ruan
He was relaxed though it was hard to ignore the tightness in his chest. Not that he had a damn clue why it was there to begin with. It was good that she was home. It was good to have her back home, to see her again. Everything was good. He’d missed her, of course. Had wondered.. well. When she left and hadn’t returned, he’d taken it to mean that she wasn’t coming back. That the Taiga wasn’t her home anymore. And he wasn’t sure he would have expected her to visit. Friends, he thought. But wasn’t quite sure how closely anymore.But she was home now.
”The boys will be here soon enough,” she said. Boys. His heart squeezed painfully and his jaw twitched, but he didn’t move. Pushed a warm smile to his face to match hers, even. He could’t help when his gaze caught her movement, the sway in her step and the soft curve of her belly. A mother. With boys. ”He’s a wolf too, though he doesn’t know it yet,” she said about her first boy. The corner of his mouth pinched in a half-smile, his eyes warming, and he wondered if they were quite a handful just yet. Though Iasan had never been, peace be with him wherever he is.
"The other, Corvus, is too much like his father to be tied down just yet. A free sort of bird.” His smile grew at her soft chuckle, finding a quiet happiness in her pleasure. And he didn’t miss the sound of reminisce. She missed her man, it was clear, and again, he was pleased that she’d found happiness. Couldn’t help the trickle of uncertainty if he ever would as well. But of course he was happy. He was home, those that cared most for the forest were home and at his side. And he was a father, even if it were only by adopting lately as it seemed. He may not measure up in other ways, but at least he knew he was a damn good father. At least he had his children -what’s left of them.
”I’m sorry for disappearing,” she added then, ”It wasn’t by any design of my own, I can promise you that. Turns out I’m a teleporter.” His brows rose as her brilliant blue eyes flickered to his and his head tilted. After a moment, he frowned softly. A teleporter, but maybe she couldn’t control it? Was that why she never came back to give word that she was well, didn’t leave any notice of where to find her to see for himself? Or maybe it was one of those polite things that people say, those white lies that harm no one but give a careful explanation or reason for something. He’d never really know. Wasn’t good at those, himself. Rather blunt and direct.
The concern for her was still there, though. ”You weren’t hurt, I hope?” she seemed fine, so it felt a bit pointless to say. See? She was right here and healthy. Didn’t mean he still wouldn’t like it if she were harmed previously. Somehow, that didn’t make a lot of sense and yet made perfect sense. He brushed the thoughts away. ”I’m really glad your home,” and the words held a weight to them he hadn’t meant to put there. But he meant it. ”The boys probably keep you fairly busy, hm? And your -” Husband? Partner? Friend? ” - the father? Will he be staying as well?” But if they were together, then why wouldn’t he? How could he not?
But it wasn't his business, save to know who would be within their forest.