Diego stared into space as had become his custom. Ever since he had killed Soto to protect his herd, he had been distractible, distant. Nobody chose to notice, Manny was wrapped up with Ellie obviously-and the strain of a new baby caused him to be even more family centered. Crash and Eddie had each other for mischief, and to watch each other's backs when that mischief went wrong. Even Sid had found a companion. The new sloth, Sydney, was apparently as beautiful as a sloth could come. Diego didn't know- he thought that she looked like a sloth which meant inherently unattractive. But either way he had no one. He placed his head on his paws and shifted his attention to the fire. At least he looked like he was occupied.
Noises interrupted his thoughts. Manny and Ellie appeared to be having a heated argument. Diego filtered the sounds out, but watched with hidden amusement as Ellie grabbed Peaches and pulled her away from her father. Manny let out a huff and stomped towards Diego.
"Can you believe her?" He snorted. "She's so stubborn and frustrating and…irrational!" he couldn't think of anything else to say. His wife meant the world to him, it was clear to everyone in their herd.
"You're saying it because you love her." Diego said sagely. "I cannot wait to see how Peaches grows up. I'm betting she has both of your tempers."
Manny thought for a moment and faux trembled in fear. He noticed Ellie watching him from the shadows with a disapproving scowl. "Can you imagine Sid and Sydney's children?" Manny said quickly, falling back on their standard conversation topic.
"I try not to." Diego quipped. "Sloths are so uncreative with names. I bet there will be a Sidney, a Syd, a Sydney the Second…"
"All those S names in a species that all have lisps." Manny shook his large head. "I will never understand that."
Diego agreed with him, and they fell into what he thought was companionable silence. Diego stared into the flames, unaware that he was being watched intensely.
Manny cleared his throat after a while. "And what about you Diego?" He questioned. "When are you going to get a saber woman?"
"I'm not." Diego said. "No pack has a territory that extends this far south. And no saber woman would want to mate with someone in a herd. Pack strength is crucial." He had thought about this for awhile, and had resigned himself to the single life.
"Diego, you don't have to stay with us always." Manny said gently suddenly completely serious. "We don't need you as a pet saber. You'll always be our friend of course, but its time you start living your life."
"Are you kicking me out?" Diego asked jokingly.
Manny glanced away. "Were you paying attention to my argument with Ellie?"
"There are so many of them I've tuned them out." Diego said impassively. He refused to let his emotions boil over. Refused to get angry at what he still viewed as a joke.
"It's just that you've changed Diego. You killed Soto, and now you're very moody, you're different. And Ellie has a newborn. She doesn't want to risk Peaches if you suddenly have a mood swing." Manny failed at justification with his friend because he didn't want him to leave.
"And what about Sid?" Diego said. "After all the stupid things he's done, Ellie is going to let him around the baby?"
"Diego, you're a carnivore by nature. Ellie is very hormonal at the moment. You have to understand!" Manny pleaded.
"I understand completely." Diego said coldly. "After everything we have been through together, your wife is more important." And he turned and sprinted into the night.
He stopped at the first hill and watched the camp, hoping to see someone following after him. Instead he saw Sid and Sydney curled up, and Manny lumbering towards his wife.
"You did the right thing." Ellie said.
And Diego continued his departure before he could hear Manny's response. "It doesn't feel like the right thing Ellie. I hope he forgives me."