Al slips off after the girl, stopping briefly by the library. Ro had retreated back to her room, grabbing teddy before hiding under the duvet.

Al peeks in walking over to her. She didn't hear him, busy snuggling un her den.

"Hey Ro?" Al spoke quietly.

There was a moment of silence before she hesitantly poked her head out. Al smiles softly, a big dusty box in his hands.

Curiosity sparked in her soft pink eyes and she sat up. "What's that...?"

"I thought you might be interested in hearing a story?"

Her eyes lit up, an eager smile growing on her lips as she nodded quickly.

"You have to join me on the couch though, this one has music to go with it."

"Can't we bring the music up here...?" She hugged her bear. "Teddy doesn't like the couch..."

"Come on Ro, just trust me?"

She sighed, silently reaching out and taking gis hand. Teddy stayed clutched to her chest though. Al smiles taking her downstairs. He opens the box revealing his old record player and sets it up. Soon there was a cheery violin filling the room.

Ro snuggled into the couch, just her eyes, wide and wondering, poking over teddy's head as she listened to the song.

A narrator spoke up. But it was in funny words she never heard before.

She frowned, turning to Al. "It doesn't make sense..."

"I forgot it was in Russian.. Languages kinda blend together for me.."

"What is it saying?" she hated not being able to understand. It made her feel stupid.

"'This is the story of Peter and the wolf'"

"Who's Peter and why is he with a wolf...? Doesn't he know they're dangerous...?"

Al chuckles as the record continues. Different instruments coming in to play themed of the animals Peter comes across. She could kind of understand that the big loud instruments were for big scary animals, and the lighter instruments were for nice animals, but that was about it.

It continues till Peter ran into the wolf.

"Something bad happened," she muttered, mostly to herself.

The story continues. The duck valiantly facing the wolf so Peter could escape. Ro was so focused on it now, you could nearly believe she could understand it.

Suddenly the music stopped, all was quiet. The narrator talking in a low whisper.

"What, what's he saying?" She gripped teddy tight, poor bear getting smushed now.

Peter comes out looking around, no sign of the duck except a few feathers.

"Is duck dead...?" she looked genuinely upset by the thought. "I don't want him to be..."

Peter and the others started to morn. But suddenly the ducks voice joined in with them. Her eyes lightened, hopeful.

They turned seeing the duck crying with them at his own 'death' a bare tail to show for it. He had hidden in a log and the wolf only got a mouthful of feathers.

She smiled softly, glad Al was explaining now. Al smiles chuckling.

"He's okay," she smiled softly at him.

Al grins turning to look at the floor on his side of the couch. Ivan smiled up at him warmly, cubs in his lap. "So you like my stories?"

Ro nearly jumped out of her skin at his voice the unexpected noise braking the pictures in her mind.

"You've got some pretty good ones. I don't know how many renditions of the Nutcracker people have made."

"I lose count, but it's nearly as many as Arthur's Alice in Wonderland."

Al chuckles.

"Do you like stories?" Ivan shifted around so he and Ro could see each other.

She just shrugged and looked at the floor, flustered.

Al smiles gently.

"Alfred tells me you can't read yet," Ivan ventured gently, feeling bad when he saw her deflate with shame. "I... I could help you. I can teach you how to read so you can read stories like the one you just heard."

Al watched her hopefully.

She wanted to accept it, it was easy to see, but she was so unsure of this huge stranger. Alfred said he was okay, but she still felt apprehensive...

Al hugs her gently. She curled in, looking up at him. "I thought you were gonna teach me...?"

"If you want that. But why not give him a try?"

"I-I guess...?" she really did want to read... Pictures only told her so much...

Al smiles warmly. Ivan beamed, gently taking her hand. She flinched but didn't pull away. "We may start as soon as you are ready."

Al hugs them both. They both leaned into him, though Ro was decidedly more tense. She really was trying though... Ivan let her hand go, but kept smiling softly. It was a start at least.

A moment of silence passed before Ro spoke up. "Al... Can... Can teddy come learn to read too...?"

