I've been sitting on this fic for years but never actually wrote it, it was inspired by another work where if Okami became a single parent instead. I cannot remember the name of the fic, but if you find it, it's a great read.
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Hana had always been a rational person, she never jumped to conclusions and she wasn't one to get anxious easily. Living alone for so many years, she'd had to adjust to a lot, make a lot of adult decisions. But she had more responsibilities now than she had in college, her life had changed so drastically it all happened in the blink of an eye. It felt like so much had piled up her old life felt like a dream now, but she wouldn't change it for the world. She was a mother of two, a homemaker, a parent, while her husband worked full time, she had two young children who relied on her. She had so much to balance into one day, from banking, mail, housework, cooking, taking time to herself, remembering to feed herself and the children. Naptime and more.
But for some reason she was restless, though she couldn't place why. It was a particularly bad day, the rain was pouring from the sky, the heavens had opened and water covered the city. Rivers were overflowing, the roof was thundering with the heavy drops, the windows were covered in rivulets of water. This time of season, rain wasn't unusual, the wet season was approaching them and the city was suffering. But Ookami wasn't home, she eagerly awaited him to enter the front door and greet them all with affection. He wasn't working today, he had no shifts or overtime, there was no rational reason why he had left. But for some reason he still hadn't some home, she kept watching the clock, counting down the hours until he came home. She was trying to remain calm, refusing to panic, refusing to worry, refusing to believe that her husband who was usually so stoic, rational and level headed would behave recklessly. He'd always been her rock, he'd always been there when she needed someone to express her problems to. Someone who's saw her struggles and admired her for those, knowing how many burdens she endured. He'd supported her through both pregnancies and always been her shoulder to cry on.
However, he'd left his work ID behind which was always a crucial necessity when he was working, he wouldn't be allowed to drive the company truck without it. His phone was either flat or he couldn't answer while he was occupied with whatever he was doing. The house was eerily quiet without him, no matter how many times she tried to call him, send a message he just wouldn't respond to her. She needed to hear his voice, just to know he was ok. Making her anxiety even worse, all sorts of what if scenarios hitting her at once.
She began to fiddle with her hands as her mind whirled, processing every option available, a sea of situations, possible outcomes that hadn't yet happened that could be. He'd never willingly reveal his wolf nature to anyone, she was the only person he had ever trusted. Until now he'd kept that identity secret, willing to take it to his grave, his children carrying that genetic heritage. While shintoism was still poignant in modern day society, compared to the feudal era of Japan, less temples existed in city hubs. They were in private, quiet spaces with offerings. You had to travel very far to find such places. Before he met Hana at university and impregnated her with his children, he had wandered around living his own life. Dreaming of finding a place that he belonged, someone who would understand him. Hana took a deep breath, she needed to calm herself and push away the incessant intrusive thoughts. Why was she working herself up like this? Why was she freaking herself out? Being left alone with her own thoughts was a dangerous thing indeed, she didn't want to overthink and work herself up. Nor act recklessly over a possibility that may not even happen.
Suddenly, she felt a soft tug on her apron, turning to see Yuki's soft brown eyes gazing up at her mother. She'd been so lost in her own mind that she forgot she wasn't alone. Her daughter's gaze filled with worry and unshed tears, her small lip wobbling. Hana hated seeing her daughter like this, too young to be worrying about the world. "Mama? Where's daddy?" Yuki questioned worriedly, her small voice close to tears. She could see her mother was upset, restless.
Hana panicked, her emotions were pouring through her and it was hard to keep a brave face. The last thing she wanted was to upset her daughter, to influence her by accidentally misleading her. If her children believed something was wrong it would distress them, the last thing she needed was mass hysteria. She needed to distract them somehow, alleviate the situation, gain control and reassure them. She couldn't let her children see how terrified she was. She took a deep breathe, stroking Yuki's soft hair "I.. I don't know baby, maybe he has to work late. I'll call his boss and check ok?" she babbled. She knew her voice was shaky but she tried her best to hide it, she needed to formulate an excuse until she was able to find the answer. It was late, the children were fed but with their wolf nature they would need extra nutrients. She might have something in the fridge but she needed to go shopping too. They would be eating late tonight, but where would be open at this time? She could worry about that later "You take Ame to the bathroom, turn on the hot water, Mama will help you run a bath soon" she smiled. Once the children were bathed and in bed she could focus better, a nice distraction for them all. Bathtime was Yuki's favourite, she may even ask the neighbours if they could bathe and feed her children while she went to check on Ookami.
