Stone Circle layaway

Her words had hurt, but she hadn't meant them to. And, more than that, it was something that he'd been needing to hear. He knew, of course, that the rest of the pack would always pitch in whenever it was needed, and he knew that Steady and Valette were, perhaps, the most selfless in this. Steady was more like a second father to his kids than an uncle, so it only made sense that Valette would be willing to step in as a part-time mother for them.

"It did hurt - I think it'll always hurt me when I can't do everything," Day admitted, "But I can't do everything, and it's good to be reminded that I'm not alone. I've got a very selfless and wonderful leader to help me out."

He nudged her shoulder, ears folded down in an unusually obvious sign of submission. He owed his leaders big-time.

"And... you're never intruding. Drop by whenever, okay?" he added, remembering her words from earlier.

He turned back to Sunny, eyeing the ligament with renewed interest. Suddenly, playing didn't seem like such a chore. With a soft yip, he descended on the boy, teeth snapping playfully at the strip of flesh.