Hey guys, Fiygon~

No, it's not dead. it's just a bit more compicated then that. I made a much longer reasoning over on my other story- 'Fate Decides' in chapter 5. But the giat of it is, that writing is just a hobby, and life kinda sucks this year.

But, ignoring all that. welcome back to this story! it's been a long time, 43 days longer and it would've been a year... i've got some ideas for this story, but will not lie I was hitting a writers block for awhile.

Thank you to all the kind reviewers, the lurkers, follows and favorites. And thanks for the patience especially.

-Fiygon out!

Colin couldn't help but sigh, as his mate returned to a similar way she was before they found Keiran. Completely depressed and hard to get the attention of. Though she had resolved to mostly just laying in a heap against his side. The television was on the news channel, but neither really paid much attention to it. A minute passed and Colin nudged Julia lightly, "I'm going to get a drink dear, would you like one?"

She let out some sort of a hum, but it was not an answer, so he continued on. As he walked to the kitchen and started pouring himself a drink of water, he began spacing out, until the ice cold feeling of water started hitting his paw, and he realized he poured too much. He cleaned it up and growled, leaving the drink and the kitchen to walk towards Keiran's room, hoping to resolve this if he could. Upon reaching the door he raised his hand to knock, but couldn't bring himself to do it. 'If I invade his privacy right now, he might not forgive me…' swallowing hardly, he shook his head, 'As his father I need to make sure he's alright, that's all that matters.' He decided.

He took a few knocks at the door, and after waiting a few minutes decided to open it, upon entering he took a quick look around, and noticed the heap on top of Keiran's crib, and he sighed. He thought about disturbing his sleep but left the room, shutting it behind him. He smiled, it would just be something they'd talk about in the morning. Everything would be fine, he just needed Julia to… He sighed. He didn't like thinking about it, but Julia was mentally unstable as well, and couldn't provide the exact support that Keiran needed. 'Yet they still love each other.' He thought.

He returned to the couch where Julia was, and sat right down in his original position. "Colin…" Julia started, gaining a questioning hum from him, "Where's your drink?"

His eyes widened and he chuckled, "Oh yes, I'm just getting old honey."

She parted herself from him to look up into his eyes with squinted eyes, "I heard you knocking in the hallway…"

He sighed, "He's sleeping, or at least pretending to."

She sniffled, still upset, "That's… that's good." She said quietly. She stood up slowly and with not much strength, "I think… we should do the same…" Colin gave a brief nod, and they prepared themself for bed. Julia, taking a much longer shower than usual, barely acknowledged him when she crawled into bed.

As Colin took his turn in the bathroom, he came out hearing his mate very obviously crying. He didn't know what to do, or say about it, he merely climbed in bed and held her closer. "Shh… it's alright darling." He comforted her. He could nearly feel her shaking.

"It's alright"

After a while of laying there, with Julia managing to hold her sniffles, Colin sighed. "Sorry but, who is Soren? He said they were friends?"

Julia nodded, "Soren, as far as I could tell, was friends with Keiran long before I came along. He was around 2 and a half years older than Keiran, and if the two could they would've done everything together."

Colin thought for a moment, "So he was like family to him as well?"

She sighed, "Keiran never would tell me much about him. But I could clearly tell, the two were closer than even me and him."

Colin gently rubbed her arms, and she leaned into his embrace, "He always cared about others, more than himself." Julia said.

Colin nodded, "He was so stressed, I think the weight of everything is starting to hit him at once."

"Well I wish he'd forget about others for a bit, it's unhealthy for him…" she huffed.

Colin shook his head, "No, that won't help him. From the sounds of it, Soren is very important to him."

Julia looked shaken, "But I'm also worried! Soren was important to me too! But…" she held her head in her paws and growled.

Colin rubbed her back gently, "Only one at a time, I'm sure Keiran's emotions will calm." She eventually slipped into a discomforting sleep.

"Keiran, It's fine, really!" I looked up into his eyes with a face of worry, but mostly doubt.

He just smiled back down at me, "Don't make that face. Wanna go get some ice cream?" I looked around me, the day was getting colder, and the sun was slowly setting.

I made an annoyed sound in protest, "But Soren!.. You're hurt…" I looked back down at his arms, which had been bruised and injured to a staggering degree.

His smile refusing to leave his face, he placed his hand against my face, "It hurt before, but I'm fine now. I promise!"

