Morningside Cuesta Got Me Thinking Like Crazy

Lost in thought, the male did not notice when his companion began to edge toward a different topic. He was more concerned about the many responsibilities that might be heaped upon him, if Heartha wasn't the only one thinking he was the 'leader' around here. Day wasn't sure he liked the sound of it, but neither could he say he was particularly adverse to the idea. After all, he had kids to worry about, and if he wasn't the one calling the shots, how could he make sure they got what was best for them?

He was roused only when Heartha asked her question, and Grayday - never one to pass up a chance to talk about his kids - jumped to answer. "Oh, end of autumn - maybe early winter," he said agreeably, his tail wagging as he thought of seeing their cute little faces for the first time. They'd been so small, so sweet-smelling, so damnably cute. "Somewhere around then, though I couldn't really say for sure."

He paused when he realized what she'd started the question with, feeling a bit embarrassed by his own good fortune. "I'm, uh, sorry to hear about your brood," he added, wishing he'd started off with that.