Yuki blinked innocently, the way children did when they didn't understand adults, the secret world she was yet to be part of. Before her usual beaming smile formed on her face "Kay mama" she giggled. She eagerly began to run to the bathroom, skipping as she did so, practically ready to dive into the bathwater. If she got any more excited she would transform into a wolf, shaking the water off her fur. Yuki loved bubble baths, she loved the smell and she loved washing her coat, after all she was still a puppy, not just a toddler.
Hana sighed, having left Yuki and Ame with the neighbours, anxiously explaining she was worried about her husband and was going to call his boss and possibly the police. She knew she was being drastic but she would rather they knew who they were looking for, instead of an anonymous call for a random person. Given how the weather was bad and she had no signal, her mobile phone may not even connect. They had been incredibly understanding, given she was a young mother and promised to look after the children. They could see how stressed she was and she didn't want to involve outsiders unnecessarily. She'd been very stern with them both about behaving while she was gone, she didn't want them acting up. The neighbours may have seen her husband, maybe he was wandering around in the rain. Given how heavy it had become, anyone would be blinded in the heavy density. He was never one to stray from home after all, he had always wanted a place of belonging. He'd spent so many years alone that all he had yearned for was to live in peace among humans and observe their life.
She opened the front door, wearing her yellow raincoat for cover, though she wondered with how heavy the rain was if she would be soaked through anyway. Being careful not to slip on the wet surfaces. In such a heavy monsoon summer storm, car accidents were a potential and plenty of crazy drivers about. She made her way along the hallway before she blinked, her legs brushing against something that crinkled upon contact. A large majority of shopping bags sitting outside the flat, full of fresh groceries, all fruits and other things. They had to have been bought today, as she hadn't made any deliveries and she knew her neighbours would never donate any food. She scrambled through them, pulling them into the house in a panic, before another neighbour could possibly steal them. Wondering why Okami would leave these, what the hell was he thinking?
Suddenly, sickening anxiety washed through her, panic hitting her all at once, her body going rigid with shock. They had always communicated as a team, they had always been honest with one another. "O... Okami?" she mumbled, she was just overthinking, she had to be, there was no way he would do something so stupid, he was fine. He was just working late, with the weather his job would become more complicated and he would be more cautious when driving. He would come home to her and the children as he always did, that shaggy hair of his and kind smile. She'd already lost her father, she couldn't lose her husband too, she barely had any family left that even communicated with her. She didn't think her heart would be able to cope, having something so important ripped away from her again. She prayed she was wrong, she prayed that she was just worrying, he couldn't leave her, not when they had two small lives relying on them. Not when she had just married him and met the love of her life, not when she had finally met someone who understood her.
Their children were still toddlers, not even old enough for education yet, they still had a bright future ahead of them. But raising children, let alone half animal ones wasn't easy, they couldn't even control their powers. Ame was still breastfeeding, he was still heavily reliant on his mother for food and care, despite Yuki being fiercely independent she still needed her mother. She was happier than she ever thought possible, she'd made a life for herself, Okami couldn't leave her, he couldn't abandon her like this. She wouldn't be able to cope on her own, she had no idea of how to raise wolf children, she had no idea of who she could ask for advice. She had finally found someone who made her happy, her hands trembling, should she still run to the police station and call about her husband being missing? But then she would look like a mad woman if she told them the truth, if she even tried to explain. What would she even tell them? I lost my wolf husband? My husband got lost in the rain? My husband is working overtime and I can't get in contact? I think my husband might have been in an accident? Though some were rational reasons for worry, she couldn't entirely be honest, she would sound insane. She could feel her body trembling with fear and adrenaline, fighting back the tears that began to blur her vision.
"Hana? What's the matter? What are you doing out in the rain? You're shaking" A familiar voice questioned with concern. He'd caught the scent of a wild pheasant in the area, he'd been careful of traffic and uneven ground from the rain. He'd managed to catch it though he'd stumbled in the dirt and had to carefully make his way home. Knowing a stew would be ideal in this weather, he thought the kids would enjoy the taste, just like Hana had when she was pregnant. But as he had gotten closer to home, an uneasy feeling washed over him, the feeling that Hana was in danger. He could smell her fear and anxiety, worried someone may habve broken into the house. He had ran as fast as he could to reach home before he found her kneeling in the rain. She looked like she was about to burst into tears, curled up in a small ball like a child, had the neighbours been bullying her again?
