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 Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 6:22 pm
For once Kaleb had come to the park without any books, and without any real purpose. Riley had been in the labs for so long now, and although he had been assured his partner was okay it was hard being in the apartment by himself. He hadn't realized how lonely things were on his own after spending so much time with the redhead. His work had about ground to a halt, with all the worries on his mind he hadn't really been able to focus, and had finally settled for taking care of himself first and foremost instead of working himself half to death. Riley would be awfully upset seeing him unhealthy when he got home.
Today he was trying to enjoy the weather, trying not to worry too much, but not really succeeding in either as he sat next to the lake. Although the breeze was nice and the sound of slight waves lapping at the shoreline was calming, Kaleb would need more than soothing sounds to ease his troubles that day.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:27 am
 Soft purple eyes peered out curiously from amid charcoal dark fur bedecked with white and rainbows as he watched the world outside his family and home move around him. Bradach could have walked, or even flown, but he was too engrossed with the sights around him to do very well at either. He could play at the park his father promised, where stories of a snowball fight -what was snow anyway?- had happened months before his parents had taken their 'phones off together.
Now was the time to look around.
Because he was looking around -or perhaps because the angelic pup had a sympathetic heart- his pale violet gaze noticed the sad angelic first. Big black wings... deeper black than Bradach's own fur, haphazard hair... and something about him that called out to the pup as needing a nuzzle. Making a noise in the back of his throat not unlike a whimper Bradach nuzzled his father and wiggled to be released. The pup scampered with a mixture of grace & pup-gangliness towards the clothed audio. There was nothing to worry about in the stranger. Even if there somehow where... his Da was here.
Bradach reached the stranger who seemed vaguely familiar -he had not met this audio but maybe a picture?- and nuzzled comfortingly against him, looking up at spectacled blue eyes with his own pale violet gaze with a touch of gold. It was a beautiful day, perfect for some father/son bonding or just sharing time together. The new father would have wished to spend 24/7 with his family but not only was that sometimes or even often impossible, it really was not healthy for them either. It was good to have a chance to get out with just one.
The Highlander chuckled softly as he carried his son, taking enjoyment in watching how the pup took in everything with wide-eyed wonder. Aiden certainly did not mind carrying Bradach and concentrated on seeing to where they were going when not glancing at his son & taking delight in him. The pair were quiet, the father not being much for words anyway and the pup not ever having spoken a word.
Golden eyes scrunched with confusion as without warning Bradach stirred in his arms. "Well if ye be wantin' down, Laddie..." The blue tartaned audio said softly as he set his son with prismatic tartan pattern all his own upon the ground. Aiden's confusion was only heightened when the pup took off, concerned parental eyes immediately following and looking ahead. Some of the worry left him, spotting the lone audio and starting to recognize him. Now mostly at east Aiden strode with easy yet purposeful strides after his offspring. He neared just in time to lift a brow in wonder as his son showed unexpected familiarity with their old family friend. "Kaleb-laddie. Tis good te' be seein' ye again. Dinnae ken I've had th' chance te' tell ye 'bout our wee bairns?" A proud & yet rueful smile, Aiden inclined his head to indicate the snuggling pup.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:06 am
To say Kaleb was startled was an understatement. He had been so deep within his own thoughts that he hadn't heard the pup's approach, not until the very second he felt the touch against his side. Thankfully his reaction was to simply freeze up as his heart practically leaped out of his chest, instead of his usual frightened flailing.
His near panic was only short lived, he was able to calm down quite quickly once he realized it was just a little pup. A mountain of thoughts seemed to run through his mind all at once, wondering who it belonged to, where it could have come from, and perhaps most importantly, why it was snuggled up against him. The little healer was certainly at a loss as to what to do, he often saw children at the hospital, but this was an entirely different situation!
Kaleb glanced up over his shoulder when he heard Aiden's voice, and then everything clicked. "No, ah... Congratulations!" He said hastily, still struggling to figure out an appropriate reaction to the entire situation. Now taking a second look at the pup, it's family was obvious. Such a colourful little thing... Unfortunately at that point his awkwardness had started to really become apparent, because he had no idea what to do aside from sit as still as possible and let the little guy nuzzle him.
