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Chapter Text

The early morning air was red with the rising sun and sweet with the smell of peach blossoms as Ae circled Pete’s peach tree in his wolf form. There was no verbal greeting until Ae finished circling the tree four times, rubbing the length of his body along the bark with each circle to rub off his scent. (Ae had learned long ago that urination on nymph trees as a means of scent marking was universally well frowned upon by nymphs. Even if it didn’t make them ill, it was unsightly and undignified.)

Before long, a slender and gentle hand reached down to scratch between Ae’s ears. Ae yipped and looked up to see Pete, clad in a pale green tunic, smiling down on him. Pete giggled and then jumped to tackle Ae, who immediately shifted into his human form to catch him. Giggles were interrupted with gentle kisses to Pete’s face and lips before Ae rubbed his cheek and nose anywhere he could easily reach with Pete held in his arms.

“More scenting?” asked Pete in the language of nature spirits. “Is it not obvious that I’m yours already?”

“Every morning I come and you smell of peaches and sweetness again,” Ae said in a huff as he nuzzled Pete’s neck, eliciting a shiver as Pete clung to Ae’s strong shoulders. “I have to make sure you start the day smelling of me so no one dares chase you.”

“I don’t think anyone will try anything. Not while Ae rests below my branches.”

“Even if I’m below your branches most of the day, what about when I’m not there?”

“Is Ae ever gone long enough for my tree to smell of another wolf?” Pete kissed the tip of Ae’s nose which made him wrinkle it. “Ae even lives in the cave near by. How would any other wolf not in Ae’s pack dare come into your territory?”

Ae only huffed and sat down, with Pete still in his arms. Pete only sighed and snuggled into the warmth of Ae’s chest and the crook of his neck before kissing the strong pulse beneath his skin. The act had the intended effect and Ae calmed down and reciprocated the kiss, tasting peach juice on Pete’s red-pink lips.

“The pack is going hunting on the west side of the forest today,” Ae said gently while petting Pete’s head.

“Don’t forget Tin there again.”

“I did not forget him on the west side of the forest. Tin refused to follow,” Ae growled. “Besides, Can went and got him anyway.”

“Of course. Ae is a good pack leader.” Pete pat Ae on the cheek. “Ae wouldn’t purposely forget anyone.”

“And so as part of being a good pack leader and mate…” Ae resumed nuzzling Pete’s cheek and Pete giggled again. “What would my mate like from the west side of the forest?”

“Pete would like apples,” Pete said with a smile. “The reddest and the sweetest Ae can find and bring back.”

Ae nodded while rubbing Pete’s head. “That I can do.”

“And if it’s a nymph’s tree-”

“I will ask kindly and respectfully.”

“Ae is the best.” Pete gave Ae another kiss. “Thank you, Ae.” Pete then scratched behind Ae’s ear, and even in human form, it had the desired effect of making one of his legs twitch beneath the furs he had wrapped around his waist. “I’ll be waiting.”

Ae tilted his head as if he was considering something. “Maybe I shouldn’t lead the hunt today.”

“Aeeeeee! You promised me apples!”

“Okay, okay, apples and the hunt and then… You’ll come get the apples in my den.”

Pete smiled. “Deal.”

Chapter Text

Not too far from a grand peach tree which had the sweetest peaches for miles around and not too close to a cave which always caught the morning sun, there was a sapling of a peach tree. This young peach tree was healthy and strong with beautifully green leaves and sweet flowers that had not yet managed to bear fruit.

Within its branches today, a young child with pale skin, dark brown hair, and clear brown eyes lay in wait. His golden blond wolf ears twitched before he turned around to grasp his similarly golden blond tail and shushed it so it would stop swishing and rustling the leaves to make noise. His tail stayed still for only a moment before the rustling continued as the wind picked up and the little boy smelled his targets.

Blowing down from the direction of the older peach tree, the little boy smelled the strong scent of a wolf over the smell of peach blossoms. He tucked his jade green tunic close to his body and prepared himself to jump from the young branches.

Closer and closer, two spirits walked hand in hand towards the cave. One was a wolf spirit in human form with only enough furs wrapped around his waist to keep him modest. The other was a taller nymph, dressed in a tunic the color of spring grass. Neither of them looked up as they passed the young peach tree and with a growl, the young boy launched himself from the tree only to be easily plucked out of the air by the wolf.

“Papa!” the boy cried, “You spoiled my surprise!”

Ae smiled softly before nuzzling the boy who squirmed in his grasp despite how delighted he looked at the attention and scenting. “My little Pin, you are getting better at surprises, but you’re too young to surprise me.”

Pin turned his large eyes and drooping wolf ears onto the nymph. “Daddy, wasn’t I surprising?”

Pete smiled and scooped Pin up from Ae’s grasp. “My sweet boy was very surprising! I didn’t even know you were there! How dashing! How amazing!” Each sentence was punctuated by Pete tossing Pin into the air, causing giggles and more excitable tail wiggling. “You’re going to be every bit the grand hunter your papa is.”

“Speaking of hunting,” Ae held up a woven basket, filled with fruit and leaf wrapped packages. “It’s time for dinner, little one. Fruit for daddy, some meat and fruit for you, and the rest is for me.”

“Will papa eat some fruit with us?” Pin asked as he was put down by Pete. “The fruits are very yummy!”

Ae scratched behind Pin’s left ear which made him giggle and his tail wag. “I’ll have a little bit. Remember, some of them upset my stomach. Papa’s body doesn’t work the same way yours and daddy’s does.”

Pin nodded. “Is that why Tan won’t eat some of the fruit I offered him?”

Ae made a face after finding out about the little visitor to his den. “Yes, Tan is like papa and can’t eat certain things.” He then knelt down to look Pin in the eye. “And what did I say about having Tan over without asking first?”

Pin pouted. “But Papa, he came by on his own since Uncle Tin was hunting with you! And I was lonely since daddy was doing nymph things with Uncle Yo! And-”

Pete picked Pin up again to kiss his nose. “Your papa just wants you to be safe,” Pete said with a knowing grin directed at Ae who scowled behind his son’s back. “But there’s no reason why you can’t play with Tan, he’s part of papa’s pack now. Just remind him you can’t roughhouse as much as he can.”

“I did! I did!” Pin bounced in Pete’s arms and almost knocked him over with the growing bits of wolf muscle in his tiny body. “We played hide and seek and he said I was getting as good as Uncle Can at seeking.”

“Let’s hope that’s the only thing you pick up from Can,” Ae groused as he pulled Pete along with Pin in tow. “Now dinner, and as we eat you can tell us more about what you played with Tan, okay?”

“Okay!” Pin then giggled before suddenly sobering up. “Also papa, what does it mean when you rub your cheek all over me and daddy?”

“It means I love you both very much,” Ae said without thinking. “It means I want others to know how much I love you.”

“So is it okay that Tan wanted to rub cheeks with me?”

“HE WHAT?”

“Ae, no!”

Chapter Text

From the branches of his tree, Pete watched the three grown wolves lounging about his roots as they watched their children play. Ae and Tin in particular looked grumpy despite how every bit of laughter and every giggle out of Pin and Tan made their lips twitch. Can, to his credit as Tan’s adoptive father and Pin’s pack uncle, shouted encouragement at the two children enough to cover all three wolves and Pete.

And then some.

“Come on Tan! You can’t let Pin out run you forever!” Can shouted which made Tin huff.

“He’s letting Pin out run him on purpose.” Tin rolled his eyes. “Stop pointing it out before somebody’s ego gets hurt.”

Ae’s throat rumbled with a pack leader level growl and Pete could see Tin’s hackles rise immediately. Can did too, apparently, if the way he suddenly tossed himself into Tin’s lap with his wolf ears perky and tail swishing innocently, was an indication.

“Oi Tin, speaking of egos…” Can dragged a calloused finger tip down the side of Tin’s neck, immediately getting his attention. “You never did tell me what you thought of the kill I brought back yesterday…”

Tin snorted. “Size does not make a good kill.”

“It fed everyone in the pack yesterday!”

“The meat was tough and stringy,” Tin said as he absentmindedly pet Can’s head, contradicting his criticism. “Tan could barely eat his share.”

Can cocked his head. “I saw him gobble it down like it was nothing and run off to hunt something more tender for Pin.” Tin scowled and Ae snickered just a bit at the previously lone wolf’s expression.

Pete chose that moment to casually fall into Ae’s lap, eagerly awaiting the warm arms that wrapped around his waist and the soft puffs of breath across the nape of his neck. “Ae, to his credit, Pin has been getting faster, hasn’t he?”

Ae nodded and rubbed his cheek against the back of Pete’s neck, causing Tin to gag at the open display of affection. At least until he yelped from Can licking his cheek. “He’s been getting better at running with the pack. It’ll be a while before he can keep up yet, but it’s good progress for our pup.”

“See Tin,” Can said before nipping the underside of Tin’s jaw, earning him a different kind of growl. “Tan is actually trying to keep up now. Ae said so.”

“He did not say anything of that-”

“Oh!” Pete pointed at the children. “Look, Pin managed to tackle Tan.”

Everyone immediately turned their gaze to the field in time to watch Pin lick Tan’s cheek and immediately giggle while his tail swished happily. Tan’s cheeks turned red before he rolled them over and leaned down. Just before their cheeks could touch, Pin and Tan found themselves yanked away by Ae and Tin.

“Papa!” Pin cried. “That’s not fair!” Ae instead rubbed his cheek against Pin’s to soothe him, which did not do much while Pin watched Tin rub his spit off of Tan’s cheek. “Uncle Tin! No! I won! That’s my mark I won!”

“You’re too young for that,” Tin mumbled, but it was more directed at Tan than anyone else. “And who told you to try scenting Pin? You’re definitely too young to lay a claim like that.”

Tan cast his gaze down, avoiding his father’s eyes. “Well… Papa Can said that if I like someone…”

Tin immediately turned his gaze to Can, who had bolted up Pete’s tree for sanctuary. Helpless, Tin turned to Ae, who refused to answer with his hands full of a fussy half-nymph, half-wolf pup while Tan jumped around his ankles in his puppy wolf form trying to make Pin laugh.

Frustrated, Tin settled for sulking in wolf form and grumbling under Pete’s tree, waiting for Can to come back down. Can looked at Pete for mercy. Pete simply smiled and pushed him out of his tree and onto Tin’s back, causing a yelp that made Tan run back to see what his parents were doing to cause such strange noises.

Ae followed eventually, a much calmer and happier Pin in tow. Pete offered Pin one of his peaches and smiled as Pin ate half in a few bites before removing the pit and offering the rest to Tan. Tan opted to stay in wolf pup form and instead licked the juice from Pin’s fingers, making him giggle some more.

“One day, you’ll have to acknowledge how much they like each other,” Pete whispered into Ae’s sensitive ear.

“Pin’s only half wolf,” Ae mumbled. “I won’t have to worry about it for at least 20 more years. That’s when nymphs are sexually mature.”

Pete only sighed and opted not to open the can of worms that would come from telling his wolf mate that sexual maturity for nymphs and their trees were very different things.