Hana turned rigid, flipping her head in his direction instinctively, the sound of his voice piercing through the sound of the rain. Her head reeling with relief as she felt her body relax in a slump, her heart hammering in her chest, tears spilling down her cheeks like the rain. It was as if time had stopped, as if she had been distorted into another world. He was alive, he was ok, he'd come home like he always did. She'd had the worst feeling that was the last time she would see him again, that he would never come home to her and the children. Assuming the worst, assuming that she had become a widow. She got to her feet, abruptly running at him like a bolt, flinging her arms around him and nearly knocking him over as she buried her face in his chest. Pulling him into a hug as her body trembled "You idiot! What were you thinking wandering off in the rain? You didn't answer the phone and you left your ID with the shopping! I was so scared" she wept.
Okami blinked, surprise hitting him, the sound of Hana's tearful voice on the edge of breaking. How small and fragile she felt, how terrified she looked, when she looked at him it was if she had seen a ghost. He'd never seen Hana so hysterical, her tears pouring out of her, the smell of salt, anxiety and sadness. She was trembling like an animal in the clutches of a predator, prepared to do anything to protect her children and bring him home. Desperate for survival, desperate to find him. A wave of guilt hitting him, he knew Hana lost her father very young, all of her family had isolated her and barely communicated with her. Nobody had visited to see her children or congratulate her on being a mother or a wife. He was her rock, he was the only person whom she had ever find solace in. The person who had changed her entire life for the best. A random young woman he'd met in passing at a university class who had shown him kindness. Later their paths crossed more and more and they fell in love. Hana had been terrified of giving birth to a baby wolf cub, so she had chosen to give birth at home. Taking all precarious to protect her husband and children's identities.
He'd distressed his mate, unintentionally triggering a sense of anxiety in her, making her believe she was all alone in the world. She was clinging to him as if she would never see him again, she was still terrified. He buried his nose in her soft brown curls, breathing her in and trying to comfort her, he slowly wrapped his arms around her, scooping her closer. His tone became pained and his expression became saddened "I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you Hana, I should have called" he apologised.
Yuki ran towards her father with a beaming smile "Yaaaay! Daddy's back" she cried in delight, rushing towards her father and hugging his legs. She had sensed mama was worried about something, but she stayed quiet as to not upset her. She waited patiently for her mama to come home but she came back quicker than expected. Hana had apologise to the neighbours and thanked them graciously, to which they laughed, understanding Hana's panic, atop the terrible weather. Relieved that he had come home safe to his wife and children.
Ookami smiled fondly at his daughter, kneeling to her level to ruffle her soft hair, his beautiful girl, his firstborn. She was the spitting image of Hana in face, though her hair was lighter as was her fur. No doubt as she got older, she would become a beautiful wolf. For her the sky was the limit and she would truly become a young lady he would be proud of. "Now Yuki, mama is going to make us some pheasant stew from what papa caught. But you have to be a good girl and take a bath or mama and I will eat it all" he warned. Yuki was of the age where she was rebellious and stubborn, so he had to tease her to make her behave. Teaching her consequences while also bribing her on occasion.
Yuki's eyes widened with panic, she didn't want to go to bed hungry, she loved when her mama made stew and that pheasant had looked tasty. She gripped her little brothers hand and quickly pulled him towards the bathroom. She would help him wash his hair so it would get done quicker, "Hurry Ame, we have to go bath time or mummy and daddy will eat all our food" she panicked. Hana burst into a fit of laughter, cupping her face to stifle her snorts as her husband watched them fondly.
Hana, Yuki, Ame and Okami sat around the table in peace, a hot steaming pot of pheasant noodle soup placed on the stove. Hana placed the leftovers in containers for later, knowing Ookami would take some to work and it would feed the kids when she was busy. She'd truly began to create new recipes based on the taste of what her children wanted. Being half human, they ate the most unusual things. It also sadly made grocery shopping very expensive sometimes as a result. Yuki guzzling down her stew eagerly, her mouth drooling, her mouth smeared with food as she inhaled each bite. But she kept burning her tongue on the hot broth temperature. Her tongue more sensitive than a humans.
