A/N: Holy shit, Sheppard is actually still writing.

Just so you know, I'm rewriting a bit of history if Veria is still fresh in your mind. Like I said, there is no more continuation between the two, so whatever happens in this is what goes down, not what happens in Veria. Ignore it completely. If you want to take it into consideration, keep it as its own entity, not connected to this. PSA over.

Just one more continuation chapter left before this is finally over again.


*Uppermost — Flashback*


O'Donnell Residence, Suburban Corneria City

Her roses certainly took a liking to the rain shower. The inclusive blend of white and red flowers in complete bloom swayed with gentle ease as the encroaching late-spring thunderstorm only intensified as it progressed. The soft breeze carried the inexplicably pleasant taste of said storm and ruffled the leaves of the nearby trees, while the persistent patter of rainwater predominated the landscape, often disturbed by a low, resounding crack of thunder bellowing in amongst the terrain.

As one who enjoyed these types of storms and often found herself distracted by the diversity of its natural instruments, Sheila sat on her front porch and watched nature at its finest moments. The copper husky let the cool air infused with an almost nonexistent layer of mist permeate her coat of fur, soothing her in ways that a storm could. Her light blue eyes wide with wonder and interest slowly scanned over her surroundings, picking out everything from the saturated streets, to the large drops of water dripping down from the overhang of her front porch, to the veil of foggy mist obscuring the landscape beyond the protection of her roof, and even to the tiniest buildups of water accumulating on her delicate roses.

Placid and content, Sheila padded over to her swinging porch bench and sat down with her glass of iced tea in paws. Although she could easily reach the polished oak deck when sitting straight, she curled her legs underneath her seat in order to gently sway the bench. Occasionally, she would extend her legs to pump her swing, and in doing so, a few stray drops of rainwater would drip onto her bare hind paws and make her smile at the sensation.

The deep, distant rumbles of thunder continued, and beyond the horizon of neighboring houses and tall trees, the dark gray clouds overhead would periodically light up as discharges of lightning exploded from the storm system. Being as they were too far south, Sheila didn't worry about the lightning or the thunder intensifying anytime soon. If anything would escalate, it would be her happiness.

Her senses would be bombarded with pleasures on these kinds of days. Her ears twitched at every low crack of thunder, but the hum of the water pelting the cement sidewalks and shingles overhead created a chorus of nature within her eardrums. The skin underneath her fur tingled at every gust of wind that brought the faint mist her way. The taste of the breeze combined with her iced tea felt incredible as it cascaded down her throat. The sensation of her padded feet wrinkling up from the water on her porch completed her unorthodox feeling of euphoria in ways that ordinary words could not hope to describe.

There was something so mesmerizing about nature's sonic symphony that always set Sheila's mind ablaze. It was like an addictive drug to her; so stimulating, yet full of easing pleasure and tranquility that she couldn't ever get enough. Especially in situations like this where the brunt of the storm was out of her path, just listening and watching a storm as it unfolded miles away from the comfort of her home produced an odd sense of stimulation that she could not replicate anywhere else.

Above the sound of the seemingly perpetual rain shower, the creak of the screen door disturbed her moment of sensory bliss. Her straw rolled around the circumference of her glass as she let it drop from her maw, her muzzle turning towards the origins of the sound. As she expected and anticipated, Wolf had caused the distraction. He stood in the doorway with both the screen door and the wooden front door propped open, allowing for the cool breeze to ventilate their home with the intoxicating scent of nature at its most beautiful and vulnerable moments.

Initially, Wolf did not say, nor do anything upon making his presence known. His violet eyes stayed transfixed on the copper husky, watching intently as she gently swung back and forth on the porch swing. Her eruption of cinnamon colored locks now synonymous with her name gently blew with the soothing breeze, creating quite a priceless picture to behold in combination with her skimpy outfit. A baby blue bikini bottom tied just above her hips showed off almost every inch of her beautiful blend of silky white and light copper fur, while a faded violet tank-top two sizes too small adorned her torso and expertly showed off her slender curves while still remaining publicly decent.

Likewise, Sheila admired his body with simple joy. Much like her own frame, Wolf remained toned, slender, and incredibly fit. Over the past year they had been together, his white mohawk had become shaggy and now spanned all the way down to the back of his neck, and the fur on the underside of his muzzle had gotten much longer too. Much like the husky, he wore a white tank-top that actually fit, and some black athletic shorts that waved in the calm wind. Still with his morning cup of coffee in paw, Wolf stepped down from the doorframe and onto the damp front porch.

"Hi Wuffy," Sheila said in her usual giddy, energetic voice. Her childlike demeanor prevailed anywhere she went, and it was entirely obvious that she didn't have a care in the world in regards to it.

Wolf immediately realized how and why she was so excited, mainly because a low grumble of thunder rolled over the horizon just as he was about to speak. "Having fun out here?"

Sheila wasted no time in nodding, gently scooting over to allow Wolf to sit beside her. "I love this."

