The pups were born, and Storm was settled in quite nicely. Which meant... well, Vali would leave the new mother to her newborn pups, and she'd go and find Bass. Backing out of Storm's den, she glanced at Bass, pushing her nose into his shoulder fur briefly, before beckoning him to follow her. It concerned her, when he ran off; why had he done that? What was going through his head? It made her frown, which is why she spoke that promise that they'd talk later. Well, now was later, and Vali wasn't going to take no for an answer. She'd know his mind, and she'd convince him to share his thoughts, and let the burden on his shoulders ease. At least, that was the plan.

""

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He sat calmly outside of the den while everything went on, and glanced over when Vali exited the den. He could see that she was still worried, and with a sigh he tugged on her ear before standing up, walking away from Storm's den. They could talk, but he didn't want to do it within earshot of the new mother. There was no need to make her worry, so he walked quite a distance before settling down. He realized that his paws had led him back to his den, and with a groan he hopped on top of the stone covering. Resting on the cool surface, he dangled his paws over the ledge as he glanced over at Vali. How could he even start? He didn't want to think about it, those images he had seen. Quickly he closed his golden closed, head lowering onto his front legs. "I saw her, her and the puppies. I heard myself singing to calm her, I heard--" Bass had to cut off with the emotions that welled inside him, his throat closing. Letting out a muffled whimper he covered his muzzle with his paws. He had seen it all, remembered the love he had felt for the woman that betrayed him the most. Remembered Rhythm being there the whole time, helping them both through it while he softly sang to her. Bass had used every ounce of his strength to stay calm for Wren, because she was pushing five massive pups out of her tiny body. The love he had felt wasn't something he could forget, but sometimes he wished he could just erase her. It was too hard to remember the good times, more so than it was the bad. He didn't want this anymore. Around every corner was another painful memory, just another thing he had to try to suppress. For once, he would like to experience something without flashbacks sucking any joy out of them. "SPEAK!"

Art by Raqinq

She quickly followed him, all the way to his den. She would always do so, because she'd always be there for him, and with zero hesitation. So when he hopped up on the stone covering, she hopped up too, laying down next to him and leaning her weight against his side in a gesture to say that he wasn't alone. She waited for him to speak, patient; she knew whatever he remembered wasn't good. Not... not if it had that sort of reaction. She grimaced a little before he started speaking, sympathy and her own pain at seeing the ones she cared for hurting already in her eyes.

When he started speaking, it only grew, and she wordless pressed her muzzle into his neck. Ah. Yes. It was one of the few things that made Vali angry, ever, and once again she felt the hot flash of anger resonating through her body. Once again, she was struck with thoughts of violence, and wondering how on earth anyone could ever betray someone they loved to that extent. Or... how someone could have even pretended to love that much, because how can one care so much and yet... do that? It was unfathomable to Vali.

She moved her muzzle from his neck to rest it on top of his paws. She truthfully didn't know what to say. To remember the emotions he had back then, when he was with his former mate - another flash of anger - and his children when they were born. When they were born... an idea pricked in her mind, and she lifted her head to nose at Bass. "Spend time with these puppies. Replace the bad memories with her," her voice dropped to a near growl then, "with Storm's pups. Use their love. Be their 'father' figure, since they have no father. And remember the happiness you felt, without the pain." The words were whispered, were quiet, with a hint of her own wistful sorrow in them, but also a fierceness too.

""

©sanctuare-2k16

Bass felt the comfort of his friend as she cuddled into him, letting out a shaky sigh as he tried to relax his form. His ears pulled up at her growl, peeking down at the pale woman as she spoke of spending time with the puppies. Yes... he was planning on that from the start. Without a father around and Storm being blind, they would need some sort of guidance. And she was right, it was hard to keep a sour face with little puppies bounding around. A hint of a smile crossed his black lips as he tucked his nose into her scruff, closing his yellow eyes as he relaxed into his best friend. She had always been there for him, no matter what. Even when they parted ways for awhile, Vali came back to him. Bass understood why she had to leave, he really did, but that didn't make it any easier to be away from her. Blowing out a sigh, he nuzzled further into her soft fur. "What would I do without you?" he asked affectionately, placing a small kiss between her shoulder blades. So many wolves came and went from his life, it was nice to have a constant companion for once. He could at least rely on a select few to keep him happy, and for that he would be forever grateful. "SPEAK!"

Art by Raqinq