Chapter Text

Deep in the forest, where only nymphs and other nature spirits know to look, the oldest tree lives. It reaches high into the sky and is crowned with golden leaves that never fall. Once a year, it’s flowers bloom and become sparkling jewels in the crown of the nymph that lives within. It is this nymph, named Theo, that all other nymphs call their king.

And such a tree requires a guardian to keep away those who would dare to harm it. From the animal spirits of the forest, there could be no other choice than the young stag that had grown up with Theo since he was naught but a sapling, Akk. The animals do not call Akk their king, and Akk does not wish it so, for since his youth, he has only wished to stay by Theo’s side.

It is in this way that nymph and stag spend their days holding court in the clearing where Theo’s tree lives, surrounded by fruit trees, fruit bushes, fruit vines, next to a river with water as clear as the sky.

But with passing days, even though filled with joy and amusement, Akk sees something wrong with Theo. He sees furrows in Theo’s soft brows, sees the corners of his gentle lips turn down when the laughter fades, sees his eyes turn cloudy when he sees the nymphs and other spirits frolic in chosen pairs.

“Why does the Nymph King falter?” Akk asks when the day at court ends. “Why do tears shine in your eyes little king?”

It is years of friendship that makes Theo only sigh instead of rant at Akk’s jabs. “What tears? And I am no little king. I am older than you.”

“What sorrow lies in your heart? What sadness shakes your branches and makes them wilt?” Akk cups Theo’s cheek with hands that have always been gentle for Theo alone. “Confide in me, little king.”

Theo gently sweeps Akk’s hand away. “It is no real sorrow. It will pass.”

“It will pass only when you acknowledge it.” Theo glares at Akk, who remains unruffled. “Tell me.”

“I see so many other in love,” Theo says at last. “I see so much love and it makes me happy for the spirits of the forest. And yet… What is this loneliness in my heart?”

Akk stands still for a moment, his eyes looking not at Theo, but his own hands. “Are you truly alone, Theo?”

Theo turns to look at Akk’s frozen profile, his antlers of his hybrid form like a crown of his own. “Of course I’m not alone, but that does not mean I’m not lonely. I too, wish for the heart of another.”

“Whose heart do you wish for?” Akk kneels before Theo and grasps his hand. “Tell me, and I will help you obtain it.”

Theo’s eyes shake for a moment. “You cannot give me the heart I want,” Theo says before looking away. 

“Then…” Akk inhales deeply. “Will you give me your heart?” Theo gasps and turns sharply, a red blush rising high on his pale cheeks. Akk’s hands cup Theo’s face once more, brushing over the blush carefully. “Long have I protected it, out of friendship, out of duty, but… I must confess, I have protected your heart for one other reason.”

“W-what other reason?” Theo’s hands come up and cover Akk’s. “What other reason can you have?”

Akk pulls Theo’s face down towards his. “I want your heart to myself. I’ve wanted it since the day we met. I’ve tried to keep away anyone else who would steal it from me.”

“Are you why I am alone?” Theo whispers softly.

“If I am why you are alone, then why do I feel your heart racing with just cupping your cheeks?” Akk leans in further, his lips hovering above Theo’s. “If there was any other heart you wanted, any other love you would have taken, say it, and I will let you go. But when your eyes wander in sadness and loneliness, I see them look in one direction alone.”

Theo licks his lips, but just barely avoiding tasting Akk’s. “Which direction is that?”

“In mine.” Akk rests his forehead against Theo’s, gently brushing Theo’s crown of flowers with his antlers. “If you give me your heart, I will give you mine. Then the heart you want will be yours, will it not?”

Akk’s answer was a kiss that tasted of summer sunlight, cool river water, and sweet sugar.

From that day forward, all the denizens of the forest celebrated the new love of their Nymph King, both now crowned in new flower crowns, as was the nymph custom. But Akk did not shirk from his duty to protect both king and lover. And Theo did not stop holding court with protector and lover at his side. 

And never again did sadness cloud Theo’s eyes, nor did sorrow turn down his lips. Instead there was only smiles and joyful laughter that came from the clearing of the Nymph King ever again.

Chapter Text

In the Kongthanin manor, there is a secret-not-so-secret garden, tended to by only the heir of the family, Phana. There, they say, are five rose bushes of exquisite beauty, each one a different color, placed in the perfect spot for just enough sun. The largest rose at the center of the five is a beautiful crimson red. The two rose bushes to its left are a mysterious navy blue and pure white. The two to its right are a sunny yellow and pale blush pink.

Every day, at sunrise, Pha goes out to water them with his elusive foreign lover, named Yo, who does not speak and their four children, Rain, Snow, Cloud, and Sky. Although the public rarely sees them, it is widely known that the children of Yo and Pha are sweet and well behaved. And exceptionally well learned.

From Pha they have the tutoring of many great minds within the village. From Yo, they have learned all the plants and animals and all the secret places and hiding spots within the forest.

But few know the true secret of Pha Kongthanin and his mysterious family. The secret of how their children each sprouted up overnight.

——

When Pha had first seen Yo, it was a cold and rainy day. He had caught sight of the most beautiful young man he’d ever seen, dressed in nothing but a tunic, disappear into the forest. Out of concern, Pha followed carefully to see the young man disappear before a rose bush, beautiful and sweet smelling.

It was then that Pha knew he had seen one of the spirits of the forest, the nymphs of lore. Stuck by such beauty and sweet demeanor, Pha felt it in his soul that he could not give his heart to anyone else. And so Pha resolved himself to woo the beautiful nymph.

Every day, he visited the rose bush and complemented it’s sweet flowers and left small offerings of sweet things that stories claimed nymphs enjoyed. Slowly but surely, Pha hoped he had won his way into the rose nymph’s heart, unaware of the place he’d already taken in it. For once upon a time, Pha, in his youth, had found the very same rose bush and saved it from a man trying to dig it up. And on that day, he had already won the heart of the young nymph growing within.

One day, Pha could bear it no longer, and he kissed one of the flowers upon the bush, pricking his finger in the process. No sooner had he noticed the sensation did he feel petal soft lips wrap around his injured finger to suck the blood off it. The nymph’s skin was white as snow, his lips stained with Pha’s blood, and Pha could only tremble and cup the nymph’s face gently to ask for his name, which the nymph gave as freely as he could.

More days, more offerings, lips met lips, the first of which on a day with a single cloud in the sky, and eventually one day the two consummated their love in both the human way and nymph way. At the end of their tryst, Yo offered to Pha two things. A seed from his rose bush and a rosehip from the palm of his hand. At Yo’s insistence, Pha ate the rosehip berry and spat out a single seed, which satisfied Yo. Unsure of what to do, Pha planted both seeds in his personal garden.

The next morning, two rose bushes began to grow, but beneath one, was a shocking surprise, a young baby. Pha scooped up the child, hoping none had noticed, and after swaddling it carefully, took the child with him into the forest. There, Yo smiled happily and scooped the baby from Pha’s arms, chattering in the language of the forest spirits which Pha had yet to decipher. The truth was then plain, Pha had become a lover to a nymph and a father all in one night.

In this way, across a few years, Pha would have three more children. Rain, the eldest son, named for the rainy day Pha met Yo. Snow, the second son, for the snow white skin of Yo. Cloud, the third child and eldest daughter, for the cloud in the sky when they first kissed. And Sky, the youngest daughter of all four children, named for the beautiful sky the day Pha and Yo had first consummated their love. All four children’s rose bushes were those planted in the Kongthanin estate within Pha’s personal garden.

The one bush which did not bear a child, was for Yo. A bush born of his original bush was spiritually connected and Yo was able to take refuge in either the one in Pha’s estate or his first home in the forest.

To live with such a family, wild, beautiful, and free, was difficult. Yo’s energy came early with the sun and faded quickly with the coming night. Their children, now half human, were more like their father in wake and sleep, but still found themselves less active after sundown. Yo could not bear to be trapped behind stone and glass walls all day and every day, and often would elusively roam the cultivated gardens of the Kongthanin manor, or return to the forest to see his other nymph friends, of which the children translated for their father that there were many.

Pha, of course, respected Yo’s needs and wishes, and did not bind Yo to his side. Instead, Yo was given freedom to roam, and an escort of discrete individuals and friends, to see him safely to and from the forest as he desired. The children also tried to go as often as they could to the forest, as their nymph heritage desired it so, but at the end of the day, they would always yearn for the warm embrace of their human father and the myriad stories trapped within his family library. Yo did not begrudge them this, for he too longed for the embrace of his lover as often as it could be spared, as often as his nymph constitution could allow. As his rose bush in the Kongthanin garden grew stronger, this wish was further granted, and Yo found himself able to stay within the walls of the manor for longer periods of time and with slightly more energy than he’d had in the past.

But none the less, the family Pha and Yo had created was happy, and so too were they.

Chapter Text

Kongpob took pride in his position as the eldest son of the governor of the area. Not because of his wealth or status, but because he was proud of the things he’d done to improve lives with that status. After being sent away for his education, Kongpob had brought new ideas for engineering and farming and done his best to make them accessible to the people in the villages with limited resources. He even went to village meetings when possible and listened to the concerns to bring back to his father. Such was the way Kongpob had met Arthit.

(How Kongpob started his relationship with Arthit had to do with a bet, a field to plow, and one very, very, sweat stained shirt. While Kongpob found the story amusing, Arthit was as pink as the drink he liked and twice as cross whenever Kongpob told it, and so Kongpob, usually, held his tongue.)

But most importantly, Kongpob was proud to say that he was accessible to the people of the various villages in the area and was more than happy to hear their grievances and suggestions. However, as Kongpob looked at the crowd of people from across two villages that had decided to take over his study, he was beginning to wonder if he’d made a mistake in that accessibility.

“So…” Kongpob said as he looked out at the various faces, some he knew better than others, “What you’re telling me is that we can’t let the villages expand into the forests?”

“Can’t expand into the forests improperly,” Sarawat insisted. “There are… uh…”

“Important trees!” Bohn shouted from the back. Bohn nudged Ram to chime in, but Ram only glared at Bohn before nodding at Kongpob.

“Yeah.” Sarawat nodded. “Important trees that are part of the-”

“Greater ecosystem,” Earn added. “And the rivers.”

“And… maybe a lake?” Team mumbled to the side.

“A lake? Really?” Pharm whispered just barely loud enough for Kongpob to hear.

“Better a lake than your mountain lion.”

“He’s a panther! It’s different!”

“Are you joking?!” Pharm could only blush in reply to Team and Team started laughing.

“There’s also some important rose bushes,” Pha said to cut off the bickering pair. “And I’d like to make sure they’re kept safe as well from any indiscriminate farmers…”

“We’d also hate for there to be any trouble between farmers and the native wolf pack in the area,” Beam said while reaching behind him to hold hands with Forth who only smirked. Kongpob felt the weight of Forth’s gaze and fought the involuntary urge to shiver, as if he was prey before a predator. “Forth has uh… studied them for a while? And says there are some places we could go into and not take their territory?”

