Yuki bounced excitedly on her seat, her brown eyes wide and curious, her smile wide, singing, laughing and pointing out every sight she saw. Memorising it all to heart, she hadn't rested the entire journey, she'd been buzzing like a bee's nest. It was impressive how much energy she had in her small body, how much of an opinion she had, no matter how much her parents tried to settle her, she just wouldn't. In the end they relented and merely told her to watch but in silence, so Ookami could focus on driving. He wasn't used to country roads and he was worried of uneven ground, roadblocks and more. Ame snored softly in his carseat, swayed by the moment of the vehicle, he'd been somewhat vocal during the journey before he soon fell asleep. At his young age all he did was sleep and use his excess energy to grow, he had a weak condition but Ookami assured it would pass as he got older. His small body exhausted from the driving and whatever entertainment he could find.
Hana kept her gaze focused on the scenery, taking in her new home, her second chapter. She had lived in the city her whole life, worked part time in a launderette, lived in a small flat with her husband and children. She was used to the hustle and bustle, all the commotion. To move to such a slow paced life away from all the thriving connections of the city felt strange. She had told the few relatives she was in contact with about the move in case any wanted to visit them. Many were surprised, some scolded her on being reckless and some agreed with the decision. Saying how the fresh air would do the children some good. Many were surprised by her drastic changes in life, not expecting someone as quiet as she was to do such things. She had always kept her head down and worked hard, she went from university, to marriage, to moving from the city to the country. They all agreed Ookami was her match, they suited each other and made each other smile. He was fiercely protective over Hana and his children, and Hana as a result learned more responsibilities. She was stepping out of her comfort zone, so her children could find peace in their wolf nature. They could hunt, play and grow in peace, no threats of child neglect, less nosy neighbours, able to play and transform without being caught. They could learn to farm, learn to grow and live in a big house. Away from the roaming eyes, suspicions and accusations. Where they could be in better contact with nature and less invasiveness, this was a huge change. Her husband had been mostly silent during the drive, but she knew he wasn't angry or upset, merely focused. He had always been an introverted person, even when they met. He kept himself distanced for self preservation out of fear of being discovered. Hana was the first person he showed his true nature to. He would thrive in the countryside, enjoying the peace and quiet, surrounded by nature and able to breathe.
Ookami watched the road, making sure no accidents occurred with his family, he knew Hana was protective and as a young mother she had reasons to be anxious. She was entering unknown domain and she was now uprooting her entire life for her family. She had no form of current employment making him the provider, she needed to find a job eventually. They were all adjusting in some form, emotions were high and changes were all effecting them. After the scare during the rainstorm, he didn't want to risk anything happening, remembering how frantic she had been, assuming the worst had happened. She'd been sobbing, clinging to him, prepared to wander out in a storm to look for him. Prepared to risk her well-being for the sake of bringing her husband home. He never wanted to put Hana through something like that again, as her husband her wellbeing came first. He would ensure his family was safe and they had a second chance. He wanted this move to be as smooth as possible, their first night in a new home. The moving van wasn't far ahead and they were being cautious of the country roads
"Do you have any experience in farming?" she asked, breaking the silence. She had grown flowers in pots and helped out her neighbours a few times, but she had never gained experience in horticulture. Admittedly she was way over her head, she had no idea of what to expect. They would save more money to grow their own produce, maybe get some chickens for eggs or ask the neighbours for some. But none of them had any experience in this sort of thing, they were used to the city life.
Ookami shook his head "My family lived close to the mountains, but sadly we made all the food within the home. We never owned land. But we can ask our neighbours for advice, community living right? We can buy from the shop for a period but we can start work on the surrounding area over time" he smiled. Despite his exposure to many things growing up, he was a novice in many areas, these changes were scary for even him. His admiration of humans came from their endless willing to adapt and overcome. But humans were able to bond, resourceful, intelligent and had been farming and working on the land for generations. Surely someone would be willing to assist. Though meeting new people would be anxiety inducing, having to adjust to being strangers. In such closed off communities, they protected their own and were suspicious of strangers. Feeling unwelcome, unsure and trying to adapt, they would just have to learn, slowly grow out of their comfort zone.
