#hae

The car ride was so quiet it almost hurt. Just the low hum of the engine and the hiss of the tires whenever they hit a patch of wet pavement. You leaned toward the window, the glass showing only the faintest reflection. The crack you'd left open let in cold air that stung your cheeks and nose, but you'd take that over the way your chest ached every time your eyes almost slipped toward him.

You two argued sometimes— loud, messy arguments, but this wasn't like that. This was worse, this silence was heavy.

When he finally pulled up to your building, the car slowed to a stop. The headlights lit up the empty curb. You reached for the door handle without looking at him, but you couldn't stop yourself from sneaking a glance. His jaw was tight, his hands locked on the wheel like letting go would break something.

"Your jacket's here. Do you need it?" Your voice came out small. It wasn't about the jacket, it was about whether he'd come upstairs, whether you'd get one last chance to close the gap growing between you.

"Yeah." His answer was short. He put the car in park.

You got out, his footsteps followed a second later. The air between you felt colder than the night itself. Inside, you slipped into your room to grab the jacket. When you came back, he was still standing near the door, stiff, like stepping further in would be a mistake. You held it out, the weight of it so much heavier than it should have been. He took it, fingers brushing yours. His eyes met yours for just a second— long enough to say too much and not enough.

"Bye."

He swallowed hard. "Bye." Then he left, the door shut with a sound that stuck in your chest.

═════════════════════════

It was after four in the morning when pounding rattled your door. You were already awake— sleep hadn't been an option, but the sudden noise still jolted you. You walked to the door on bare feet, peeking through the peephole. Haechan.

You opened it slowly. He looked wrecked, hair messy, shirt wrinkled, eyes swollen and red with fresh tears streaking his face.

"Baby?" The word slipped out before you could stop it.

He stepped inside without saying anything. The smell hit you instantly, alcohol. 

"What's going on?" You asked, arms going around him on instinct. He clung to you right away, face buried in your neck, shoulders shaking as he sobbed into your skin. You rubbed his back slow, your chest aching at how small he felt in your arms and then you smelled it... perfume, not yours.

It sank into your stomach like ice. You tried to deny it, but it was there, clinging to him. Sweet, foreign and under it, faint but clear— something else that told you exactly where he'd been.

Your hands dropped quickly, you stepped back, your face giving you away before you even spoke.

His lips trembled. "I'm sorry." His voice was raw.

You stepped back again, the space between you widened.

"I'm so sorry." He said, rubbing his face like he could erase the night.

Your voice broke. "What did you do?"

He looked down. "I didn't mean to, i'm sorry." The words fell out too fast.

"Who was it?" Tears blurred your vision.

He gave a weak shrug. "Some random girl."

The confirmation knocked the air out of you. You already knew, but hearing it still felt like being shoved under water.

"I'm sorry, Y/n." He said again, stepping closer like he could undo it, his hands reaching for you.

You shoved him back. "Five years." Your voice cracked, finger pressing into his chest. "We've been together five years and you threw it all away for one night."

"I know, I know, there's no excuse. Please, just— just talk to me." His voice was breaking.

"There's nothing to talk about." Each word was glass in your throat. "You ruined everything. Because you were mad at me for one night? I hope it was worth it."

"Please. Please just give me one more chance." His tears were falling hard now.

"Get out." Your tone dropped, tears slipped down your own face.

"Y/n, please—"

"Go!" Your voice shook, but it was firm. "I'll come to your place tomorrow for my things."

He breathed hard, wiping at his face. He didn't say another word, just turning and walking out.

You sank onto the edge of your bed, staring at the floor. The apartment was too quiet, every sound amplified. Your chest ached, like it had been hollowed out. You wanted to scream, but your throat felt useless. Part of you wanted to call him, beg him to explain, but the other part knew it would only make things worse. You had already lost him tonight, even if he hadn't walked out for good.

You fidgeted with your phone until your fingers hurt, scrolling aimlessly, waiting for a message that never came. The silence pressed against your skin, then the tears came. They weren't just for him, or for what he'd done. They were for all the times you thought he cared, only to feel him slip further away. For all the years you poured into something that maybe never existed the way you thought it did.

You curled into yourself on the bed, hands covering your face. You wanted to stop crying, but you couldn't. You wanted to tell yourself you were strong enough to walk away. You wanted to mean it, but your body refused to believe it.