"H-he's very sweet," he stammered, wondering if it had truly been that long since he had last seen his friends. He had been so worried about Riley, and had only started getting away from his books just the week past. It was almost embarrassing to run into someone familiar though, his wings were thin with worry and he had even lost some weight. He probably still looked tired too, although his appearance on that front had improved since he resolved to treat himself better. As happy as he was to see a friend again, he couldn't help but blush a bit and watch the little pup instead of meeting Aiden's eyes.
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Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:37 am
Aiden chuckled softly and a little sheepishly. It had been since February he had seen the mage, mostly cloistered away with his beloved as they discussed wanting to start a family. Then there was the time without his headphones when he had been white as snow... it had left the Highlander feeling woefully vulnerable and -odd as it might be to someone who wore no clothes unless it was necessary- naked. "I dinnae ken so. An' thank ye, Laddie." Another smile, this one more pride and amusement as he watched his son murr and attempt to console in his pup-fashion. "Aye... that he is. The laddie be named Bradach. His sister Liriel be most often wit' my bonny lassie an' his brother Kosaku wit' th' lassie, Charlemagne." Squatting down, the proud father rubbed his son between the ears, then down his head to scritch between his shoulderblades and wing joints bringing a soft purr from the pup. "Bradach, this be our friend Kaleb."
Quiet softness of silence for a moment. Then, "Ye been well Laddie?" The note that he was thought of often by not only the Highlander but those around him making the question both gentle and having the quality of an intangible hug.
The pup snuggled, sometimes tilting his head from side to side at the clothed audio male. Not at the clothes -others did wear them afterall- but at the 'colors' that surrounded him. Bradach had not seen such an aura around the others in his very extended family. A different kind of magic? More magic? It was so much brighter than the magic around them. It would be so pure... what was bringing it down? Bradach pawed with curiosity & worry at the aura. Of course his paw went through it -that was normal- and he ended up pawing at Kaleb's shirt instead. Pale violet and gold eyes continued looking up at his family's friend, waiting for some sort of answer to come.
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Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:40 am
"Bradach..." Kaleb mumbled to himself, still looking down at the pup. He opened his mouth as if to reply to Aiden's gentle question, but couldn't seem to find the right words. How does one say they haven't been well at all without causing any worry? If the little pup at his side had been a fluffy stuffed toy or a pillow Kaleb would have been compelled to hug it for a bit for comfort, but as far as he could tell pups were delicate little things, and this pup was not his to hug in the first place.
He startled a bit when he was pawed at, and then hesitantly pet the little one's head as though the pup might break or flee if he wasn't infinitely careful with his movements. Being an angelic as well, he wasn't tempted to touch the halo knowing how odd, and not always pleasurable, it felt to have it played with. The pup itself was more intriguing to the healer anyway. Had he been that small and huggable once? How would you handle such a little creature, with all those delicate little feathers?
"Ah, I-I've been okay," he managed to get out on his second attempt, and then the words came a bit easier. "The past couple months have been a little rough, but I'm doing better..." Okay, maybe he shouldn't have said it like that, if he looked like a mess now he didn't want to worry his friends by thinking about how bad he had been.
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Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:56 pm
Softly Bradach purred at the petting. It was a start. This Kaleb smelled good. He had a good feel too. It was so sad though. Not like Trelweny's sadness though. More like... Keyna, when she was without her Fafnir for a long time. Or the fae talaye twins when they were worried about their evolved talaye friend. Was Kaleb missing someone? Sitting back on his hind legs Bradach rose and lifted his front paws up, waving them lightly in the air. 'Pick me up' he seemed to say, his little wings spread for better balance behind him.
Golden eyes watched and regarded the scholarly mage with soft sadness. The Highlander did not miss much, but what he saw made more questions than answers. Kaleb's words did nothing to ease it either. Aiden wondered what was really wrong. As if seeing the mage without a book was not clue enough that something was deeply troubling him. But if he was not going to say... well Aiden was not his 'sisters' to push or force it out of him. "I dinnae ken why ye dinnae call us if things were rough. tis good things are better now." Somehow it sounded like though Aiden might not quite believe Kaleb was telling the truth about being better but was giving him the gentleman's benefit of the doubt -or at least the honor of keeping his privacy if that was what the mage wanted.
