Lilly: Yay, new chapter time! Boy, this one's been one HELL of a time taker! Been over a week since we started it...Just didn't seem to wanna come together properly like we imagined in our heads...
Cody: True, but at least it finally did. That's all everyone cares about, right? Not super long like the last one, but it's up there.
Lilly: And hey, it turned out pretty good, if you ask me! Let's see, chapter 36? That means there's only...four more to go?
Cody: Yep, we'll be stopping it at 40. BUT, we're already trying to plan and map out the second sequel! I know there's a term for that, but I'm drawing a blank right now...Anyway, yes, there will be a 3rd installment of the LWL series, we promise! Now, if there's anymore after that, we DON'T know, but we'll keep y'all updated! For now, just enjoy the chapter everyone!
As the evening progressed on after Lilly woke up and first saw their new daughter, and after lots of hugs, kisses and congratulations, everybody began to settle down and relax. Cody's Mom made them all a nice dinner, even though Lilly only ate just a little bit so she didn't make herself sick. Serenity was still sound asleep against Lilly, cuddled against her chest and neck and the occasional soft purr escaping her. Lilly was still partially in a daze of awe, still having a bit of trouble believing it was all real and not just a really good dream, but Cody kept telling her she wasn't dreaming. It would work for a little while, but she'd soon be questioning it again.
It was starting to get somewhat late, around 9PM when Cody's parents left for home, hugging and congratulating them again before they left. Despite being asleep for three or four hours during and after her C-Section, Lilly was already getting tired soon after they left. She was starting to fall asleep there in the living room, so Cody decided it was time for them to head to bed. Before they did though, he had Alexis and Chase follow him outside for a minute to talk.
"Have you said anything to the others about you two being together yet?" Cody asked as they stood out front. They both shook their heads and Alexis said "No, not yet. We're gonna wait until a better time, maybe tomorrow. Are you going to work in the morning?" He smiled a bit and said "No, Donna sent me a message and said I can take the next few days off if I want to. I'll have to go back on Monday, though." They nodded and then Chase said "Good, because we'd really like for you and Grandma Lilly to be here when we tell them our news. I'm kinda worried how they'll react, though…."
"Well, don't be surprised if they're shocked, that's for sure. I think the last thing they'd expect to hear is that you two are a couple now." Cody chuckled, causing Alexis to giggle a little as well. "Yeah, no kidding….Anyway, you look exhausted and I'm sure Grandma really wants to go to bed now, too." Cody nodded and said "Alright, just remember not to say anything yet. And if anyone happens to sleep in you guys' room tonight, try your best not to do anything….suspicious."
They both smiled and Chase said "Well, we can try, but you know I can hardly keep from kissing her….." Cody chuckled as Chase kissed Alexis' cheek, making her purr a little and Cody said "Yeah, I know. Okay, let's go back inside." He opened the door and they all walked in and Eve asked "Hey, you guys! Cody, Lilly's about to fall asleep here….She can hardly keep her eyes open any longer…." Cody smiled and went over to the couch, an exhausted Lilly smiled a little at him. "Come on, let's go to bed….Feel like you can walk?" He asked, making sure she'd be able to walk down to the bedroom.
She nodded and tiredly said "I think so, let me see…." She very carefully got off the couch and onto her feet, stumbling a little as she did. "Yep, I got this. I'm good." She said, getting her balance back. He nodded and gently picked up Serenity, who softly cried a little as he did. Kevin chuckled and said "Sounds like she was comfortable there…." Cody chuckled too and kissed her forehead, saying "I know, but it's time for bed. Goodnight, everyone!" They all said goodnight as well before he and Lilly headed down to their room, going in and he quietly closed the door behind them. "Need any help getting up there?" He asked as Lilly walked up to the bed.
