acontritemess | Little birds have to jump out of the nest if they're going to fly

Little birds have to jump out of the nest if they're going to fly

[She didn't actually get nervous until they'd passed Ohio. The next step marked the furthest from home she'd ever been. She trusted Freya, at least somewhat, but home wasn't a place, a concept really was what it was. Home was her family, and she was leaving it on the other side of the country. It was terrifying, but she was equally excited, since she was seeing things she'd never had a chance to see before.

The country changed as they made their way across it, and as they neared the mountainous and wide-open country of Montana, she was in awe. It was just like every postcard she'd ever seen, and she was having a hard time thinking it was real.]

....it's so beautiful...

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[David watches as she slides into the flowing stream. The fish scatter in all directions and a distinctive splash can be heard echoing through the clearing. He can see her panic and without hesitation he’s jumping in after her. His head ducks beneath the water and beneath her while his legs kick to keep him steady within the turning waves. He feels her back legs kick against his side as he moves beneath her. He pushes her up, Cat’s belly resting along his back as they are slowly pushed down the river.

He looks back to make sure her head is above the water and then focuses on keeping them both floating.

He paddles with the current until he finds a safe bank for him to steer them to the shoreline. He pushes Cat up first. His nose nudges at her side after she gets her front paws on the rocky surface of the embankment. His own claws were scratching at the rocks beneath the water to keep them both away from the main rushing of water that continued downstream. Once she’s up he clamors up the rock, panting softly as he curls around Cat’s side.

The sounds of laughter die making the clearing very quiet.]

[All she can do is whine for a moment, having recently experienced the most terrifying thing she ever had. She shifts out of instinct, throwing her arms around him furry neck, completely mindless of the fact that she's naked, tear streaming down her face, mixing with the water.]

You saved me...

[David has no idea what to do and he freezes. Slowly he shifts back, mindful of being naked. He gently wraps his arms around her pressing his face into the top of her head.]

I'll always keep you safe. You want to stop? We can head back to the car.

[He doesn't want to push her and he can tell that she's shaken.]

[The longer she's there with him, the more comfortable and less freaked out she began to feel. She smiles at him gently.]

I'm not as scared with you here. I should try again.

[David lightly runs his fingers through her hair while trying to ignore the intoxicating scent that fills his nose. He’s also trying to ignore that their naked and that her skin is so warm and that he wants nothing more than to stay like this. He swallows feeling his throat dry.

His expression remains calm as he looks down at her.]

Okay. I got you so don’t worry okay? I won’t let anything bad happen to you.

[He gives her one last strong hug and then stretches and shifts back to the dirty white wolf. He nuzzles against her neck and then waits for her to be ready. He doesn’t want to rush her.]

[David was handsome, no matter what form he decided to take, and his presence at her side was a comfort. She shifted as well, into a while and grey wolf, and walked cautiously to the water's edge, looking over to David for support.]

[The noises from Freya and the two munchkins ring out loudly as Cat moves. With everything okay they're back to fishing while Freya tries to keep them away from David and Cat.

David keeps himself pressed to her side knowing that it might bring Cat a small leave of comfort. He lowers his head with hers and lightly nudges the surface of the water with his nose.]

[She eases up toward the edge of the water again, more cautiously this time, and tests her footing before peering over the edge into the water. The fish look delicious, but she's not going to be over-zealous this time. She takes a deep breath, keen eyes watching the dancing scales just beneath the surface.

Then she darts forward, just like David did, and clamps down.

She missed, but she didn't fall in. She wags her tail triumphantly. No fish? So what. I didn't fall in!]

[A low vibrations echoes through David's chest, sounding something like approval. Yes, she hadn't caught a fish but her motions have been correct. Just a little bit more and she might be able to catch one.

He gently nudges her again though he stays close just in case she falls in again.]

[Encouraged by his presence and her successful not slipping, Cat moves to the edge once more, taking more time to line up a lunge this time. Her sharp eyes watch the glinting fish just below the surface, each piling atop the next, fighting their way upstream.

She lines up a shot, mindful of her footing, and darts forward, feeling her teeth sink into the cool flesh of the fish and she pulls her head from the water triumphantly.]

Edited (not sure why this submitted without my permission...) 2016-07-11 13:43 (UTC)

[A growl of approval rumble through David's chest and he lightly nips at Cat's ear to show affection.

The joyous moment is ruined a second later when two small salt and pepper wolves come splashing down stream. Freya's standing at the top of the river licking a bite on her paw.

David growls at them and then playfully snaps at their limbs as they splash in the current of the water. Unlike Cat they know how to swim so he isn't to worried about them. However, they scared away the fish.]

[She chuffs in amusement at the little ones, too proud of herself to worry too much about the moment being ruined and she looks to David, her head held high.

I caught a fish!!]

[David presses his face against her neck before stepping back and shaking off his fur. He appears to be in a lighter mood despite her near-drowning experiance. His head turns towards the sun, marking its spot on the sky. It was about an hour until dinner and then still had a car ride back.

He looks over at Cat, her head canted to the side wondering if she wants to try again or get ready to go.]

[Cat followed his gaze toward the sun, but being uncertain what he was actually looking at, she didn't follow his point. She tilts her head to the side as she looks back to him, then over to Freya and the others. It was getting late.

Ooooh, wait, it suddenly made sense. She leaned her head against his for a moment to tell him she understood and turned from the rock outcropping.]

[David has to wait for the two little misfits to get out of the water before he's able to follow behind Cat. He wants to remain close to her and as a wolf it just feels natural too. Freya helps him free the children from the water, both of whom magically caught a fish in their antics.

With everyone trailing behind David runs ahead and leads them back to the car. Once there he fetches the spar sets of clothes for him and the boys and then ushers them off into the forest.

Freya lingers next to Cat shaking out the water from her furr before shifting back.]

[Exhausted from little sleep and a lot of activity, Cat can't think of the last time she's had this much fun. She follows dutifully with the rest of them, watching David as he expertly guides them back to the jeep. He's capable, handsome, and funny. He's protective, kind, and loving of his family.

She liked him. A lot. Part of that thought actually scared her a bit. What would her family think of that? She didn't dwell on the unanswered question as a realization hit her. She was going to find out tomorrow...when Kevin got there.

After David and the boys ran off to change and give them privacy, she shook herself off as well and shifted back, slipping into her clothes, but unable to keep the smile from her face.]

That was a lot of fun.

[Freya falls in step next to Cat and waits a few seconds for the boys to be gone. When Cat shifts, so does Freya. Her arms stretch overhead and she looks at her shoulder were small round healing pink marks can be seen against her skin.]

Damn it James. Those stupid kids.

[She says this with a smile on her lips as she reaches for a fresh change of clothes.]

You look happy.

[Freya smiles at Cat and lightly elbows her in the ribs.]

Glad to see you're okay. What are you smiling about now?

[Cat laughed, pushing a stray bit of hair behind her ear. She was hot, exhausted, and she couldn't remember the last time she'd had that much fun.]

I just can't remember the last time I've had this much fun.

[Freya tugs on her shirt before leaning against the side of David’s car.]

I think you need more fun Cat.

[She cracks a small smile, completely forgetting what will come later. Laughter sounds in the distance and two small, naked, boys come running up to the jeep. Behind them is David who’s trying very hard to catch them and not laugh. He wishes he had a camera.]

At least put your pants on!

[James and Peter have dogs at their heels and dash into the car. They then begin to howl which insights the huskies to join them.]

Or not..

[Freya has to try not to laugh at this mess. These kids are ridiculous.]

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Little birds have to jump out of the nest if they're going to fly

That next day...

That next day...

That next day...

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