Stone Circle Brother, bring me home

He gave a quick breath of air, shaking his head. Nope, not even a bother then, he said, firmly believing that. We do things for family, we put ourselves out for others. That's how we show we care, he said, giving her a smile. He really was happy that she was back, and he couldn't care less at what time of the day she had arrived back. 

His smile faltered a little when he realized she didn't know the backstory. Well, they aren't ours biologically. Althaia, their mother, came here with them when they were young, along with a third pup. Not long after, she was found murdered on our borders, and Witchhazel had gone missing from that same spot, he said softly. So, Valette and I decided to raise them as our own. He feared the worst, that Witch had been taken elsewhere and killed. But, a part of him still held the hope that she was out there, somewhere, living. 

He understood Krypton's apprehension about Mara Susi's return, and the question of her loyalty. No, I'm not certain she won't leave again, he admitted. But... I guess I thought I'd give her one last chance. And the last it would be. If she left again, she could give all the excuses she could muster, but he would not allow her into the family again. 

He shook his head quickly side to side. You had already earned your place in the family, and I understood why you were leaving, even if I felt a little betrayed that you were going to leave without saying anything, he said honestly, but there was no accusation in his voice. She left without saying a word, and then when I put my neck out to Zaria to get her back in, it was not a few weeks before she was gone again. They're completely different situations, and I hope you don't compare them, because I don't. Krypton was not on trial here. She had left, yes, but with the promise to return, and she had. For Steady, that was enough to let himself let it go and move forward.