What if this is all the Love I'll Ever Show

It hurt to see him cry, Rhyme, who preferred to stand back from affection, who was hard to pin down for a hug. Sure, his affection had smoothed a lot since they had professed their love, but he was still sotic and strong. Likely a reaction from his forced upbringing. To have him here, crying into her coat, was heartbreaking.

“Shh, it’s alright.” she continued to soothe, until he lifted his head and dried his eyes, looking back at their living pups. She could see that he was trying to hold onto what was in front of him, to be grateful for what he had.

She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek a chaste kiss, with a great deal of affection and acceptance behind the gesture, “i’m sorry, Rhyme.” she murmured gently, snuggling Poem who still managed to sleep. Motif’s nose made little twitching motions, and a paw reached up to bat at her father’s muzzle as he sniffed. Shaye found it heart pressed to tell if she was actually awake or not, and her tiny body was like a feather to Rhyme’s form