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 Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:16 pm
“I think we’re getting a little old for that.”
The sound of wave after wave had almost lulled him to sleep on the sun-warmed wood of the deck before Beau’s voice stirred him into waking again. If he was being honest with himself, the prospect of one last crop of offspring was appealing, but… he hardly felt healed from the aftermath of the war himself. Could he even do it all over again?
Despite his words, Captain’s tone was uncertain as if he had not actually fully committed to the thought. He was stretched out on the top floor deck as far as he could go, idly watching the stars creeping across the sky as it darkened. The day had been unbearably hot, and now as ocean air swept through and cooled everything off several other demons had ventured out for a stroll along the beach.
He lifted his head halfway, white eyes watching his mate for her response. “What makes you mention it?”
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:17 pm
Beau had not expected him to agree readily at her first suggestion; he hadn’t previous times, either. It was just the way he was. She flashed a soft, endearing smile down at him before shifting to lay her back against his. The two of them took up a good chunk of the deck these days, but anyone that wasn’t already asleep was out roaming the dunes now that things had cooled off. There was plenty of room here for them.
“It’s been hard for everyone, darling,” she said, stretching her talons before settling down again, “We were luckier than most, but that doesn’t make it any easier. One son may still be missing, but the rest of our family is here.”
For a moment she fell quiet, listening carefully to ensure their bonded had not stirred from her often restless sleep just inside the open doorway.
“She could use a bit of happiness, don’t you think? We all could.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:18 pm
He mulled over her words in silence, the vibration of her back against his as she spoke soothing whatever anxieties had been bothering him this evening. Captain knew she was right- per usual- although he needed to work himself through the thought before he would verbally agree. In his heart he knew she already had predicted his answer; Beau had always been able to read him like an open book.
“You know I would give anything to bear her pain,” he spoke carefully, eyes watching the rolling waves in the distance. “This is… such a small thing.”
Small thing was a relative term, if he was being honest. When Belle and Lieutenant had first come into their lives it had rocked him to the core, and not in a bad way. Perhaps it really was all they needed to truly begin to heal. Slowly he sat up, leaning his weight against her for the stability it offered him.
“I suppose you’re right,” he murmured, absently picking at a spot on the wooden deck with a single claw, “You usually are.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:19 pm
Beau sat up soon after him, attention turned briefly indoors to Capricorn’s bedroom as their bonded tossed and turned in her sleep. She would have to go to guard her from whatever nightmare plagued her mind. It was becoming like clockwork these days and the dark circles under the woman’s eyes were clear evidence of that.
“We can discuss it in the morning if you’d like,” she added, craning her neck to gently nuzzle against his jaw, “I know how you like to stew over a decision for a while.”
She stood, stretching the length of her body like a cat with a yawn that exposed rows of gleaming fangs. Her paws made hardly any sound as she crossed the gap between them and the door. Beau paused in the doorframe, turning back to look at her mate still laying in the moonlight.
“Regardless,” she added, voice soft in a tone reserved only for him, “I love you. Come sleep soon.”
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Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:21 pm
He watched her disappear inside, saying nothing for now. Although he’d think it over until morning Captain had already made up his mind; she was right, they all needed a little boost in their lives.
Silently he settled on watching the ocean for a while longer, allowing its steady rhythm to lull him into a half-asleep trance. He’d managed to heal before from a battle long ago, and although he could hardly remember the details nowadays it could not have been much different. His remaining family was safe and home were they all belonged… and he could not ask for more than that. Sarge had never been as close to home as the others, but his presumed loss still struck hard to his core. Captain could only hope he was merely missing and would return one day in the future.
Somewhere on the deck below he could hear the quiet shuffling of Frenzyheart returning home. It was his cue that it was well past when he should have been asleep. Quietly he lifted himself and padded into the house, surveying the way Beau had fallen asleep with Capricorn snug against her side. As careful as he could manage Captain climbed onto the mattress, settling on the opposite end and laying his head across their bonded’s unused pillow.
Beau was right. It was well overdue.
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