You make me feel like I'm someone

He hadn’t done much beyond hold Elise over the last few days, he didn’t want to do much else than remain in her presence during the difficult time they were battling. He ached from the inside out, his heart hurt for himself, for the pair of them, and the children that they had lost. He held to Elise like he might lose himself if he didn’t, and Iroh knew she clung to him for the same reason. They shared immense joy and now this incredible loss together. They couldn’t linger in the cave and wallow over their sorrow forever though and Iroh had to go back to his responsibilities lest his absence be noted and his explanation to be expected.

He calmed his thoughts with the endless movement of his paws, putting everything into his duties around the pack. Doubling his patrols, hunting even if he wasn’t so good, if he was going to leave he had to leave his family prepared. Iroh had long realized that he would do anything to make Elise happy. Whatever she wanted he would do whatever he could to provide. Including leaving. Pyrrhic had been able to step down as leader, for many different reasons, certainly his duties could be excused just as easily. He’d take Elise and they would go live alone in the woods, no responsibilities but the two of them.

She hadn’t mentioned her request since everything happened, but it was on both of their minds. Maybe a new start was exactly what they both needed. Elise was always on his mind, and especially after his patrol. Iroh rushed back to the den, fully aware of how difficult being alone was right now. He wanted to be back to hold and support her. Even now the wound was raw, and he knew their due date had been swiftly approaching. Dark ears were at his skull as he slipped under the door flap and padded into their once cozy den. It felt lesser now.

Blue and lavender eyes found Elise, curled by the fire looking like she had freshened up. Sarabi had taken the chance to freshen the den while they were both away, everything felt better but still empty. Iroh padded closer, lowering his body and curling around Elise’s soft form. He held her up as best he could while he was crumbling as well. Maybe that was what got them through, being able to lean against one another. He kissed her cheek with the ghost of a grin, after everything they still had each other. They still had a long life together ahead of them. This wouldn’t be their only obstacle and he knew they would experience joy again. Life was cyclical, but he wouldn't have wanted to revolve with anyone but her.

Iroh Abraxas