Bearclaw Valley if he fell in love

for @Towhee Jr

rumors traveled fast in bearclaw, and they hadn’t spared him. whispers of her condition had reached his ears, setting a fire of questions in his mind. yet she hadn’t told him. and so, he was here, determined to hear it from her lips—no, her paws.

he strode closer, his breath misting in the cool air, a warm chuff escaping his throat as he neared her. he kept his gaze pinned firmly to her face, careful not to let it wander—though it took every ounce of restraint he possessed.

when he was close enough, he leaned in without hesitation, his cold nose brushing hers before his tongue darted out for a brief, tender kiss. it was an affectionate gesture, uncharacteristic in its softness—he was putting his foot forth in being more direct with his affections. tvar didn’t wait to see how she might react, instead pulling back just enough to sign quickly with his paws, goodmorning, towhee.

his lips curved into a smile. without skipping a beat, he added, have you ate yet?

she took a few days to rest after visiting with her mother and brother ... because she needed it and because she had to sit a little longer on her revelation during it. the symptoms have not waned nor has there been any alarming change that might signal to her something was amiss.

which meant she was going to tell tvar. today. she was sure she was correct and that 'i think' no longer applied.

so, she sought him out; peering up at ghost as the falcon gives her a signal that someone was approaching. the scent told her it was tvar.

her heart gallops in her chest, both at the brush of his nose and tender kiss that follows but also with anticipation. how would he take the news? she presses a soft kiss to his cheek in return, hoping that what she had to share didn't end this. whatever it was. she was enjoying the plot twist she hadn't seen coming in her life.

-good morning, tvar,- she signs in return, giving her head a soft shake 'no'. her stomach was a gurgling mess of nerves. even if she wasn't dealing with morning sickness, she still couldn't eat. not until she got her news off her chest.

-you should know that i'm ...- her ptero falters for a moment. -i'm pregnant.-

the moment towhee’s paws move to sign the word, tvar knows. his heart leaps into his throat as the realization hits him fully—not just a suspicion, not just a gut feeling, but real.

before he can even think, he closes the space between them in a rush, his broad frame engulfing hers as he pulls her into a firm embrace. his laughter bubbles up, warm and unrestrained, vibrating against her as his muzzle buries into her neck fur. he inhales deeply, threading kisses through the dark strands with an almost desperate affection.

"towhee," he breathes, her name thick with awe and joy, though he knows she won't hear it. his paws are clumsy as he signs, his excitement making his movements swift and eager. i knew, he tells her, laughter still spilling from his chest. i had feeling, but to hear... his movements falter off as he looks at her. searching her face, her eyes.

he signs again, slower this time, trying to ensure she understands him fully. strong, towhee. family will be strong.

his paws falter briefly as he meets her gaze again, his voice softening as he signs once more, i won’t leave... your side! he wanted to sign, but couldn't quite figure it out.