“Yes, it’s very possible to expand, but in a planned way,” Forth assured Kongpob. “I would be more than happy to assist with pointing out good areas on a map.”

“Kit and Frong couldn’t make it today,” Boss added, “But uh… Frong handed me this…” Boss squinted at the writing on the massive stack of pages provided. “Survey of plants of ecological importance based on his recent trips into the forest and maybe this would also help refine the areas we go into?”

“Why are you here and Frong isn’t,” Sarawat hissed. “Your tree is literally in your backyard.”

“Listen, solidarity matters,” Boss hissed back.

“And why isn’t Kit here?”

“Well, how much do you know about wolf reproduction?” Forth asked Sarawat.

Sarawat opened his mouth, closed it, and turned back to Kongpob. “So anyway, as you can see, it’s not so much not expanding, but just… expanding in a specific way?”

Kongpob pinched the bridge of his nose. “So you all have vested interests in the forest. And you need my help protecting them, is that right?” Everyone in the crowd nodded. “And… We are using environmentalism and conservation efforts as a means of protecting those vested interests?” Another round of nods. “Okay, I can work with that. Father has been looking out over the forest as a resource, but knows it’s a limited one. I’m sure I can talk him into something agreeable to all of you.” The relief in the room, even from Forth, was surprising to Kongpob. “But, one of these days, you’ll all have to promise me that you’ll have to give me more than that if I’m to explain why we’re avoiding specific patches of land. or you’ll all have to buy up those patches yourselves and protect them as your personal property.”

“Land is expensive!” Bohn complained. “How are we supposed to-”

“Well, the forest is technically unclaimed land,” Kongpob said with a sly smile. “So realistically… If you claim a portion and build a house on it, it’s yours and you’d just have to pay taxes on it later. And if you were able to provide resources at a particular amiable schedule for yourself and the villages that could count as taxes…”

There was a sudden rush of people out the door and Kongpob collapsed into his chair and sighed with relief. Arthit took that moment to walk into the office and offer Kongpob a cup of coffee.

“Rough meeting?”

Kongpob took a sip of the coffee and sighed. “When do you think I should tell them that my family has known Forth is a wolf spirit for the last three generations? And that I know some stories about a mysterious man in a lake nearby that likes to tug on people’s ankles? Or how someone says Pha’s mysterious lover always smells of roses?”

Arthit smacked the back of Kongpob’s head. “So you already know what they’re worried about?”

“But look at all the good details they’ve provided me with! And the details of these maps and plants will be important for persuading my father!”

“You’re the worst, Kongpob,” Arthit said firmly before sitting in the chair opposite Kongpob. “The absolute worst.”

Chapter Text

For the third day in a row, Bohn found himself fretting over the state of Duen and their children. Whilst usually lively and energetic, the last few days had found all three nymphs weak and tired. Keeping them in their cave home of sorts to rest and feeding them what he could didn’t seem to help. Con and Call were at least vocal about their discomforts, being half human and able to tell their human father their woes. But due to their youth, it wasn’t all entirely helpful.

“Daddy, we want cherries,” Con said with all the energy he could manage on the fourth day. Call nodded next to him on their bed of hay, pillows, blankets, and furs with Duen sleeping fitfully beside them. “No no, we need cherries.”

“Cherries? Baby, doesn’t your tree grow cherries?” Bohn cupped his son’s cheeks. “Is something wrong with your tree? Is that why all three of you are sick?”

“No cherries on tree, daddy,” Call said as he hugged Bohn for warmth. “Cherries are gone.”

“…what?”

After settling everyone down and making sure they were drinking plenty of water, Bohn set out to the area he’d fenced off which kept Duen, Con, and Call’s trees. As per Kongpob’s advice, Bohn had done what he could to carefully and slowly cultivate the land as well as occasionally selling the cherries that Duen and the children had said were okay to sell in order to pay the taxes on the land. Due to their special mix of tartness and sweetness, the cherries regularly sold well whenever Bohn was able to harvest them with the blessings of his family.

(Bohn honestly expected it was their blessing which made them all the better.)

So it was to his surprise and dismay that he found his fenced off area open with foreign footprints stomping over all his cultivated seedlings. The trees of the people he loved had been picked bare of all fruit and there had even been some scarring from careless climbing.

“Who would-”

“Oh, I didn’t know someone else knew about this place.” Bohn looked up to find Mild, the scummy man who’d refused to take no for an answer from him before, approaching with a suspiciously cherry juice stained bushel. “Some of the best cherries around, honestly.”

“You. You’re the one who’s been taking the cherries from my trees?!”

“Oh… This place is yours?” Mild smiled blandly. “I haven’t seen you around here before.”

“This land is mine. I’ve fenced it off. I’ve been paying on it to the magistrate and governor for months now.” Bohn clenched his fist. “And you’ve been profiting off my family, my work, and stomping all my crops underfoot!”

“Hey, hey!” Mild put the bushel behind his back as if it could be hidden behind his body. “I’m sure we can work something out here…”

Bohn cracked his knuckles. “I’ll work something out alright.”

——-

“Yes, I kicked his ass,” Bohn said as he stood beside a beaten and bruised Mild before Kongpob. “And he’s been stealing from me. So that’s why I kicked his ass.”

Kongpob pinched the bridge of his nose. “Is this true, Mild?”

“I might have been trespassing…”

“He’s been stealing fruit from my protected trees, Kongpob.” Kongpob took in the still simmering anger on Bohn’s face. “You have to do something.”

“Mild, do you still have fruit and the money you got from stealing and selling the fruit?”

“…yes.”

“Then you will return all of that to Bohn immediately. You are also not to go within one mile of his property. In and out of town.” Kongpob took a piece of paper and began writing. “Finally, you will be working community service. Failure to do so will result in being removed from the villages and surrounding area.” Kongpob looked up from his writing. “Am I clear?”

“But he didn’t-” Mild took in the quiet calm of Kongpob and the rage of Bohn before quieting down again. “Yes. Clear.”

“I will be sending guards with Bohn to collect the money and fruit from you. I trust you’ll be more respectful of people and the things they take care of in the future.”

—–

By the time Bohn returned, cherries in tow, Duen and the children had curled up together, chattering in the tongue of nature spirits. Immediately, whether from the prospect of fruit or Bohn’s return, all three perked up with what energy they had left.

“I got it. I got the cherries.” Immediately Con and Call ran over to help Bohn bring the boxes of cherries in. A small feast of cherries ensued and after the first bite, all three nymphs immediately seemed to perk up. Duen kissed Bohn with cherry stained lips before feeding him a cherry with red tinged fingers. “You’re welcome and I love you too,” Bohn said after enjoying the tart cherry for himself.

Chapter Text

Still in a bit of a daze after the pleasurable night he’d spent with his beautiful rose nymph, Pha tightly clutched the two rose seeds he’d received in his hand as he wandered his family’s gardens. One came directly as a seed from Yo. The other, from a rosehip that Yo had offered Pha immediately after sex. When Pha moved to throw the seed away after eating the rosehip, Yo quickly shook his head and pressed the seed into Pha’s palm and Pha understood then that it was important.

Both seeds were.

And only the safest place to plant them would do.

At long last, Pha came to the fenced off garden that he’d requested some time ago. His original intention had been to grow medicinal herbs and plants for his medical practice, but after being swamped in studies, he’d failed to maintain it personally as much as he wanted. Fortunately, money meant he could hire others to do it for him, but as Pha planted the rose seeds in a well placed patch of soil, he knew he’d have to reassign his gardeners.

“No one else can take care of these roses but me,” Pha said to himself quietly while watering the soil where the seeds lay. “Grow well.”

The next morning Pha walked into his personal garden expecting to see no change. Plants took days if not weeks to germinate and sprout from a seed. But instead Pha was greeted by the scent of roses in full bloom and the sight of two beautiful rose bushes.

One was a beautiful dark red and although Pha knew Yo was still in the forest, this bush seemed to dip its flowers down to caress Pha’s cheek in the imitation of a kiss, which made Pha smile.

The second had flowers of a deep blue that smelled like the air after rain had fallen. Pha marveled at their beauty before hearing a noise that should not be in his garden. The sound of a baby giggling. Pha looked under the bush quickly to find a baby rolling about in the warm soil. As soon as it caught sight of Pha, it let out a happy cry and reached for him. Pha picked up the child, uncaring of the dirt that now stained his shirt, and looked it over.

It was a boy. Perhaps six months old judging by the size and activity. His eyes were bright and happy, no injuries, and he happily snuggled into Pha’s chest as if it was where he belonged. Pha supposed, judging by the warmth in his chest, that it really was where he belonged. After a moment of hesitation, Pha quickly watered both rose bushes before running back to the family mansion. He had a baby to bathe and a nymph to see.

——

In the forest, Pha found Yo waiting for him, as if he’d known Pha would be coming. The sight of the baby seemed to delight him as he easily scooped the child out of Pha’s hands and began to chatter at it in the language of forest spirits. If Pha had felt the sting of Cupid’s arrow when he first laid eyes on Yo, then seeing Yo with what must be their child had been the balm to such a wound. Pha would not bear to be parted from either.

“So it’s true then,” Pha asked as he came to join his lover and child. “This is… This is ours?” Yo looked up at Pha and smiled brightly before kissing a spot under his jaw. “What should we name him?”

In the same way that Pha had learned Yo’s name, the wind blew and leaves rattled, but all Pha heard was, “Rain.”

“Okay.” Pha kissed the baby’s head and followed it up with kissing Yo. “Rain, welcome to our family.”

Chapter Text

Within the forest, there was no mistaking the clearing that Ae’s pack called home. Barely five minutes at a run from Ae’s private den, it was the place where hunt kills were divided and plans made. It was also where the young were tended to by those who did not hunt.

As Tin joined the pack (“More like coerced by this cute idiot,” Tin groused as Can swiped at Tin’s tail), this included his son, Tan. And although Tin had finally decided to trust the pack enough to not take Tan with him everywhere, Tan had yet to truly make friends with the other children.

“Come on, buddy,” Can teased as he chased Tan around his little corner of the clearing. “You need to come make friends!”

“He’s fine on his own,” Tin called from where he sat. “You tire him out plenty when you get back from hunting with everyone.”

“Tin, that’s no replacement for proper socialization!” Can rested his hands on his hips and stomped over to his lover. “Tan needs friends! He needs to play! You can’t keep him in this little corner forever.”

“None of the other children are worth his time.”

“And that’s the kind of thinking you left your old pack to get away from.” Tin turned and glared at Can but Can’s gaze didn’t break and so Tin relented and turned away. “Now, Pin and Tan are close enough in age. Why not let them be friends first and see if Pin can help Tan get to know the other younglings?”

Tin grumbled before Can sat in his lap and licked his cheek, Tan watched as his father and adoptive father had one of their silent conversations before Tin’s shoulder slumped. “Fine.” Can’s tail started wagging immediately. “But if something goes wrong-”

“What could possibly go wrong? You’re lucky Ae’s not here to hear you bad mouth Pin.”

