Swiftcurrent Creek time will lead us to the same realm

edit: forward dated to february 21st

Alessia was laying in her den being very fat and very miserable. That's it that's the thread thanks for coming.

He still couldn't believe his luck this morning. After weeks of only finding hares for his mate, he was glad to be headed back to the den with something different for a change. He had been moving along his usual patrol route, searching for a distraction from his worries when he heard the creature. Kavik had only needed to travel outside the borders a little before he found what he now considered Alessia's breakfast, and he hadn't needed to expend too much energy chasing it down and ending it's life. 

He headed to the den, gift hanging between his teeth. He was pretty sure he'd find her there, which was why he had decided to search for her there first. He was met with her scent as he approached the opening of the den, telling him that his assumption had been correct. Kavik trotted inside and dropped the meal in front of her, dipping his head in greeting. I thought you might like something different, he said, smiling a little as he took a seat. He hoped she liked turkey.

Her ears perk when she hears Kavik's approach, and she glances up just in time to see him enter the den. The turkey dangling from his jaws draws her attention first, and she's a little surprised to see it, having become rather used to eating hare lately. The change is far from unwelcome, though. She offers a smile, tail thumping softly against the ground as she reaches for the turkey. Thank you, She murmurs, tearing into it without hesitation. After a moment, she pauses briefly to add: I can't remember the last time I ate a bird. They're sort of... creepy when they're alive. They have beady eyes. Her last statement is made with some conviction, as if beady eyes are the absolute epitome of creepiness, and with that she resumes destroying the unfortunate bird in front of her.

She seemed pleased to see the meal, the thump of her tail causing his to wag a few times in return. He nodded in response to her thanks, although it was unnecessary as usual. Her next words made him laugh a little. I guess I never really pay much attention to their eyes, he replied, shrugging a little. Their scent, the sounds they made, they way they looked as they were running from him--those are the things he always noticed about his prey, but he couldn't really remember a time he had taken any note of their eyes. He glanced down at the birds face. Now that you mention it, though, I have to agree. He would never look at another bird the same way again. He looked back to her as she ate, glad to see that she felt well enough to take a meal.

She's quiet for a time, focused on eating and ignoring the creepiness of her meal. When she looks up again, licking the last of the blood from her muzzle, her expression is warm. See anything interesting out there? She asks, pusing the remains away with one paw. Her limited mobility has been rather difficult to cope with, and in a way, it helps to hear about Kavik's activities; living vicariously, perhaps, but she doesn't see anything wrong with it. She'll be trapped in this way for awhile, and she needs something to keep from going insane.

He let Alessia eat in silence, glad to be able to help in some way. He shrugged at her question, gaze moving to the den entrance as he spoke. Nothing interesting, he answered, although he wouldn't worry her with any problems of there had been any. That's good, though; quiet is safe. He focused his attention back on her. How are you feeling today? he asked. He knew she had to be miserable at this point, and he hated that he couldn't really do anything to make it better.

She shrugs, a little disappointed at his lack of news. Miserable, She admits after a moment. I want them out already. Her gaze flits briefly to her swollen belly as she speaks, expression souring slightly. She wants to be able to breathe again.

He followed her gaze to her belly, feeling guilty that he couldn't really do anything about it. I'm sorry, he offered, stepping closer to nuzzle her cheek. He lowered himself to the ground in front of her, nuzzling her one more time in an attempt to comfort her. If it helps, you....um...still look just as pretty. He looked away, immediately regretting saying it. He knew it probably sounded incredibly dumb to her even if it was the truth. He was never one to struggle with confidence, but she had a way of making him feel like a clumsy yearling.

Her appearance hadn't been exactly what she'd had in mind, and for a moment the comment irritates her a little; after all, he could be implying the opposite. But there's always been something so undeniably genuine about Kavik — and as much as she hates to admit it, that aspect of him has always softened her defenses. She offers a smile to his turned form after a moment, leaning close to press her nose to his cheek. You're very sweet, She murmurs, lingering and pressing a single soft kiss to his cheek fur.

His eyes widened at her compliment and following affection, but he quickly recovered, turning to nuzzle her in response. After a few silent moments, he lowered his head near her swollen belly, hesitating for a second before licking the area where it protruded out from her side. This had helped the last time she had confided in him about how miserable she was, so he thought maybe it would make her feel better now. Unless she stopped him, he would work is way down, drawing his tongue slowly over her abdomen in an attempt to soothe her discomfort. He would carry their children for her if that was possible, but it wasn't, so he wanted to help any other way he could.

She sighs softly at the returned affection, relaxing after a few moments. The children seem to feel it, too; a moment later, she feels the telltale stirring of kicking in her abdomen. Or punching — whatever awful torment they've decided for her this time. Can you feel that? She wonders aloud, leaning back to rest against the ground.

His soothing seemed to be helping, much to his relief. But, just as she spoke, he felt a tapping against his tongue. He froze, unsure what it was until her words registered. That's...them? he asked, awe clear in his voice. It was just more proof that they grew inside her. He longed to meet them just as much as he feared for her safety while giving birth. His chest tightened as he imagined what they would look like and what parts of each of them they would have. Already, he loved them, and he had no idea just how much more consuming that love would become after his children were born and running around with pieces of his heart.