Mubina couldn't believe it. She sat on her rump in a sort of daze. Just one night with a male she didn't even know and this is what happened. She could feel them moving inside of her, cubs. That leopard she slept with had managed to get her pregnant. Just one moment of weakness and now she would be a mother. Silent tears soaked into the fur on her cheeks. She had really done it this time. Now she would be raising cubs without a father. The thought of doing that was horrifying to her. Perhaps she should try to find him. She wailed, all alone, pregnant, into the night.
Ctirad walked along, his paws keeping him moving even though his heart was not into it. He was currently caught up in thoughts of the past. The horrible flood that killed his family and pride was at the forefront of his mind. He remembered going back to where he lived and finding no one. It was unclear whether any survived like him. None ended up swept away in the same area that he had. So he could only wonder. He was suddenly pulled from his thoughts at the sound of a soft, feminine wailing in the night. Worried, he hurried over to where it was coming from. What he found was a white and pink cheetah who looked very much pregnant, crying and wailing. He cleared his throat so as not to startle her, "Are you alright miss?" His voice was kept soft and friendly.
In her misery, she had not heard the approach of another. So when she heard someone clear her throat, she startled. Her body was ahead of her mind and halfway on it's way to running from the sound. However, her tear filled eyes blurred the image of the male lion before her. Running in her condition would not be a good idea, she might run into something that could kill the babies inside of her. No matter how upset she was at herself for getting pregnant, she would never endanger the unborn ones she held. She tried to wipe the tears away with her paws but they were unwilling to stop. "I'll be fine, you needn't bother yourself with me." Male company was the last thing she wanted right now.
Ctirad could tell that she would most definitely not be fine. Poor girl looked absolutely miserable. He smiled at her and spoke again in his soft voice. "Do not lie to me. I know when a female is feeling down. They always say they are fine when they are not. If you'd rather now talk, then I shall simply be your silent companion." So he sat right next to her, his posture perfect in a regal way. If she needed a shoulder to cry on, he would be here. If she didn't want to acknowledge him, that was fine too. Whatever she chose to do, he would not leave her side till he deemed her as fine.
Mubina blinked at him in disbelief, her mouth gaping open and a confused expression twisted on her face. Her eyes told everything that she was thinking. Why would a male choose to stay with a strange female cheetah he had found crying and wailing? What lion in it's right mind would do that? Obviously he couldn't get any action from her since she was so noticeably pregnant. What could he want from her? It never occurred to her that he might not want anything. "Why are you doing this?" Her question was asked in almost a whisper, as if she was afraid he might pounce on her if she spoke louder than he did.
He smiled at her, his expression soft so as not to scare her. Ctirad had a feeling she had been hurt before. How bad? He could not tell but it clearly left a mark on her. "Are you asking why I'm being nice or why am I choosing to stay by you? Or is it both you want the answer to?" He chuckled softly. Clearly she had not known much kindness. Either that or she was scarred so badly that any kindness extended to her confused her. "I'll answer both then," he said after a moment of silence. "I would never leave a lady in distress. It is not so safe for a lovely lady like you to be alone, especially when you are carrying. I am being nice because it is the way I am. My father would be frowning down at me from the heavens if I did not make sure you were alright." Ah, his father, the most gentlemanly lion he had ever known. His pride had loved his father. It was what had drawn his mother to his father.
Mubina listened to his soft voice. He never spoke loudly or highly of himself. He didn't brag or make her scared. Why was she always finding lions that were nicer than the one cheetah who had broken her heart? Was it destiny? Perhaps she was never meant to be with another cheetah. After all, she was holding a leopards babies within her, not full-blooded cheetahs. She said the only thing she could think of after hearing all he had to say. "I'm sorry to hear your father passed on to the next life." She should seek out her own father. It had been a long time since she had seen her family. She didn't notice that while listening her tears had stopped. Her mind was no longer stuck on the horrible situation she was in. There was no more anger within her at herself.
Ctirad turned his head slightly so he could smile without her seeing. Good, her mind was not overwhelmed with sorrow now. He had accomplished something. It seemed that his consistent kindness had won her over. Although, he did appreciate her words. "I'm sorry too but it is not healthy to dwell on things of the past for too long." He should take that advice too. He had just been thinking of the past before he came upon her. It must not be coincidence that they ran into each other while thinking of things that made them sad. No one knows heartache as well as someone who has also experienced it. "Now hold that chin up high little lady. You have a litter coming and they will need a strong mother to love and care for them. If you ever are in need of help, I will not stray too far from where you are. Just come and find me." The offer was more to help him than her really. He needed an anchor, something to keep him in the present. Though she wasn't his and probably never would be, he would be here for her till she told him to leave.
Mubina's brows knitted together as she thought on his words. "My name is Mubina...in case you wanted to know." She should at least tell him her name. He was being so nice to her. She blushed a little at being called 'little lady'. He was right though. She needed to be stronger, stand a little taller, and take ahold of her life. That meant she would definitely try to find Pipo. He at least should know what happened from their one night together. "Thank you so much for your kindness. I think I will be fine now. You don't have to waste energy keeping an eye on me, though I appreciate it." He was like a guardian watching over her.
Ctirad chuckled to himself in self-amusement. He had been curious of her name but it was not necessary that she give it to him. It wasn't like they were together. It was his sense of duty and desire to care for someone that had made him offer his assistance. Women and cubs needed to be cared for. As far as he could tell the father was not here to care for them, so he would take his place from afar, the silent protector. "It is no problem for me. Trust me Mubina, you are doing me the favor. You and your cubs deserve to be safe and I will give you that." He got up to leave her. She was fine now. As he walked away, he turned to look back at her. "I'll be around and I am known as Ctirad."
