#howardsutherland

Glenn and Silver got properly dressed and walked over to where Phoebus lived. Glenn's grandfather Howard had gone over there for supper like he usually did when he was trying to give the couple alone time. Letting themselves in the pair found Howard talking to Gillian while Phoebus and Miranda were talking on the couch.

Miranda: Hey, did I just see Koko fly past your place

Silver: Yeah

Miranda: That doesn't sound like a happy "yeah" there buddy

Silver sat down on a couch while Glenn took the armchair and turned to his grandfather with excitement.

Glenn: You'll never guess what! There's another Sutherland on the way, I'm pregnant!

The lounge was quiet for a minute, the only noise being Pockets scratching at a rug.

Phoebus: Are you certain?

Glenn: Ophelia had Koko deliver a test. I'm pregnant

Miranda: Okay pardon my ignorance but... I thought you were a cis guy Glenn

Silver: He is

Gillian: What does cis mean

Howard: It means he was classified as a male at birth and feels it was the gender that best fits him

Gillian: But if that's right... boys can't get pregnant... can they?

Silver: I... male werewolves... we've always been able to get pregnant

Phoebus: You have? Fascinating

Glenn: You didn't know Phoebus?

Phoebus: For various reasons occults have always felt that their own kind are the best keepers of their knowledge. I know almost everything a spellcaster could about us and our history but werewolves... they don't exactly take kindly to visitors approaching their packs

Silver: Normally visitors mean hunters

Miranda: But if male werewolves can get pregnant then... why aren't you the pregnant one

Silver: *snaps* I don't know! It's not like I don't want to be

Phoebus: Silver did you ever hear of a werewolf getting a male who was not a werewolf pregnant

Silver sat sulkily. No he hadn't. His dad hadn't wanted them to find mates outside of their own species anyway. If it had happened, he wouldn't have told Silver.

Glenn: Silver's dad... he wasn't exactly big on sharing Phoebus

Phoebus: Hmm...

Silver: That's all you have? I thought you were supposed to be an all knowing spellcaster! Keeper of the knowledge or something! Do you know anything?

Phoebus: To my knowledge Glenn would be the first male spellcaster to carry a child. Perhaps if you explained how male werewolves can-

Silver: I don't know the science stuff, not to the level you'd need to make sure he doesn't die

Glenn: *quietly* Silver is concerned that I could die trying to carry our kid to term

Phoebus: Well we would certainly need to look in to how to get them out safely. Some kind of imaging. We can't risk going to a human hospital but there are spells those who specialise in healing magic know. It will be a big stress on your body-

Silver: Can't you just use magic to move it in to me? Werewolves can survive almost anything. It wouldn't be able to hurt me like it could hurt Glenn

Phoebus: I know spellcasters may not be as sturdy as werewolves Silver but I assure you, we can survive a lot. Including pouting werewolves

Silver: *sighs* I just want Glenn safe. What's so wrong with that?

Miranda: No one is saying we want Glenn to get hurt Silver. Trust me, we can look after him

Phoebus: There is a lot of talent in this coven alone. We will find a way to keep Glenn safe. But I suspect like any kind of transplant magic, the risk would be too high for the unborn to try and move them

Gillian: You don't want to get rid of it, right Silver?

Howard: I'm sure Silver doesn't want that at all

Silver sighed and put his head in his hands. He had been alive for a long time. He had lost a lot. Over and over. As scary as this was he didn't want to lose his kid. But could he keep Glenn and their child? Was there even an option that would let that happen? All he could see in his mind was Glenn being torn apart from the inside.

Glenn: We want our kid I just think... we don't want to lose each other

Phoebus: Getting rid of it would likely be even more dangerous. I think we need to let the pregnancy run it's course. I am going to have to some deep research though

Miranda: So... congratulations?

Silver and Phoebus sighed while Gillian scooped Pockets up for a snuggle and Howard kissed his grandson on the head.

