end he knew that nothing he said would make her feel better until Kaemon was by her side again.

Breaking away from the ebon femme he saw her off, waiting until she was out of earshot before addressing Kaemon. “You know… your father was about a year younger than you are now when you were born.” he began, keeping his back to Kaemon. “I don’t know whether he and your mother planned on having you or not but I remember him boldly marching up to me and your grandmother daring us to punish him. Naturally we were furious with him, your mother too, for deciding to start a family without our consent, Uskiya was pregnant with Ayasha and the timing couldn’t have been worse.”

Draeg paused, hesitating for a moment before finally turning back to make his way over to the sulking youth. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, and I’ve never told anyone this -not even your father-, but even though I wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle the responsibilities parenthood had to offer; I was proud of him. He once confided to me that he wasn’t sure he would be a good father, but for all his doubts he never once strayed from your mothers side or tried to run from his responsibilities. Until that point I hadn’t been sure that he would be able to take care of you or your siblings, but the night you were all born I couldn’t have torn him away from you even if I had tried.”

Nuzzling his scalp the amber dragga did his best to comfort Kaemon, offering him the same support that he had shown the varg’s lover while at the same time attempting to steer him in the right direction with a little much needed guidance. “I know that you didn’t ask for this and how hard this all must be on you…but Ayasha genuinely loves you. I know that might not seem like much now but you have no idea how rare or special that is. I may be your Dragga but you are also my grandson, something you often seem to forget, and I can’t tell you how to live your life or force you do anything that you don’t want to do. Nor do I want to. However whatever you decide to do you much decided to do though you must choose now.”

Offering Kaemon one last reassuring lick Draeg broke off to start making his way after Ayasha, paternal instincts forbidding him to leave her by herself for very long now that he was aware of her condition. He paused after a few steps, glancing back over his shoulder at Kaemon one last time. “I wasn’t there for either of my mates when they were pregnant with my, our, first litters. I didn’t even know they were pregnant until much later just before they gave birth to your aunts and uncles, what should have been some of the happiest times of my life I missed completely because I wasn’t around to help take part in it. I wish I hadn’t been. A word of advice from an old dragga, don’t make the same mistake I did.” With that Draeg hurried off, leaving Kaemon behind to ponder his decision in peace.