“Is Pin really nice?” Tan asked at last as he carefully stepped up to his parents. “I heard he’s part nymph.”

“He is!” Can turned to pick up Tan and place him in his own lap. Tin barely felt the additional weight. “Ae’s mate is a nymph of a peach tree. If you’re lucky, maybe Pete will let you have some of his fruit while you play with Pin tomorrow.”

“I get to play with someone tomorrow?!” Tan’s tail also began to wag in excitement and Tin felt a stone on his heart despite rarely seeing his son so pleased. “Does Pin like to play tag?”

“He doesn’t play tag often. He’s not as able to be as rough as other wolves, so do your best to be kind and when he tells you to stop, you should stop.” Can pat Tan on the head and set him down. “Now did you eat your dinner yet or not?”

Meanwhile, inside Ae’s den, Pin was already bouncing with excitement, much to Ae’s chagrin.

“Settle down now or you’ll get your dinner everywhere,” Pete said as he gently pushed Pin back down into a sitting position as Ae curled around him in his wolf form. Pin immediately began to pet Ae’s tail instead of focusing on the fruit and meat in front of him. “Your papa is already grumbling about tomorrow, no need to make him upset about today.”

Pin turned around and nuzzled one of Ae’s ears, mindful of his sticky fingers. “Don’t be sad papa, I promise to be good and safe.”

Ae let out a low whine and Pete kissed his muzzle which caused Ae to shift back into his humanoid form. “That Tan always sulks off to the side, just like his father. How do we know he’ll be a good playmate?” Ae huffed.

Pete wrapped his arms around Ae. “Can wouldn’t suggest it if he didn’t trust that Tan would be a good friend. Don’t you trust Can?”

“I trust that he’s been trying to get Tin to mount him for months.” Pete gently tapped Ae’s mouth. “I mean further their relationship,” Ae said while rolling his eyes. “Regardless, if Tan is like his father, I think tomorrow will end in tears.”

“Tan seems nice,” Pin said as he finally ate some of his dinner at last. “When daddy and I were in the clearing the other day, I saw Tan help the aunties and uncles around the fire.” Pin smiled. “He wasn’t scared at aaaaaalllll.”

“How nice!” Pete said to cut Ae off as he opened his mouth. “Now finish up so we can wash you up for bed. Tomorrow is another hunting day for your papa and Uncle Can and Tin. We’ll need to meet up with Tan early.”

——

Dawn came without care for Tin’s worries or Ae’s.

“Daddy, are you scared Pin will hurt me?” Tan asked as Tin wiped his face clean after breakfast.

“Of course not. After all I’ve taught you, how could he hurt you?” Tin said absently while straightening out the pelts Tan wore.

“Are you afraid someone else will be my best friend?” Tin paused his motions to look at Tan. Tan took that moment to cup his father’s face and rub their noses together. “Daddy is always important to me. Even if I make a new best friend.”

“Who… Who told you that daddy was scared about that?” Tin asked as he returned the gesture before rubbing his cheek against Tan’s.

“Papa Can. Last night, after dinner, he said,” Tan cleared his throat and Tin almost smiled at the attempt to mimic Can’s voice, “‘Tan, your dad has had to work very hard to make room for us in his heart. But your heart is very big. There’s room for everyone. Remind him that he won’t be pushed out just because you add another.’”

“Try again,” Tin said after a moment. “Can is not so eloquent.”

“I can be if I want to be,” Can said as he slumped against Tin’s back before rubbing his cheek against Tin’s and then leaning forward to rub against Tan’s. “Even if you aren’t ready to let more people in, don’t stifle Tan. He’s got plenty of room in his heart for you and others.”

Tan rubbed his cheek along Tin’s neck and Tin almost felt a tear in his eye. “I will always love daddy. No one can replace him.”

Can pat them both on the head. “Now for once, I think we might be running late because of you, Tin. We’d best get walking.”

——

The fated meeting occurred just outside the clearing. Ae and Pete approached with Pin and Can and Tin waited with Tan. Both boys hid behind their parents while attempting to sneak peeks. Pete laughed at the childish attempts to be subtle.

When at last they were close enough, Pete gently pulled Pin out from behind Ae and nudged him forward. Tin sighed and stepped aside to reveal Tan before Can gave him a gentle push. Tan’s darker eyes met Pin’s lighter ones and childish grins immediately broke out across both their faces, all trace of nerves gone.

“Hi,” Pin said brightly. “I’m Pin.”

“I’m Tan.” Tan offered his hand. “Do… do you like to play tag?”

“I like tag! Papa says I’m getting good at it!” Pin grabbed Tan’s hand. “Do you wanna play tag now?”

“Okay!”

The two ran off and although neither Ae or Tin sighed with relief, the tension was gone, if only for a moment. The adults watched for a second longer and the wolves prepared to leave but were stopped by a single sentence.

“Pin, you smell really good.”

Ae whipped around to find Tan in Pin’s personal space, sniffing his cheek. Before he and Tin could lunge forward, Can tackled them both to the ground in a giant scuffle. Pete sighed and walked over to the children to lead them away with the time Can had bought him.

“Come along, how about we go pick some fruit first before you both play tag, hm?”

“Mister Pete, can we have some of your peaches too?” Tan asked. “I heard they were really really good.”

“Of course you can! Just come this way with me…”

Chapter Text

To those that didn’t know him well, the idea of Can being one of the most silent, steady, and skilled hunters of the pack was laughable. But to Can, it was easier than breathing or sitting still. There was no room for loud thoughts or wild emotion. There was only the smell of the prey, the feeling of the wind in his fur, and the sharpness of his teeth against his tongue. But due to this single-mindedness, Can often forgot his coordination with his packmates and wound up alone. The only one able to tolerate his meandering and adjust was usually Ae and occasionally Ming. Perhaps even Forth, now in his older age, would have trouble keeping up.

Can paused as he caught a different scent on the ground. All his idle thoughts vanished as he tried to remember it. It was no prey common to the forest, but it was relatively new. Can had smelled it before in passing, hidden under wet dirt and rainwater. It was two scents overlapping, both very similar, likely parent and child. Today the smell was stronger and Can could catch the hint of musk which told him it was another hunter. Just subtle enough to indicate it was another wolf, one that wasn’t part of the pack.

Can’s canine lips made his best approximation of a frown. Outsiders weren’t barred from entering the forest, but most knew that it was the pack’s territory, and usually refrained from making obvious trails from their intrusions. Can followed the trail. If a wolf had left so obvious a trail, it was either looking to be found or unable to help itself.

“Parent and child,” Can mused to himself as he continued along. “Maybe the child is wounded.” Can put a little more speed into his careful trailing just in case.

At last, after twenty minutes of following a convoluted trail that was clearly meant to throw off and confuse anyone else who could smell it, Can found himself outside a small cave, reeking of foreign wolf. Perhaps a member of the mountain packs? But outside the cave was only one little boy beside a tiny fire.

His wolf ears were upright and his tail bushy, but he looked a bit thin. He gnawed on a small deer bone while playing with a doll made of dried grass and leaves tied together with more grass, vine, and sinew. Can shifted himself into his humanoid form and snuck closer to continue observing.

For more than an hour, the little wolf boy kept himself entertained by the small fire, poking it occasionally with a stick and speaking quietly to his doll. If he became hungry, he went back into the cave and came out with a small strip of dried meat. If he was thirsty, the boy opened a container made from a plant Can had not seen in the forest, it’s insides seemed naturally hollow and segmented. From the container, the wolf boy took delicate sips of water, as if rationing it.

Having seen enough, Can used the lightest steps he could muster in humanoid form to approach. The wolf boy remained unaware until Can was too close to avoid smelling. The boy looked up, yelped, and immediately turned into a wolf cub and ran into the cave, likely to hide in a small spot his parent had told him to.

Can licked his lips and considered his words. “Are you okay? Are you alone?” Can wrinkled his brow. “Do you our your parents need help?” There was only silence for a moment before the wolf cub emerged into the edge of shadow and light just to yip at Can.

“I’m Can, little one. I’m part of the pack that lives in this forest,” Can said gently. “If you and your parents need help, we can help you.”

The wolf cub growled meekly and took a step back.

“Do you have a name, little one? If you’re able to shift, your parents must also be old spirits and have given you a name.”

The wolf cub sat in the shadow of the cave and transformed back into a little boy. “Tan,” he said softly. “Daddy named me Tan.”

“Is your daddy…” Can felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and realized that he’d made the most terrible mistake. He’d intruded on another’s home and child. “Daddy’s home,” he whispered before immediately shifting back into wolf form just in time to get tackled by a wolf nearly twice his size.

As Can twisted in order to deal with the tackle, he realized the impact hadn’t been as hard as he anticipated. Can braced himself into a less aggressive stance and took in his opponent. The snarling and protective wolf was larger, but thinner, clearly not eating enough, just like Tan. No doubt, they’d been avoiding hunting larger prey in order to not set the pack off about an outsider taking kills.

Taking a chance, Can submitted and showed his neck. As the other wolf continued to growl and walk closer, Tan ran between them and spread his arms.

“Daddy, no! He said he could help us!” Can took in Tan’s stance, noting that the cub’s legs did not shake and his gaze was firm. To lend weight to Tan’s words, Can shifted back into his humanoid form.

“I will help,” Can said with all the honesty he could muster. “We have food we can share. You don’t have to join the pack, but let us help you.”

The larger wolf’s growls turned louder until Tan ran up and hugged his neck. “Please daddy? We’re out of dried meat.”

The large wolf snorted and shifted into a humanoid form that was still taller than Can. Despite the furs and pelts on his body, Can could tell he’d assumed right, both father and child had not been eating properly for a while. “Do you promise we won’t have to join your pack?”

“I promise,” Can said as he nodded fervently. “You can follow me at a distance if you like and I’ll tell them to expect you if you don’t want to come along immediately. But… You’ll have to tell me your name so I can tell them who to expect.”

Tan tugged on his father’s hand and the wolf sighed. “Tin. My name is Tin.”

Chapter Text

“Picnic day, picnic day,” Con chanted to himself as he skipped along the well worn road outside the field of wildflowers. River, the ever energetic and watchful wolf of the half-nymph’s family, followed along close behind. “Come River, lets find some pretty flowers for picnic day.” River yipped and sped up to match his young charge, now walking side by side instead of in line. Con stopped once in a while to contemplate his choices before picking one flower from each cluster they passed. “Papa said to pick anything that looks pretty.”

“What could be prettier than my little boy?” Con squealed as Bohn came from the side to scoop him up. River hopped around Bohn happily before standing still to let Call pet him after putting down a small basket full of fish. “Did papa let you out with River?”

“Yes daddy.” Con held up his small fistful of flowers. “Papa said to pick flowers for the picnic.”

“Daddy and I caught a big fish!” Call said as he held his basket aloft again. “Daddy said we can grill it and he’ll let us try a piece!”

“Nymphs don’t really eat meat,” Bohn said as he put Con back down. “But since you’re both part human and getting older, it wouldn’t hurt to see if you can manage it.”