I grabbed his hand and gripped it very tight, "Then why can't I see you more…"

His smile faded slowly and he sighed… "I wish I could… but-"

STOP! Stop it! My head screamed as I grabbed my pillow and buried my face into it deeply. Why can't I help him? Why did I have to be so useless, back then, and now.

I heard Someone knock at my door, my entire body froze as I hoped they'd go away, I kept still in my bed as I heard my door open. It didn't take long, as I heard a sigh, and the sound of my door closing once again. I felt bad, Colin was worried as well...

I was extremely rude to them earlier... and I had taken out a lot of my anger in the wrong way. But they didn't understand. Soren was always my friend… And Julia only knew him for half a year or so... If I was ever going to help him I'd have to be me, but I couldn't do anything with these legs!

Would Soren even want my help?

Where is he?

All of that… it doesn't excuse my behavior…. They only want what is best for me...

"You don't have to pretend to care anymore out of obligation." My voice rang in my head.

I couldn't understand it. Why was I acting like that? It didn't feel good, but I guess I was still mildly angry at Julia. She did leave me after all… But then again, everyone left me… Julia is the only one who came back. She's the only one who cared enough. But… I pushed her away again. Why do I always do stupid things… I wasn't very good at all this family stuff, my real family had only taught me pain.

Julia always gave me love… sadly, I'm such a hateful person….

I must be awful…

Who would… still love me after that?

I wonder what she is thinking about…

I didn't fall to sleep once that night, in fear more than anything.

I sat at a picnic table in a park, the sun was quite high, and it was a rather beautiful cloudless day. Looking around I could see my companions, my little trainer's other Pokémon. Terra and Paya, having a friendly argument over whether Paya should still be in the team. Since Terra was a rather brash Haxorus, and Paya was grown up from the little Mareep, into a powerful young Ampharos. Terra was teasing him about her lack of a dragon-element.

Star, a Goodra who was sitting next to me, was trying her best to tune them out. "Yeah yeah, you just wait! I'll get a dragon type and you'll be the one asking forgiveness!" Paya shouted as they butted heads.

"You'll have to evolve again for that, not happening, shrimp." He growled back.

I finally sighed, "Terra, Paya, relax please. We should be enjoying the day off like Keiran wishes."

They both moved back into a respectful position and bowed their heads towards me, "Yes ma'am."

Star laughed quietly at me, and I turned towards her curiously. She shook her head, "I'd think you were our trainer, if I wasn't informed."

I blushed, "I-... They're only listening to me because I'm the better fighter." I said hesitantly.

The two who were previously fighting looked towards each other and giggled, making me slightly angry. Star then leaned towards me, putting an arm around my shoulder. Star was always less "formal" I guess you could say.

"You're the heart of this team, Jewel. And you're also Keiran's heart as well." I looked at her quite confused as she distanced herself again.

My ears became attentive to a sniffle sound coming from the hill behind us, where the park is. I turned to see Keiran trudging up the hill slowly, holding in tears. My friends were much later to notice, as I had already instinctually picked Keiran up swiftly. I knew he couldn't understand me, so I cooed lovingly and questioningly.

The others now, now aware, watched me with a smile, which I found as an odd reaction for your trainer being hurt. It didn't take much for Keiran to show me his arm, which he had scraped up on the underside. I quickly nodded and nuzzled him, before setting him on the bench. I reached into the picnic bag I had brought and pulled out some medicine, and a role of bandages. I gently applied the medicine, and wrapped his arm gently, before giving him a kiss on the cheek. Keiran seemed grateful but still sad, so I nuzzled him until he started laughing. "S-Stop Jewel… that tickles." He laughed.

I pouted at him before standing him back up, "You wanna go home or keep playing?" I asked knowing he'd understand.

I followed his gaze back down the hill to another older boy who seemed concerned, Keiran smiled at me before running back down to meet him. "Be careful, no running!" I yelled after him.

I turned back to my friends, who were staring at me with huge smiles. "W-What. What is it, did I forget to wrap a part of his arm?"

Before I could panic, Star chuckled at me, "No, no. Your mother senses are perfectly sharp."

I blushed deeply and huffed, "Mother?" I thought of the word, nearly longingly for multiple minutes, then giggled, "Someone's gotta do it." I said before smiling and returning to our picnic.

Julia woke the next morning, with a sick feeling, and a terrible upset mood. Her world had become nearly colorless, and Colin could see it all just by checking in on her an hour after he got up. "Honey, would you like some breakfast?" He asked carefully.