Hours passed. The sky outside lightened slowly, pale gray leaking through the blinds. For a second the world looked almost normal, but it wasn't, not for a long time. Every time you closed your eyes, flashes came back— the pounding at your door at 4 a.m., the smell of liquor and perfume clinging to him, his tears soaking into your shirt.

His things were still scattered everywhere— clothes, his headphones, little remnants of him. You shoved it all into a cardboard box, taping it shut with one final pull. For a moment you just stared at it. Too small to hold five years, too light to carry the weight of what you were losing.

You wiped your face, grabbing the box, and carrying it to the door. The drive to his apartment felt endless, every mile heavy. By the time you reached his door, your chest was burning. 

You knocked. It took a few seconds, but the door opened. Haechan stood there, and he looked destroyed— bloodshot eyes, dark circles, pale skin. His gaze dropped to the box in your hands, then back to your face. Neither of you spoke as you stepped aside.

You walked in, setting the box down. His apartment smelled faintly of stale beer and cologne. He dropped onto the couch, elbows on his knees, dragging his hands down his face like he could erase everything.

You moved around quietly, grabbing the rest of your things. A sweater, a toothbrush, records shoved in the corner. You avoided his eyes, but you could feel him there.

Finally, in his room, he stood in the doorway. Shoulders sagging, lips parted like he wanted to say something but couldn't. You kept packing, but then your eyes caught his.

"Can we talk? Just— please." His voice was strained.

You hesitated, then nodded, too tired to fight.

You sat on the edge of his bed. A moment later, he joined, close but not touching. The silence stretched until he finally spoke.

"I don't know what happened last night." He said quickly. "I mean— I know what happened, but I wasn't thinking. I was drunk and angry and—" His voice cracked. "I swear it didn't mean anything, Y/n."

You stared down at your jeans softly, broken. "It doesn't matter if it meant nothing. You still did it, now I can't unknow it."

His eyes went wide. "I can be better. I'll never let anything like this happen again. I'll do whatever it takes— just don't let this be the end."

Your throat burned. His face was raw, tear streaked, desperate, but it didn't reach you.

"You know what happened with my parents." You whispered. "You know what it did to me. And you promised, Haechan. You promised you'd never put me through that."

His face crumpled. "I know. I broke it, but please— just one more chance. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."

You shook your head, tears sliding freely now. "No. The trust is gone, you can't undo this. I can't look at you the same."

He reached for you, but you pulled back. "We've had each other our whole lives." He said, voice shaking. "I don't know how to be without you. Please, Y/n."

"You think I don't know that? I love you so much, Haechan. First love, first everything. I don't know how to be without you either and that's what makes this worse. How could you do this to the one person you say you can't live without?"

"One more chance." He whispered. "I'll never love anyone else, it's always been you. Please don't walk away."

You wiped your face with shaky hands. "I can't. I can't stay and pretend this didn't happen. I won't."

The room went still, silent except for his breathing. You stood and he didn't stop you, just hunched on the bed, sobbing into his hands. You slung the tote over your shoulder and walked to the door. 

The sound of it closing was loud... final. Like the end of a song you'd loved too long, one you knew would never play again.

═════════════════════════

Five years later.

You woke to sunlight cutting through the thin gaps in your curtains, stripes of gold falling across your sheets. For a moment, you just laid there, blinking against the brightness, stretching your arms over your head until your joints popped. You rolled onto your side, reaching blindly for your phone on the nightstand.

10:34 a.m. September 12th.

The last Saturday you would spend unemployed. The thought pressed against your chest. For nearly a month you had been floating, no bosses breathing down your neck, no coworkers whispering in corners, no long nights replaying every careless thing you had said. It had been... nice. You had let yourself sleep late, cook slowly, walk without a destination, but now the reset button was waiting, and Monday it would slam down hard. You whispered a silent prayer that this new place was not another trap.

Your phone lit up suddenly, buzzing in your hand with an incoming call.

You swiped it on speaker. "Hello."

"Heyyyy."

"Wassup? Good morning." Your lips pulled into a smile before you could stop them.

"Good morning." Jaemin's voice was warm. "Why do you sound like you are still in bed?"

You laughed, dragging a hand over your face. "Because not everyone has their life together like you, Jaemin."