He chuckled softly, hiding the worry in his golden eyes for his friend. "Pups dinnae break, ye ken. Nae wit' th' way Trel's lad tries te' be dragging 'im 'round." Lifting his son with a large hand beneath where Bradach's forelegs joined his body Aiden placed the little angelic audio in the other's arms, grinning as the pup wiggled and snuggled in.
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Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:18 pm
Kaleb froze up all over again, hardly daring to cradle the little thing in his arms let alone actually cuddle with him. Bradach was just so small, everything from the little head snuggled against his chest to the little feet pressed against his stomach, and he couldn't help but glance up at Aiden with an almost doubtful, worried expression before looking back down at the pup in his arms. Without knowing what else to do the healer gently scratched behind those little ears again, maybe picking up a little bit of confidence with his actions despite his hesitations.
After he had settled into a slightly more relaxed, if still cautious pose, Kaleb turned back to the conversation at hand. "I-I..." didn't want to be a bother, was what his mind filled in, but he knew that was an inadequate response. "I'm sorry, I've been very worried, a-and keeping myself busy with my research, I didn't believe there was much anyone could do to help me at this point but I think I was wrong..." The little healer's quiet voice almost broke near the end of his rushed sentence, and his brows furrowed with the attempt to keep it together. By nature he wanted to be strong enough to withstand the world on his own, and when he was in such a fragile state that might have been as close as he could come to admitting how much he wanted comfort and company.
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Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 9:47 am
Purring Bradach overlooked how the sad angelic was awkward with holding him to snuggle closer. Lightly he kneaded at Kaleb's white shirt, wishing there was something he could do to make the older angelic feel better. 'Aunt' Relm's paintings of him never had him looking like this. Yes... that's where Bradach new him from. In the paintings he was shy and sweet... often reading or doing magic. Not like this. The pup continued to purr softly.
Aiden listened in silence to the rushed flow of words that ushered forth from the smaller mage's mouth. Slowly he arched a brow, equally in silence. Gently the Highlander smiled. "Even if there cannae be a thing we can do we can support ye, Kaleb-laddie. Tis wha' friends do."
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Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:13 am
Slowly Kaleb curled up around the little pup, until it was more like a real hug than just a careful embrace. "I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind," he whispered quietly, setting his chin gently upon Bradach's head as he listened to that little purr. He must have been doing something right for a purr like that. The mage closed his eyes, holding back tears until the tightness in his throat went away.
Then he smiled, and although it was still rather weak it was also real enough, not simply a cover to hide all his true feelings away. "Th-thank you, I-I appreciate it," he said as he let Aiden's words really sink in. Even if his friends would have worried about him, perhaps they would prefer to share his own worries rather than be kept at a distance... He blushed a bit and looked away again, but at least this time his usual sheepish behaviour was starting to show through.
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Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:29 am
Mind? Mind? The charcoal and prismatic angelic pup’s purr increased to a warm vibration as he was curled around, enjoying it fully. Bradach intentionally nuzzled the older male, rubbing his tiny head sweetly to the underside of Kaleb’s chin & neck. Was he going to cry? Why was this adult so sad?
Watching the two quietly, Aiden was wondering much the same thing. What is it that ails ye, Laddie? However he respected Kaleb’s privacy and did not press the question. The new father was proud of his silent son, pleased that the pup perhaps could offer Kaleb much needed comfort and affection. The mage’s slight but honest smile made Aiden smile as well and he gently placed a blue hand on the smaller male’s shoulder. “Yer welcome. Laddie. Anytime.” Slowly a bit of impishness curled the Highlander’s smile and sparkled in his golden eyes. "I wa’ thinkin’ o’ taking wee Bradach ‘ere t’ th’ playground, if ye’ve an incling t’ join us I think th’ laddie’d like tha’.”
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Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:08 am
At the nuzzling Kaleb made a little noise, barely a short laugh that was evidence enough that his troubled emotions had been soothed for the moment. His horrible worries were still lurking, but they were a little easier to bear for now.
Then he glanced up at Aiden. "R-really?" He didn't want to intrude further in what must have been a father-son bonding trip, but at the same time he was glad to be invited along. Bradach did seem to like him, if the display of affection was any indication.