Hana hummed, compared to the local shops and more within the city limits, they would solely be relying on would be hard work, a lot of manual labour and truly having to learn how to work the land. Their crops wouldn't always be fruitful and a lot of nature would be against them. Starting from the basics and getting some books. There were some good beginner plants and some for novices, they just had to figure out which ones would be best. "It's a learning experience, we all have to start somewhere" he reassured her.
Hana softened, there was a never-ending list of changes to be made, changes to prepare for and new lessons to learn. She couldn't keep up with it all and she felt as though her head was spinning. She was relieved she wasn't facing this alone, that she had her partner here to support her, so she wasn't running around like an idiot. She couldn't imagine young this alone, moving to the country and leaving her life behind. "You always know what to say", the conscience she needed to keep her going and guide her when she buckled.
Ookami reached out to squeeze her hand supportively, he could sense her anxiety and reservations, wondering if she was doing the right thing. But she always put her family first, which he admired "I know you too well" Ookami teased.
Yuki burst from the car, her eyes wild and eager, her brown hair waving behind her, the scent of fresh country air, no pollution, fresh grass, animals and more. So many pretty flowers, wild clover and more, she had never seen things like that back home. She could hear a nearby stream too, would there be fish or ducks? This was so different to the small house they lived in before, no small walls and cramped spaces, this new strange place, no sound of traffic, no loud noises, no crowds. The sky looked as though it went on forever, so many fluffy clouds all around them, her bare feet hitting the earth, her red dress flapping. Rushing manically around the untamed garden "Daddy! This is amazing, it's like a jungle!" she beamed.
Hana scooped Ame from his booster, wrapping him in her arms so he could cling to her. Closing the door carefully behind her. Yuki as always was the first to explore, leading the pack and running ahead, sniffing out all the senses she could. She was the average toddler, always curious and always the loudest in the room. She didn't want Ame getting restless after such a long journey, he needed to eat and he was already settled. He was still sleepy from the drive, she needed to put him down to rest before they made the next move. She worried that Yuki would wander off and become lost, as the area was unfamiliar to them "Don't run off Yuki" she warned.
Ookami climbed out of the car, locking it up behind him as he made his way to his wife's side, sensing her panic. Yuki was merely getting used to the new territory, she would smell other animals too which would make her excited. If he sensed any danger he would be firmer with her "I can smell her, don't worry" Ookami soothed. He would sense if there was any nearby threats or danger, making sure she stayed out of harms way. If she wandered off he would be able to recognise her scent and bring her home. Being such a young pup, she wanted to learn, she was trying to understand. She didn't know how to hunt, she didn't know how to behave. All she knew was instincts.
Hana turned to him curiously, in such a small village but a close net community, surely there would be connections. They were quite distanced from other people, but they would bring a lot of commotion as new neighbours. The last thing she wanted was to appear unfriendly or give off a bad reputation. "Do we know anything about schools yet? Nurseries" Hana asked. Would they need school uniforms? What were the school years like compared to the city? Was there a local bus? She had so many questions to ask her brain was frazzled.
Ookami hummed, she was always one step ahead and thinking of the bigger picture. She wanted the best for her children, thinking of the people they would grow up to be. She knew how to sow so she could make their own clothes to save money, but material would be pricey. The sowing machine would need to be placed somewhere. She worried about the children settling in, whether they would be bullied or feel isolated, after all they weren't like normal children. "I was going to ask the locals about it later on, maybe the movers might know something" he reflected. They needed one that was local, which wouldn't be hard to find, but one that was within travelling distance for their home.