"Ah, I know, I know." His voice carried that smug little edge he used whenever he wanted to tease. "You will soon though— since you're starting Monday."

You groaned loud enough for him to hear it. "Don't remind me."

"It's gonna be awesome. We basically get to hang out every day now." His grin was practically audible.

You paused, smirking to yourself. "That somehow makes me feel worse."

"Wow... okay." His laugh burst through the speaker. "For real though, everybody's cool. You're going to have fun."

"I am trusting you on this."

"Good. Because speaking of fun... three of us are getting dinner tonight. Do you want to come? Kind of like... getting a head start on meeting the team."

You sat up slowly, pillow tucked behind your back. "Is that girl you like coming?" The teasing smile on your lips was impossible to hide.

He hesitated, then sighed. "Yeah, I invited her." His voice dipped, carrying something nervous beneath it.

"So why did you invite me, then?"

"Because she invited someone else." He groaned like the words themselves pained him.

You let out a sound between a laugh and a groan, and Jaemin chuckled instantly at your reaction.

"Exactly. It was all, 'Can Ray come? Let's invite Ray.' Like— fine, sure, I said yes." He pitched his voice high, mocking her.

You pressed your lips together, amused. "Damn."

"Yeah, so please just come. Save me. Plus, I think you would actually like Ray." His tone was half pleading, half persuasive.

You narrowed your eyes at the wall, even though he couldn't see. "Ohhh, so that's why you invited me."

"No, no. Swear I just want you there." He laughed, then paused. "Okay, also... I will pay for your dinner if you come."

You bit your lip, groaning. "Fuck, you got me. I'll go."

"Aye, perfect." His voice lit up, all bright and energetic.

"What is the dress code?" You asked, already sorting through outfits in your head.

"Casual. Everything is always casual. Just wear something comfortable. It's at seven, so it is going to be dark and probably cold. I'll come pick you up."

"Cool." You were already planning your evening. "See you then."

"See you then." His voice echoed before the line clicked.

By 6:30 you stood in front of the mirror, sweater tugged down over your jeans, lips pressed together as though that tiny adjustment could still your nerves. Right on cue, a honk outside made you grab your bag and slip into your shoes.

Jaemin greeted you with his usual grin as you slid into the passenger seat. His fingers drummed an impatient rhythm on the wheel like he had been waiting to burst into conversation.

"Are you excited?" He asked, pulling away from the curb.

"Eh, more nervous." You buckled your seatbelt, turning to him. "What if they think I'm weird or something?"

"You are weird." His answer came quick. "Most definitely, but they will love you. Swear."

You smirked, trying not to let him see how much you needed that reassurance. "I'm trusting you."

Soon he was pulling up to a small restaurant tucked on a quiet corner, warm light spilling onto the pavement. The kind of place that looked like it belonged in the backdrop of some indie film.

"See?" Jaemin shoved his hands in his jacket pockets as you walked. "Chill spot, nothing crazy."

You followed him in, low voices and clinking silverware filling the air. You were laughing at something dumb he said when he stopped.

"Oh, there they are."

You turned toward the table and froze... Haechan. Older now, sharper lines in his face, hair falling different, but it was him. No mistaking it.

Your breath caught, your chest tightening like someone had knocked the air from you.

Jaemin glanced back. "You good?"

You swallowed hard, forcing composure. "I thought you said his name was Ray?"

"Um, it is. That's what she calls him." He frowned but kept walking, oblivious.

Your legs carried you forward on autopilot, your heartbeat pounding so loud you swore the restaurant could hear it.

"Yo, wassup guys." Jaemin greeted easily, sliding into a seat across from a girl.

Across the table, Haechan's eyes lifted,  colliding with yours. For the first time in years, his face shifted. Something that hit you like a punch to the chest.

You sat down, hands trembling under the table. Neither of you meant to, but your eyes kept flicking toward each other in quiet, stolen glances.

"This is Y/n." Jaemin gestured toward you.

You smiled tightly, offering a small wave.

"Hi! I'm Hana, it is so nice to finally meet you." The girl's smile was warm.

"Nice to meet you." Your voice was steady, though your chest was not.

The air shifted. Subtle, but it was there. All eyes sliding toward Haechan. His fingers drummed against his cup, gaze down, shoulders drawn.