She looked towards him, but he didn't see much of a change in mood. She nodded slowly, to Colin, she looked desperate, but not out of anything, other than a broken heart. He knew if he could just get Keiran to calm they would go back to each other. "Julia you must eat, please, for me."

As if it was the first time seeing him this morning Julia seemed a bit more focused, "O-Of course. I'll be out in a minute," She smiled, but even Julia realized she wasn't fooling Colin. He nodded respectfully, and went to fix the table.

A few minutes later she came out, and Colin glanced a look at her guilty expression as she noticed only two plates were on the table. He turned to her, and she buried her face into his chest, "Is he… coming out?"

Colin sighed, "I haven't asked yet, I wanted to give him a little longer to sleep."

She seemed nearly hopeful for a minute as she shook her head, "He won't… he… h-he hates m-me." She began crying and choked her words out.

Colin, expecting this soon, shushed her, "Quit it, he loves you Julia. You know this.."

She drew her head away, "I-I know it's normal, but I-I… I abandoned him Colin, that's not something a mother does, and I abandoned his other closest friend."

Colin couldn't help his small growl, "Did nothing Maya say to you get through to you? You are my wife, and the mother of our hatchling. Our hatchling Julia." She looked at him guiltily.

"I love you, and I love our child. And it's why I'm forcing you and him to be together by the end of today."

She looked at him in mild horror, "No Colin! What if he stresses more… I-I can't do that-"

"Julia, honey, forgive me for saying this. But both of you are horribly mistreated, broken spirits, and the only thing holding your sanity together is eachother."

She stared into his face, emotions changing rapidly, until she settled on defeat, "Which is why I can't-"

He trapped her face between his paws and sighed, "Julia, I know I can't take away years of abuse, followed by a year of being separated from your hatchling. But your hatchling definitely can't have an entire life of abuse, followed by being crippled, taken away from him. But you know what neither of you had back then?"

She looked at him with contempt, "Me, neither of you had a stable anchor in your lives, let me be that for you. I'll fix both of you. Trust me."

She sighed, and after a minute, let a few tears go. "You hold my sanity together too. But you're right, I want to hold my hatchling…" He smiled at that.

"Me too."

After eating breakfast, and setting some aside for Keiran. Julia began smiling once again, much to Colin's relief. She hummed and washed the dishes, and after they were done, looked towards the clock. She sighed, but more out of impatience than anything. Why hadn't he woken up? He had to eat soon, and nobody could resist her food.

Colin gently led her to the couch to watch their favorite morning shows, but neither of them felt completely whole. They had no Little Dragon bundled up in a blanket between the two of them, minutes passed, then an hour, and as it became closer to noon, Julia's mood had been dampened again. "Colin." She started.

He nodded, she continued, "He's… he's so fragile, and weak… If he doesn't eat…" she began shaking again, Colin embraced her. "I haven't heard a sound from his room… He needs me right now, I can feel it."

Colin nuzzled his mate, "Well, I won't doubt my wife's instincts, hm? I'll be right behind you."

She nodded and went to stand up, and Colin gently grabbed her arm, "And honey," she looked at him curiously, "I'm proud of you." She smiled back, and they gently approached Keiran's room.

What have I done?

What have I done?!

Stupid, I'm so stupid.

Idiot, of course you'd screw it up.

I held my knees close to my chest, and sat against the side of my crib, facing the wall. The horrible realization of what I had said hitting me, like a ton of bricks. I choked on my own breath and tears relentlessly fell down my cheeks, what was I going to do? What were they thinking about me… They hated me for sure. They gave me everything I could ever want, and I yelled at them. My parents before were right, I am a terrible, useless-

No…

I don't even deserve labels, I shouldn't even be given the honor of a title. I should just stop existing. My heart started to hurt. Exactly, I shouldn't have happened anyway, why have I lasted this long? The room around me felt like it was constricting me, and I felt myself falling into a panic attack. This room isn't even mine, I never deserved it anyway. Breathing became harder as my anxiety took over, resulting in a mess of tears and shaky, gasping breaths.

The door, a knock came. My body froze, but I chose to stay silent, they'd leave like the past couple of times surely. Maybe they were coming in to kick me out? A small voice rang out into my room and I wanted to disappear. "Keiran? Are you awake?" Julia said.