"Sure."

A tiny smile formed on her lips as she turned her gaze to the Russian. "I-I'd like to start now, please..."

Al let's go so they could sit up again. Ivan shifted the cubs over to Al. "When shall we go, the library?"

Al gladly takes them again. Ro glanced between them and shrugged. Ivan offered her a hand again, beaming when, albeit hesitantly, she took it. He lead her off upstairs.

Al watched them go sitting back with a sigh of relief.

*You are a miracle worker,* Matt's cheery laugh bubbled in his head just moments later. *How did you get her to like Ivan?*

*Wasn't easy.. How you doin?*

*Gil's finally taken to the cubs. Only problem is getting them off him to feed,* he chuckled. *I... I've still not mentioned the egg though... Even after explaining, I'm scared it'll be took much.*

*Hmm.. Well they seem to be growing well.. Ya know that reminds me, what do Phoenix even eat..?* Were they predators or insectivores or what..?

*I don't know, I never thought to ask... Arthur should... Or he can call one of his siblings about it?*

*We'll need to do that then..*

*Could you, if you've got spare time...? I'm still pretty sore...*

*Sure thing.*

A soft smile radiated through their link.

*So what to do now..*

*I don't know really... We could ask Coyote's wife if she'll unfertalize me, now that I'm empty?*

*Probably a good idea.. Wouldn't want Gil to jump ya in the middle of the night..*

Matt blushed, knowing full well his partner was the kind for spontaneous love-making. *I don't want any more babies, thank you...*

*I'll go see if she's still at the lake in the morning.*

*I'll try to keep Gil under control until then.*

Unwanted images! Al shook his head a little.

Matt smirked softly, things like that being his own little act of revenge for when Al teased him. Al huffs pouting slightly.

*Love you bro,* he grinned.

*You can be a real jerk sometimes..*

*Yeah, but you love me,* They were as bad as each other really.

Al smiles slightly.

*Oh, gotta go!* A hint of intimacy started to creep over before Matt shut off the link, blocking him out.

Gah! Matt really could be a dick sometimes...

Al huddled into the couch. The cubs snuggled up in his lap.

"Neither of you are dating ever.."

Kenai looked up, tipping his head to far and falling over.

Ok, so that was cute...

He rocked on his back, starting to cry when he couldn't get up again.

Al smiles softly picking him up. He soon quieted down, licking his hand. He pulls them close, snuggling. Koda mewled softly, both nuzzling in. Al smiles softly. He nearly dozed of after a while.

Arthur waddled down again, on the hunt for food. Al hums glancing up.

"Still here?" Arthur chuckled. "Surprised your legs haven't fallen asleep."

Al smiles softly.

"I'm getting a snack, you want anything?"

"Uh sure."

Arthur just smiled warmly before waddling off. He yawns softly. Maybe he should head to bed soon. He had sat there nearly all day...

Al sighs softly scratching Koda's head.

Arthur came back with soup and a roll for him. "Here... Something warm should help."

"Thanks."

He sat beside him with his own serving, just smiling. Al smiles back as he ate. They enjoyed a companionable silence as they ate.

"So anything new?"

"The rabbits should be ready to go outside soon."

"Cool. It's really starting to warm up too."

"Perhaps we can have them out in the grass more often."

Al smiles. "By the way, um what do you know about Phoenix?"

"A little," Arthur shrugged. "Depends what you want to know?"

"How to take care of Matt's..?"

"Well," he rubbed his stomach idly as he thought. "New chicks like to stay near their mother constantly - that'll be whomever it sees first. If you want it to attach to someone specific, make sure they're there for the hatching. They eat a lot in the first few months of life, since they do a lot of growing... Mainly regurgitated meats... Ground up mealworms should suffice for now.."

Al nods. He'd have to move it then, all the eggs were getting heavier by the day. It would only be a matter of time before natural imprinting would become a bother.

But would Gil accept it?