For the official baby shower Glenn and Silver attempted to host the whole coven. Glenn was a bit worried about what so many people in once place might do to Silver but the werewolf assured him it was best they host. That way he could always duck into the bedroom for a minute of peace and any grumpiness would just be seen as him having high standards as a host.

Elise: Glenn! You look great. You're glowing like one of my moonlight charged gems

Glenn: Oh thanks I-

Jackson: Marisol is angry she couldn't bring Sandy

Marisol: Hush Jackson, I didn't say that

Jackson: She said she misses her dog so it's basically the same

Elise: Do you not miss Throttle

Jackson: Not right this second, my dog can take care of himself. Plus he has Thrash for company

Elise: Luckily BooBoo doesn't need company, he's a very self confident cat

Koko: Glenn, I have a baby shower gift for you

Glenn: You do? You really like gift wrapping huh

Koko: It gives me something to do. Will you open it now?

Henri: What are we talking about all the way out here? The dangers of crowds?

Howard: *laughing* Oh I think we all know the dangers of crowds

Silver: I mean... I'm doing better with them than I was a year ago right?

Henri: Oui, indeed

Silver: Thank you for bringing the snacks Henri. They're not uh... you know?

Henri: Laced with pleasure? Everything I bake is, but just low doses for everyday bakes

Silver: But... could that hurt the kid

Henri: Kids are stronger than you think Silver. Surely you saw your fair share of werewolf cub fights, no?

Silver: Oh the battles between the young ones were ferocious but they couldn't get seriously hurt, werewolves can't

Howard: I do find it fascinating how impervious your kind is to damage

Henri: Your kid is bound to be just the same, even if they're a spellcaster

Silver: I hope so. Losing parents was hard enough, I can't imagine losing a kid- sorry Howard

Howard: *soft smile* I'll see my boy again when my time is through

Glenn was doing the rounds when he noticed Ophelia standing in the corner, staring at the treefish in the tank.

Glenn: You alright there Ophelia

Ophelia: Me? Yes. I was just wondering what it must be like for Oakley

Glenn: What do you mean

Ophelia: He's a proud only child. How can he comprehend a new sibling coming in to his world?

Glenn: Uhhhh, you think he has that much awareness?

Ophelia: Oh I've no idea. But I think he looks like he's getting ready

Glenn: Right... why don't we sit down for a bit Ophelia

Ophelia: Of course. I was just waiting for you to suggest that

So the pair sat down at the table beside Gillian and began to snack.

Glenn: I don't suppose you can tell me if I'm growing a baby boy or baby girl

Ophelia: I can't. They haven't decided yet

Glenn: They haven't decided yet?

Ophelia: Gender is a social construct anyway but their body hasn't decided which sex they most want to be like. It's as if their inner boy and girl are playing tic tac toe for it, like their inner spellcaster and werewolf are

Glenn: Wait, are you saying they'll be both genders and both occults

Ophelia: I can't give you hints about the future Glenn, you know this

Phoebus: How are you coping Silver

Silver: Better. I wanted to apologise for my behaviour in your house right after we learned Glenn was pregnant

Phoebus: Silver, I may not know what it's like to have been alone as long as you were but I can understand that unlearning behaviour takes time. Now here, I got Drusilla to help me with this

Silver: What is it? Is it- wait... how?

Phoebus: Drusilla does blood magic. From the blood sample of your child she was able to work backwards along the family lines. Does it look right?

Silver: *happily* The sketch looks exactly like my mom looked. Thank you. Thank you so much

Phoebus: You're very welcome. Oh no need to hide your tears from me Silver, they're a sign of love

Glenn: So... what's next?

Miranda: Imaging equipment is pretty straightforward. I just need to rig something up so we can see what exactly is happening in there

As most of the group turned to technical discussion Gillian pulled on Howard's sleeve.

