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Europa was nervous, but who wouldn't be? Bahari was lovely, in all senses of the word, and while she was most comfortable with him, she still worried about her future as a mother. It had been her idea originally, spoken quickly and with a nervous tremor, but something she had considered for quite some time. Bahari would be an excellent father, she was certain, but... would she be a good mother?

It was that worry that had started her uncertainty, but then the following conversation with her father that had truly planted the seed of doubt. "You're too young!" he had exclaimed, and he was half correct — she was young, true, but far more capable than she felt he gave her credit for. Besides, wouldn't she forever be his little girl in his eyes? She doubted he'd ever feel truly content with the timing of potential clouds.

Thankfully, Bahari knew the perfect timing to interrupt her thoughts and free her from her twisting worries. She flashed a smile towards him and bumped her forehead into his shoulder.

"Yes!" She stretched a leg out, and then another. "It's not too far from here, but I'd like to get there by sundown, if that's agreeable? I don't want to keep anyone up too late..." Europa was ever aware of the sleeping habits of others, and how they differed so greatly from her own nocturnal schedule. How could she ask for the blessing of someone if they were too tired? She'd never want to impose!

Oh, a race! Europa brightened, dancing from hoof to hoof. A race would certainly take her mind off her worries!

"You bet!" She cheered, returning his wink in a gesture to show she understood. She didn't give him much time to prepare, flicking her tail against his flank before taking off in a semi-hurried pace, slow enough to change direction if he did, but quick enough to actually be competitive, if Europa could ever be such a thing.

It truly was moments like these that reminded her why she had asked Bahari in the first place. He knew how to calm her racing heart, and kept close to her side, anchoring her in his comfort. Growing up, she had traveled far and wide, but it had always felt too hurried — too lonely. She had her father and his friends, but she had always wanted to set her roots somewhere.

Ah, they hadn't discussed their future, she realized. Were they partners? Co-parents only? Friends? Nope, there was no time to add another worry; it was time to race!

Laughter rang out as she took off and he reared up in delight. Once his hooves met the ground, he leapt forward and took off in pursuit. The adrenaline of striving to catch up and maybe overtake the lead was a great relief. No one could think much when they were running like this.

His goal wasn't to win, though he would put in an effort to do so, and so he only pushed himself to make the race competitive enough that they were both focused on pursuit and speed and destination. He liked the pressure of his hooves hitting the ground and the way his lungs burned, the way his heart hammered in his chest. Much the way it did when he was around Europa.

He thanked Poseidon that the two of them had met and then let the thoughts bleed out of his mind. He had to put up a fight to win this race. Just a little. He wasn't much of the competitive sort anyway and he never minded ceding to Europa, anyway. Perhaps she should have a nickname, but then that required knowing what they were. And he didn't have time to think about that. Not when Europa was there and the temple of Hera was well within sight!

He considered a successful suggestion when Europa arrived bright-eyed. Short and unhurried races were certainly a good idea that relieved the tension and soothed the nervous mind. He whickered a laugh, "Then I'll have to race you in straight lines!"

Bahari brushed his velvety nose against her cheek and then froze. Was he sure? Gods, no! His mind drew up all the failures that he could be the cause of and all the doubts that festered low in his belly. He was not an experienced father, in fact, he was no father at all. And usually he wouldn't even consider such a responsibility. He was Poseidon's and like the ocean waves, life was untamed and changed constantly. But . . .

"I'm sure about you," he started with a soft sigh. "I'm quite terrified that I'll be an awful father. I sometimes find myself wondering what would happen if our clouds fell into some seafoam. How would I even tell them apart? Or what if they float into the sky? I have no wings to fly up after them!"

He swallowed, he hadn't intended to ever tell her these thoughts. Since he had, he had to tell her the rest of it, too.

"But then I think of you, racing them on their newfound wobbly legs and my heart swells. I think of you introducing them to your parents and giving them family beyond just the two of us. And, this is the important part," he paused, making sure that he was looking at him, "if I worry about being a good father, that means I aspire to do well by them. That I want them to be strong and healthy and curious and brave and silly and, above all else, loved."

His smile was soft and hopeful. He was all in and intended to do his very best. For Europa and for the clouds.

From the temple wall, Mazhar watched carefully. He couldn't help overhearing them and it was his duty, speaking to Hera about those who would love children. It was not always an easy task when he was only just meeting them. And he always feared that a hoi would be able to lie to him and then be an awful parent. But listening, he didn't think anyone was performing here. It sounded too real.