Instead of saying anything, she simply smiled as she climbed up, making him chuckle a little as he laid Serenity back down with Lilly. She curled around and laid her tail over their daughter a little, causing her to cuddle tighter against her mother as Cody laid down on the bed as well. Lilly laid her head down on the pillows and let out a happy sigh, saying "She's the most amazing gift anybody could've ever gotten….I just wish I could've been awake when she was born….Technically." Cody smiled as he pulled the blanket up over them all and said "I wish I could've been there instead of waiting in the other room….You wouldn't believe how anxious everybody was when we heard her first little whimper from in there…."
Lilly giggled a little bit and said "I can imagine. When did Mom get there? With your parents?" He nodded and said "She said they went to the apartment and when we weren't there, they headed to my parents' house. She said they planned to stay there until we got home from the vet, but then you went into labor and….yeah." Lilly smiled and said "Well, at least they were able to be here for it, that's all I care about."
He nodded again and kissed her nose, causing her to purr a little as he said "I'm just glad everything went good and there weren't any problems….If something would've happened to either of you, I…." She shook her head and kissed him back as he started to trail off, starting to think of bad things that may have happened to either Lilly or Serenity. "Don't think about that now. It's all over and we're both perfectly okay….Well, I'm still a little sore, but that's not surprising…." She said, smiling at him. He smiled too and nodded, saying "I know, you're right….Sorry…."
"No, don't be sorry, it's alright. How about we get some sleep now? I'm exhausted…." She said, closing her eyes. He chuckled a little and carefully inched closer to them, kissing her forehead and saying "Goodnight, baby…." She softly purred again and moved her head against his neck, quietly saying "I love you…." He put his arm over her and started slowly stroking her back, saying "I love you, too…." She smiled a little and let out a happy sigh, quickly dozing off after a few minutes longer with him right after.
Out in the living room, Eve and Kevin were cuddled together on the couch, Naomi, Todd, Lupa, Shadow, Dakota and Crystal were all laying around the living room talking while Alexis, Chase, Fable, and Aatu had headed down to the bedroom to get some sleep as well. They were talking mostly about Naomi and Todd now; More specifically her being pregnant. She could hardly contain her excitement the entire night and just wanted to run everywhere and tell everybody in sight they were going to finally be parents! Eve got her to calm down some as the night wore on, but she was still obviously overjoyed. They'd been talking about her for around an hour or so when she asked about Alexis and her finding a mate. They were being careful not to hint at Alexis and Chase being together since they'd said they wanted to tell them all themselves tomorrow.
"So far, she's been doing pretty well. She's been going to the vet with Cody and Lilly every couple days and meeting nice boys. She seems to've singled out one in particular…." Crystal said, smiling a little. Naomi giggled and said "What do you two think of him?" Dakota shrugged and said "He's definitely a nice boy, that's for sure. Quite a gentleman with her, too." Lupa slowly nodded and said "So, what's she said about him?"
"You know, not really a WHOLE lot, but she's made it pretty clear she really likes him so far, and that he seems to like her as well. We told her that if she thinks they could be good together, then we won't get in the way. They've been seeing each other quite a bit the last week or so." Crystal said, giggling a little. Shadow chuckled and said "Lupa's been talking a lot to a rather seemingly nice boy recently as well. Doesn't seem like things are getting TOO serious yet, but they've been pretty good together so far. How about Chase, how's he been?"
"He's been doing pretty well, too. He met a girl….About a week ago too, actually. I think things between them are moving faster than Alexis and the boy she's seeing. I accidentally walked in on him one day having some "personal time"….We talked about it a little and he admitted he was thinking of Angel, the girl he's seeing. Needless to say, he was pretty embarrassed…." Crystal giggled, causing everyone to laugh a little bit. "Poor kid….Gotta feel bad for him…." Shadow chuckled, shaking his head a little.
Down in the bedroom, however, things were going MUCH differently! Fable asked them if they'd been seeing anybody, but neither Alexis nor Chase could come up with a good enough story to cover themselves, so they eventually gave in and spilled. Surprisingly, Aatu and Fable weren't in the least shocked or freaked out or anything, just happy for them. They even admitted they've mated a few times already, which they all shared a laugh over, even though Chase was embarrassed to no end.
