They were coming.
The news that Bipolar was both excited for and dreading was here. The puppies wanted out; they wanted to make their escape into the world, a blur of colorful pelts and blind eyes and deaf ears. Helpless, but not alone. She puffed out her chest as she paced the den in circles. No, never alone. Paranoia wouldn't leave her. The kids knew they were coming. Things were in order. Even her blackouts had faded back to about once a week and she was managing well.
But they were coming.
As a pain gripped her belly, she huddled on the floor, scared and giving a soft huff of a moan. "Para..."
---
He had been expecting this, they both had. They both remembered what the first labor had been like. They had been ready. But now that they were coming, he couldnt help but feel a little sketchy. He was scared, like a new father all over again.
He nuzzled into his mates neck fluff which was matted with sweat.
"Im here love."
---
She stretched out, panting as he came in. Her blue eyes, full of pain, lit up and she struggled to stand. She didn't get far, and relaxed into the feeling of his muzzle in her fur. She smiled and pushed down on her muscles. "Not far now," she breathed softly, awaiting the puppy's first breath into life.
xxx
When everything was said and done, Bipolar was sprawled out on the stony floor of the cave with six healthy, nursing puppies. Six! Three more than her first litter! She beamed tiredly at her mate, then took a yawn and curled herself around them. What a job well done. The reward was to sleep...
---
The purple body stayed in the shade of tree, keeping out of the suns too warm rays. She never really was ever motivated to do much of anything .When she was around, she was really relaxed and generally happy.
She smiled, watching her siblings as they tackled their father. The family was tight knit, always making sure that each other was taken care of. It was as if their disabilities [and for some, lack thereof] drew them together to be stronger.
---
A little growl escaped the mouth of Craze, a violet and orange hazy blur as he raced circles around Dad, paws making a groove in the ground. His bright eyes locked upon his father as he darted left, then feigned a right, leaping up to tackle Paranoia's ears and tail. Jaws clicked together on air, and he circled him again, tail wagging quicker than what he thought possible. "C'mon, Dad! C'mon, play? Play?" he bounced back and forth, then spied a bug on the ground and lunged onto it.
---
Paranoia sidestepped his son a few times, trying not to step on the little guy as he darted this way, then that. He wasnt sure where his pups seemed to get that playful attitude they always had. Even through their issues, they were still the sweetest bunch.
"What would you have me play?"
He mused, flicking his tail just out of his sons reach when he jumped, snapping his jaws in the air.
---
"What about...tag!" Craze barked, prancing to the side as Para snapped his jaws. A thrill raced through him, sending chills down his back. "What about tag?" He turned to Ecstacy, head tilted to one side. Tag was no fun to play alone, after all...
---
Hysteria -- Eri, as he called himself -- lay a few paces away with flat ears, listening to his brother make a riot. Craze, Craze, Craze... He shook his head, taking a breath and looking around. There was Xanax, sitting in the shade and looking oh-so-happy. Lip curled into a wry smile. Of course... Happy. He stood with grace -- everything he did seemed to be poised and calculated -- and made his way to her side. He sat down, gazing at her, but saying nothing.
---
The black pup was almost the dark sheep of the family, having the dark pelt with the others having their rainbow furs. He didnt feel shameful however, he loved everything about his family, and he really didnt like to dwell on things he couldnt change.
He looked at Craze, and saw the look of play in his brothers eyes. That was natural, he was always the one to be up and moving, ready to go and play.
He usually preferred the calm and relaxed Xanax, but only because he could usually get a little rest around her ever now and then.
But he got to his multicolored paws, and darted to his brother and father.
"C'mon Da! Just a little game!"
---
She had been wrapped up in watching her brother and father, and watching X try to get Paranoia to play yet another game for the day.
Her brothers had too much energy, she really didnt know how they did it.
But her attention was turned to her side when Hysteria approached. She smiled, her eyes playful, cunning, yet she did not move.. Nor was she willing to.
"You didnt feel the need to tousle with the other brothers?"
---
Eri smirked, a small smirk. His tail gave a lone wag. "I suppose not," he murmured. His head tilted to one side. "And you? Thinking you'll get out of playing by laying lazy like you're doing?" His voice almost had a bite to it, but he spoke out of mere curiosity. He eased down to his belly, watching his sister with pale eyes. "I suppose you have the right idea. It is nice here... But you're still lazy." He shot her a look, a look that said 'don't challenge me, you won't win'.
---
The pink male looked down at his two boys, and knew that he was no match for the both of them. He was kept busy with Ecstasy and Craze, the two seeming boundless.
"I will play tag with you, after you help me pick these flowers for your momma."
He nodded, after all, that was his mission today. He had taken them out into the packlands of Agua Azul, his pack and residence for the time being.
He was safe, his pups were safe, and he wanted to surprise his mate.
The wildflowers grew plentiful in these weathers, and he was determined to bring some home.
He looked around them, and smiled.
"They are all around you, pick a few!"
He looked to Xanax and Hysteria, and knew they were generally not the type to actually move. So he encouraged the two boys the most today.
---
