If you're good we'll get a toy after

The little boy, Malico, approached as soon as she was laying down. Much to her surprise, the child placed his paws on her obsidian nose and leaned in really close. Ikigai reflexively lowered her head so that he didn't have to stretch so far. The pair locked eyes and when he complimented her, Iki couldn't help the soft chuckle that poured forth. She smiled, the red edges of those intriguing eyes lifting. "Thank you, sweet one," she replied, both adroit paws moving to brace the young pup so that he didn't fall backwards. She took the opportunity to quickly observe his growth and was pleased with his healthy weight.

Malico proudly declared that he was there for a checkup and again Ikigai chuckled. "You certainly are. If you and your sister sit well for me, I have a bit of a surprise for you after." Having known that this checkup was coming, Iki had prepared something special for the pair of young ones. She hoped that they liked it.

After lowering the boy back to all four paws, Iki turned her attention to the girl who seemed to be sulking a bit. She'd caught the small voice as Mariah began to speak, but she'd been cut off by Malico's amazement. The girl was dainty and delicate, very unlike her robust brother. Again, Ikigai felt that niggling bite of worry at the back of her brain. "You're so very pretty, Mariah," Iki complimented the standoffish child with a gentle smile on her maw. "How are you feeling?" She wondered if the girl felt tired, lethargic, listless. They'd get to it in time.

"Ikigai"