Howard: Yes Gillian

Gillian: You're going to be a great-grandfather

Howard: *smiling* I am

Gillian: Does that mean you'll take the immortality potion now

Howard: *gently* No child

Gillian: But... but if you don't then you'll die

Howard: Death is a natural part of life. You see it in plants and forests all the time. Some things must die so new ones can take their place

Gillian: If... if you move on, can you tell my parents I love them

Howard: Of course but I'm not planning on going any time soon

Gillian: I've just been thinking and... I don't think I'll ever see them again. It makes me sad

Howard: Because you're stuck as an immortal

Gillian: Yes. Everyone else in the coven, they chose this. They chose to freeze themselves in time. But I didn't. It was an accident

Howard: Phoebus is working hard to try and reverse-

Gillian: I know. I just... sometimes I really miss my parents

Howard gathered the young girl in for a hug. He couldn't imagine the strife she felt about her situation. Picking to become an immortal was one thing. Having immortality thrust upon you was another. He knew he would be heart broken if he were to face the idea of forever without seeing the family he lost again.

Silver: So your plan amounts to sitting around and waiting

Phoebus: Many things simply require time and patience

Silver: But Glenn could be in danger, the kid could be in danger

Howard: Silver, I know it's scary-

Silver: No you don't! You fell in love with a woman who was the same occult as you. We don't know if whoever is in there will be a werewolf or a spellcaster or some crazy mix

Glenn: We'll figure it out Silver. Whoever is growing in me will still just be a baby when they're born. We have plenty of time to adjust

Silver knew Glenn was right really. The baby would be a mix of them both so how could he not love them? But he couldn't help being scared of the unknown when Glenn's safety could be at risk.

Silver: When can you get the imaging machine done Miranda?

Miranda: Oh if I get the twins to fetch parts for me I could have it done in a week

Glenn: Why would you need them to-

Phoebus: Those boys have no qualms about stealing. While we try to curb it, the talent can be useful from time to time

Glenn: So we should... wait?

Miranda: No choice Glenn. Why don't you two settle on a house? You have a shortlist right

Silver: We do...

Howard: Moving to a new place with the intent of raising kids there could help a lot

House tour coming up in half an hour, it's too many photos to add in to this post

Howard: Pancakes for dinner huh?

Glenn: I felt like treating myself. How was your trip?

Howard: Pretty good. Phoebus's contact was right about the location of the falls so we tracked down the lavender moss. I'll take the surplus to Casters Alley tomorrow but Phoebus is keeping most of it to try find a cure for Gillian

Glenn: You harvested it without tearing it up?

Howard: I've been collecting plants since before your parents were born Glenn, I did fine

Glenn: Good good

Howard: You seem brighter than when I left

Glenn: I do?

Howard: Yes. Did you have another movie night with your friends?

Glenn: Not quite

Howard: Make a great catch?

Glenn: Oh I did actually! I managed to catch a treefish!

Howard: Really? In Willow Creek at this time of year?

Glenn: Uh huh. I got a bowl for him upstairs, and I've called him Oakley

Howard: Well a weekend of fishing is always good for the mind in my opinion. That's the problem with humans these days, they're so out of touch with the natural world

Glenn: And I had a visitor

Howard: You did?

Glenn: Yeah, and he might visit again. Well, I hope he does. I mean he implied that he would...

Howard: Ah ha, I see

Glenn: See what

Howard: You've managed to get feelings for someone. That's great news Glenn. After that whole challenge business I did worry

Glenn: I know you did, I worried to. Mainly worried I'd overeat and lose my abs but worried about being alone forever for sure

Howard: What's his name

Glenn: Silver. Silver Clawcrest

Howard: Clawcrest? Wasn't that-

Glenn: Yeah he's uh... he's Grayson's younger brother

Howard: Fancy that. How did you find him?

Glenn: He kind of found me really. He was out there camping in the rain and I felt bad so I said he should come crash here instead of the mud and he did

Howard: Does he know you like him

Glenn: Oh most definitely

Howard: And I take it he likes you to from how happy you are

Glenn: *smiling* He does

Howard: Fantastic! When can I meet him?

Glenn: Well that's the tricky part, he's sort of a nomad. I don't actually know when he's going to be back

Howard: Oh?