Hana gave her daughter a cautious expression, Yuki may transform out of distress by burning her tongue. She needed to learn to process her emotions in a healthy way. She couldn't turn into a wolf every time she was upset "Yuki baby, you need to slow down, you'll burn your tongue or give yourself a tummy ache" she warned. Ame was rested in his crib nearby, sleeping soundly before his next feeding by Hana, wrapped in a warm blanket.
Okami smiled as he enjoyed his own meal, the fresh pheasant made into a delicious stew. The smell was divine and he was eager for more helpings, Hana was truly a wonderful cook. Watching her nurture and dote on their children with her endless affection was truly adorable. Though she was still very young, Yuki was a rebellious pup full of energy. She clearly got it from her mother, though Hana wasn't yet aware of that, the two were very alike already. But he knew of the changes happening in their home, how fast it was all happening. In human terms, Yuki was still a toddler and in need of parental support, but as a wolf she was an adolescent. However, he did worry of her growing transformation powers, as she got older it would become harder for her to hide her nature. Right now it was just entertainment, later it would become a genuine worry, humans were very intrusive and curious by nature. It was only a matter of time, they already accused Hana of having pets when Ame and Yuki would get excited and start howling. CPS had come on occasion asking why Hana hadn't enrolled her children in school. In case she was discovered, in case her children transformed and they were taken away from her. He had to consider his families safety, he had to consider the risks he had imposed on them unintentionally. His children's inherited powers, the double life they would be leading for the rest of their existence. The divide between the human world and the animal world, the strain it would place on Hana.
Hana stood by the sink washing dinners dishes, her hands becoming wrinkled in the hot water, humming to herself as she did so, placing leftovers in the fridge for lunch. Yuki was sat in front of the television watching cartoons and Ame was now fed and playing with a ball. The quiet part of the evening where everyone was winding down and preparing for a long night. The children were old enough to still sleep with their parents, being a toddler and infant, but soon they would need their own rooms. They needed their space to grow and change.
Okami was keeping an eye on them while his wife tended to the domestics, Yuki was mimicking what she saw on television in fits of giggles. Ame would nudge the ball to his father in his puppy form while the latter would roll it back to him. He watched his toddlers with a sense of of fondness, seeing them already develop such big personalities, all while still being so young. "Ame and Yuki are getting so big" he replied, their wolf powers were growing by the second, soon they would become rambunctious and powerful. People would become suspicious, more questions being asked that they couldn't avoid. Why they never attended public school? why they were so private? Why they never let them play with local children or would stay out long hours. Why they were so energetic and behaved so strangely.
Hana smiled in amusement "I know, Yuki can be such a handful sometimes, but Ame is still so placid" she chuckled, Yuki was already an energetic hyperactive toddler, finding her voice. Ame was still a baby, so he was very quiet, clingy and reserved, naturally bashful for his age, he acted as his mother's shadow. She was excited for the people her children would grow into someday.
Okami sighed, he knew the city wasn't meant for wolf pups, they still had their strong prey drive, the urge to hunt and play. Unaware of the dangers they would face. It worked for him as he had learned to control his powers and blend in, but for two developing puppies, it wasn't ideal. If Yuki went to school she would face possibility of transforming in front of other children, and what if Ame was sent to nursery and ended up transforming in his sleep. He wanted his children to have freedom, he wanted them to live without fear, to understand where they came from. He had earned more than enough money from his job and he could easily get a transfer, somewhere they could live in peace. Together they could afford a house in the country, but this was something they needed to talk about together "Hana? How... how would you feel about moving?" he stammered.
Hana halted, turning to face him with surprise, her expression stunned. She knew many married couples who lived in the city, but it wasn't for everyone, not everyone wanted the busy life it came with. But they had settled, they had easily made the adjustment from being college students to marriage. But they didn't have a lot of money, she was a stay at home wife with mere savings and Ookami was the sole provider. Where would they go? How would they afford somewhere out there? Two children, only one working parent?
"We could go somewhere quiet? Ideal for two wolf children, no roaming eyes and unwanted attention. So they can choose, they can make that choice themselves, whether they want to be wolf or human. Living with people among nature" he suggested. A peaceful and less stressful ambiance would be good for the children, less triggers and less dangers. They would be able to enjoy fresh country air and be able to forage more. Their children could embrace their primal nature without fear of being judged.