Hana softened, she knew she was nagging a little and maybe getting herself worked up a little. But she wanted to ensure they weren't leaving this until the last minute. Compared to the city, things worked differently and there was a lot less community and hubs. Everyone knew everyone, there was a lot more gossip and many people were family friends "We have plenty of time to ask" she smiled. The movers carefully lifted boxes and carried them to the house, making sure nothing was damaged, dropped or in the way. One of them spotted Yuki rushing through the grass and running along the patio.
He nodded at Yuki as she began to explore under the house, seeing if she could spot any hiding animals or treasures "Energetic kid you got there" one of them chuckled.
Hana smiled nervously, her kids were good people but certainly a handful, sometimes she wondered who took after who. The last thing she wanted was someone to get the wrong impression of them. Given their emotions fed into their wolf nature, their behaviour compared to human children was very different. "Yuki certainly is the most bubbly, she's very enthusiastic. She'll be knocking on everyone's doors to say hello" Hana laughed.
"It's a good place for them, they can play in the mud, go exploring, lots of good memories" the mover agreed.
Ookami knew there was more to be done, plenty to carry and he needed to keep himself busy. The sooner they got things done, the sooner they could all relax. "I'll go help, might as well use my job experience for something useful" Ookami laughed. He was stronger than he looked, his muscles from hunting as a wolf and his stamina had improved.
"Your husband's a mover too?" one of the men asked, he looked shaggy, quiet but a doting husband. They would have pegged him as someone who worked with computers or repair work. If he was a mover, why wasn't he asking his business to help out free of charge? It would save them more money and expenses.
Hana shifted, making sure that Ame didn't sense her stress "He used to be, back in the city" Hana admitted. ".. He got transferred after we moved, he's still settling in and adapting. We're all under a lot of stress" she admitted. He still worked for the same company but he'd he helping local businesses out in comparison, making sure they had someone to help out.
They softened, sensing they had been rude and assumed wrongly "Lot of local businesses appreciate that sort of thing, finding a job in his field outta be easy" one of the men prompted. There were farmers, market places, small shops and even schools, all of them would need men like her husband to help out. He would never be out of a job around here. Though the hours were more reasonable and working late was less of an issue.
"You'll find work pretty easily around here, lots of people needing to hire. When their kids go to school or university" another agreed
"We can set up beds at least, the other rooms will need time to prepare and we have some damages to repair. But it should be fine with team effort. The more we can fix ourselves the less we have to spend on expenses" Ookami sighed. He had made sure they spent less money on unnecessary things, so they could save more for things they actually required. In the long term it would be beneficial for them. He and Hana could sleep on a futon style bed before they were able to purchase a bigger one. They were still settling in, there was a lot of progress to be made. The kids rooms would be able to sleep separate, but it would need time for decoration and refurbishment. What decoration they wanted, what was going to be thrown out and more.
"The sink has some lovely ceramic tiles, but it's hard to tell what colour as it all needs cleaning" Hana mentioned. The house would look wonderful when it was completed, a new page in their lives, a place they could truly thrive. There was room for a large fridge, bins, some small bookshelves, even a table. They could discuss the interior decoration, making it fit to both of their tastes while keeping what they liked. There was mostly repairs to discuss, making sure there were no leaks, damage to the flooring and no infestations. Though the smell of wolves would drive off any rats and so on.
"Mama, Papa..." Yuki mumbled sadly, her small ears flat, she was done exploring the garden, it was immense. But she had smelled or seen any other children around. Nobody else was in the area. Were all the children hiding? Were they scared? Did they hate them? Had nobody heard they were coming? She was so excited to move but she realised how quiet it was.
Hana heard the whimper in her daughter's voice, immediately sensing her maternal instincts rage. Had she hurt herself somehow? Had she fallen? Cut herself? Been bitten by another animal? Had an adult been mean to her at all? She hurried to her daughter, kneeling to her level and taking in any possible injuries "What is it baby? Did you hurt yourself?" Hana asked in concern.
Yuki's lip trembled, how was she going to make any friends when there was nobody to play with? She had Ame but she couldn't just play with him all the time. Would she be able to explore and find other children? She didn't want to be all by herself, she would get bored and lonely. Especially if mama and papa had to work all the time. "Where are the other children?" Yuki pressed.
