ooc: Gonna liquid time this a bit cause I suck and forgot to start it earlier xD Lets say it's before the Celestial challenge so we don't have to be vauge about that. She had to tell him. She couldn't keep blaming a stomach bug for her symptoms. Eventually her slowly growing belly was going to get a lot more noticeable. She hadn't hadn't noticed any sign that the pregnancy was going to fail yet and it had been a good bit of time since she first noticed it so... She had to assume that they were actually going to be parents. Her nerves were frazzled as she stepped out of the den. Why was she so nervous?! She was sure Castiel was going to be happy so why was she so on edge about this? She lifted her head and let out a gentle howl for Castiel, deciding that would be faster than her trying to pick her way through the territory to find him. She sat down on her haunches to wait for him. The toes on her forepaws curled and relaxed over and over again anxiously, making lines in the dirt where her claws were scraping against it. She had to calm down. She was going to ruin her own smooth pregnancy with her own stress. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Everything was going to be fine. "Talk" "You" Think

Cas had been worried for Kalliope since day one of the ‘stomach bug’. He’d stuck pretty close to their den, leaving only to catch prey, get a drink, or relieve himself as needed. At the same time though he tried to give Kalli her space, not wanting to overwhelm her by practically breathing down her neck the whole time. Besides Kalli was a healer… she’d surely know what to do to make herself feel better, right? He let out a soft sigh, gazing up into the sky as he wondered if she’d really be okay. Now he was wishing he knew a little more in the ways of herblore. The moment he heard Kalliope’s howl however he shot back to his feet. There was no urgency in the howl, though he was almost certain he could detect something of worry. Without waiting the man started back towards the den, racing back with legs pumping as fast as they would carry him. He did not want to keep his beloved waiting. Once he arrived Cas moved over to Kalli and gave her a gentle nuzzle, a soft whine leaving his throat. “Are you okay? Is the stomach bug back?” He asked, concern flashing in his golden gaze. "Speak"

Moments after her howl ended she heard the sound of running paws and then Castiel was at her side, worriedly nuzzling her. She knew he had been worrying over her for days now which was even more of a reason that she had to tell him. The fact that he had been so concerned and hovering near her all this time made her feel a little more confident about it all. The tension in her shoulders eased up a bit as she leaned into Castiel's touch, returning his nuzzles. She smiled a little at his question, giving a small shake of her head. "No, not quite." Why was this so hard? All she had to do was spit it out! "I haven't really known how to tell you this... It wasn't really a stomach bug. I've been waiting to tell you cause I was afraid something would go wrong, but since it hasn't, well..." she hesitated, her ears flicking nervously. "Um... W-We're going to be parents, Castiel... I'm pregnant." She waited for his reaction, hoping desperately that he would take it as happy news. She needed someone around her to be happy about this so maybe she could stop being so anxious about it. As long as Castiel was happy she could be happy too. "Talk" "You" Think

Kalliope’s gentle nuzzles in return managed to ease Castiel’s worries a little bit, at least at first. But when his beloved began speaking his worry began to spike again almost naturally. It was hard for Cas not to worry about her… it wasn’t that she was unable to take care of herself or anything… It was that natural worry one held when they loved someone dearly and only wanted the best for them. Besides, if it wasn’t a stomach bug then what could it be? But then worry turned into a bit of shock. Jaw fell agape, the pale brute speechless for a couple of moments as his heart fluttered in his chest. They… they were going to be parents? They were going to be parents! That thought had Castiel’s heart fluttering even more, and with that a large grin crossed over his face. “Gods above…” Castiel whispered incredulously. This was all he’d ever wanted and more. A mate… a family… This was wonderful news! He was both shocked and yet completely happy. The thought of it had his whole body wiggling right to his tail which was wagging back and forth a mile a minute. “This is such great news Kalli!” Tears of joy had begun to sting Cas’ eyes and, unable to hold himself back any longer, he began to shower his beloved in long, loving licks and kisses. "Speak"

Kalliope held her breath while she waited for her mate's answer. It felt like time was standing still. It might have only been a few seconds, but she was desperate for him to say anything, good or bad. "Gods above..." Was that a good thing? Bad? She wished so desperately that she could see his face. Then she could see his speechless expression and his huge grin. Then there would be no question that he was happy and excited about this news. It wasn't till he said out loud what great news it was that she felt that worrisome weight fall off her shoulders. She breathed a sigh of relief and a similarly wide grin fell into place on her muzzle. She giggled happily and her tail brushed against the ground rapidly when he started covering her in licks and kisses. She was still nervous about being pregnant and what might happen in the future, but Castiel was happy and that was all she really needed. It still baffled her to know that someone could love her like this. Her flaws had never been an obstacle for him and for that she was so, so grateful. She returned some licks and kisses all over his face before she leaned into him a bit so she could nuzzle her face into the fur of his neck, finding comfort in his warmth and scent. Their relationship had gone so fast that she could barely keep up, but they only had a finite number of years to spend with each other. She didn't want to waste it. "I'm so glad you're happy, Castiel. I didn't doubt that you would be, it just makes me feel better to know you're excited," she said with a smile as she pulled back from his neck enough to kiss his cheek again. "I'm still kind of scared..." she admitted with a moment of hesitation. She hated showing any kind of weakness, but she had told herself that if they were going to do this together then she was going to have to let him in completely. "I'm just worried that something will go wrong. I mean I'm not young any more. I know how much harder these things get with age." Her ears folded back against her head at the thought and she leaned her head into his neck again. "It's going to be okay, right? We're all going to be okay?" "Talk" "You" Think

Cas’ heart was racing in his chest with so much excitement he could barely contain himself. The returned kisses and nuzzles were welcome, and the man felt so happy he could cry. Excited barely even cut the feeling he felt. Having a family… being with Kalli… sure their relationship was moving fast but he surely wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. He was happier than he’d been in a long time, finding that piece of his life he’d been missing. It was funny how someone of the opposite sex could brighten up your days so.

Cas breathed in again, holding Kalliope close as he listened to his beloved speak. “There are not enough words to describe just how ecstatic I am right now, Kalli.” All of this felt like such a sweet dream. The thought that something could go wrong… was impossible in his mind.

“Maybe for other wolves… but you’re not that old just yet.” He gave her a gentle nuzzle. “Besides Kalli… you’re strong. Stronger and more capable than you probably even realize. Things are going to be fine. Maybe a little bit of extra effort, but it’ll be worth it in the end. We’re all going to be fine… you, me, and the little ones.” Castiel promised, holding her close once more. He’d protect them all, he promised… all of Celestial and his family. No matter what.