plans awry

Valen's tongue smoothed the fur against her forehead in a soothing rhythm, and Cascade found herself relaxing as she spoke, and curled against him when he rested his chin on her head.

Cascade couldn't help but chuckle wryly at his words. If she looked like she was about to fall over, it was pretty accurate as far as how she was feeling right now. "My own fault," she muttered. "I was the one who threw the tantrum over this." She hesitated, though, mulling over his offer. She wanted to say no, that she could handle the kids just fine on her own tonight but... She didn't want to subject the kids to seeing her this bedraggled and subdued. Maybe it was vain of her, but she wanted her kids to believe their mother was a superhero for as long as she could manage it. They'd doubtless be ecstatic at the idea of daddy babysitting for the night. But having Valen hold her like this felt... oddly soothing, and she wasn't quite ready to let that go yet.

She sighed.

"I would appreciate it if I could stay with you, Valen." She brushed her muzzle along the front of his shoulder, in mute apology, plea, and thanks mixed together so closely she couldn't really say which was foremost in her emotions at the moment. "I know it's a lot to ask of you for something I brought on myself, and I know it's not your problem but... I'd really appreciate it."