Ookami smiled in amusement "We just moved here honey, most local kids will be settled into school or helping out at home. I'm sure babies like your brother will still be home. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to meet them soon enough". The local children would be curious about new neighbours and want to visit them too, though they would be shy. Once they enrolled into school they would have plenty of time to socialise and meet new children. But Yuki was still a toddler, she had no premise or understanding of how things worked compared to the city. She would need to be polite, more secretive of her wolf nature, small towns meant more gossip. She would be seen as an outsider for a period due to having just moved. They wanted her to network and adjust but there were also the concerns to be aware of.
Yuki perked up, whatever her daddy was speaking about sounded exciting "What's school?".
Ookami smiled, he loved how curious of the world Yuki was, that enthusiasm to learn and understand. The childish innocence unblemished by hatred or cruelty. One day she would grow up into an amazing young lady, and he was excited to see it. But she didn't understand how hateful, ignorant and stupid humans could be. "It's a place where you learn things, you get to meet other kids, play and make friends. But you might want to consider home schooling for now until we adjust and find a local school. Or in case you find it too overstimulating as a wolf. We need to ask our neighbours about local schools first as we just moved here. But if you like you can come with me or mummy to ask the neighbours about it. But for now, be a good girl and be patient ok?" Ookami explained.
He was able to home study for a period but when his family sensed he was mature enough, controlling his transformations. Yuki was still young she had no idea of how to control them, shifting between Human and wolf form at will without control. If she got upset and became a wolf in the classroom the students would freak out. He went to a local school and studied hard, before he moved to the city and met Hana. Yuki needed to be prepared for what she was going to face, making sure to avoid any triggers. He was better at controlling his instincts and anxiety than his children were. However, while Ame was a quiet natured boy, placid and very clingy towards his mother. Ame would adjust and find himself at his own pace and make his decisions as he got older. Yuki was the complete opposite, she was innately curious, expressive and free spirited. She didn't have an understanding of human social cues the way he and her mother did. Being half wolf she would innately flourish in sports, due to her wolf stamina and speed. However, Ame was prone to sickness being so young and sometimes got fevers, though that may change as he got older. His sickness may even cause him to transform out of stress or emotional distress. Yuki may overshare and misstep human social cues and accidentally upset someone, so she would need to be prepared. Making friends was key and even networking with local parents. But given he would be working as a delivery driver, he wouldn't always be around to pick up Yuki and Ame, he would need to talk about hours with his new boss. He wanted his family to be protected, he didn't want them to be chased out or isolated. He never wanted them to feel ashamed of who they were, only know the dangers and consequences.
Yuki's eyes gleamed, her daddy was always so smart and knew exactly what to do. He taught her all about being a wolf and what that meant. Sometimes they would play tag together or cuddle as wolves. Sometimes he would even groom or nuzzle her "Really?".
Hana nodded, she was relieved to have her husband to mentor their children into their wolf nature. Meaning she had balance and she felt like she was facing this alone. He could nurture them in ways she couldn't, helping guide them in life. "But you have to be a good girl, listen to mummy and daddy ok? Daddy has more experience controlling his wolf side. If you turn into a wolf in public it might surprise someone. So until we sort out your school, daddy and mummy will teach you as best they can" Hana explained. Yuki nodded obediently, but her tail kept wagging happily.
"The kids love omelettes, and that stew you made was amazing. Maybe if you catch wild fowl it could save on bills, but the kids can be fussy" Hana reflected as they walked through the local market. Though he didn't cook often, Ookami was an amazing chef. He knew plenty of good recipes but he insisted Hana was a better chef than he was. Given he was a natural hunter and provider, his hunting would allow them to save money and gain regular food. They would get all the nutrition they needed without excessive expenses.