"You know, I'm actually rather surprised neither of you find anything wrong with what's going on between us. It just seems like you'd be….I don't know, grossed out or something." Alexis said, laying against Chase's side. Fable was smiling and said "Well, to be honest, I've always had some kind of little feeling that there could be something between you two. I never expected it to be right, but I guess it was. And besides, if you both honestly feel the same love towards each other, why can't it be okay? Sure, some might find it unnatural and weird, but fuck them!"
"Fable! You know Mom and Dad don't like us talking like that…." Aatu said, pushing her shoulder. She giggled and rolled her eyes, saying "Oh, please….I hear them saying that all the time. I doubt they'd be shocked I've said it a couple times…." Alexis giggled too and said "Mom's heard me say it a few times….Granted, that was while Chase and I were doin' it, but still." She looked at Chase, who was blushing like crazy, but still smiled. "What about you two? Ever find that "special one" and fall in love yet?" Alexis asked, turning back to Aatu and Fable.
"Well, there's a guy I've been seeing for a little while….A few weeks, actually. He's really sweet to me, but I don't know if it'll ever really get serious." Fable said, shifting around a little. "And I met a nice girl just last week. We've spent a few nights together already, but nothing sexual. However, she told me the other day she'll be coming into heat soon, but I don't think I'd be ready for that quite yet. We've only known each other a little over a week, after all." Aatu said, blushing a little.
"Hey, that's all cool, don't worry. Have you and your guy gotten intimate, Fable?" Alexis asked, smiling slyly at her. Fable deeply blushed and slightly nodded, saying "Yeah….We haven't gone as far as mating yet, though. When I told him a few days ago we were coming up here, we had a little time to ourselves….Again, not mating, but we just….uh….pleasured each other." Alexis giggled a little, which caused Fable to blush more and said "Sounds like fun! We'll let you guys in on a secret if you PROMISE not to tell anyone! We'll be telling tomorrow we're together…."
They both nodded and Alexis said "Okay, we've been talking about it and decided that when I come into heat in a few months or so….We're trying for pups!" Aatu and Fable's eyes went wide and Fable leapt onto Alexis, hugging her as tight as she could as she quietly said "Alexis, that's great! When did you two decide this!?" Alexis giggled a little as Fable let go of her, sitting back up and saying "Just after we got together. We had talked about it and decided we wanna do it!" Aatu smiled and said "That's great, you two! Aren't you worried about it though, even a little?"
"There IS a bit of worry that something could be wrong, but….I wouldn't really care. They would be our pups, that's all that matters to me." Chase said, nuzzling Alexis' neck. She softly purred and nuzzled him back, saying "Same here. We know there's risks and all, but it's the fact they would be our own children is what all actually matters." Aatu chuckled and said "Well, nobody could argue with you on that….If what makes you both happy is being together, I know we're both happy for you!" Alexis and Chase smiled and he said "Thanks, guys, I really mean it! I'm just kinda worried how everyone else'll take it tomorrow…."
"I don't know about anyone else, but I actually kinda saw this coming, to be honest. This was, what, your third heat?" Fable asked. Alexis nodded and then Fable continued "Considering Chase is one of the only few actual males around here, I'm rather surprised to hear nothing ever happened before. I mean, you sleep within a few inches of each other every night, the scent of a girl wanting to be mated CAN'T be ignored….So yeah, I'm surprised this only happened rather recently." Alexis giggled a little and said "Well, just between the four of us….Sometimes at night when he was asleep, I'd rub him down there a little to see his….you know…."
Chase looked at her funny and asked "You used to do that!? I had no idea…." She giggled more and said "Because you were asleep, dummy! It was always obvious it was enjoyable, that's for sure….I do feel kinda bad for never telling you, not to mention leaving you with a big stiffy…." He blushed a little under his fur and said "You're just wrong…." She started laughing and said "Hey, that's just part of the package here."