“I bet I can eat more of it than Con!” Con whined in outrage and chased after his twin. “I’m even gonna help daddy clean the fish!”

“No fair! You already got to catch it!”

A gentle click of a tongue caused both twins to stop. “Papa!” They both ran over to Duen to nuzzle their faces into his hip in lieu of a proper hug. Duen passed his basket of fruit from hand to hand in order to pat both of them on the head.

“Hello, lovely.” Bohn greeted his nymph by wrapping his arms around Duen’s waist and nuzzling his neck. “Ready for our picnic?”

Duen sighed softly and kissed the corner of Bohn’s mouth before the indistinct chatter of nature spirits left his lips. Call and Con both giggled. “Papa says you should be the one that’s ready since it was your idea,” Con translated.

Bohn rolled his eyes before pressing a kiss to Duen’s cheek. “I am always ready to spend time with you and our boys.” Bohn then picked up Call’s abandoned basket of fish and his own discarded bag from picking up Con. “Now then, picnic time?”

Con and Call cheered once more before running on ahead with River chasing after them to mind them. Bohn shifted his items to one hand and Duen matched him before they both held hands and continued towards their chosen spot on the river.

By the time Duen and Bohn had gotten to their regular spot, Con and Call had already started gathering firewood to cook the fish. River had laid himself in a cool shaded spot to nap after all the running. Bohn fished out a large piece of jerky and offered it to the wolf.

“Good boy,” Bohn said before Duen seemed to echo the sentiment. River perked up at both complements and began to gnaw at the dried meat.

As the fire started up, Bohn carefully demonstrated to both twins how to clean and gut a fish. Neither were particularly enthused after seeing fish guts, but with encouragement, both managed to clean their own small fish. As the fish cooked, Duen cut up the fruit he’d gathered. Bohn made a particular show of feeding his husband and Con and Call giggled behind their slices of apple and peach.

When Bohn deemed the fish ready, he offered each twin one of the smaller fish after a quick sprinkle of salt. With looks of courage and determination, both took a quick bite which turned into looks of surprise.

“It’s… good?” Con said while tilting his head.

“Daddy was right, eating fish you catch yourself tastes good,” Call said after taking another bite. “Does papa want some?” Duen said something which caused Call to pout but resume eating his own fish. Con took another bite as well.

“Finish up your meal or you don’t get dessert,” Bohn chided. “Daddy brought you all something really special from the village today. Cake.” Bohn watched as his entire family cheered, but even that paled in comparison to the love he felt growing in his chest. “Now finish up, and neatly, Call. I don’t want to help you clean your face and find half your food on the cloth this time.”

“That was one time, daddy!”

Chapter Text

“It was supposed to just be puppy love,” Ae grumbled from his spot, curled up around Pete in his den as they both watched Pin make his sixth flower crown that week. “On account of the fact that they were both literally pups.”

“Ae, they suit each other very well, don’t you think?” Pete said as he scratched behind Ae’s wolf ears. “You and I can’t watch after Pin forever and Tan has always taken good care of him.” Ae’s wolf snout scrunched up in a half snarl, but Pete kissed the top of his head before the growling could get louder. “You can deny it all you want, but Pin will not find another more suited to him. No other wolf caters to him half so well. Ae is the best for me and Tan is the best for our Pin.”

This time, Ae whined. “He’s still just a baby.”

“He’s been around for 16 summers,” Pete reminded him. “He’s plenty old as nymphs go. And don’t act like wolves, not spirits like you, don’t mate well before that.” Ae looked up at Pete with his puppy eyes which Pete enjoyed being the only one to ever see. “I’m just reminding Ae that if it’s time, it’s time. He’s still our baby, but we have to let him live.”

“Papa, look!” Pin ran over to display his recent handiwork. “I think it’s almost good enough.”

“Only almost? It looks very pretty,” Pete said as he turned the flower crown about in his hands carefully.

“Well…” Pin fidgeted. “I want it to be perfect…”

Pete pet Ae’s head one more time before standing up. “I think I have just the idea, come with me.” Pete began to pull Pin away as Pin looked back at Ae, still whining in his wolf form. “Don’t mind your father, he’ll come around soon. I’ll persuade him,” Pete said as he pat Pin’s hand. “But first, we need to finish your flower crown so you can give it to Tan today.”

—–

Can grimaced as he watched Tan jump into the coldest river water he could find for the third time that morning. Tin, on the other hand, only continued collecting firewood for their den.

“Na, Tin, shouldn’t we uh… Encourage Tan to handle that sort of thing differently?”

“It’s his penis, let him handle it how he wants,” Tin groused.

“So you’d be okay if Tan and Pin decided to-”

“Absolutely not.” Can immediately turned around to glare at his mate, but still, Tin pressed on. “He is not mating with Ae’s child.”

“Didn’t you say you left your last pack because they refused to let you decide and you never wanted Tan to go through that again?” Can could hear the grinding of Tin’s teeth and pressed on. “You have to let him choose for himself. Even if you don’t necessarily get along with Ae because you’re both too used to doing things on your own terms, Tan and Pin have chosen each other. Over and over and over.” Can’s tail began to swish as opposed to wag and Tin felt his own hackles rise at the change in temperament of his mate. “Don’t be a hypocrite.”

Tan walked up to them, shaking water droplets off his body before tying his skins around his waist as Tin turned to address Can. Tan paused as he noticed the atmosphere. “Did something happen dad?”

“No,” Tin said as he resumed picking up prospective bits of firewood. “And if you don’t hurry, I suppose you’ll be late for your date.” Tin leveled a look at his son. “I presume that’s why you’ve attempted to bathe three times this morning already.”

Color flushed high on Tan’s cheeks. “N-no- er- well I-”

“Well if it’s a date, we should get you going! No sense in keeping Pin waiting now!” Can urged as he grabbed his adopted son’s arm and started running. “Come on, this is as close as you’ll get to your father’s blessing. Better take it now!”

Can smiled to himself as he felt Tan start running even faster, leaving Tin behind to grumble.

—–

Tan loved the smell of peach blossoms, particularly the smell of Pin’s peach blossoms. They smelled uniquely different from any other peach tree, even his father’s, and Tan attributed it to the part of Pin that was part wolf. The bad thing about such unique blossoms and scent was the effect it had on Tan. Even now, approaching Pin’s tree made parts of Tan’s body uncomfortable.

Discussing it with Can on the way over had been unhelpful as the older wolf simply told him to, “Let nature take its course. You’re at about the age wolf spirits go through this sort of thing.” Tan had whined and Can ruffled his hair. “Sexual maturity isn’t just a thing for humans you know. You were bound to want to go into rut eventually. Why, Pin’s dad Ae didn’t go into rut for the first time until he smelled Pete’s flowers after falling in love with him, you know. He was more than one-hundred years old at that point.”

“Less about how Pin was born please,” Tan said meekly.

“Oh, that wasn’t the rut that gave birth to him,” Can said with a laugh. “It was the second.”

“Please stop.”

Unfortunately Can had stopped at least a kilometer away from Pin’s tree and left Tan to his own nerves which immediately swelled back up in full force without Can’s playful banter. Tan’s nerves combatted with his propriety and manners, leading to a relatively normal walking pace at least. As Tan walked the last meters, he easily spotted Pin. His currently golden ears and tail for summer were bright and obvious against his dark brown hair and jade green tunic. The motions of Pin’s hands made it obvious that Pin was up in his tree adding flowers from it to something. Hope sprung up in Tan’s throat.

Even though they’d been close as children and closer growing up, Tan had dared not assume he’d be Pin’s choice. It was entirely possible that the grumblings of their parents had truly sunk in and Pin could have changed his mind. But the way Pin smiled when he spotted Tan, the delicate highlight of peach blossoms in a crown full of other flowers which only complemented the smell of Pin without hiding it, all of it made Tan want and want and want. Tan thanked the fact that Can had told him to tie some of his skins and furs a certain way so that some things, “Might not be so obvious and you won’t feel awkward,” Can said with a wink. “It’s a trick Forth picked up from the humans apparently.”

Pin jumped down from his tree and Tan caught him easily, immediately filling his nose with the potent smell of peach blossoms and young wolf and nervousness. Before Tan could say a thing, Pin delicately placed his flower crown on Tan’s head.

“I do choose you,” Pin said softly as he leaned into Tan’s body and rubbed his cheek against Tan’s neck. Tan felt his body kick into overdrive. “I want to be with you as long as you’ll have me.”

Tan immediately returned the favor, rubbing his cheek against Pin’s before moving to his neck, his collar bone, the top of his head. Pin giggled and pushed Tan down to sit at the base of his tree before sitting in Tan’s lap. Tan continued his motions, feeling Pin reciprocate once in a while. Once the air around them smelt of nothing less than their combined scents, Tan tilted Pin’s chin and kissed his lips softly.

Pin tasted sweeter than peaches, than honey, than fresh mountain spring water, and Tan desired more than a taste, especially as he felt Pin’s hands grip his shoulders. Tan felt his lips move without his conscious thought, felt Pin shift above him, smelled arousal, both his and Pin’s, and immediately broke their kiss.

“Tan?” Pin trembled for a moment before Tan rubbed Pin’s arms and kissed his forehead.

“Yes… Of course yes.” Tan took deep breaths as he nuzzled the crook of Pin’s neck once more. “I choose you too, Pin.” Tan couldn’t help himself and he nipped Pin’s neck, causing the other to shiver for different reasons. “But I… Do you… Do you want to come to my den?”

Pin’s eyes widened with surprise. “You made your own already?”

Tan moved from rubbing Pin’s arms to holding on to his hips. “I’ve been making it in secret… It’s… It’s not entirely done though…”

Pin reached up and plucked a peach from his tree before standing up and pulling Tan up with him. Pin adjusted the crown on Tan’s head to sit correctly, then offered the peach to Tan. “Then… Let’s go finish it together.”

Tan took a bite and offered the peach back to Pin, who also took a bite. “Yeah… let’s.”

Chapter Text

The sun had still not yet risen when Pharm set down his last order, wrapped in coarse brown paper, on his counter before checking the lot one last time. “One for Bohn in the grove, one for Sarawat in the forest, one for Ram in the western thicket, one for Team by the lake, and two for Pha in the woods.” Pharm checked them off on his list and smiled. “And once these are all delivered, I’ll be right by the mountain in time to pick ingredients.”

Pharm pulled a large basket over with straps to carry it on his back. It was woven carefully to be light yet strong. Peeking inside, Pharm smiled at the pair of linen pants, tunic, and boots at the bottom. “Hmm… I wonder if I’ll see him today too.” Pharm said with a smile as he looked out the window of his shop towards the mountains. “It is his mountain after all.”

Pharm carefully stacked his packages in his basket and hefted it onto his shoulders. After another minute to lock up his store, Pharm set off. The path through all his destinations was winding, but Pharm relished the fresh air, sweet smelling in a different way than the smell of cakes and sweets in his kitchen. Sarawat was the first one encountered, sleeping under a tree; however, his package was received by the sparkling eyed nymph Tine who drew a very pretty flower in Pharm’s notebook as signature of receipt.