"I'll have to make sure not to get caught, but hunting would save on bills. Maybe we can ask local farmers about helping us set up our fields. Depends on what we want to grow, fresh fruit and veg would be great for the kids. But it doesn't hurt to ask" Ookami agreed. He knew farmers would carry guns and weaponry to protect against wildlife and protect their cattle. The last thing he wanted was to be caught by a local in wolf form and get chased down by a gun. He'd stick to hunting in the forest instead for better clearing and protection, but it wouldn't hurt to grow their own.
"I always loved strawberries as a kid, and peaches from my pregnancy, potatoes are easy to grow but hard to harvest, maybe tomatoes too?" Hana suggested. They could make jams, soups and all sorts, and if they had excess they could always donate some to their neighbours. Sharing is caring as the old saying went.
Ookami chuckled, Hana had all sorts of ideas, he loved how much she dreamed. She had a huge heart and she wanted to provide for her family. Imagining his kids working the fields and growing their own plants, how proud they would be. Showing how hard they had worked and making new memories. Yuki would be eagerly planting whatever she got her hands on, digging for worms and more. "Ame is still not in solid stages as he's growing in his teeth, but I'm sure he'll appreciate it soon enough. We can always ask for advice" Ookami smiled. Suddenly they heard a soft chuckle nearby, catching them off guard and realising they were off in their own little world. The couple turned to see some older women standing nearby and smiling warmly.
"My what a cute family, and such sweet kids" one of them beamed
"Did you just move in?" the other asked
Hana nodded, she wasn't expecting to meet locals and potential neighbours so soon. She was thrown off as she desperately attempted to find conversation "Yes, just today, the moving van is still putting all our belongings inside, we wanted to grab something for dinner". She couldn't seem to stop throwing word vomit at them, the words spilling from her lips.
"Newlyweds, and with such small children? It's so nice that old house got taken over by such lovely people. Please don't be shy, we have a neighbourly community around here" the first one encouraged. They were certainly adorable and so young, they didn't get many young couples move to the country as they all wanted to live in the city. They hoped they would try and integrate, making themselves popular in the community. There were a lot of socials and small networks that would help support them.
"Actually, me and Hana were discussing the fields, it's great for planting and farming, but we have no idea of what we are doing. Just another bump in the road, by any chance do you know any locals with farming experience?" Ookami asked. These women were locals and could help with the much needed advice they desperately needed. Though this was a stroke of luck it would be much appreciated. Locals would be able to give them insight to support they desperately needed, helping them find hubs and possibilities. He knew Hana was socially awkward so he would be able to ask in her place if she ever got overwhelmed.
One of the women took a moment to think, its was good they were asking such questions. Admirable they were truly putting in the effort, not many could hack country life. Many threw in the towel and went back to city living as they found it easier. "Hmm, there is a farm nearby that has livestock, and old man Nirasaki is always in the fields. We can ask around and see if they can help you out" one of the ladies suggested.
Though chickens would be nice, the children may attack them due to their strong prey drive, but they could always ask neighbours for eggs. But they would appreciate asking neighbours for supplies free of charge "That would be a relief, thank you so much" Hana smiled.
"Are your little ones in school yet?" one of the women asked, nodding at the sleepy Ame in her arms and Yuki clinging to her dad.
Hana laughed nervously "We haven't managed to find any local schools yet, we don't have a car and we are worried about the kids being anxious over adjustment. But if you have any suggestions we would love someone to come and give us some insights". They didn't know how many to choose from, the enrolment process and more, it would be a lot to handle.
"I know there are some young mothers like yourself, I can ask around if you like. I know they would really love to help you settle in" the second woman smiled.