"Are you not going to introduce yourself?" Jaemin teased.

Haechan glanced up, startled. "Huh? Me?"

"Yes, you."

He shifted uncomfortably. "I don't— um..."

"We know each other." You cut in quickly, smile bright, begging Jaemin not to push.

"Oh shit." Jaemin grinned wide. "From where?"

Your lips pressed together. "We go way back. When did you move here?"

Haechan scratched behind his ear. "Not long ago. Maybe... three years?"

Your chest tightened. The year you graduated, the year you both swore to leave that town together.

You hummed, throat tight.

"How do you two know each other?" Hana asked gently.

"We used to be best friends since birth." You laughed softly. "Same schools, same everything. Even two years of college together."

"Do you not talk anymore? What happened?"

Silence... his eyes begged you not to say it. You cleared your throat. "I moved away."

She nodded, then smirked, lacing her fingers with Haechan's hand. "Were you guys... together?"

"Hana." Jaemin groaned, but she only giggled.

You laughed lightly, even as your heart thundered. You glanced at Haechan before answering. "Yeah, we were."

Hana's smile widened. "Ooo..."

Jaemin blinked between you. "Wait, hold on. Is that... is he the one?"

You nodded slowly.

"Shit." His jaw dropped. "Damn."

Haechan ran a hand through his hair, muttering low.

"Can we please change the subject?" You cut in.

Hana smoothed the silence. "I heard you and Jaemin are close."

You exhaled. "We are."

"How did you meet?"

"When I transferred, we ended up in the same class." You glanced at Jaemin with a smile. "We clicked."

Conversation found its way again. Orders came, plates arrived. You picked at your food more than you ate, each glance up catching Haechan's shadow.

When the check landed, Jaemin slid his card before anyone moved. "My treat."

"Show off." Hana teased lightly.

Soon everyone bundled up, stepping into the cold night.

Hana hugged you, grinning. "Can't wait to see you Monday."

"Me too."

Haechan gave only a nod, hands buried in his pockets, too much said in silence. You and Jaemin started toward the car. Footsteps caught up, a tap on your shoulder.

You turned, Haechan. "Can we talk?" His voice was low.

Your chest clenched, before you shook your head. "There is nothing to talk about."

"Y/n—"

"Don't make it weird." You cut him off firmly. "We're cool, but that is it." You walked away before he could answer.

Inside the car, Jaemin's eyes were wide. "Wow, that's crazy. I'm literally having you work with your high school sweetheart, your soulmate. The guy who—" He lowered his voice. "—cheated."

You burst into laughter, shoving his shoulder. "Don't say it like that. And he is not my soulmate."

Jaemin laughed with you, shaking his head. "This is going to be wild."

The ride back was light, his jokes filling the air until he parked at your place.

"See you Monday." His grin was still wide.

Golden Sands

Kalim Al-Asim (45)

"(Y/n), my golden sand flower, where are you?"

Kalim called as he returned from a quick flight on his carpet. Sure, he could have easily taken one of the many cars available to him, but there was something special about taking the carpet that he just couldn't replace. It was natural for his large home to be bustling with activity, but this was far more than usual and it threw Kalim off guard.

Of course, when he didn't immediately see his soft little Human mate or Jamil coming to greet him he was on guard. Usually one or the other would greet him and scold him for his daring stunts with the carpet or for running off without anyone to keep an eye on him. The fact that none of the staff even gave him a secondary look had him making a quick beeline for his beloved's room, not liking how everyone seemed to be in a buzz over something.

As he entered the large chamber, he couldn't help but call out in relief when he saw the soft Human laying back atop the scales of the Naga. Said Naga was massaging their shoulders as they leaned back into the Naga's touch. The way the Human lay- with Jamil's coils gently wound around their soft stomach- interested Kalim enough to make him pause for a moment.

As unaware as the Genie is of things around him, he could actually pay attention and notice when there was something different, and there was certainly something different.

"Kalim," Jamil's prompting tone snapped the Genie out of his stupor, "come here, (Y/n) has news for you."

Kalim was quick to join the Human and the Naga, climbing into the nest of coils and pillows, not noticing the way the Naga glared at him angrily any time the Genie stepped on his coils. Kalim was quick to cuddle into his beloved (Y/n)'s side, smiling up at them and chuckling as they ruffled his white hair.