Hana softened, her husband was speaking sense, thinking from a rational longterm plan that would benefit them all. In the country, she could work from home and still maintain the house upkeep. She could keep a closer eye on their children and know they would be entertained. She knew city life was busy, bustling and energetic, living alone she had been used to it, especially in university. But a married woman, with two children, who were half animal, this sort of life wasn't made for them. Her children deserved a choice in who they wanted to be. "We can look at the housing market this week" she agreed.
Hana, Okami, Ame and Yuki all sat in a car together, the driver hadn't had a very big transport, just a small van for a family. Watching the countryside pass them by, luscious green forests, plenty of fields and mountains. Ookami would have the time of his life hunting freely to provide for his family, while also protecting them from danger. Hana had sat in the front while Ookami sat in the back and kept an eye on their sleepy toddlers. They had been browsing for new homes and happened upon the perfect place for them, an old country house had come up on the market, based in Kamiichi, Toyama. It was a large estate though it was left to the weathers due to nobody being able to afford the upkeep. The people who previously owned it left it to rot by itself, as they couldn't cope on their own. As they pulled up to the house, Yuki and Ame burst through the doors of the car, eager to investigate their new surroundings.
Hana scrambled to call after them to ensure no accidents happened, Ame being a baby he could only crawl and was prone to danger. He was smaller and weaker than adult animals and human adults. She cupped her hands over her mouth so they could hear her "Don't wander off too far!" Hana called loudly.
Ookami's eyes widened in awe, his hair standing on end excitedly, his heart racing. He knew from the moment he saw the pictures, this was the place they would call home. Not a lot of locals, a lot of wildlife and plenty of privacy, nobody would complain about the noise of the children either. This house was perfect, the grass and weeds were overgrown, but with enough hard work and labour, they could upheave and make it usable. They would need to check how much of the house needed restoring to save on costs and how much they could just clean and maintain. Great for crops, food and more, allowing them to sustain food on their own. Relying on the land they would be able to save up enough money to provide for their family. The house was big enough for a family of four, giving them enough space and guests if they wanted, the children could have their own rooms as they got older too. It would weather storms, keep them warm and dry, the boiler would be outside and log based. But renewable energy all the same. It had a lovely structure too, though it would need some work done. From the front porch you could see the mountains too, though wildlife would be a worry to regular people, having three wolves living here would ward off any animals that may bother their crops.
The real estate agent smiled as he directed them around the grounds, making sure to watch out for weeds and any hidden catastrophes due to the overgrown landscape. "This place is pretty far out for such a young couple as yourselves, especially with two young kids. It's pretty much mostly families out here, but it's still a good place to raise kids" the estate agent explained.
Many families who lived here were from previous generations, or had grown up locally, it wasn't common for outsiders to move. But then not everyone was made for city living and wanted to work an office job. "I was a delivery guy back in Tokyo, I can easily get a transfer out here if needed" Ookami smiled. He could easily speak to his boss and explain, many bosses appreciated family men who were willing to adapt to married life for the sake of being a provider. It was seen as an honourable decision.
"I see, I envy you, it ain't easy to get transfers to places like this. Lot of commuting and all" the agent joked. There were many local drivers but the roads could be tricky for people who weren't used to them. If storms and other accidents occurred it could delay deliveries. "You'll need to do a lot of paperwork but there are some local schools you can enrol your kids in" he continued. Hana smiled, she had worried about her kids being settled into school, but she could ask around for more information. She wanted the best education for her children, if they wanted to homeschool for a period she would accept that too. But Ame and Yuki deserved to have friends, have that social connection and understand how to adapt to human life.
Ookami wandered around the grounds, but stayed nearby to listen in and watch over Hana so she wasn't bullied into anything. He knew how pushy businessmen could be, he'd seen enough of it in Tokyo. Hana was a very soft person so she could be taken advantage of by others. He hoped she would befriend local mothers who could support her when he wouldn't be around to do so. As well as finding a local community in which she could thrive. The garden was lush, vibrant and full of life, though it would need weeding. They could grow their own crops, maybe plant some flowers, though it would be tough love and labour, they could have a flower patch. He'd learned all about wildlife, poisonous plants and more in the years he'd been alone. His sensitive senses allowed him to notice them better than humans. The children could roam around, transform and even wander in peace, nobody would harm them. They were apex predators so there weren't many animals out here who would be a threat to them. They could grow flowers, veggies and more, the kids could have a playground and their parents wouldn't have to look far to find them. He could teach them to hunt, forage, exercise and hibernate, all lessons they could have never learned in the city. The house was spacious too, plenty of room for them all, plenty of storage.