She opened the door more, why? Why now? It didn't take her long to see the back of my head behind the bed, her voice coming out in complete worry. "Keiran, are you alright? I'm so sorry for not coming to console you sooner I-... I love you hatchling."

What? She still loved me after everything I said? She wouldn't lie. Oh god i'm a monster, is she scared of me? I slumped over in my spot more. "P-Please go away…" I said quietly.

After a pause, "Now why would I do that? Did you sleep well my little Dragonfly?" She said hopefully.

I nearly chuckled at that. "I didn't." I said quietly, but enough for her to hear.

She paused, "You didn't sleep well? I'm sorr-"

"I didn't sleep… at… all…" I said slowly, unable to decide whether it even mattered to tell her. I could nearly hear her mouth gently shut, and her emotions shift into one of worry.

Julia's footsteps came closer, I noticed a second set of footsteps that stopped halfway through my room, with Julia's voice getting closer, "Keiran I know we aren't perfect but… We love being your parents, and you need help."

"Please, just get rid of me already…" I said quietly.

I swear I could hear a pen drop. "W-What?" Julia's shocked voice said. My voice froze, they weren't meant to hear that. Although, what did it matter if they heard?

"I'm a terrible person, I… I don't want to live anymore."

The silence made it so much worse, I could hear Julia slowly gasp for breath. "You don't mean that." Her words surprised me, I knew they shouldn't.

For some reason I turned to look at them, Julia's face was the most horrified, heartbroken thing I'd ever seen. Colin's regular composer was replaced with emotions I'd never seen from him. Slowly watching Julia's face as she started crying, why was she crying? I was making her cry, how much worse can I be.

My panic started again, I lowered myself to the floor and cried, "I don't deserve it, just get rid of me. I'll leave, I'm sorry… I-I'm…" I couldn't choke it out again.

She gasped, "N-No…No, no no Keiran… Keiran honey p-please don't say things like that. It's okay!"

For another couple of seconds I felt so terribly cold and alone, against the floor. Every second was an hour, and my body felt weak. And at once I was scooped into Julia's arms. "Stop… please… just let me stop existing." I muttered

Julia shushed me, "Then who would I love?" She tried to lighten the mood slightly. Her smooth scales gave me a small amount of comfort.

Colin carefully embraced me with Julia, who were both on the floor with me. "Keiran please listen to me." Colin pleaded.

"You should never, ever, feel that way about yourself. "

"Then w-why can't I s-stop?" I choked out.

"My hatchling, it's okay Momma is here…" Julia said hopelessly.

I didn't understand, why was I getting their help. "Y-You should h-hate me… I y-yelled and… was so disrespectful." I stuttered our whilst barely being able to breath.

She still looked horrified, "We would never hate you! Nothing you say could make us hate you…"

Colin nodded his head, "This is your home. We are your home. I love you so much Keiran, it hurts us when you talk like that." Colin gently rested his muzzle against my face.

I was still hurting them, like a leech they couldn't remove. "You're better without me…please… I'm useless,"

"Keiran,"

"And worthless,

"Keiran…"

"Just throw me out."

"Keiran Northwing!" Julia said, "Please, son!" Colin said at the same time.

I looked up to two very hurt faces, with Julia crying heavily, and the lack of hatred I expected finally came to my senses. I was expecting anger, why did it not come? Why am I so absolutely terrible at emotions anyway? Why… Both my parents nuzzled me at the same time. "My little hatchling, you are so far from worthless. You saved me, remember?" Julia said. To my utter disbelief.

"I didn't-.."

Colin nodded, "So many people love you Keiran."

"But I-I didn't!" I said loudly, "All I've done is use you… I'm worthless! I used you guys for…-" I was struggling to get my thoughts out. And covered my face.

Julia gently grabbed my hands and pulled them away, "Used us? Whatever do you mean! Keiran we-"

"My… my parents were right about everything."

I nearly felt Julia's body heat flare, and she lowered her face to mine and huffed at me, "They were NOT your parents, little one. You are MY hatchling, not theirs."

I opened my mouth in protest, but she closed it with her tail. "You haven't used me at all. If anything I was the selfish one, I wasn't thinking enough about you when I left. I should have taken you from her, long before I did. You didn't deserve that life I left you in."

She gently brushed my hair, as I began to grasp just how bad Julia felt about it as well. "I'm your mother." She teared up again, "Do you get it Keiran? Your my baby, I… I can't even begin thinking about what I'd do without you."