Glenn: Yeah he likes to move around to feel safe, because ah, because he's a werewolf

Howard: Another werewolf?

Glenn: It's not like I've been trying to find a werewolf, they just kind of fell in my path

In Windenburg Silver was enjoying the morning sun and thinking back on the weekend. Glenn was even better in person. Silver knew if it hadn't have been for his brother doing that show, he never would have seen Glenn. Never would have been curious about him. Never would have crossed the river the introduce himself to a stranger. Life worked in mysterious ways sometimes.

He liked Windenburg. Sure the main centre had been built up a bit, more buildings close together. But the countryside... the countryside remained spacious, still clinging to the breath of the wild. The people though... they were rather closed off. Not that Silver minded. He was happy enough to not talk to anyone for weeks. Well, he had been...

Pigeon: *coos*

Silver: Well hey there. You look very blocky today. Fancy letting me take a photo? Then I can practice using this phone smart thing

The bird looked at him questioningly and began to search the grass around the picnic table for food scraps.

Silver: Alright, I can do this. Glenn said there should be a camera icon somewhere... which blob looks most like- oh that one! Wait *chuckling* that's just pictures Glenn took of himself before I left. Babycakes sure is adorable

Continuing to fiddle with the phone Silver eventually managed to find a camera, well something that seemed to work like a camera. He cooed to the bird and it looked to him in response. Decades of the woods and animals as sole companions had given Silver the ability to imitate most of their calls. He thought he must have got a picture, he heard a clicking sound, but how to send...

Glenn may or may not have been glued to his phone all day waiting for a call. Silver had said he would but now he was in a different timezone so how did that even work? Luckily he was snuggled on his bed reading when the phone rang and a sneaky photo he'd taken of Silver appeared on the screen. Trying not to squeal he took some deep breaths before answering.

Glenn: Hi you've reached Babycakes

Silver: Hey. What is an emoji?

Glenn: That's your first comment Beefcake? What's an emoji

Silver: Yes because I was trying to understand your text message

Glenn sighed but couldn't help smiling at Silver working to understand what he was talking about.

Glenn: You know how I showed you how to put the little winky face in the text message? That winky face is an emoji. And so is the smiley face, and the devil face, just all the mini picture's really

Howard: Siting here won't change the past

Glenn: I guess

Howard: Let's go in the kitchen, do some baking. You like that

Glenn: I like eating but making food is good to

Howard: Come on then

Howard: And then when we're finished you can take it to Phoebus

Glenn: What? Why?

Howard: To say thank you for letting you stay. Surely you didn't leave your manners in Henford

Glenn: Well... is this your house or his house

Howard: Mine. But we are here with his invitation. He is the coven leader and has taken a risk opening it to us

Glenn: Because a group of spellcasters in one place is asking for trouble

Howard: Exactly

Glenn: Then why is he doing it

Howard: He helped us get on our feet when we fled the circus. I like to think he has a paternal interest in us just like he has for the rest of his coven

Glenn: You sure he's not just gathering power for his own needs

Howard: I'm sure. Now stop doubting or you'll taint the blueberries

Glenn: How are you finding the other coven members

Howard: Gillian is a sweetheart, she reminds me of you at that age, always wanting to learn. The teens are stormy of course, but Henri is a dear, he's always checking I'm okay

Glenn: And the others

Howard: Some of them are nice enough, some keep their distance and some... well let's just say my decision to give up magic is not popular

Glenn: Do you need me to speak to someone

Howard: I wouldn't have lived this long if I couldn't handle a spellcaster or two who tended towards evil. I'll be fine my boy

Glenn: But doesn't Phoebus wanting to associate with them bother you

Howard: Oh Glenn, 200 strangers staring at me like a freak for making vines move bothered me. Remember no one is wholly bad just as no one is wholly good. A venus fly trap is not evil simply because it feasts on flies now is it

Glenn: I suppose not

Howard: All ready for the oven?