"Kalim, you know how we have been talking about the Al-Asim family and how you need an heir?"

"Yeah! My baba says I need to 'put down roots and start a family with that exotic Human'! He has been on my back about having a child since I started at NRC."

"Well, I guess he can leave you alone about it now."

"Oh? Why's that?"

Jamil sighed loudly and shook his head at the forgetful and idiot Genie that the Human had somehow also fallen in love with. If only he could have split (Y/n) from that smiling fool and kept them for himself, but there was no turning back time now. Apparently some people found the lack of braincells attractive.

"... Because I'm pregnant."

"Oh, (Y/n) that sounds great! I-"

The golden Genie paused for a moment, his red eyes wide in surprise as the words actually clicked in his brain. He stared at the Human's warm stomach again and slowly reached out a hand, lowering himself down to their stomach.

"I'm gonna be a father... I'M GONNA BE A DAD! JAMIL, I'M GONNA BE A-!"

"STOP YELLING! We are both right here, you don't need to yell!"

Jamil's scolding fell on deaf ears as the Genie was bouncing around excitedly and not listening to what the Naga was saying. He was too busy leaping around and cheering loudly for all to hear. There was no question that Kalim was overjoyed.

~~~~

Jamil Viper (36)

"Hey, Jamil, can I talk to you really quickly?"

The Naga smiled gently as he glanced up at the soft Human standing in the doorway. He had been preparing dinner for his beloved mate and the idiot he had no choice but to keep around. Still, he always had time for his beloved, even if he didn't have time for the Genie that hovered around him obnoxiously.

"Of course, my precious Boa, what do you need?"

He was quick to wind his tail under the soft Human, propping them up and making a kind of chair out of his coils for them. They smiled and rubbed their cheek against his smooth scales, only making him smile in return. If only he didn't need to share with that foolish Genie, but (Y/n) was worth it to him.

"I have exciting news for you, and something that might make you angry."

"Did Kalim take you flying on the magic carpet again, despite me telling him how dangerous it is if you fall?'

"... Maybe."

"He-!"

"Before you get mad, here's something that will make you happy."

Jamil crossed his arms, still frowning in frustration but willing to wait and listen to what his beloved needed to say. They gently picked up one of his hands and rest it over their stomach, noticing how Jamil used his secondary eye-lid to blink instead of his typical eye-lids.

"The Doctors confirmed it, I have seven healthy eggs forming their shells!"

This actually made Jamil's expression change, a genuine smile taking over his surprised expression as he hummed happily, his tongue flicking out as he raised their soft body towards him. He could detect the faint change in their hormones and he couldn't help but feel a quick shot of pride in his chest, knowing that the eggs were absolutely his. Thanks to being half-human, his young would never need to know the pain of being in service to another. He may not be free of his shackles to Kalim, but his children would be free of the Al-Asim.

"Have you told Kalim yet?"

"No. I wanted you to be the first to know."

"With our young we can... wait. Does that mean Kalim took you flying on the carpet while you are pregnant!?"

~~~~

Wild Cards

Cater Diamond (23)

"This is the third day in a row..."

Cater frowned as he held back the messy tresses of his Human lover. The morning seemed just fine and seemed to be any normal morning, but a sudden bout of sickness had him holding back the hair of his beloved while they whimpered from the force of their sudden illness. Trey was cooking and had tried to give (Y/n) a break after their sudden sickness the prior two mornings.

"Hey, Cater?"

"Yes, my darling?"

"Can you keep a secret from Trey and Riddle for me?"

"... Depends on the secret. You know how Riddle will act if he thinks he was denied need to know information."

The Human sighed, getting up to grab their toothbrush and scrub out their mouth. Cater didn't blame them. Sickness was no fun, especially whatever kind of sickness this was.

"You know how Trey and I went shopping two days ago?"

"Yeah, you had that doctor's appointment and Trey wanted to get some things for the Bakery."

"Well, the doctors told me something interesting during that visit. Apparently I have several interesting gel-like beads in me. They're steadily expanding and seem to react well to water."

This stunned Cater as he almost dropped his phone, his wide eyes reflected in the screen in front of him as he glanced up. Had he heard them properly? Because that sounded an awful lot like Water Nymph Cores.

"How many?"