I felt guilty now, but I just wanted her to be happy, I didn't feel I deserved it, but the problem is that loving me is what makes her happy… she caressed my face in her paws, and poured her heart out. "I've never loved someone as much as I love you. You're the reason I wake up Keiran, how can a treasure like that be worthless?"

I looked at her in shock at her bold words, and I slowly took in a shaky breath. "Treasure..? Me?"

She laughed through her tears and tried to wipe them away, "Yes, treasure. You're the crown jewel of my dragon hoard." She giggled.

"Mine as well!" Colin added.

Julia nuzzled Colin, then me. "Two dragon's value you more than anything else, tell me how that's worthless."

I rested my head against her chest, as my panic started subsiding. "I'm sorry… I-I didn't mean it..! I'm sorry..." I began repeating it like a broken record.

Julia shushed me over and over again, beginning on her way towards her bedroom with Colin in tow. She rocked me against her body, as my crying came fully in waves. "Shh… my little hatchling." She started to hum to me, as Colin began to smile at us.

She sat on her bed, with Colin holding her in his arms, and hummed for what seemed like forever, nuzzling my face anytime I looked like I'd cry. I felt, better, and my love for Julia was allI had now, "Momma…" I eventually said, to her extremely relieved face.

"I'm sorry…"

She nodded to me, "No more apologies, little one."

"Are you afraid that we'll abandon you Keiran?" Colin asked me. Thinking about it briefly, the answer was easy. I gave a small nod.

"I don't wanna go…I-I-..." I said childishly.

"Shh… dragonfly." My mother rocked me against her chest lovingly.

"I love you two…" I let out as a near whisper

Julia brought me up to her eyes and looked into mine, then laughed a small bit, "Funny you think I'd let you leave, Dragonfly…"

I nestled my head further into her chest, and she kissed my head multiple times. Afterwards, her and Colin embraced me in bed with a nap.

"They're lying! Nobody would ever love you."

I shook my head, "No."

"They're faking it, they like seeing you suffer, you're just a broken little human anyway. Can't even walk!"

"Stop!" I yelled into the void.

The voice was louder, all around me and at the same time, "They're waiting for the best chance to abandon you again."

Halfway through our nap I awoke nearly panicked, and with a little bit of involuntary shaking, I had awoken Julia. She nuzzled me with a smile, and saw I was crying yet again, making her worried. "Dragonfly?"

"N-Nothing," Julia was having none of it, choosing instead to start nuzzling me to death.

"H-Hey, quit it." I whined.

She gave me a smirk, "You quit it first. Was it a nightmare?"

"Yes… It was saying you'd… abandon me..." Julia smiled sympathetically.

Before she could speak, Colin shifted still half asleep, "Don't be silly. The only thing we're abandoning right now is sleep." He said, lightly shoving my head into the pillows. I couldn't help but giggle, and Julia giggled, then Colin embraced me and Julia with his wings.

I was on my way home from school, with potentially one of the worst days I've ever had. I walked through the front door, I was alone. My parents were off somewhere again? Who cares… As soon as I entered though, my pokeball for Jewel had opened itself, and she stood there smiling at me. "Have a good day?" She said with a smile and a head tilt.

Not understanding her, I sighed. "Hey Jewel… I'm not… in the mood right now…" I assumed she was wanting to do something, either fighting or something else. But I would rather be alone…

She seemed slightly upset with the answer, "What happened?"

I sighed, assuming she didn't understand me. I gently made my way around her to head up the stairs, but she gently grabbed my arm. "You can talk to me!" She said hopelessly.

I groaned, "Jewel, just leave me alone…"

She became louder in protest, "You can't bottle things up little one! It's bad for you."

I gave her an odd look, that changed to defeat. "You're worried, aren't you? I'm sorry I yelled…"

She gently smiled, and brought me into a hug. "I just… had a really bad day at school. I failed like 3 tests… if it keeps up I won't pass my classes."

She shook her head, "Stupid human schools. Nobody is bothering to help you, I know you're a smart boy. But those…" She huffed in anger, "Ludicrous parents of yours…"

I teared up a bit, "I wish… I wish someone would help me… My teachers always tell me to get my parents to help because it's supposed to be easy, but…" I teared up more, and Julia hugged me more, nuzzling my head.

"I wish I could help little one…" She nearly teared up as well, then seemed to make a choice, "You need a nap, they always make me feel better!"