"That would be amazing thank you" Hana beamed
Hana chopped green onions for soup, pleased that those older women had been so helpful. Making sure to get all the advice they needed, Ookami was helping the kids take a hot bath before dinner. Cleaning off from the days events and relaxing. Allowing Hana to enjoy one for herself before bed in peace. Their first dinner in a new home, making their first memories and finding some belonging. Though it felt strange to be under a new roof, in a new town, meeting new people. She was immensely excited at the prospects. She would need to find a job eventually, though it would take asking around and working around hours. Though she could work more when the kids were older, she would need to stick to part time for now. She didn't want Ookami to be the only provider. Here she was, a wife and a new woman. Living in a new house she would be refurbishing with her husband and making a new life. She would never have seen herself doing this in the past, making these sorts of changes. But she was proud of herself, for taking the leap and doing something amazing. She did what she had to for her family, ensuring they would be safe. There was less traffic, there was less social anxiety, they had more room to spread roots. They could go on adventures and truly feel like they could grow as people. They could learn new skills and find new hobbies, anything was possible.
They could enjoy rainy days from the porch and play in the mud together, no traffic accidents to worry about. They could farm in the fields and grow their own crops. They could explore the area and make new discoveries. They could meet new people, appreciate the landscape more and truly enjoying a quieter state of life. The world they lived in would be far different, but it would be safer for them.
Ookami scrubbed shampoo in to his daughter's fur, watching her giggle and laugh as she splashed in the bathwater happily. Her small ears twitching as she listened to the splashing of water. Yuki sat nearby with curious eyes, enjoying the hot water but hesitant about the smell of the shampoo. Being wolves they had a higher sense of smell, meaning they didn't like overly perfumed stuff. Trying to bathe two wolf pups who were high energy and never wanted to sit still was a challenge. Yuki already had so much personality in such a small body it scared him, imagining how fast she was going to grow up. She wanted to prove herself to the world and had no fear at all.
"That feels nice daddy" Yuki giggled, his hands tickled her head but they were also gentle. Even though he had his claws out he never hurt her at all. He didn't pull her hair either. She was scared to get soap in her eyes but he protected her head and made sure nothing bad happened.
Ookami had offered to bathe the kids so Hana could be left in peace, expecting them both to be more mischievous. But the kids had worn themselves out somewhat this afternoon and during the journey. This evening they would all sleep well, under a new house, waking to a different life. He knew they all needed to adjust and adapt, this was a process like any other. "You've been a very good girl Yuki, no squirming and no shampoo in your eyes too. Mummy will be very proud of you" usually she wriggled and squirmed, a ball of energy and chaos in her wake. It was hard to get her to sit still for anything at all.
Yuki reflected on when they went to the shop for food, how her mother had panicked. She had never seen her mother like that unless something bad was happening. "Mama was scared before, when she spoke to those ladies, were they going to be mean to her?" Yuki asked
Ookami laughed "Mama isn't very good at speaking to people, just like you she gets scared sometimes. But she has you, me and Ame to look after her. So she never has to feel scared"
Yuki gasped in surprise "Mama and papa get scared?", what would grown ups be scared of?
"All adults get scared Yuki, we all act like children sometimes. Sometimes we have monsters that scare us too" he explained. Just like that day in the rain where she was scared she had lost him. When she lost her father, when she had already lost so much. Adults weren't as brave as children thought they were.
"Well, I wanna be brave, I wanna protect mama and Ame. I won't let any bad guys hurt them cos I'm a good girl" Yuki beamed proudly.
Ookami chuckled "Yes you are baby, you're our good little girl" he praised. Ame sneezed quietly as he got bubbles up his nose, splashing in the water curiously and enjoying the noise it made. He sat near his father while distracted by all the smells and sights around him. Much like how he clung to Hana he was never far away from his sister or father either. "But just because you're a wolf, doesn't mean you need to be a wolf all the time. You can just be Yuki, the person you want to be. Sometimes that means being a wolf, sometimes that means being a human. It makes you a little bit of both". Sometimes it would mean she would need to hide, sometimes it would mean she would need to use her wolf powers. Sometimes it meant she needed to be both at the same time. Accepting the ugliness and the good parts.
Yuki blinked at her father, how could someone be a wolf and a human at the same time? It didn't make any sense. But then she was a human but she was a wolf too? Was that what papa meant?
