Woo! Had enough muse to post!
WC: 309
Isa and Hadley had moved into the house just outside of Casa territory about a week ago. She was still carrying the pups inside her as well and grew ever more anxious the longer her pregnancy lasted. The pups should have already been brought into the world nearly three weeks ago. It was clear that something was wrong and Isa just wanted to get out of the pack and just be with Hadley until they were born, which would hopefully be soon.
It was probably the middle of the night when Isa was awoken by a kick from one of the little ones. Her hand went to her round belly as she slowly got out of bed, being careful not to wake Hadley. She made her way into the kitchen where Hadley had left some jerky on the table for her. He had been leaving food out for her lately, probably knowing that she had been getting restless at night. Sitting down, she nibbled on the jerky. She wasn’t as hungry as she had been recently but concentrating on the taste of the deer jerky took her mind from worrying about the pups. She felt another kick and looked down as she felt a bit of pressure. What followed confused her slightly, making her think she pied herself. It took Isa a moment to realize the pups were coming. She tried to call for Hadley but couldn’t find her voice at first. H..Hadley? Standing, she felt the first wave of pain, indicating it was time. She whined and her ears flattened against her head as she tried to make her way back to the bedroom.
Once she reached the door, another wave of pain hit her, bringing her down to her knees as she whimpered. Hadley! I need you! Hopefully this time he would hear her and wake up.
He was in the middle of a very pleasant dream. Something about orange pillows, and the delight of eating purple deer. Stretching out he let out a soft murmur before rolling back over, falling deeper asleep. The space beside him was completely ignored, oblivious to the fact that his mate was no longer there. Smiling he settled down deeper, getting a full night's sleep for the first time in a while. He could only run on anxiety for so long, worrying over his mate.
Her cries finally awoke him, sitting up with a snort. Looking over he spotted Isa, crouched on the floor. Alerted to the fact that something was happening Hadley came to her side in a flash, tripping over the bedsheets as he went. Isa? The pups were coming. Hurrying he left the room, heading down to get some herbs Regner had told him about. He made a quick mix, then brought water up. He held it out to her before darting over to the bed, fluffing the pillows. Pacing he watched her, hoping that everything would be alright.
WC: 442
Hadley finally woke and hurried to her side. She made her way to the bed as he scrambled about, getting herbs and water. A whine left her lips as she felt it was time. Hadley was still standing there, watching. Her nervous mate didn’t need to see this. He would only be worried the whole time. Isa knew perfectly well that Hadley wouldn’t leave her side, not now at least. As the pain of labor worsened, she called him over, wanting to hold his hand as she went into labor for the first time.
It wasn’t long after Hadley reached her side, that Isa pushed, bringing forth a little girl. Isa was quick to chew off the umbilical chord and clean off the newborn pup before cradling her in her arms. Looking down at the tiny pup, Isa felt nothing but love for her. She was simply adorable, fur pattern similar to her mothers but the color was shades of brown like her father. Her eyes were closed but Isa knew their newborn daughter would have beautiful eyes as well.
Eyes meeting her mates, Isa smiled as she nuzzled into Hadley’s chest gently. She’s perfect Hadley. She still couldn’t believe that she had a daughter of her own blood. There was still more to come though and this was clear by yet another wave of pain. H..Hadley can you take her? Isa handed the small pup to her father as a second pup was ready to enter the world. Isa pushed a few times with no results but with one last push, the pup came into the world. She cleaned the pup just as she had done before and smiled up at Hadley, not realizing something was wrong just yet. It’s a boy. She was the happiest woman alive at that moment, until Isa noticed that the pup in her arms was much smaller than the girl. He also didn’t appear to be moving. Isa whined softly as she put her ear against the pup’s tiny form, attempting to find a heartbeat. When she didn’t find one, she licked the pups muzzle and body and tried anything she could to get the tiny pup to breath, but nothing seemed to work. The pup had clearly passed away inside her a while ago.
Tears flowed from her as she cradled her deceased pup, wondering what she had done wrong. Her head lifted as she let out a long, mournful howl for the little one in her arms. She still didn’t want to accept that he was dead though and she looked to Hadley, pleading with her eyes for him to do something, anything.
Hadley stepped closer to Isa, his tail twitching a fast tempo behind him the entire time. He wasn't ready! He didn't care if he'd had an extra month to prepare. He had no idea how he was going to be a father. Hadley whined softly, taking Isa's hand and gripping it tightly. He wouldn't let go. He didn't know what was going to happen now, but he was going to stay right there. Hopefully he could help in some way. It seemed like she was in so much pain, and he didn't have a clue on how to stop it.
A pup slipped out, Hadley gawking at the tiny life. She was so small, so vulnerable. Very much there, very much related to him, and very much frightening. What now? Hadley felt his mind buzz with panic, looking at his tiny daughter. She was going to break, he just knew it. Was he going to betray them now? Have something take him over and leave them? Fear threatened to overwhelm him, but he stayed strong, watching as she was nestled into Isa's body.
He accepted the little girl, nuzzling her gently. A small whine broke from her, not happy to be removed from her mother. He just wanted her happy. The scarred hybrid would have willingly passed her back, if it wasn't so clear that Isa wasn't ready to hold her again. His tail thumped as a tiny gray pup appeared. A boy? That was wonderful! A perfect boy, and a darling little girl. He couldn't be happier. He looked down at the first born, smiling as he studied her perfect features.
A small whine from Isa alerted him to the fact that something was up. Sharply Hadley looked at Isa. Was it another one? Was something wrong? His heart crashed, watching her struggle to revive their son. No. It couldn't be. The fruitless licks came again and again. Hadley knew it wouldn't fix it, watching with a hopeless fascination. This wasn't something he'd prepared for. Hadley felt that Amy was again thrusting her claws through his chest, scraping at his heart. So painful.
A howl broke from Isa, a forlorn sound. The bright blue eyes beseeched Hadley to fix it. He couldn't bring back the dead though. Ears flat he looked at the tiny body, the life that would never exist. Isa's broken form hurt even worse. Hadley drew himself up, knowing that she would need his strength. He couldn't abandon her at this time. Drawing from his small reserve of courage he managed a smile.
Placing the daughter in Isa's arms he took the boy, cuddling him as if it was just asleep. The girl whined, nuzzling at her mother for comfort, feeling hungry now. His tail wagged, trying to brighten things up. She's perfect. Do you know what we should name her? If you don't mind, I'd like to name the boy. Luke.
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