Curiously she began guiding me upstairs, then towards my bedroom. She pointed towards my bed, and I felt like I understood. "I… I could use a nap… Thanks." On my way to my bed, I laughed as she tried to help me take my school bag off, and she nearly seemed angry when I nearly didn't take my shoes off.

After my nap, I yawned and cleaned my eyes. Seeing that it was an hour or two later, though my mind was on something else. The smell, was great, it smelled like my favorite dinner… but… I got up, confusedly, and made my way downstairs. When I got there, Julia was cooking in the kitchen. I stood there in shock as she turned around and smiled, "Just in time! It's almost ready." She said her name cheerfully.

"Jewel you… you didn't have to-"

One gesture I could understand between both languages, was a solid look of anger. "I don't have to. I want to, you deserve it." She said as she put a paw to my cheek. I didn't understand her, but I couldn't help when I slightly leaned into the touch.

She had picked up on it though, and she smiled. "I'm the only one who shows you affection, it's so terrible…" Then she sighed.

I brought my head away a bit quicker and blushed, which she seemed to laugh at me for, "But… I really appreciate it. Jewel."

Waking up much later, I felt very refreshed. I knew I had slept for a very long time, since I hadn't slept all night. Yet I still nearly felt myself panic when I realized I was alone in their bed still. Childishly, I began tearing up, I knew it was ridiculous to expect them there after waking up. But it was as if I didn't have full control of my emotions. Regardless, the bedroom door opened again and Julia came in, quite quickly to instantly console me. Lifting me into her arms, and shushing me before I cried too much.

"H-How did… you-" I began asking.

She shook her head, "A mother always knows when her hatchling is upset," then she smiled, booped my nose, which made us both giggle.

I rubbed my eyes and yawned, "What time is it?"

"It's nearly five now, Dragonfly."

I looked at her surprised, and she raised an eyebrow, "Are you surprised? After not sleeping a whole night?"

Feeling sheepish, I also began to get flashbacks to when I was still a trainer, and she would always beg me to go to bed earlier. And as if she knew, she looked down at me with a mischievous smile, "What have I told you about not sleeping?"

I sighed, "Sorry… I won't-"

I guess she expected me to reply with something witty, because she began nuzzling me, "No, no… it was just a joke hatchling. It wasn't your fault." She said, while holding me to her chest.

After a couple seconds of enjoying her hug, I sighed, "It's not your fault I'm-"

"Just the absolute cutest thing?" I was beginning to get slightly annoyed, yet appreciative, that she interrupted me before I could say something out of habit. She looked down at me with a look I can only describe as, 'Don't even think about trying that.' And that did make me smile a bit.

She held me up higher, "I bet your starving little one, dinner is just about ready, and it's your favorite!"

My eyes widened, "Wait really?"

She smiled, "Mhm!"

"T-Thank you."

"Thank your father, he's making it all. Buuuut it was my idea." She said playfully.

She held me closer and brought me out of their darker room, and my nose was instantly able to pick up my favorite dinner. And it brought me a wave of memories, a lot of great ones, many with Julia, that I wouldn't trade for anything.

After entering into the kitchen, Colin instantly noticed, giving me a soft smile. He seemed to notice my excitement and laughed, "It may not be perfect, but I definitely tried!" He said.

I held my arms out for a hug, and he didn't hesitate to grab hold of me, then give me a big warm hug. I buried my face into him, and he nuzzled the back of my head, "Thank you so much…"

He loosened the hug, but didn't even slightly relax his grip, "Of course son, I love you so much…" He said with an embarrassed laugh.

I was firmly nestled into his soft body, "I-I know," I smiled, "I'm okay now."

He growled lightly, "No you're not, don't lie. I love you regardless of how you feel, please don't just write off your emotions." He pleaded as he brought me away.

I sighed, "I-I'm not trying to…" I nearly began crying, but a soft paw on my back from Julia helped, "I'm better… but I still miss, I-I miss Soren."

Julia's soothing voice came back, "He's alright… he's a strong boy. You're both so strong." She said proudly.

Colin nodded, "I don't know him, but he sounds amazing. And you know what else is amazing? Your dinner, which is ready."

Amazed by the fact that he finished cooking while holding me, I laughed, "I am pretty hungry."