"Thank you for the food" Ookami replied, picking up his utensils and happily digging into his wife's cooking. Given it was their first night and Hana was under stress. She'd gone for simple curry dish, easy to make and it would last a while. But as always her food as delicious and Yuki was scarfing it down like it was her first meal in weeks. Once she settled, once the house was cleaned up, they could set up the fridge and store food better. They had a lot of work to do and it would be a process, this wouldn't be an overnight thing. Maybe they could ask the neighbours for some help. A house this old and large would need a lot of TLC, but it would be worth it.
Hana awkwardly pushed food around her plate, as hungry as she was, she was still on edge. She was exhausted from the journey which effected her appetite and she was contemplating all the changes to the house. So much to be done and how would they get it all done? Ookami was handling this better than she was, he was able to speak to the neighbours more smoothly while she felt like an idiot. She needed to learn to find her voice. How would she make friends with other mothers? How would she be a good neighbour? This wasn't high school, she didn't have to keep her head down. She was eager to get started, it would take her mind off things and help declutter. Once things settled she did know she would feel better. "It's not too bland? I was a bit anxious so I'm worried I was spacing out during cooking" Hana apologised, her nerves were still fired up from earlier. She just hoped she felt better in the morning, more rational and clear headed.
"Mama's cooking is the best" Yuki beamed, spooning mouthfuls into her gaping jaws.
Ookami gently tapped his daughter's hands, nudging her the way a wolf would their cub if they were lagging behind the pack. Soft nudges of reassurance and guidance, making sure they didn't make mistakes and learned. "Slow down baby, you'll choke if you eat that fast. You're making a mess, slow and steady remember" Ookami explained. She would make herself sick with a tummy ache from eating too fast. That or she would make herself sick and end up throwing it up afterwards after shocking her system. He knew she was hungry but she needed to digest her meals properly. Yuki's ears drooped, but she slowed her mouthfuls, spooning it into her mouth less eagerly and being patient. Hana spooned more mouthfuls of food into Ame's mouth, he was still so small so he was eating something with less solidity. Though he was excited to be a part of dinner all the same. Soon he would need to teach her to hunt, tend to her own wounds, remember certain smells, which plants were poisonous and which were medicinal. As well as adapting to the human world, she needed to understand the animal one. When she came into season, she would be in danger from other male species who would seek her out as a mate. Were there even other wolves in this area? He returned his attention to his wife, smiling at her with a warm expression, hoping to ease her stresses "We'll be fine" Ookami replied softly.
Hana stared at him in surprise, taken aback by his abrupt statement. He handled things so much better than she did, despite his quiet disposition he always perceived situations better than she did. From her pregnancies, to his job, to the transfer, all of it. She didn't know how he was always so prepared for everything. He just managed to ease all of her worries as if they never mattered at all.
"I know you're scared, that this all feels like a strange experience. You have no idea what you are doing, a new house, new home. Everyone feels like a stranger and you want the kids to adjust. But everyone feels that way, despite my calm exposure I'm worried too. I don't want Yuki or Ame to be bullied, I don't want them to feel like outsiders. But we can do this together" he soothed. He would never demean her fears, he would never make her feel like she was overreacting. He communicated with her and tried to find the root of the issue. He had sensed as excited as she was for this change, she was also having reservations on if they could make it work. They were new parents, despite being on their second child their kids weren't exactly normal. They were an unusual family with a different dynamic than most. But they just needed to work on the smaller tasks first, what was manageable and what was less intimidating. Hana would find a job, in the meantime if she preferred she could still be a stay at home mum. There was bound to be childcare in a village this small. They could ask around, through word of mouth and see what was available. She had very real feelings for rational reasons, she was a mother and she had more responsibilities. She didn't want her family to be discovered but also not feel shame. But she wasn't alone and she needed to be reminded of that.
Hana softened, somehow he accurately explained her feelings to her. Vocalising what she felt inside without her having to tell him, but then his keen senses would pick up on the scent. Her change in moods and reactions. She gripped her spoon, taking a deep breath as she focused on her feelings and tried to remain level headed. "I just, this whole thing is so unlike me. I never saw myself doing any of this, making these changes. What if I mess everything up" she babbled.
