Desalt wouldn't say he hates children. He has a very healthy respect for kids and those who have them. No; the problem lies in his upbringing. A neglectful mother and an abusive father will do that to you; not to mention the many people who've taken advantage of poor orphan Desalt after his parents passing.

So no, Desalt doesn't hate children. He hates what can be done to them and what he himself could possibly do to them. He had no delusions of being a good father. No one this messed up can be. But for Kirket, he can try.

After months of talking and reassuring, he was still nervous and frightened but this was a step forward for the person he loves. Kirket, the soft spoken and gentle hand guiding Desalt toward parenthood with promises to never let him become who the others had been. A light in the darkness.

They'd placed the stones out of reach, hidden to avoid any accidents while the month passed and Desalt was more than grateful for the time allowing him to prepare and plan. Though occasionally he will find himself just outside the door, head pressed to the wood and breathing deeply as the responsibilities flooded him. Sometimes he thinks he can hear them. Impossible, he knows, but the excitement kirket exudes is starting to rub off on him.

He catches himself smiling as he cooks, watching kirket and imagining him with their kids, and he thinks maybe. Just maybe. this will be exactly what he needs to overcome his fears.