“You better make sure he sees it before you eat it all,” Pharm said while patting the taller nymph on the head. Tine only responded by putting a bouquet of sweet smelling violets in Pharm’s basket and patting Pharm’s head in return.

Next, Pharm found Ram and Bohn up early setting traps. Both accepted their packages and signed, but only Bohn was amused by Tine’s signature.

“Thanks Pharm,” Bohn said as he carefully stowed his package into his bag. “Duen’s been looking forward to these.” Bohn then gave Pharm a bag of dried and pitted cherries. Ram nodded in agreement and offered Pharm his pick of several hares and game birds. Pharm pointed at the ones he wanted and Ram nodded again, setting them aside to be delivered later in the day except for one hare, which Pharm took with him.

Next, Pharm found Pha traveling into the woods with company, the mysterious partner most of the village only knew by the smell of roses. “Hello, Pha. Hello, Yo.” Pharm said with a smile before offering them their packages. Yo accepted happily while Pha signed Pharm’s notebook.

“I’m glad we caught you here,” Pha said while Yo peeked inside the wrapping. “The kids stayed with Pete in the woods last night and we’re going to pick them up so they don’t miss their lessons. They’ll enjoy these for breakfast.”

Pharm giggled while Yo snuck a piece of something. “I hope there’ll be some left at any rate.” Yo pouted at being caught and chastised by Pha, but left a small leaf-wrapped package of rosehips in Pharm’s basket in thanks.

At last, Pharm came up to the lake and Team’s camp beside it. Team was still snoring away, but beside him, another body stirred as Pharm approached.

“Oh, Win, right?” Pharm sat down a small distance away as Win eyed him carefully. “We met before, remember?” Pharm held out his hand and Win carefully took it and traced the lines of Pharm’s palm.

Win’s hands began to move further up Pharm’s arm when a growl reverberated through the area. Win scrunched up his face and turned to look at the large panther stalking over. The panther nudged their hands apart before curling around Pharm and licking his face.

“Dean!” Pharm said with a giggle while hugging the large mountain cat. “Win is your friend, you didn’t have anything to worry about.”

Win made a variety of gestures at Dean while his mouth moved and Pharm was sure it was a particular brand of insult between nature spirits, or perhaps he was telling Dean to be irritating elsewhere and not disturb Team’s sleep. Either way, Pharm gave Dean a scratch behind one of his ears before offering Win the package for Team. Win accepted and began drawing a crude picture in Pharm’s notebook before Dean attempted to bite his hand. Win jerked away, looking scandalized before moving to lay next to Team again.

Dean huffed and then started grooming Pharm. “Dean! I took a shower!” Pharm rummaged in his basket and pulled out the hare from Ram. “Here, I brought you something too.” Dean sniffed the hare and took it before walking off to the side to eat it. As Dean stalked off, Win returned, offering Pharm a woven basket filled with dried fish.

“Thank you, Win,” Pharm said with a smile. “Next time, no pictures of people humping as your signature.”

As Pharm rearranged the items in his basket to account for the things he’d been given, Dean returned and circled Pharm, rubbing the side of his body against Pharm’s legs and his cheeks along Pharm’s hips.

“Deaaaannn!” Pharm hoisted his basket up once more and pet Dean’s head. “Come on, I’m not done yet.”

Dean grumbled with a low, disappointed sound, but followed Pharm up the trail from the lake to the mountains. As Pharm began his foraging, Dean’s ears stayed perked and alert. Once or twice, something sounded as if it was approaching, but Dean growled and the sounds turned into fleeing.

Later in the morning, Pharm caught the sight of wolves out of the corner of his eyes, in particular, one smaller one with fur in hues of gold and pink following a larger one in dark silver while being followed by one in light gray. Dean spared them no attention and the wolves came no closer, even though the gold and pink one did stop to stare for a moment.

At last, the sun was at its peak in the sky and Pharm looked in his basket, satisfied by what he’d managed to find. “This should last me for another week or two.” Pharm turned to pet Dean once more and Dean stretched as he stood up from his position curled protectively around Pharm. “Will you want to come back to town with me?” Pharm asked as he scratched under Dean’s chin. Dean purred and there was a shift before a tan and naked human lay where the panther had been. Pharm’s cheeks turned pink as Dean’s human form wrapped his arms around Pharm and kissed him properly. Pharm could only squeak before thrusting his hand into his basket and pulling out the clothes he’d kept there earlier. “You know the rules, no coming to town naked. I don’t want Forth to try and explain things away again.”

Dean pecked both of Pharm’s cheeks before accepting the clothes and pulling them on. Pharm turned away but Dean still nipped at Pharm’s neck, indicating he knew the effect he had on the smaller man.

“Deaaaannn!” Pharm turned around to give Dean the full force of his pout, but Dean had already dressed and Pharm had only turned his face into Dean’s chest. Dean’s arms wrapped around Pharm again, before nuzzling the top of Pharm’s head. Another gentle kiss to Pharm’s lips followed before Dean hoisted Pharm’s basket onto his own shoulders. “You don’t have to… I can carry it, Dean.” Dean shook his head and took Pharm’s hand before kissing the knuckles and leading him back down the mountain trail, hand in hand.

“Thank you, Dean,” Pharm said as they continued back to the village. Despite not being able to purr in quite the same way in his human form, the sound from Dean still filled Pharm’s chest with warmth. “Will you be staying long this time?” Dean kissed Pharm’s knuckles again. “Just until I go back to the mountain? That’s fine. But no keeping me up so late again!” Dean pouted and nuzzled Pharm’s cheek. “I can survive letting you eat your fill of food, Dean. I don’t think I can always survive your other appetite.”

Chapter Text

From his privileged spot circled by two dozing wolves, Tutor noticed an auburn fox weave its way through the brush towards a particular tree. Before his face could twist into a rather un-nymph like snarl, Pete flicked Tutor on the forehead. Tutor stifled his yelp, but the sound of flesh meeting flesh still woke the wolf closest to him, who started nosing about his legs.

“Not now, Fighter,” Tutor said as he gently pushed the wolf’s head away. Fighter whined and rested his head on Tutor’s thigh instead. “So you smelled him coming and didn’t chase him off?”

“You should give Mork a chance,” Pete said as he gently scratched between Ae’s ears. “It was a regrettable mistake, but he’s making up for it, see?” Pete pointed at the fox and Tutor noticed the lone flower in its mouth and small packages tied to its back.

“A mistake is accidentally doing something wrong, like peeing on my tree,” Tutor said as he tugged just a little harder than was necessary on Fighter’s scruff to displace him. Fighter, only provided Tutor with sad eyes in response. “A mistake is not pretending to be a mountain spirit turned into a boulder and leading Pi on for a month.”

“Now, now, it’s not every day a young fox sees a pretty nymph and knows what to do,” Pete said as he rubbed a soothing hand on Tutor’s shoulder. Tutor tensed, but the cause was the fact that Pi, their sweet cousin and fellow nymph, had emerged from his tree to meet the daring fox Mork and look curiously at the flower he’d brought. “We’ve all heard stories of people doing the wrong thing and being stuck…” Another whine came from Tutor’s side. “I didn’t mean you, Fight.”

Tutor opened his mouth to object, but stopped when Pi accepted the flower and brought it up to his nose to smell it. The fox changed forms to a handsome young man with a sly look and the barest hint of a brooding expression. Mork cupped Pi’s hands with his own and gave him an earnest look.

Pi permitted it as Mork’s thumbs rubbed his knuckles. Mork’s hands then moved to touch wrist, then forearm, then upper arm and shoulder. Tutor nearly growled first but Fighter turned into his human form and tackled Tutor down into the soft grass. The scuffle was enough to break the spell and Pi noticed he was being watched. Pete only giggled and waved as Pi scampered back up his tree and Mork frowned.

Unable to contest the older nymphs and their imposing predator mates, Mork only bowed in respect and placed something else at the foot of Pi’s tree and another item in the direction of his observers before turning back into a fox and running away, tail only barely not between his legs.

“Good effort!” Pete called out after him as he left the circle of Ae’s form and went to see what Mork had left behind. Ae huffed and trotted after Pete. “Hmm… he must have traded with someone for these,” Pete said after opening the leaf-wrapped package Mork had left for him and Tutor. Pete held up a tumbled and weathered stone, the time and weathering had exposed the brilliant crystal within and softened all the rough edges. Pete held the stone out for Ae to sniff and Ae did so before turning into his human form.

“He traded a water nymph for it,” Ae said as he poked through the other stones and crystals in the package. “It smells like river nymph.”

Pete smiled and gave Ae a peck on the cheek. “I figured as much. Now I wonder what he left for Pi…”

Pete approached the package at the foot of Pi’s tree. “Pi? If you don’t take a look at what Mork left you, I will!”

A hand reached down to snatch the package away before Pete could reach for it and Ae released a mix of a huff and a chuckle.

“Oh…” Pi said softly before stepping down from his tree to reveal colorful beads and stones, candied fruits, feathers from large birds, and even a bracelet made of leather, bone beads, and sinew.

Ae walked over and gave a dismissive sniff. “Most of that smells of human.”

Pete curled around Ae. “Well, what a sly little fox, taking from humans to woo my little cousin.”

“Is… is all of it stolen?” Pi frowned. “Did… did he not get any of it for me himself?”

“I didn’t say stolen,” Pete said while rubbing Pi’s head. “Taken can mean lots of things, little one.”

“The bracelet,” said Ae. “That he made himself. It smells of him alone.” Pete thanked Ae for his intervention with another kiss on the cheek.

“Would… would it be okay if I wore it?”

“I think Mork would like that very much,” Pete said at the same time as they all heard Tutor yell, “DO NOT,” before his voice was muffled again, likely by Fighter’s mouth.

Pi played with the beads of bone before slipping the bracelet on his wrist. “It… it feels warm.”

Pete smiled. “Well, things made by someone who loves you usually do.” Pete pulled Pi’s hand and wrist closer to examine Mork’s work. “He probably worked very hard to get such good leather and bone, he’s only a young fox after all.”

“He’s a scamp!” Tutor said as he stomped over, free at last from Fighter’s best attempts at keeping him distracted. Fighter followed not far behind, latching himself to his nymph lover. His human form’s puppy eyes were completely ignored. “If he cared, he should-”

“He’s doing his best to make up for a mistake. He’s done quite a bit already.” Pete pressed down harder with every pat he gave Tutor’s head. “Let’s let Pi decide, hm?” Pete looked over at Pi again to see he was ignored. Pi’s focus was solely on the bracelet on his wrist. “I think he might make a decision soon.”

Pi’s face turned pink. “M-maybe…”

“Let yourself be happy,” Fighter said from over Tutor’s shoulder, despite how the nymph elbowed him, but it was softer than usual. “It does wonders.”

Pi sat down at the foot of his tree and played with the bracelet. “Maybe.”

Chapter Text

“Stop glaring,” Pete said to Tutor as he set down a woven basket of his peaches and handed one to Pin. “You’re not going to scare Mork off that way anymore. Pi made his choice.”