"The doctor counted at least three, maybe more."

"We... we're gonna have our own Nymphs?"

"Looks like."

Cater was overjoyed, feeling so blessed for his mate and for the potential of little Nymphs of his own. To think, even screw-up Cater Diamond could make Diamonds of his own to love and cherish.

"I can't keep this a secret because I have to annoy the hell out of Riddle for this, you know that, right?"

"Why?"

"Because he swore up and down that you would have his foal before Trey's foal or my cores."

"Tell me you three didn't make a bet-"

~~~~

Trey Clover (25)

"Are you feeling any better, love?"

Trey asked gently, glancing back to his back where his Human lover sat, letting the Kelpie carry them back home. They had suddenly gotten faint while they were out shopping at the market and Trey was quick to take his love into the shade. Of course he was happy to wait for them to feel a bit better before he started back for home.

Naturally, Riddle was demanding Trey bring them home immediately the moment he was informed they weren't feeling well, the Unicorn high strung as ever over every little problem. No worry was too much as far as his mate was concerned. Trey agreed with Riddle on that, but he also knew that Riddle tended to make others more stressed, not calm, so he wanted to give them a moment before taking them home to the Unicorn.

"Trey, If I tell you something, will you promise me you won't freak out?"

"... Yes."

It was a boldfaced lie and Trey knew it. He figured there was something on his beloved's mind but didn't want to press the issue despite his own concern. He figured his darling (Y/n) would let him know if there was something bothering them. If it was something big, he couldn't promise he wasn't going to be emotional about it, but he would try to keep himself contained for the sake of his beloved.

"That check up I had the other day... It confirmed I'm pregnant, and judging by the lack of a horn on the embryo, I would wage the foal is yours."

"My-"

Trey cut himself off, looking surprised and elated all at once. Naturally, Trey wanted a good sized family, and he was sure to get that with Cater and Riddle also working on getting their young into the soft Human they shared. Still, he would be lying if it didn't fill him with immense pride to know that he had managed to get a foal into (Y/n) well before Riddle.

"This is wonderful news my love, but you should have told me earlier. I wouldn't have pushed you so hard to come shopping with me, or I would have at least carried you on my back more."

"Where's the fun in that?"

(Y/n) shot back playfully, smiling at the happy Kelpie and leaning forward to give him a gentle kiss. He was quick to return the affectionate act and was excited to gloat tell Riddle about it when the two returned to their home.

"Think we can have a few more before you have Riddle's?"

~~~~

Riddle Rosehearts (46)

"Riddle?"

"One moment, love. I have to figure out what this prescription says..."

The Unicorn stood in the kitchen, frowning at the papers in his hand. Of course, (Y/n)'s doctor decided that they were going to hand-write instructions and the penmanship was almost completely illegible. Riddle was besides himself with frustration because it made his daily task of getting his beloved's medication ready nigh impossible. How was he supposed to give the proper dosage if he couldn't tell the difference between an 'E' and a '3' due to the poor writing quality?

"Riddle, it actually somewhat has to do with that medication."

"It's just no use! I would think they would print this on the label and not trust some fool who can't even hold a pen properly to write it out!"

"RIDDLE!"

The Unicorn squealed slightly in surprise, his weight shifting to his back legs as he reared up from the sudden shout. The Human wasn't exactly pleased to raise their voice at the Unicorn, but it did get his attention and make him look over at them instead of the bottle in his hands. Riddle had been prone to startling easily- especially after the complications they had with Trey's Foal- so he was more than a little frazzled with loud noises.

"Riddle, that medication is not for those who are pregnant or nursing. I can't take it anyway."

"(Y/n), the medication is to help you with-"

Riddle cut himself off, tilting his head slightly as his brows furrowed in confusion. Had he heard that properly?

"Wait. 'Pregnant or Nursing'? But I thought they were already weaned a year back-"

"Yes. I am currently pregnant again, Riddle. Why do you think I had Trey take me to the doctor's office yesterday?"

"Is... is it Trey or Cater's again?"

"For the love of- No, you absolute pain in the ass Unicorn. The ultrasound showed the clear blunt horn already formed on the embryo. It's your foal."

This made a sudden and drastic change overcome Riddle as he began smiling excitedly and trotted over, pulling his beloved up and into his arms. Finally! Finally it was Riddle's turn to be a proud father!