That was the big question... Matt honestly couldn't cope with anything more than what he already has... No one was going to force Gil into it, but... Arthur had ten rabbits, Francis would have whatever came out next, Al would have his hatchings soon and Ivan would end up with Kenai and Koda... Gil was the only option left. They had to try. And the only way to know was to ask...

Al sighs a little finishing his soup.

"You okay?" Arthur touched his hand gently.

"Yeah. It just, we've got so many.."

"I know... But we'll be alright, trust me."

Al smiles a little.

"We've got s strong support network here, okay?"

"Alright."

"Good," Arthur kissed his brow warmly before struggling up. Al grabs the dishes. Arthur started for the stairs, but he was out of breath by the time he reached them. Al put away the dishes and picks up his cubs going to help.

"Lugging this lot around is heavy work," Arthur puffed as they waddled up the stairs.

"Hopefully it'll be over soon."

"I hope so," he sighed, having to pause half way up the stairs. Al waits for him patiently.

Arthur had a moment then waddled up the second half, determined to reach the top. They make it up Al staying right by his side. They head straight for Arthur's room, the Brit needing to rest again. Al helps him settle in. He lay back with a sigh, groaning softly.

"You need anything?"

"A nice cup of tea, if you would?"

"Sure thing."

"Thank you."

Al goes to set his cubs down before fixing it and coming back. Arthur smiled warmly at him, taking the cup. Al smiles back.

He sat drinking then the rabbits started squeaking. Al glanced over. All ten of them were hopping around now, each with their own little collar and bell so they were easier to keep track of.

He chuckles. "They're talkative."

"Can you understand them?"

"A little, most of it's just toddler babble though."

"So I am hearing right..." Arthur had started picking up bits of the language, but only for his litter.

Al chuckles.

"Say, where's Ro hiding?" Arthur noticed suddenly. "She's normally in here, if she's not shadowing you."

"I finally got her to give Ivan a chance. They're in the library for reading lessons."

"Oh, that's lovely," Arthur smiled sleepily. "You must let me know hoe she gets on... For now... I need to sleep."

"Alright, night Dad."

"Night poppet," he smiled sleepily as he drifted off.

Al heads off to the library. Ivan and Ro were still in there, sat all cozy in Al's huge beanbags, a children's phonics book between them. They both looked up when he walked in, beaming instantly.

Al smiles at them sitting over in the nest by the eggs.

"Okay, can you read this?" Ivan quickly pulled her attention back.

Ro frowned in concentration, sounding out the words. It was clumsy, but it was a start. And she was proud of herself for it, it was plain to see. That was great!

Ivan praised her, smiling brighter than Al had seen before. The Russian loved teaching but rarely got the chance. Al smiles warmly as he checked the incubator. Speaking of which.. He cautiously pokes Matt.

Matt answered with a tired grumble, having been asleep.

*Bro we need to talk about your egg..*

*What about it...?* he was half awake...

*It's getting close to hatching. But Dad said they tend to imprint, we need to move it to your room soon..*

*Are you sure? Who should we let it imprint on anyway? Gil doesn't do birds that well and I've got six cubs to manage...*

*He doesn't? I thought he had a pet bird.*

*Gilbird is just a chick. Big birds unsettle him.*

*Oh.. Um I guess I could take it? Really I'm the only one who can reach bird stuff. I just thought since it was yours..*

*You've already go so many though... I can ask Gil if he would?*

*It's up to you?*

*Hang on...* Matt slipped out of the link and shook Gil gently.

He grumbles a bit rolling over to hug him.

"Gil, wake up, I need to talk to you..."

"Hmm?" A red eye peeked open.

"You know how we made an egg...?"

"Um yeah?"

"It's going to hatch soon and the chick needs to imprint but we're not sure who to latch it onto..."

Gil frowns softly.

"I know birds aren't you're thing, but..."

"..No it's fine.. I'll.. I'll try.."

"You don't have to... I mean, if it came to it, y-you could have the cubs...?"

"No.. To be honest.. I'm a little curious about it..

"If you're sure..."

