The storm that rolled over the land wasn't serious, but even still it had awoken the King. His restless heart ached in his chest and he had moved to the entrance of the caverns, watching as the waters cascaded down, creating a curtain of water. Behind it he could see the moon desperately trying to shine through as clouds covered the sky. Lightening cracked every once in awhile in the distance, leaving the low, rumbling sound of thunder to vibrate the lands beneath his feet. A sigh escaped him, attempting to let the wonders of the Mother soothe his soul.

@Angelo

Things hadn't quite been the same since Anthonius had left. Angelo knew it weighed heavily on Alexander, and if he was being honest he didn't know what to do to fix things. Maybe there was nothing that could be done, now that he thought about it. Maybe all he could do was watch the kids grow like weeds and try to be there for them while Alexander and Celestia were busy. Someone had to keep an eye on them, given the chaos that their fathers were apt at causing.

Shockingly, it wasn't one of the cubs that woke him, but the sound of his husband wandering past the den. It was tempting to go back to sleep, because he was at heart a lazy beast, but a few minutes later he huffed out a sigh and got to his paws, trailing after the man.

He'd kind of hoped Alexander was getting a snack, but instead Angelo found him hanging out by an entrance to the tunnels. He approached, planting a paw on Alexander's back and giving a little shove, not enough to actually budge him but enough to make the implied threat that he would push him into the almost waterfall coming down apparent.

Nah, I'm not that mean, he commented as he took a seat beside the man, looking out as well. Anything out there?

@Alexander ♔

Alexander heard another approaching, and from the faint scent, he could tell it was @Angelo. Despite this, he still wasn't expecting the slight push against his back that caused him to very slightly lean forward. It was enough to jolt him more awake and prompt a rumbling laugh out of his chest. "I would have to drag you with me if you were." The beast teases softly, blue eyes admiring the male for a long moment before looking back toward the cascading waters.

It was moments like this that made him feel like that could hide away forever. Keep those within the Hollows safe forever. If only he could make the whole of the land forget everything that had happened. An ear flicks at Angelo's next question, a hum escapes him. "No, but I still feel restless." He admits, brows knitting together tightly. Features twist into a disgruntled expression before his mind wanders to another subject all together.

The recent happenings with Isla had him worried that those already bound to him were unhappy. Inhaling deeply, he leans over to press his cheek into the merle male's, "Szerelmem, are you happy? With me...here?" Alexander wanted to know what his husband was thinking, even if it wasn't what he wanted to hear.

Wouldn't expect anything less, he commented with a grin. Alexander didn't have to take his shit lying down considering he was the same size as him, and used to his antics. Angelo did preen under his mate's study for a moment before becoming moderately more serious as they both peered out into the downpour. He couldn't smell anything out of place, but Alexander's gut feeling wasn't to be discarded because of that. He had plenty of reasons to feel restless these days.

A soft purr left Angelo at his husband's touch, gently rubbing his cheek against Alexander's. A quiet hum left him as he gave the question (what was for him) serious thought. It deserved a proper answer, after all. I am, he replied. It's much better here than in the Oasis. I know everyone liked it there but Mother bless it all there was too much sand. He knew he wasn't the only one in the family who wasn't super fond of the sand, actually, but he wasn't about to rat them out over it.

Honestly, though, I'd be happy with you anywhere. Except the Mire. I love you, but this fur isn't made for living in the mud, he said with a warm smile. Someone giving you shit? he asked seriously.

@Alexander ♔

Alexander waits with baited breath at his husband's answer. If he were anything but happy, the Savante would have to rectify that immediately. He knew that he often got distracted, busy, or pulled away for one reason or another. He couldn't even say that it was all business. Alexander indulged in the company of others, but ultimately he always knew where his home was. Who's bed he shared at night. Celestia and Angelo. Whoever else came after would likely join them as well.

As @Angelo spoke, his tongue would lash out to seek a quick kiss to the side of his cheek. Despite himself the beast laughs, the sound deep and vibrating his broad chest, warmth spreading throughout him. Attention focuses back on Angelo as he asks his question. Thinking on this a moment, he considers brushing things off and not mentioning it, but as he had been recently accused of being a liar, it had him reluctant to 'hide' anything.

"There was a woman I was going to marry. She called me a liar and untrustworthy because I had not yet told her everything about my life. I had intended to, but...things just got away from me." He admitted quietly, ears pinning back. Alexander would've told Isla everything before going through with any sort of official marriage, and his intention had never been to keep anything from her, or lie. Yet he couldn't change what had happened, "She left me, as a result." He murmurs, brows furrowing softly in thought.

Angelo listened to Alexander's story, a soft grunt of commiseration left him. Sounds like a her problem, he commented, gently pressing a kiss to his mate's cheek. This life isn't for everyone, I guess, but you wouldn't hide anything maliciously. She must have been impatient. Because of course it couldn't possibly be Alexander's fault. He wouldn't think that. Maybe not even if presented with evidence to the contrary. Which probably made him stupid, but he wouldn't think about that.

I liked that Zelda chick from the Oasis, he admitted. I don't think she felt the same way though. I was hoping she'd come join us here but nope. Guess we both struck out. Honestly, he was a bit surprised that Alexander'd had that happen to him. He felt like his husband was much better at attracting others to him than he himself was.

@Alexander ♔

Alexander can't help but laugh at @Angelo's very straight forward reply. A low, rumbling purr vibrates in his chest, affection blossoming clear in those blue eyes of his. Leaning forward, he gently presses their cheeks together. However many lovers or wives he obtained, the King would always be grateful toward Celestia and Angelo - remaining by his side when his family had nothing. When they had become nothing. It was something he could never truly pay back.

An ear flicks at the mention of his husband liking someone. A look of curiosity flashing on his features before the beast grins. "You could...always go ask? Perhaps she has the same thoughts as you. Maybe she was too afraid to mention it." He murmurs, lovingly pressing a kiss behind the male's ear, then lower - along the exposed sides of his neck. Large paws move to gently overlap with his husband's, enjoying this simple affection between them as they conversed.

Angelo blinked at the incredibly obvious solution his husband presented. Oh. Yeah. I guess I could, he agreed. Why hadn't he thought of that before? Oh right, he wasn't the brains of the operation. He was just the brawn. Though, to be fair, Alexander had his fair share of brawn too. Don't know if she's still there though. The Oasis has changed paws since then. It didn't hurt to go check, though. Maybe he'd do that the next day.

The kids are growing fast, he commented over the soft purr that rumbled through him as his husband's shows of affection. I'm glad they could grow up here in relative peace. Sure, the family had its issues both internal and external, but it was nothing like it had been before. I'm glad we all could be here. And... I'm glad for us.

@Alexander ♔