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Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:09 am
Bradach made a eager nod of his head, indicating with actions and bright smile that yes indeed he wanted this quiet adult to join them at the playground. Even if Kaleb did not play the pup could romp and keep returning to where the older males were. To keep checking in on them of course. Adults needed so much taking care of.
Golden eyes watched softly. A look of relief to see how his son soothed the jittery mage. If ye'd tell us, Laddie, we're al'ays 'ere for ye.
The Highlander chuckled softly, fae wings fluttering as his eyes twinkled. “Wouldnae offer ye if I dinnae mean it.” Gently guiding with the barest of comforting touches through the hand on Kaleb's shoulder, Aiden led the way to the playground.
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Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:09 pm
Kaleb smiled weakly, and let Aiden lead on. He was reluctant to let go of Bradach right away, instead cradling the pup in his arms securely, but also gently as though the pup were made of glass and might break with any sudden movement. He was very careful not to ruffle the little feathers, and was overly considerate in making sure Bradach could see where they were going, and all in all so focused on the pup that he almost tripped over a protruding rock in the path.
Thankfully a quick flare of his wings let him recover his balance, if not his mile-a-minute heart rate. Once they arrived at the playground he reluctantly set the pup down.
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Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:28 pm
His little rainbow plaid on charcoal tail swayed happily where it slipped and hung the way he was being carried. He could take care of the grown-ups and watch where they were going! The only way Bradach had of letting the smaller adult know he was fine and would not break -he was his daddy's son after all!- were occasional happy nuzzlings and continued cuddling. Feathers could be straitened. Had to be, what with the trio of kitsu girl-kits not to mention the other young he roughhoused with on a daily basis at the house.
Not that Kaleb could know that.
Expressive eyes widened at the trip and near save, the pup's little head turning to look ay Kaleb's face in concern. Gently he purred all over again, feeling the jack-rabbit-ness of the mage's breathing and worrying about it. Just like a pup to not realize he could have been in any danger, though he did make a subconscious mental note of the wing-save for future reference. He kept glancing back more after that, as if checking to be sure Kaleb would be okay. His childlike trust fully intact.
Being set down Bradach hesitated only a moment, giving Kaleb's leg a nuzzle then his father a glance of 'may I go?' before darting playfully off to the slide. He had to wiggle and half jump his way up the stairs which were designed for 2-legger use, but eventually he made it to the top. Once there Bradach looked again to the adults. Giving them a big grin he wiggled his hind quarters happily then slid down the slide.
At first his wings were pressed close to his body but towards the end he fanned them out, letting them slow his momentum just enough so that he could jump off the bottom and not slide off and land with his face in the dirt. The pup hopped a bit happily, then trotted over to the adults to check on them before doing the whole thing over again.
If Aiden were to say he had not internally panicked a bit when he saw the mage trip while carrying his son he would have been lying. However he did get over his momentary fright far quicker than Kaleb and tossed the shorter male a friendly and comforting look that it was all right -he had managed to counter the fall after all and both Bradach and the mage were unharmed.
There was a little quiet amusement in the Highlander's golden eyes at how delicately his son was being carried. There was no need to tell Kaleb that the pup would not so easily break. Kaleb would simply have to learn in time. Having been guardian and babysitter and otherwise patriarch to the ever-growing family he lived with Aiden had learned that lesson well long ago. He also knew that they were easily hurt, but there was a different kind of caring for that. It had more to do with how much strength was used upon them. Hugs... hugs were easiest to keep safe.
“They grow up so fast.” Aiden said softly, his eyes watching as his son left them again for another go on the slide.
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Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:54 pm
One might have thought Kaleb to be family for all his anxious fidgeting while watching the little pup scramble up the stairs. Despite his awkwardness and hesitance, already his desire to see the fluffy little thing safe and unharmed was much stronger than what was usually triggered by his healer's 'care for all' mentality. The thought of that sweet pup stumbling, even if it meant no more than a stubbed toe or a scraped knee... The mage had never found playground equipment so frightening before.
"Ah..." Kaleb was a little distracted watching Bradach tackle the stairs again, but once the immediate 'danger' had passed he was able to focus on Aiden and possible conversation. "I-I can't imagine him being smaller than that," the little mage replied, and promptly blushed with the thought that the little pup might very well grow up and be taller than him.
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