“Uncle Pi is happy now?” Pin asked, juice already all over his little face from the first three bites.

“Oh he’s very happy now, see?” Pete pointed to how Mork curled his body over Pi’s and guided his hands in the braiding and knotting of the hempen ropes he’d gotten for Pi. Pi’s cheeks were just the slightest pink, but his ears were bright red as Mork nuzzled the side of his face and whispered in his ear.

“Rotten, mangy, the absolute worst,” Tutor mumbled under his breath in contrast to the way he wiped Pin’s face down gently.

“But Uncle Tor, Uncle Pi is happy! That must mean Mork is a good spirit!” Pin offered Tutor the last half of his peach and Tutor accepted if only to stop his nephew from smearing more juice over his face.

“He better behave, just like you,” Tutor said as he pinched the tip of Pin’s nose which caused Pin to object and Tan to whip his head around from the other side of the clearing. Tin, unfortunately, stopped his son from running over and forced him to continue focusing on his own tasks. “Or I’ll feed him to the wolves, formalities be damned.”

“But that would make Uncle Pi sad!” Pin tugged on Tutor’s tunic. “I don’t want Uncle Pi to be sad. His flowers smell so much prettier when he’s happy because Mork visited that day or came to help him babysit all of us.”

“So he’s been visiting while your uncle babysits hmm?”

Pin blinked. “But Uncle Fighter visits you when you babysit us all the time.”

Pete coughed and Tutor’s ears turned red. “That’s different! Uncle Fighter and I are… mates,” Tutor said weakly.

“You can’t even say the word consistently, Tor,” Pete teased as he watched Pi tie the braided cords onto Mork’s wrist and press a small kiss to the underside of Mork’s wrist. Mork’s expression turned completely besotted and Pete approved. “We should be proud our little cousin has finally gotten brave. Maybe he’ll start making his flower crown soon.” Pete thought for a moment. “Mork’s gotten brave too I suppose. It’s not often a fox is willing to sit calmly around a bunch of wolves.”

“You made Ae talk to all of them,” Tutor complained as he sat back down and let Pin climb onto his back and make little braids out of the hair on top of his head. Pi and Mork had moved on to comparing each others bracelets.

“Maybe. But Mork did also talk to them, make a few offers for his safety to be here to see Pi. He’s quite clever, even for a fox,” Pete said as he combed Pin’s hair with a wooden comb. “No no, don’t braid your uncle’s hair like that, Pin. You’ll put knots in it.”

“Ok papa.”

Fighter approached in wolf form, mouth still damp from being washed in the river, and gave Tutor a look. Tutor pat Pin on the leg and Pin climbed down and ran to the other side of the clearing to play with Tan at last. Pete only giggled and walked off to find Ae.

“Fine, you can have a kiss,” Tutor said as Fighter immediately changed forms to press kisses all over Tutor’s face. “I said one!”

“Don’t worry so much about other nymphs and their mates,” Fighter said as he continued. “Just worry about me.”

Meanwhile, Mork clung to Pi a little more tightly, causing Pi to object.

“Why are you squeezing me now?” Pi reached around to pinch Mork’s side, but the fox contorted himself to dodge.

“I’m just happy I get to hold you,” Mork said before feinting a nip at Pi’s neck. Pi jerked to the side and Mork took the opportunity to kiss Pi’s shoulder instead. Pi pouted, but did not complain. “I’m happy I get to be here with you.”

“For a fox that makes so many deals with others left and right, you’re awfully pleased with so little.”

“That’s a lie.” Mork pressed his face in to the space between Pi’s shoulder blades, enjoying the warmth of skin warmed nymph silk and the smell of Pi’s flowers. “You’re worth more than anything I could trade to any other nymph, spirit, or human.”

“So you own me now?”

“Never.” Mork moved and rested his chin on Pi’s shoulder. “I’m young, but even I know I can’t own a nymph.”

“So then how would you describe us?”

“Not yet mates, more than friends, but more special and important than either and both.”

Pi’s mouth twitched into a small smile and Mork felt his heart leap. “You’re stealing words from humans now too?”

“It’s not stealing. A human traded me a book for some shiny rocks again. And I asked one of the other humans to read it to me in exchange for some herbs deep in the woods.” Mork shrugged. “If it keeps making you happy to hear such things, I’ll have to learn more of them for you.”

“It’s not the words,” Pi said softly. He reached for one of Mork’s hands and Mork obliged by holding Pi’s hand. “Just be with me. It… It’s enough.”

“Then I’ll be with you,” Mork said before pressing a kiss to Pi’s cheek. Pi’s eyes fluttered shut and Mork pressed another kiss to the curve of Pi’s neck. “And I won’t leave unless you say.”

“And if I never tell you to leave?”

“Then I’m here, with you, forever.”

“Is forever in the nature of foxes?”

“Of young foxes? No. We don’t often live long enough for such things. Fortunately for you, I’m older and smarter. I know what forever is.”

“You just had to brag, didn’t you?” Pi complained, but there was no mistaking the smile on his face or the curve of his closed eyes.

“I’m sorry, sweet nymph. That is, unfortunately, also in the nature of foxes.”

Chapter Text

Winter was slowly leaving and spring had begun its arrival. It was the time for nymphs to regain their lively nature but it was also the season of wolf mating and ruts for those of age. In many quiet caverns across the forest and woods, several couples had spent days indulging each other. And in some cases, even a few couples in town.

——

In Ae’s den, the heavy smell of wolf pheromones was still in the air, but Pete sighed and allowed himself to sink deeper into the pile of furs, grasses, and other soft things that Ae had used to make their bed. Ae, for his part, continued to nuzzle the side of Pete’s neck, his breath warm and heavy across Pete’s over-sensitized skin. One of Ae’s hands pulled Pete closer by the waist while the other rubbed Pete’s thigh which was still faintly trembling.

“Thank you,” Ae said in a voice that had gone hoarse. “So good for me during all this…” Ae kissed Pete’s fluttering pulse along his neck. “So sweet…”

“Aeeee…” Pete tried his best but did not manage to even open one of his eyes. “Please…”

“Rest.” Ae lapped at the sweat along Pete’s jaw. “I’ll get you some nice fruit and check on Pin.”

“Ae is so good to me.” Pete pulled Ae’s face closer for a proper kiss.

“Kiss me like that again and I might be delayed another round or five.” Ae teasingly ground his crotch against Pete’s ass.

“Aeeeeee!

——

In another den, Fighter groaned as Tutor sank down into his lap again, but he did not refuse his mate. Instead his hands held Tutor’s hips steady and in place.

"Are you tired already, you old wolf?” Tutor nipped under Fighter’s jaw and Fighter could feel his blood stirring.

“You said you didn’t want pups,” Fighter said while leaning up for a kiss. “I would stop if such is the case. I’m not so old that you won’t bear me one.”

“I am a nymph,” Tutor reminded him. “There is no being who can force me to bear a child if I do not wish it.”

“Then…” Fighter tumbled them around and pressed Tutor back down into his bed of furs. “I will endeavor to make you want it. I will fill you to the brim with my love and vigor until it has no place to go but a pup of our own.”

“Is that a challenge?!” Tutor jut his jaw out and Fighter obliged by nipping more bruises into his neck.

“It’s a thing I might want. It’s a thing I think we both may want one day. It may not be this rut, it may not be the next or the one after. But there is plenty of love and passion in me yet despite how old you call me.” Fighter kissed his way down and bit one of Tutor’s nipples. “And I have time yet to make you want it.”

Tutor wrapped his legs around Fighter’s waist. “Try me.”

“As you wish.”

——

Tin looked at Can, still in his wolf form, tongue lolling out the side of his mouth and looking far too pleased. Tin sighed, but still put a bowl of cool water by Can’s lips.

“Drink some water, idiot.”

Can yipped at Tin and started lapping water out of the bowl. Tin only rolled his eyes and took a bite out of his jerky before sniffing the air.

“You’re still not done?”

Can abandoned his water to jump on to Tin’s back as he changed forms. Wrapping his arms around Tin’s neck, he leaned over as if to kiss his cheek, but stole the last bite of jerky instead.

“My needs are many and complex,” Can said around the food in his mouth.

“You’re insatiable whether it’s rut or not is what it is.”

“As if you weren’t enjoying it…” Can let one of his hands rest over one of Tin’s nipples. “I distinctly remember you sounding impressed about volume.”

“I was not impressed.” Tin said with a sniff before reaching for another piece of jerky. “I was horrified and wondered if we needed to find some sort of treatment for you. On that note, drink more water. I don’t know how you haven’t died of dehydration after every rut.”

“Of course I haven’t,” Can said as he went to retrieve the bowl of water Tin had left for him. “I haven’t spent ruts with a partner before you so I never had that as a concern.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Yeah,” Can said as he wiped his mouth after chugging the remaining water in the bowl. “I’d just handle it myself once or twice and go back to hunting.” Can held out the empty bowl. “So if I drink more water, will you mount me again because I really wanna-”

Tin only groaned and tackled Can back into bed.

——

With objecting parties occupied, Pi found time to spend with his own partner and decided to spend the early days of spring hiding with Mork.

“Should I be lucky fox mating season is already over,” Pi asked as Mork kept him warm by curling his body over Pi’s as they hid in Mork’s den, an old abandoned human shrine. “It almost seems improper to be here.”

“You wouldn’t be in any danger if that’s what you mean,” Mork said as he nuzzled Pi’s cheek. “You haven’t asked to be my mate so it wouldn’t be proper for me to think that you’d agree.”

“And… If I did agree?” Pi squeezed Mork’s hand. “What then?”

“Then…” Pi could feel Mork’s face grow warmer as it rested against his. “Well… I’d ask how to please and satisfy you. And then… I’d have to prepare all the things you’d need during that time and…”

“Please me?” Pi blinked. “What about-”

“You’d be my mate, of course you should be pleased and satisfied!” Mork said with audible concern. “Spending a mating period with me isn’t just so I can…” Mork’s face turned proper red and Pi couldn’t help but giggle just a little at his sly fox becoming flustered. “I mean of course I want to! But that- I just wouldn’t- I’ve thought about it a lot and uh…”

“So you’ve thought about mating me?” Pi teased.

Mork gave a pathetic fox whine and buried his face in Pi’s neck. “…yes. A… normal amount.”

“A normal amount?”

“A normal amount for a young and healthy fox,” Mork said weakly.

Pi pulled away and Mork whined, but loosened his hold on the nymph. “I’m not going away, just wait a moment,” Pi soothed as he kissed Mork’s cheek.

From a little satchel, Pi removed a flower crown, woven of winter plum blossoms from his own tree, winter silver grass, bright red currants, and a single red rose he had begged Yo for. Mork watched, transfixed, as Pi placed the flower crown on his head and returned to his position on Mork’s lap.

“You know, it is almost time for nymphs to feel the energy of spring,” Pi said softly. “And I would enjoy having someone like you with me, to take care of me during it.”

“I…” Mork kissed Pi softly before nipping his bottom lip. “I would be honored.”