Sure, he had been so proud of the several healthy Water Nymphs and twin Kelpie Foals his darling (Y/n) had brought into the world in the past, but to hear it was his young they were now carrying was more gratifying than anything that could have been said to the Unicorn. Now he was gently nickering and resting the side of his horn against their head in an affectionate gesture.

"They'll be beautiful and smart, just like us."

"Of course they will be. I just have to get through this pregnancy first!"

This made the smile quickly fade from Riddle's face as he now realized that- as the father of this foal- the responsibility of caretaking and ensuring all doctors appointments were booked in advance fell on his shoulders.

"Don't worry, (Y/n)! I'll take care of everything for you!"

~~~~

The Pride's Pack

Leona Kingscholar (36)

"Oi, Mousey, where did you disappear to?"

The Nemean Lion asked with a clear frown, not keen to be kept out of the loop when it came to his favorite little squeaky toy. Naturally, anything that involved his Mousey was his business, especially when not even Ruggie or Jack knew where the Human had wandered off to. Despite the wild difference in the personalities of the three beast-men, the group was well paired enough that they weren't in constant conflict.

"Your mother took me to see the Kingdom doctor to check up on why I have been so queasy and sore recently. Luckily the doc knew what was wrong and we have a plan set up for the next few months."

"Next few months? Mousey, what the hell is making you so sick you are going to be unwell for months?"

"Oh, I don't know, try two cubs?"

"What are you talking about, the only cub we have is Grim-"

Leona went silent for a moment, his eyes narrowed as he raised a brow at his soft mate suspiciously with his head cocked to one side. Slowly his ears angled back and his tail began to lash as those green eyes continued to stare, locked onto his beloved Human's form. He had quickly figured out what his dearest Mousey was talking about and had to now decide how to respond.

He figured it was going to happen eventually and he wasn't exactly displeased with being the first out of the three mates to actually manage to have cubs with the Human. He already looked after the rather large Hellcat as his own, no reason he couldn't be a good father to his own cubs. There was no possible way his cubs would be half as annoying as Cheka.

"About damn time."

"What?"

"I figured you were going to accept our seed eventually, and I wanted the first to be me. You're mine first and foremost, I only share with that leech Ruggie and Puppers Jack because you asked me to. Good way to show I am the dominant mate out of the group."

"I'm genuinely surprised you want cubs."

"You kidding me? More than half the Kingdom adores you and all of the females have already decided they will follow you if you leave, cubs only makes them like you more. Not too interested in Falena's title, not while I have everything I could possibly want right here. But I don't see why I can't plan for it."

"Leona!"

~~~~

Ruggie Bucchi (21)

"You sure you're feeling alright?"

The Gnoll whined gently, lowering his head somewhat to press against the Human's shoulder as he worried over them. Ruggie had the right to be concerned, always the one nearby any time fatigue or sudden odd cravings overtook his darling mate. Seeing as the symptoms had yet to abate even after several weeks and a trip to the Kingdom doctor, he was worried.

"I'm sure Ruggie. Odds are I will continue to feel like this for a bit longer yet. But I have news to share with you, and I need you to relay it back to Grammy Bucchi for me or she will be cross with us both."

"What is it?"

"Ruggie, you know how I got really sick like this before?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember why I was getting sick?"

"You were pregnant with Leona's cubs- don't tell me you're having another litter of his!"

The Human laughed gently at this, taking the concerned Gnoll's clawed paw in hand and smiling at him. The warmth of their hands on his paws was soothing and he slowly began rubbing his elongated muzzle against the soft flesh to calm himself. The cubs were already a bit of a nightmare with how much they were like Leona despite barely stringing together a few words and he could not handle another batch.

"No, they're not Leona's. I doubt he would want more cubs with those two. He's so smitten and proud of them already it is ridiculous. No, this one had a more... unique profile. The doctors are certain from their voracious appetite that they are a Gnoll Cub."

"Wait," Ruggie's body had gone stiff as he cocked his head to one side, "you're telling me... that I'm gonna have Cubs? You're not joking, right? We're really gonna have cubs?"