After finishing dinner, I realized that I wasn't going to be tired anytime soon, and felt quite guilty. I looked up from my chair as they were beginning to gather the dishes, "I'm not really… tired now… I'm sorry…"

They looked at me and laughed, and Colin put the last of the dishes in the kitchen, deciding that it was Julia's turn to do them. "Why are you sorry about that?" Colin asked as he picked me up again.

I shrugged lightly, "I'm just… putting so much trouble on others."

He shook his head, "Nonsense. We can have a movie night, right honey?" He said, turning for Julia's reply.

"That sounds like a great idea! We even have ice cream for later, I've been meaning to watch some movies."

I was baffled, "Y-You guys don't have to stay up for me! I know you've been awake a lot longer…"

Julia finished, and came over to give me a quick nuzzle, "When you have your first child, you don't expect to get much sleep," she said, then giggled.

"Why is that?" I asked, their faces showing slight confusion, I had no idea what she meant..?

Julia tilted her head, "I was making a joke, about how babies are loud, and always need their parents attention."

The thought interested me, as I had never given it much thought. The whole family thing was kinda new, in some ways. I had no idea parents usually had that with their child. I put my hand to my chin, "Oh, that would make sense… I was confused, I was a very quiet baby apparently." I said aloud, mostly saying my thoughts.

"My uh… original… guardians, always praised me for that." I said with a shrug and a laugh.

Julia never seemed to like when I brought them up, but this time she looked at me curiously. "Oh really? That's surprising from them! I guess you were saving all the crying for us then." She said, booping my nose.

I blushed and looked away, "I cried for them too, I learned to do it quietly. Because if I did cry, I got hit, then I'd cry more, and it would make them angrier." I laughed, "I uh... oh" I shut my mouth when I realized what I was talking about. I found it hard not to be so open anymore. Colin seemed upset, but Julia wasn't surprised. She never would be.

Yet they were still concerned, Julia seemed sick at the mention of being hit. But she smiled again, and whisked me into her arms, spinning a few times. "Time for a movie, what would you two like to watch?"

After deciding on one, then another movie with some amazing ice cream from Colin's store. And halfway through a third movie was when I finally began getting sleepy.

Julia looked down to her son, and felt completed again. It didn't stop her from feeling upset, and uncomfortable when he talked about his previous family. But that didn't matter anymore, this was his family now.. She quietly giggled, noticing that though he seemed to want to stay awake, his body was denying him. She looked towards her mate, and they shared a look of relief. "Told you so." Colin mouthed quietly, to which Julia rolled her eyes.

She paused the film, making sure to save the spot it was at before turning the TV off. Keiran had been resting right in between them, Julia scooped him up from the couch gently. "Time for bed, little one." She whispered, yet it was no use as he had already begun to snore quietly.

Julia looked to Colin with a fake pouty face, "Can he sleep with us? Please?" Julia asked quietly with a tilted head.

Colin released a small snort and stifled a laugh, "Of course… why are you begging?"

She smirked, "Because you're grumpy when you get woken up.

A bit of fire flared from his nostrils and he scoffed, "I am not grumpy. Especially not towards him."

She just giggled, and they returned to their room. Resting Keiran down on the bed, the two left the room and prepared for bed. As Julia was shutting curtains, and turning off lights, she looked down and sighed, Colin noticed that she was completely zoned out. "What's up?" He asked.

Julia shook her head out of her stupor, and up to Colin to give him a short smile laced with worry. "I don't know. I guess I'm just trying to figure out… where to start."

Colin approached and wrapped an arm around her, "With Keiran?" He said knowingly.

She nodded, still spaced out slightly, "It's just… where did that come from? The… the hurtful self hatred… the…" she choked on her words.

Colin nuzzled her, "The suicidal thoughts?" He finished for her, with unease himself.

She looked at him surprised, than nodded with a downcast gaze, "I knew he was… depressed… but it scares me Colin, what if he… what if…" she teared up.

He embraced her, "It won't come to that, I promise. We can get him help." After a pause, and wiping his mate's tears, he continued, "I think he was just scared of our reaction to his outburst. Nothing more than that. He thought we would hate him, and that led him to thinking like that. Now obviously… if those feelings persist, we need to worry."

She nodded slightly, and looked up with tears still lacing her eyes, "I don't want to mess up…"

He kissed her gently, "You haven't, and you won't. Come one, let's get some sleep alright? I'm sure he would like to cuddle with his mommy."

She giggled, and slightly pushed him away jokingly. But followed him back, to where they rearranged Keiran between the themselves, and shared a peaceful sleep.