“I want…” Pi said firmly. “I want you to show me… Just what you’ve thought about. Because I…” Pi tried to look Mork in the eye and only managed to stare at the bridge of Mork’s nose. “I love you.” Pi nudged his body closer and Mork knew the nymph was aware of just where he’d placed his body. “And I want you.”

“You have me,” Mork said, hands coming to Pi’s waist. “You have everything I can offer and more.”

“I want a kiss…” Pi said as he raised his head.

“You will have it,” Mork replied before kissing Pi with all that he could give to the nymph and more.

(If Pete noticed Pi’s tree was in particularly vibrant bloom as he walked with Pin back to Ae’s den a few days later, he was careful to not mention it to Tutor lest the other nymph ask Fighter for a fox fur coat.)

Chapter Text

Bohn straightened out the cloak he put over Duen’s shoulders despite how Duen fidgeted in the pants and boots he’d also been forced to wear. “Now boys, do you remember the rules of coming into town with daddy?”

“Always hold daddy’s hand,” Con said as he swung his legs from the chair Bohn had made for their little home in front of the original cave love nest Duen had made. River followed Con’s feet intently, waiting for one of his brand new boots to fall off.

“Don’t go anywhere with strangers,” Call said as he put another carved wooden toy into his bag. Bohn noted that one of Call’s new boots had a suspicious mark on it that looked like a bite from a wolf. “And if anyone comes after us, whistle for River.”

“What’s the other important rule?” Bohn said as he kissed Duen’s forehead to stop him from pouting.

“Always go back to daddy’s house in town if we get lost,” both twins said at the same time. “Daddy’s house is the medium one next to the town well with one of papa’s trees in the backyard.”

“And what’s the important rule for papa?” Bohn said as he pat both his sons on the head.

Duen made a face but chattered and sighed.

“Papa says he’s not allowed to go anywhere without daddy or us to help him,” Con translated. “And if he gets scared, he should disappear to his tree or find Uncle Forth.”

“Good… That’s correct…” Bohn cupped Duen’s cheeks and kissed him softly. “I just want to make sure you’re safe. We don’t know how the other people in town will react if they find out and…”

Duen covered Bohn’s hands with his own and nodded before kissing Bohn in return.

“Okay… Is everyone packed?” Bohn looked over the several bags and the things they’d loaded into the hand-pulled cart. Originally, Bohn had wanted to bring a horse drawn one, but Duen had turned skittish at the horse when Bohn had first brought it to introduce them. “Call, you can’t bring that many toys this time. Only bring the ones you really want to play with while we’re in town.”

“But I want to play with all of them! And Con keeps taking mine!”

“Those were my toys first!” Con kicked outwards to slide off the chair and one of his boots went flying. River yipped and leaped for it, but Bohn caught it first and gave River a warning look.

“Con is only bringing three toys. Call, you also can only bring three toys.” Call pouted and began to pull several toys out of his bag. “River, stop chewing boots, I just bought these and gave you five chew toys.” River whined and put his paws over his nose. “Duen-” Duen looked up innocently from the tin of candies he was shoving into his mouth. “Never mind. Now everyone head to the cart. We have a long walk ahead of us.”

Chapter Text

Spring had given way to summer warmth and sunshine. Now with less reason to huddle away for warmth or hide away for privacy, Pi found he had no choice but to see his family once more. This time, with an official plus one.

“Just be yourself,” Pi said as Mork trailed behind him. “Everything will be fine if you just be yourself.”

"Am I usually not?" Mork asked as he placed a gentle hand on the back of Pi's neck, attempting to rub the nymph's muscles.

"I was talking to myself," Pi mumbled as Mork dug into a knot where neck met shoulder. "I'm the one that's nervous."

"Uncle Pi!" Pi winced as Pin tackled him full force. If Mork hadn't been behind him, the older nymph knew he'd have been knocked over by the half wolf's muscle. "It's been forever!" Pin gave Pi a sniff and Pi scratched Pin between his little wolf ears. “Uncle Pi, you smell different!”

"Well-"

"Now now, what did your daddy say about talking about scents?" Pete asked as he removed Pin from Pi. Pin whined, but Pete was smiling and there was no proper chiding to be had. "You're just in time," Pete said as he gave Pi's head a pat. "Tutor just arrived with Fighter as well. And you've brought a proper guest?" Pete turned to Mork. "Ah, your young fox."

Mork, to his credit, did not reply verbally, but he did wrap his arms around Pi's waist from behind.

"Is... Is Tutor in a good mood? He's not gonna do anything mean, is he?" Pi whispered.

"Oh Mork will be fine. Tutor is looking particularly worn out and Fighter keeps grinning about something. They're not going to cause any problems for the new member of our family. Especially not over any little incidents that were… less advisable. We 're chalking that up to youthful folly." Pete smiled brightly and tugged the two forward, letting Pin run into the cave to alert everyone of their arrival.

Mork held onto Pi a little tighter. “Your cousin Tutor?”

"He's just a bit protective... He's still... not happy about your little tactic," Pi muttered as they passed from summer sun to shade.

"My... tactic?" Mork blinked and then realized what everyone had been referring to. "Oh no."

"You're not allowed to leave," Pi said as he held fast onto his mate's arms. "If I'm going to be here, you are too."

"But you're not going to be torn to shreds on wolf teeth," Mork hissed as they caught sight of everyone sitting around baskets of fruit and other summer delights.

"No one is going to be torn to shreds," Pete reassured the pair. "Least of all physically. Now sit."

As Pete wandered away and Tutor's similar but far more angry eyes began to peer through Mork, Mork shuffled over so that Pi was between him and the other nymph. "If I die, I want you to have everything in my den."

“That’s very sweet but—”

“But?”

"Leave it to Pin. We both might not make it out alive," Pi said as Tutor turned his gaze to Pi's neck and everyone could immediately see his hackles rise.

Chapter Text

"Hello auntie!" Pin said as he pulled his little basket along behind him. To make it easier, Pete had asked Duen who asked Bohn to help attach little wheels to it. The older wolf smiled as Pin drew closer. "Papa sent me to deliver this for you!” Pin removed a little package and handed it over. “He said he hopes it helps your grandpups grow big and strong!”

"How thoughtful! And how kind of you to bring it for me." The elder pet Pin's head and Pin preened under the attention. "Be a good boy and give this to your father for me." She produced a silvery shell and put it in Pin's basket. "And this is for you for being a kind delivery boy." She then handed Pin a small bundle. "I heard your father say you've taken to learn how to weave. These would be nice little things to attach to your creations.”

"Thank you!" Pin gave a little bow, which the elder returned, before skipping away to his next delivery which happened to be for Can.

"Sorry little one," Can said as he accepted the package of sinew from Pin. "Tin and Tan are away, but I'll let him know you stopped by and wanted to play later. Tan was looking forward to playing tag again too .”

“Thank you Uncle Can!”

"Who are you going to see next? I'll walk with you." Can offered his hand and Pin took it as they both began to walk away from Tin's den.

"Daddy asked me to see Uncle Yo and trade with him for some rosehips."

"Hmm... He should be back in the forest today if we're lucky. I don't think he's gone off to the humans to be with his mate yet."

Pin nodded. “Daddy said he hopes Uncle Yo doesn't make too many more seeds or the forest will be over run with roses.”

Can laughed and it was his volume which alerted Yo to their presence.

"So loud so early," Yo complained, but greeted Pin with a hug regardless. "What brings you here today little wolf? Other than your father's concern for how many children I have."

“How many children do you have Uncle Yo?” Pin asked without blinking. “I haven't met any of them yet.”

"You'll meet them soon. Right now they stay with their father with the humans. They'll be back for their lessons with me on the next moon."

Pin nodded before turning to his little basket and giving Yo a bunch of peaches. “Daddy says he hopes this is enough for some of your rosehips and maybe a dried rose or two.”

"Well since he sent you along, I should be kind." Yo gave Pin a little package of rosehips and then produced three dried roses, perfectly dried with unbent stems and uncrushed petals. "These should do nicely for whatever he's planning. Although I doubt they'd cover up the smell of musty wolf after winter."

Pin pouted. “Uncle Yo! That’s my papa!”

“Which is exactly why I said that.” Yo gave Pin a noogie, which he protested. “Now off you go.”

"Uncle Yo! So mean!"

Yo sighed and rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll give you a little treat, just for you." Yo produced a little jar. "This is rose jam made with sugar from my mate's human village and my rose petals. You can enjoy it by yourself, but don't eat too much at once or you'll feel sick."

Pin happily accepted the jar and skipped off. Can laughed again. “Pete's going to be so mad at you when Pin eats that whole thing and runs everywhere.”

"He deserves it after thinking Pha and I could populate the whole forest in roses."

"You've been trying really damn hard," Can said thoughtfully. "Four little nymphs already. I'm surprised you haven't gotten ten with how often you go see him." Yo's only reply was to smack Can's arm.

Pin's last stop was Mork's den, made in an abandoned human hut. There Pi rushed out and swung his nephew around, causing Pin to giggle and cheer. "Uncle Pi! You're here!"

"I am, and what did you bring for your Uncle Mork?"

"Daddy wants to trade for some of the beads he gets from humans. He says they're so pretty, he wants to try making something with them." Pin waved in the direction of his basket. "So daddy sent me to get a few things that Uncle Mork might like!” Pi put Pin down and Pin pulled out the shell, rosehips, and dried roses. “Tada!”

"What a pile of treasures," Mork said as he emerged. Pi made a face at Mork, who only winked at him. "I should be very glad to trade for them."

"How many beads will it get my daddy?"

"Hmm..." Mork held the shell up to the light, allowing it's silvery hue and pearlescence to shift in the sun. "I'll trade your father ten beads for the shell alone."

Pin pouted. “But daddy said he wants twenty!”

Pi elbowed Mork in the side. Mork, having grown used to his mate, refused to flinch. “Twelve.”

"But what about the rosehips from Uncle Yo? Don't you like those too?"

Mork sniffed the rosehips and smiled. “Fine, for that too, I'll give your father twenty.”

"You cunning fox, you're trying to make Pin feel better about bartering," Pi mumbled under his breath.

"It's good to encourage kits when they're young," Mork whispered back as he went into his den to get the beads. When Mork returned, he then turned his eye to the dried roses. "Hmm... Since you carried these all this way, how about I give you something extra for them?" Mork presented Pi with two bracelets of soft leather and beads. "One for you and one for a friend of your choice. They even match."

"Oh no," Pi whispered. "Ae will kill you."

Mork's smile grew as Pin's eyes widened. "Friendship bracelets?"

"Oh yes, if you and your best friend wear them, you'll never be apart again. That's a human custom."

"I'll take them!" Pin happily handed over the dried roses and took the beads and bracelets. "Thank you Uncle Mork!" Pin then ran off to tell his fathers of his good fortune while Pi began running for the trees.

"What are you doing?" Mork yelled after him.

"When Ae comes to skin you alive for encouraging Pin and Tan, I'm not going to be here to watch you die."