Before the Human could respond beyond a quick nod, the Gnoll was cackling loudly and leaping in place. He was clearly excited to have his own cubs and apprentices in all ways to make money. Not only that, but Grammy should be thrilled to hear of the next younglings to be brought into the Cackle. Who knows, Perhaps one of these cubs will be a female and will be next to lead the Cackle.

~~~~

Jack Howl (18)

"I swear, it was the same smell as before with Leona and Ruggie's!"

Jack continued to insist, swearing up and down that the Human's scent had changed in a way he could somehow detect. Naturally, this meant both the Werewolf and the Human were sitting waiting for the final determination from the Kingdom Doctor. She was quite amused and was willing to entertain Jack's concerned insistence that the Human gets checked over due to this new scent.

"Well, I have to say, the Werewolf is right."

The warm voice of the patient doctor drew the attention of the two waiting. Naturally, the news that he was correct made Jack's tail begin to wag in a mix of pride and relief. Jack had been adamant that he was correct, and that almost overshadowed the realization that soon dawned on his mind.

"Wait, so if I'm right... who is the other parent of this round?"

"Would you like to see?"

The doctor turned the screen of the ultrasound around so both Werewolf and Human could see the tiny heartbeats on the screen. Though it was somewhat difficult to see, there were indeed several little heartbeats as the doctor moved the ultrasound wand around to examine the growing young.

"Yes, based off of their tails and the shapes of their muzzles, I would say these are healthy Werewolf Pups. Congratulations the both of you."

Jack's tail could be heard long before the doctor stopped speaking, his tail slamming against the chair. It was easy to tell how the Werewolf felt about the matter as he almost began to wriggle and wiggle with excitement. Soft whines escaped the Werewolf as he tried and failed to contain his emotions, his ears laying back as his body began to wiggle as well.

"Pups..! Pups..! Pups!"

"Something tells me you may need to take him out to run for a little bit," the doctor chuckled softly as she smiled at the wriggling Wolf, "he may have to howl about it if you don't get him out fast enough."

The Human chuckled in response, nodding as the gel was cleaned off of their soft stomach, getting up with the excited Werewolf bouncing in place next to them.

"Okay, Jack. Let's get you outside so you can have zoomies."

"Pups! Pups! Pups!"

~~~~

Fruit Bearers

Epel Felmier (23)

"(Y/n)! (Y/n), where in tarnation have ya ran off to?"

Epel frowned as he searched the orchards, idly pausing to check in on the apples that were just beginning to reach maturity. He was a skilled apple harvester at heart despite his slight worry for the Human he held near and dear to his heart. To think, little Epel was the one to win the Human all for himself.

"Over here!"

"Goodness, ya darn near gave me a heart attack, ah don't want to hear any excuses-"

"Epel, calm down. Where on earth could I wander off too? We're in the heart of an orchard."

"Ah'm just sayin', ya can't wander off. It doesn't matter that we're hidden away in ah town on the outskirts, we both know those darn poachers are relentless."

"I know."

Epel sat down next to the soft Human he adored, resting his head on their shoulder as his flowers gently rubbed against their cheek. the soft petals tickling the skin of the Human ever so gently.

"So, why did ya want us out here again? Ah thought ya weren't feeling well?"

"Well, You know Granny and I had to go visit the doc in town a few days ago after that terrible stomach ache of mine. I doubt you'll be surprised to know they found some stubborn seeds taking up residence. From what I'm told, they should be ready to come out soon enough, though I don't know if winter is the best time to plant them..."

"Nah, gotta wait till spring ta- wait. Seeds? We- We have seeds?"

"Yes, Epel, we do! Though it is a bit of time for us to wait until spring, are you sure they'll be okay until then?"

so i definitely fudged some of the features, wings are so hard and i dont super duper like rendering them so they are kinda rough.

and i'm not sure if it was intentional for her to have sorta Gothel vibes, but i definitely went for Gothel vibes when i drew her. i was aiming for cate blanchett but i couldn't remember her name when i was gathering reference pictures and the black hair was giving gothel so i ran with that idea.

here is the pose reference https://www.pinterest.com/pin/418482990396172618/

rendering shiny iridescent curly hair is so much tougher than i thought it'd be. and i still need to do more practice but this was fun. and i got to try out one of the scale brushes i customized for her feathers. it's not quite the best for feathers wbut it worked out nicely for hummingbird feathers as they'e kinda scalloped and "scaly" in their own shape so it worked out this time.