Redhawk Caldera nightshine

Atreus sprawled in the mouth of the Hobbit Hole (he’d heard someone call it that once and the name had stuck in his mind). He felt completely relaxed as the air began to darken and the crickets and spring peepers filled it with pleasant noise. He was sleepy, even though he hadn’t done a whole lot today.

As he adjusted his weight from one hip to the other, he looked down and realized his formerly trim belly was rounder now. And his legs were still thick but no longer trimmed in muscle from routine training. Atreus blinked in the failing light and pressed onto all fours, head turned upside down to look down his own body between his legs. He had gotten fat!

Teya’s soft call rose into the air right then. Atreus huffed a breath, not sure how to feel now that he’d noticed his new physique. He supposed he felt a little self-conscious about it. He didn’t really want to see anyone—or for anyone to see him—until he’d dropped a few pounds. But, of course, that was a bit absurd. And he didn’t want to miss an opportunity to see Amalia.

He eventually slunk onto the scene, moving to stand behind his older sister. Atreus bumped her muzzle with his, grateful that it was fully dark now. Maybe she wouldn’t notice how chubby he looked. Perhaps nobody would. And first thing tomorrow, Atreus would rise with the sun and get himself back into shape.