Glenn: I think so. Do we really have to give Phoebus the whole thing

Howard: You can't very well deliver him a pie with a slice missing

Glenn: You're not coming with me

Howard: I'm sure you can handle talking to a man

Glenn: I just... my bravado has been down since...

Howard: All the more reason to go and claim it back

Howard: Remember Glenn, you're a great man. You have incredible abilities, a strong passion for the natural world and a heart of gold. In time you'll find a man or woman or... them who will see that

Glenn: You mean non-binary?

Howard: I think so. But I was talking to Drusilla and they were telling me all about genderfluid and agender and beyond and my old mind was running trying to keep up

Glenn: You're trying grandfather. That's worth a lot. Plus they probably wanted you to trip up from what you've told me about them

The clouds had cleared up magically quickly so Glenn shrugged off his cardigan before heading towards the house his grandfather had said was theirs. When he got to the door he could see Howard in side straightening things up. For so long his grandfather hadn't had a house of his own, and now he took pride in keeping it acceptable for company. Nothing to it, time to go in.

Glenn: Hey grandfather

Howard: Glenn! You got here sooner than I thought

Glenn: If I stayed in that hotel any longer I was going to eat the entire tub of ice cream. My abs don't need that

Howard: Come here

Glenn let his grandfather pull him in for a tight hug. He'd missed him. Before the show Howard had been his closest friend. Glenn had never really succeeded in making friends or lovers, they often took his self assured nature as snobbery. His grandfather was a constant support though and didn't judge any of Glenn's feelings. Technically he was friends with Grayson but... would he really want to keep in touch? Should he even want him to? Glenn wouldn't want to undermine Clive by overstepping.

Howard: You seem thinner, have you been eating

Glenn: Yes

Howard: Are you sure? I mean they showed your normal exercise routine on the show but not you eating

Glenn: That's because I waited for the cameras to turn off for the night before raiding the fridge

Howard: How did you find the show

Glenn: Do we have to talk about it

Howard: You were gone and fell in love, we can't just pretend it didn't happen. I won't have you shutting down on me

Glenn: Fine. It was scary. You know I've not dated much and then there I was trying to flirt with a camera like three feet from my face.

Glenn: And then there was Brandon. I'm sure he was just there to sabotage the rest of us. He flirted with me when the camera's were off and... you know how I like attention

Howard: You flirted back?

Glenn: Yes! I thought it was safe because the cameras weren't rolling but the producer found out and made it clear the only reason I wasn't getting booted was because it was the first week. Plus I swear it felt like the watcher was yelling at me about it for several weeks afterwards

Yeah I did yell at him in the comments a lot afterwards, guilty!

Glenn: I just don't know what to do now grandfather. I mean you always talk about how you loved my grandmother and the pain when she was gone and I nodded and sympathised but I didn't really understand

Howard: And you do now?

Glenn: I love him. It's hard to go in my head and correct and say, uh uh you loved him. Like my feelings are still here and I don't want them to be. I can't have him. How did you get over losing grandmother

Howard: My boy... I don't think I can say I am over it. She was the love of my life. But I have to believe there's someone else out there for you, and when I join your grandmother and parents in the timeless save I'm sure you will have someone still here by your side

Glenn: You still won't take an immortality potion?

Howard: No. I want to see them again. I won't be tied to this world forever

Glenn: Even for me

Howard: I'm sorry Glenn, my answer is still no

Howard: Don't despair! I'm not going anywhere yet. But that's why I came here. So I could have a community before I go. And I have to believe the watcher has a plan for you to

Glenn: I don't know. Sometimes I can hear her talking to me and other times it's radio silent. I think she wants me here but... these spellcasters are something else

Howard: You just need time to know them. When you met Phoebus you liked him

Glenn: Because I didn't know he was trying to recruit me

Howard: And you liked Gillian. You thought Ophelia was a bit odd but you and Miranda seemed to click

Glenn: *sighs* Please don't talk to me about Ophelia. I'd be happy if I never saw her again the... lying liar