"You know, you're the only canine I know that actually likes thunderstorms," Wolf remarked, interrupting Sheila's swinging when he plopped into the open seat.

"There's so much to like about them," the husky said in a distantly awestruck voice, staring off into the swirl of gradient clouds. The apt light peeking through reflected off of her curious orbs, providing more depth to an already captivating set of eyes. As more lightning flashed, she continued in a soft, silky voice, "It's amazing how something so dangerous like this can be such a beautiful sight… You'd never believe enough rain could destroy. It just seems so ordinary…"

Wolf took a sip from his mug. "Tell that to the Destroyer crew that went down because of a storm."

Sheila quickly interjected, "No, not like that. I mean…" she trailed off, too captivated by the sounds to continue coherently. "…I mean, rain brings life. …It can take it away too. Nature seems to be like a double-edged sword."

Wolf chuckled under his breath. "Okay, what is in that tea you drink?"

Sheila giggled back and let the straw hover inside her maw. "I'm just curious, that's all."

"Curiosity is okay," the lupine admitted. "Just gotta be careful what you do in response. Need I say more after what happened a year ago?"

She shook her head. "Point made. But that's not what I'm talking about. There's no interstellar race causing weather here. It's all... dare I say divine?"

"You can say it, doesn't mean I believe it," Wolf concluded.

"Well, neither do I, but…" again the copper husky trailed off, this time in search for words. "Still doesn't rule out a possibility."

"I never keep my options closed up," he replied confidently, his hold on her gently tightening. "Just never been one to blindly throw faith at a wall after what happened last year."

Sheila glanced over at him. "The only reason that it's a fresh thought in my mind is because… well, we're here. Alive. And even better, together. I don't know about you, but that's some supernatural stuff."

Wolf chuckled again. "I'll admit, we got damn lucky to be where we are now."

"I'll say," she smiled at him, leaning over to rest her head on his shoulder. "Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Do you believe right now?"

Wolf stayed silent for a little bit, enough to let another crack of thunder echo. Lying atop Sheila's head, he answered, "Truthfully, no… but like I said, there's plenty of reasons to say otherwise."

Sheila exhaled softly. "I don't know. I mean, other than now, there hasn't been a reason to. It's… a bit distant, the relationship with any gods and all. I do my thing, they do theirs, and we both live as we want. Maybe our paths cross every once in a while, but other than that…"

"Separate."

"Right, separate. Does that make me a bad person?"

"Not at all," Wolf immediately assured. "If everyone that doubted went to hell, there'd be nobody in heaven. It's okay to think and question, but it's ultimately what you put your heart into."

Sheila sighed again, more in bliss than in thought. "That was a nice saying. I like that."

"I can't remember who said that to me," Wolf mumbled. "But it stuck. I guess that's why I am who I am. Sure, I doubt all the time, and not just about one little thing. But if I let it get the best of me, I'd be nowhere near here. I'm sure everyone's doubted at least once."

"I have," Sheila blurted out. "I've had my doubts on a lot of things too."

"Is it safe to say I'm not one of them?" Wolf cheekily commented, a small grin plastered on his muzzle.

"Well, I'd be lying if I said yes," Sheila answered truthfully. "Remember how I didn't believe you when that whole war with humanity incident started? I doubted you so much that it almost killed me. Literally almost killed me. But, like you said, everyone that doubts doesn't necessarily go to hell. Right now, Wolf… I'm in heaven with you."

Wolf nuzzled her cheek. "And I the same with you."

The blissful intimacy continued on for what felt like an entire day. In contemplative silence, the two lovers stared out into the storm. Sheila's purr of complete ecstasy conjoined with the low rumble of distant thunder so perfectly that Wolf became unaware of the differences between the two. Their moment together just felt so inexplicably perfect as if nothing could ruin it. Even if the storm progressed and caught them off-guard, their day would never be ruined.

As the rain continued, Wolf became lost in detached thought. Specifically, directed at the husky in his grasp. As he reminisced on his time with her, he realized how lucky he was to have someone that loved him for who he was over all this time. Even through ups and downs that almost killed their friendship, they stayed inseparable. Not only that, but the rollercoaster of life only strengthened their unbreakable bond. Yet, Sheila still found a way to make his heart flutter in a way that only… only a soul mate could.

After an unknown amount of time in tranquility, Wolf finally broke the silence. "Hey She?"

"Yeah?"

Thus the heart fluttering begins. With an unnoticeable stutter, at least to Sheila, Wolf replied, "I've got a question for you."

Mimicking Wolf's response from earlier, Sheila smiled and said, "Shoot."

"Do you love me?"

"Of course," she answered almost instantly.

"You're sure about that?" Wolf asked with a smirk.

Sheila pulled back, an intrigued, yet silly expression plastered on her muzzle. "Duh, why would you think I would say no?"

"Hey, I ask the questions here," Wolf shot back jokingly, the both of them unable to keep straight faces.

"Fine, but what's this about?" the husky asked.

"Oh, no reason."

