can we hurt together

Iroh wasn’t like this with anyone else, Banshee brought out the joy in him, and even faced with the many tragedies that befell him he could easily smile. He hadn’t realized until they were settled on the cool of the grass how close they were, but as he held onto her smaller he realized how much he enjoyed it. She was easy to be around, and provided a fresh disposition to the gloom that followed Risen.

His words seemed to strip her of her smile though, it started with words about her father. Hesitantly he shifted to nuzzle against her cheek. It seemed not even Banshee had been immune to disaster of the winter. He allowed her to move and bury her white marked muzzle deep into the thick fur of his scruff. He breathed in her scent and for a moment imagined the world was only the two of them.

He wondered if by ‘light’ she meant his presence, or the light of the day. Had she been trapped beneath the cloud of ash and smoke? He worried for a moment, and found himself holding tighter as she shifted to catch his eyes again and ask for his troubles. Irooh offered her a hesitant smile, the corners of his lips pulling back only for her.

”My uncle,” he still wasn’t sure of Malleus’s lineage. He could have been another cousin, but uncle was close enough. ”The alpha of the Empire, died with the eruption.” Iroh started at the beginning of the end. ”His son, my best friend, and cousin, took over. He.. He’s lost his confidence though and doesn’t think he can lead. I believe in him though.” He looked over Ban’s shoulder as he confessed. ”Also.” He took a deep breath, trying to disguise his sorrow. ”My mother.” He hadn’t cried for her yet, he hadn’t allowed the emotion to have any room. He had to be strong for Pyrrhic, for Zagan. ”She’s dead.” Now tears began to well in his blue and lavender stare as he admitting outloud his loss.