They could get local jobs and integrate with the community, it would take some time to get used to it of course. Hana had plenty of experience from college, she had worked in a dry cleaner and she had education. She could learn how to work in a local business and maybe even volunteer work. But she would still be a homemaker until the kids were old enough. He could still become a delivery driver and help the locals, he could ask around for support and learn about the area. Get discounts on food and make connections that would benefit his family. The fresh air would do them good, it already felt clearer than the city.
Hana turned to her husband fondly, she could practically see his hidden tail and ears twitching and wagging. He'd been observant since they arrived, taking in any small details, looking at the urban area. Checking out the landscape, the quality of the house. Watching the tree line, asking questions when necessary. She could imagine him wanting to transform and run around the area, exploring the vast backyard. His eyes bright and eager, he was already preparing for their life here, the fresh air, the vast space. Less dangers than there would be in the city, less traffic accidents, less overtime, less nosy neighbours, more freedom. But finding jobs would be more stressful than it would be in the city, but they could work through that.
The wolf man approached the agent with a beaming smile, he had made his decision and he knew what was best for them all. No doubt this was the place they belonged "We'll take it".
"I still can't believe we're doing this" Hana reflected, she'd lived in a city her whole life, she had to admit this was rather scary. A huge step in her life, making a move across the country from a city hub. It would be a very big adjustment and she would be an outsider. All of their neighbours was surprised, it wasn't common for new parents to make such a drastic move. Many of them were saddened, thinking they could be the reason why. Hana had quit her job in the city, knowing she would find opportunities in the country. There was a lot of packing and transferring to do, but they were working on the process together.
Ookami felt guilty, being a wolf he'd handled this on his own, never having to worry about involving anyone else. But he felt selfish that he was making his wife sacrifice so much. She would have to make new friends, make new contacts, and share her new address with her family. "We don't have to, I made a brash decision but I trusted my instincts, this just feels so right for us" Ookami apologised. He didn't want to pressure Hana into anything.
Hana shook her head "Change doesn't have to be a bad thing, all things feel scary at first. But that house has a lot more space and the kids can have freedom to grow. We can learn from the locals how to farm, and we will have less noise complaints. Yes, natural disasters may happen. But it's a new adventure for us" she smiled. She remembered the fear that rainy night, when she thought Ookami would never be coming home. She never wanted to feel like that ever again. At least in the country there would be less dangers for him and the children, she would have a burden lifted from her.
Ookami softened, he was always in awe of how strong and adaptable his mate was. She faced everything with a smile and always saw the good in change. She had blossomed into a wonderful mother and a supportive wife. He nuzzled against Hana affectionately, his ears poking out from his hair as he changed, his long snout and wolflike appearance shifting back. His tail wagging happily. He licked his wife's face happily as he did so. Hana smiled to herself, laughing as Ookami's tongue brushed against her cheek. She reached out to scratch his face affectionately.
"I remember that night you asked me if I was scared, of you. Not all scary things are dangerous, it's just different. I know this will be good for us, the kids will have space to be themselves. I can escape the intrusiveness of our neighbours, and we don't have to hide anymore" Hana reflected. She had accepted her husband for who he and she never stopped loving him. She had learned to adapt, learned courage and entered a life nobody would ever consider. She was changing but that didn't have to be a bad thing.
"Hana, you're the most amazing woman I've ever met" he growled lowly. He'd never met a human as kind, compromising, adaptable and loving as her. She faced everything with a smile and overcame it in every form. Now she was about to move across the country for the sake of her children and husband. Hana blushed, nobody had appreciated or admired her the way her husband had. Having someone value her so much was the best feeling in the world. She felt like she could take on anything with him.
"I worry about the kids, being outsiders and so different, I just don't want them to be isolated" Hana reflected. Yuki was growing curious and gaining her own sense of self, she didn't want her to be bullied for being different. Especially when she had a hard time understanding what it was like to be fully human. Ame was still a baby so he was still very clingy and attached to her at the hip. But as they matured, developed and became independent, there were things they couldn't be protected from.
Ookami nuzzled her "We can cross that bridge when we get to it, you won't have to face it alone" he reassured her. Being a wolf himself he could handle his children perspective. But this was a new adventure for all of them, and they could face it together.