Sheila laughed aloud and swatted at his stomach. Taking his opportunity, Wolf faked an injury and stood up from the bench, paw over his midsection. After setting his mug on the porch railing, Wolf staggered over to Sheila and fell to his knees, imitating a cough.

"Wolf, what are you…?"

Sheila trailed off when he stopped coughing and looked up directly into her eyes. She saw him trembling. Both his arms and his tail were shaking with restlessness as he shifted his stance to a single knee. Before she could connect the dots, Wolf reached into his pocket and displayed a glimmering gold ring.

The same one that Nathan gave him a year ago.

As Sheila cupped her maw to avoid audibly gasping, Wolf smiled sheepishly and finally posed the big question.

"Sheila, will you marry me?"

Sheila's emotions went into immediate lockdown. She bolted up from her seat and squealed at first, then began to cry. Tail wagging violently and voice hoarse, Sheila answered, "Yes! Y-yes I will!"

Wolf broke out a successful smile and stood up. He gently cupped her paw and, smiling brighter than he had ever done before, slipped the ring onto her finger. No sooner did he release his grip, Sheila lunged forward and locked her muzzle with his. Wolf needed no additional second to return the love, especially with what had just transpired.

A full year of love, heartbreak, tender care, emotional rollercoasters, loss, uncertainty, and intimacy—not necessarily in that same order—finally could be capped off with what could arguably be the best moment of the young couple's live. Their steadfast relationship could take that next step, and Wolf couldn't be more ecstatic and proud that the love of his life agreed to be there for the rest of it.

Likewise, Sheila couldn't contain her tears at the mere thought that she could look forward to a husband as great as he was. When she pulled away from the kiss to breathe, she locked Wolf into a tight embrace that reflected her undying love. Tears streamed from her face and onto Wolf's back just as the clouds above streamed water onto the streets. She couldn't believe this was happening.

Sniffling, Sheila squeaked out, "Wolf, t-thank you so much! You're the best!"

"No, you are," Wolf replied surely, cupping her cheeks in his hands.

The husky giggled like a little child. "I can't believe this."

"Neither can I," he chuckled. "I'm just so happy you said yes."

She smiled again. "Well, truth be told, I've got quite a big reason why I wouldn't ever say no."

"Do I even need to ask?"

Sheila backed out of his grasp, but not out of the aura of warmth he possessed. "You might…"

Wolf smirked. "Fine, I'll ask. Why?"

Without saying a word, Sheila stepped over to the railing separating the porch from her garden. Her eyes stared out into the storm, reflecting the texture of clouds in amongst her light blue irises. Wolf initially thought that his new fiancée had gotten sidetracked or just forgot what she was going to say, but his thoughts were stopped when she looked his way again. And, for a split second, her eyes flashed down at the floor before linking back up with his again.

The mood shifted. What was a euphoric and celebratory mood quickly settled into wonder. Wolf didn't know how to egg Sheila on into talking, for she seemed to be devoid of words just as he was. The rain didn't seem to register to either one anymore, as Sheila looked to be entranced in her own thought. In fact, she had the same level of uncertainty Wolf had when posing that big question, almost as if she was hiding something monumental herself.

"Sheila?" Wolf finally fought through the unintentional tension.

Sheila giggled in her own sheepish way, ears folded below her plume of hair. "Wolf I… wanted to tell you this for a while now, I just didn't know how to say it or when. Now… I think is the perfect time."

"What?"

Only then did Sheila's still arms finally gain movement, instantly gravitating to her exposed stomach as if there were magnets in them. She smiled and looked up at him again. Soon, Wolf followed suit.

"You're pregnant, aren't you?" Wolf asked, almost disbelieving that a question like that slipped through his teeth. A different wave of the ongoing emotional tidal wave hit when Sheila gently nodded her head. Just like that, another little giggle slipped. A great day just got even better.

Wolf just shook his head, a smile perpetually plastered upon his muzzle. "I got a future wife and a future mother in one day. I don't think it can get much better than this."

Sheila purred and closed the distance between them. "I'm just happy it's with you."

Wolf needed no extra time to pull her into a completely genuine hug, filled to the brim with tender emotion and limitless affection. Despite the rain putting a damper on what could have been an absolutely perfect day, the two canines now bonded in love two separate ways still managed to make the most of it.

"Do you believe now, Wolf?" Sheila said, holding back her tears.

"I don't have any reason to say no anymore," Wolf responded proudly.

And with that, the thunderstorm merely continued on as if nothing had happened. The two forgot everything as they retreated back into their cozy home, while rumbles of thunder reverberated over… and over… and over again…


Now I see what I couldn't believe
All the things you were saying to me
It's taken me so long, it's taken me so long
All my walls they are falling to dust
Until you I never knew how to trust
It's taken me so long, it's taken me so long

You gave me looks I won't forget
You left me on the floor
You gave me highs that lose my breath

I'd give up all my tomorrows
To be here with you
Walk off the world just to follow
To follow you
You're every waking hour
You're all that time devours
I'd give up all my tomorrows
To be here with you

*Sick Puppies – Here With You*