Ookami chuckled, sometimes you had to do something scary to make necessary changes. But that didn't have to be a bad thing, sometimes changes were good. But they were in this together for the long haul, making new memories and chapters, finding a new side of themselves. But he knew from the moment they met she was different, from how she accepted him as a wolf. The first night they spent together, the first moment they had sex, from how she coped with her pregnancies. "You're the Hana I married, the same girl you've always been. Caring, empathetic and always worrying about everyone, but you just have to breathe. You just need to talk to me and I'll support you" he soothed.
Her children decided to pitch in, defending their mother despite still being so young "And if anyone is mean to mama, me, papa and Ame will scare them off" Yuki beamed proudly. Hana burst into laughter, cupping her mouth to stifle her laughter, relief, happiness and love filling her all at once. She felt silly for being so worried, when she had wolves protecting her from harms way. Her life was so unusual but it was one she would never change for the world.
"You were alone when you lost your father, your relationship with your family has always been strained. communication hasn't always been your strongest suit. You internalise a lot and that's just how you adapted. But you just need to learn to change, you need to learn to be different. We're all changing, but we have each other" Ookami smiled. Hana had been only nineteen when they met, she was now a young adult in a strange new world, still in her twenties, married and now living in the country. She was experiencing adulthood differently. She'd endured grief, loss and so many stressful situations, but she had people who would protect her. They would never be able to support and protect her if she never told them what was wrong.
Hana softened, many of her family members thought she married too young, that she was being reckless. But she knew in her heart Ookami was the only person she would ever truly love. Sure she had been reckless in some areas and she would follow him no matter what. But this life they had built, the home they had just bought, the future ahead of them. She wanted that with him, she would never regret that. "Humans are complicated, messy and sometimes we can be foolish. I still question myself sometimes, but I doubt ever regret falling in love with you. I'll never regret what we made together. I'm just... I'm scared to lose it all, I'm scared of what's in our future" Hana admitted. What if something bad happened to him? What if he was taken away from her? What if someone discovered his secret? What if someone tried to hurt her family?
"Humans are still animals, albeit differently evolved. The laws of nature are different, you're a good mother Hana. These changes are going to be scary, but they don't have to be bad" Ookami smiled. There was no right or wrong way to be an adult, everyone had different choices to make and different values. That didn't have to be a bad thing.
Hana smiled, he spoke with such guidance and earnest it was admirable, the father of her children. They would learn so much from him, sometimes she wondered what kind of mother she would be in the future "Sometimes I think you're more adult than I am" she hummed.
Ookami smiled sheepishly, he had life experience where she lacked, she had lived in a city her whole life. She wasn't as naive as she thought she was, she merely had disadvantages. The natural skills he had as a wolf she lacked as a human, he had insight where she didn't. He had learned to live as a wolf and a human, he had lived among nature and had lived among human beings. He'd adapted, worn many faces and lived many lives. Hana had only ever lived one life, she had never been forced to live the same way. "I've had to live in both worlds, I have more experience" he admitted.
She could listen to him speak all day, she felt safe around him, knowing she could always rely on him. She felt like she was out of her depth sometimes. She was a loving mother, a nurturing person and had adapted herself in many ways. But sometimes she worried if she would ever stop being spacey, if she would ever remember things or if she could remember who she was before being a mother. What if she had lost all those old skills? What if she couldn't be like that anymore. "You think maybe you can pass that wisdom onto me too?" she laughed.
Ookami nuzzled her affectionately, she was trying too hard to be something she wasn't. She could still be herself while changing and growing, that was ok. This was a process and it needed time to work through, she would stumble and make mistakes and that was ok. "I think you just need time to find yourself again" he admitted.
Hana hummed, pondering on his words, enjoying the softness of his hair tickling her cheek. Kissing his cheek softly "I think you're right".