He smiles cockily.

Matt sighed, relenting. "Just promise you'll ask Arthur if you need help."

"Me? Need help? I'm to awesome to fail." He chuckles.

"I'm worried for the bird now..."

Gil pouts. Matt smiled warmly, kissing him. He hums softly leaning in.

"Hm... Seriously though, ask Arthur if you're stuck."

"Fine.."

"Thank you," Matt kissed him lovingly again, letting Al know Gil said yes. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Al walks in. Warm pink egg in his arms. Matt again found himself looking at the egg and wondering just hos it fit in him, let alone got out. Al carried it over. Gil looking curiously. It was still warm and smooth, a beautiful colour. Matt still shuddered at it though. Gil reached out for it cautiously, Al hands it off.

"Careful..." Matt hovered fretfully. Painful or not, he didn't force that egg out just for it to become an omelette!

He placed it in his lap. "It's really warm.."

"According to Arthur, it's a phoenix."

He blinks at that. Matt shrugged sheepishly.

Gil grins hugging the egg. "This is the awesomest egg ever!"

Matt laughed in relief. Al grins.

*Thank goodness the egg's sorted now...*

*Yeah.*

*...I want to go outside.*

*Only if your up for it.*

*I need air... I've been inside far too long.*

*Alright.* Al walks around the bed to Matt's side. Gil glanced over to them curiously.

"I need a bit of fresh air," Matt smiled. "Keep an eye on the cubs?"

"Sure."

Matt kissed hin softly before letting Al help him up. They wobbled downstairs and onto the porch. Matt sank into a chair with a contented sigh. Al sat next to him.

*I've missed the breeze...*

*Well you'll be back up on your own soon.*

*I never want another child in my life... Honestly, I don't even want to poo right now...*

Al smiles softly. Matt smirked tiredly, letting the wind caress him. They sit back gazing at the stars for a bit.

After a while though, Matt started to shiver, his tired body craving warmth. But before they could get up Coyote Woman came over. Matt looked up at her, hugging himself tight against the chill.

"Are you ready?"

It took him a moment to understand then he nodded softly.

"I'll only take away part of it. You still have mouths to feed and the rest will fade once unneeded."

"Thank you..." They'd never manage to bottlefeed eight cubs... Though according to Arthur; his nipples were going to be sore as hell.

She placed her hand like she did Al. Then takes it away after a moment. Matt grunted softly, feeling a twinge of discomfort but nothing more.

*That's so unfair..*

*Guess I'm just lucky?* Matt had suffered illness after illness during pregnancy, it was like nature saying sorry.

They head back upstairs after she leaves. Matt felt just a little lighter now, like he could breathe easier. Gil glanced up as they came in egg still held in his lap. Matt slunk back to his odd family, smiling softly. Gil hugs him close. Matt curled into the warmth.

Al let them be, heading to bed.

Ivan came out of the library, looking pleased but a little embarrassed. "Um... Fredka?"

"Yeah?"

"She... She fell sleep..."

He chuckles softly, following to the library. Ro had dozed off, slumped in her beanbag with a book still in her lap. Learning was hard work. Al picks her up gently heading off to her room. She grumbled softly, curling into him, gripping his shirt.

He takes her to bed tucking her in. When he tried to leave though, she was still clinging to his shirt...

He frowns softly. She didn't want to let go. He sighs sitting on the bed. She curled against him.

Looks like he wasnt going anywhere.. and he was looking forward to cuddling with Ivan too..

Speak of the devil, the Russian peered in, wondering where his partner had gone.

Al shrugs softly. "She won't let go.."

Ivan smiled sadly. "She is rather attached to you... She asked me to teach her your name as soon as we started."

Al smiles softly.

"I could probably slip her onto something else, if you wanted to go...? Or stay, I don't mind."

"I might have a better idea." In the end the three of them snuggled into the nest in the library. It was more than big enough for them all. Ro settled contently, curled into Al, just as Al did into Ivan, the cubs between them. They drifted off together.