"And now you can't return or exchange it!" Aatu chuckled, causing Chase to as well. He rolled his eyes and said "Yeah, I know….Besides, sometimes a little crazy and wrong is a good thing…." She smiled and they quickly kissed, making Fable giggle a little as she said "Well, in any case, I have to say congratulations to you both!" They all briefly hugged and Alexis said "Thanks, guys….We were expecting you both to be shocked and grossed out."
"Nah, not a bit. It'll be kinda fun seeing Grandma Eve's reaction, though. I know it'll probably hit her the hardest, but probably not in a bad way." Aatu said, laying back down next to Fable. "Yeah, that should be interesting! I know Grandma and Grandpa are staying home tomorrow, so everything'll go good, I know it!" Alexis said, standing up and stretching out. Chase looked to his side at her and both Aatu and Fable could see his eyes scanning over her body, a smile on his face and his tail wagging. They looked at each other and smiled, Fable whispering "Let him enjoy himself…." Aatu silently chuckled and rolled his eyes before they looked back at the two lovers.
"Well, I don't know about you two, but I'm pretty damn tired. It was a REALLY long walk to the apartments, not to mention to the house as well." Fable yawned, stretching a little as well. "Hey, we're all just happy you guys were able to be here for today! Kinda wish there was a little more warning ahead of time, but it is what it is." Chase said, smiling. Aatu was as well and said "Yeah, true. How about we all get some rest, hmm? I wouldn't mind being up when Grandma and Grandpa are so I can see Serenity again…." Alexis giggled.
"Wake me up if you get to, I wanna see her as well!" Fable said as Alexis and Chase got up and went over to their bed. "Are you guys gonna sleep in here or on the couch?" Alexis asked as they laid down together. "We'll go sleep on the couch. I know you two like your privacy now…." Fable giggled, getting up with Aatu. Chase smiled and said "Okay, goodnight, guys!" Fable nodded to him and said "Night, you two! Better not smell like sex in here in the morning…." Alexis giggled and cuddled down against Chase, saying "Can't promise it won't! Kinda feelin' a little worked up right now…." Aatu and Fable rolled their eyes as they walked out, pulling the door closed with them.
They went out to the living room to see Eve, Kevin, Naomi and Todd all laying around the floor, Naomi appearing to be asleep. "Hey, guys." Fable whispered, getting their attention. They looked over at them and Eve smiled, quietly saying "Hey, you two! Alexis and Chase went to bed, I take it?" They nodded and Kevin said "Well, we're just about to ourselves. Naomi passed out just a few minutes ago….I think Todd's almost asleep."
"Okay, we're gonna sleep on the couch, unless you two were about to." Fable said, smiling a little. Eve giggled a bit and said "Take it, we'll be okay. I'm pretty comfy here, actually." Fable smiled more and nodded, saying "Alright, well, goodnight!" Kevin smiled at them as well and said "Night, you two! Sleep good!" He and Eve curled and cuddled up together while Aatu and Fable hopped up onto the couch, laying down at either end so they both have a good amount of space to stretch out if they wanted to. It didn't take very long for any of them to fall asleep, mainly because of the long walk from Glacier to Kalispell. It was right around midnight or so when light snores filled the quiet air, everybody peacefully asleep, especially down in Cody and Lilly's bedroom.
He was laying on his side facing her, his arm over and resting on her back with Serenity right between them. Lilly had the biggest smile ever on her face, softly and quietly purring in her sleep. Despite not being able to produce any milk for her daughter for now, they attempted and succeeded in getting Serenity to nurse off her. After a few tries to eat, she gave up and went back to sleep, seemingly not very hungry. Lilly was just ecstatic that she'd be able to nurse their newest daughter since she's been anxiously awaiting the amazing mother-daughter bonding experience it brought to her. Cuddling, kissing and just generally loving her was one thing, but nursing is what brought Lilly the most joy when she had Dakota and Lupa, and now nothing would be able to take that away from her.