Since the Fight

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It'd been a while since Almira had spoken with Josiah. Not since the fight, now that she came to think about it. Obviously there were some things to be discussed. Pack things, and Beta things. So many questions ran through her mind, and most of them were brought up by Satine's little chat with her. In a way, she was grateful for the female's wisdom. She needed to be more alert, and Satine had helped her see more clearly.

As she made her way up to the Lookout, she found herself panting. The weather was already beginning to warm up, and it felt nice out for once. The lakes and rivers were no longer frozen over. She remembered how Satine had waded into the lake during their little chat, which obviously meant the water wasn't bone chilling. Puppies would be coming soon. Oh, joy! Who didn't want a bunch of stupid furballs running around the pack? She rolled her eyes at the thought as she reached the top.

She waited a moment, taking in the terrain's wonderful view. It put her at peace. The wind gushed through her ears, and whipped at her winter coat which was slowly beginning to thin out as shed more and more for summer. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself take in the peace, the quiet. Sighing, her lids fluttered open, and she threw back her head, releasing a melodious howl that was carried by the wind and would eventually reach Josiah's ears.

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[Malo]

The orange brute laid sleeping, his ears twitching ever so slightly ever now and then. He lay in the cool grass, dreaming quietly, the only peace he'd had in awhile. His thoughts were peaceful, and he snored in his slumber. Suddenly, his ears perked, and Josiah drowsily lifted his lazy head off his paws. Looking towards the winds, his nostrils flared and his ears listened carefully. Almira...

He stood up slowly, stretching as he went. Then, shaking his coat free from dirt and his winter coat, he began to move towards his partner. He knew there was business to attend to, it was part of the job. His legs moved quickly, and soon he was running toward her, giving Almira a howl to let her know he was on his way.

He hadn't seen her in awhile, and he couldn't tell if he was eager, nervous, or both. More than likely, a combination of the two. He slowed as he began up the mountain, the wind becoming stronger, and as the elevation grew higher he began to control his breathing differently. He hadn't been up here in ages, and he wasn't used to being so high up anymore. He adjusted his breathing, taking deep slow breaths. Looking up, he saw the familiar figure, the brown fur with white markings. Her scent overwhelmed him, and he gave a small smile.

Almira.

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She'd gone back to keeping her eyes shut, and just soaking up the peacefulness when she heard his call. Her eyelids shot open, and her ears pricked automatically. Part of her was a bit irritated that she couldn't just take a nap up here, but she knew they had to get a few things out of the way...And then maybe she'd take short cat nap. But before she turned away from the site of the Falling Moon lands, she realized that this was slowly becoming her favorite place in the terrain. She turned her body around, awaiting his arrival.

She could feel her heart lift when he appeared, his orange fur bringing a brightness to the slightly rainy day. She returned the smile, and nodded her head. "Jo," she said, cutting his name short, but her voice appreciative, glad that he'd come. Moving towards him, she sat down across from him, staring into his piercing (insert color here) eyes. "I thought we should talk about a few things," she told him, trying to keep her voice even, though a slight business tone took over and for the smallest moment she'd wondered where it had come from. Maybe it had stayed buried inside her, just waiting to surface and be put to use.

"Anevay or Duke didn't tell us much. Like what kind of powers we have, pack issues, what's going on with the rival pack," she muttered, her voice becoming more casual not. Maybe it was the bit of irritance ringing through. Why would they not tell them anything? Anevay and Duke had just up and left right after the fight. Did they expect for the two new betas to learn everything by themselves? "So, I was wondering if they told you anything, or if you have thoughts, or questions for me," she said slowly.

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[Malo]

Josiah nodded slowly, listening to her speak. Her voice rang in his ears, a melodius tune to him, despite the business tone she had today. He moved closer to her, and sat down, green eyes looking at the ground until she had finished speaking. Then he brought his head up and thought about what she had just said.

He looked up at her, a solmen look on his face. She had a point-their head honchos had just sort of ran off, without any explanation whatsoever. At least Josiah had made it clear what he was doing and where he was going when he had made his departure from Alpha Rock. He licked his maw. I see, and I agree with you Almira. Honestly, they haven't said anything to me either, so I am just as out of the loop as you. There are a few members of the pack, who I haven't seen in awhile, such as Satine and Deppene, so that is a problem. I think as Betas, it's just as much our job as the Alphas to know your pack, inside and out. That means keeping up to date with everyone.

He gave a yawn, still a little tired from his interrupted nap, and gave a slightly embarrassed look at the fae. He thought about what else she said, and his muscles tensed under his fur. But, what I can tell you now is that I have relatives in Dancing Stars. And I've recently talked to them. So far, I haven't heard anything, but their alpha has finally chosen a mate. And, it IS Spring you know. And Spring brings pups..his voice trailed as he thought about the little, clumsy furballs that would inevitably join both packs, making them larger. Hopefully, the Dancing Stars wouldn't go crazy, and become larger than Falling Moon. If another war broke, that wouldn't help them one bit.

But with the thought of pups suddenly in the air, he looked at Almira, a strange expression on his face. He turned to look away, he couldn't think straight. As Betas, they were second in line to have them, with the Alphas' permission of course. But would Almira want a bunch of little balls of fluff, that were their own? He wouldn't mind, but it would be strictly business, well their duty more like it. Sure, he would show compassion and love for his own offspring, but it wouldn't be right if he and Almira, his partner and aquaintance, didn't share feelings for each other. Would the pups suffer because of it? He prayed not. He said nothing while he thought, wondering what his frie-partner was thinking.

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She eyed him carefully as she spoke, watching how carefully and sincerely he listened to each word she said. It was good that they were both taking this seriously. A small tingle ran down her spine as he moved closer, their pelts just touching, but she kept the dreamy look off her face and remained business-like. That was what's important at the moment. As he began to speak, she gave him her undivided attention just as he had done to her, but a few random thoughts slipped in her mind. One being, 'He's cute.' She sighed, and tried to keep the thoughts out of her head. It wasn't the time for this, not now. Maybe not ever. He probably didn't even like her like that. And she wasn't even sure if she liked him like that. Confusion swept over her.

"I saw Satine a couple days ago," she told him after he'd gotten done speaking. "She said she wants to finish the job. Chase Dancing Star wolves away from the valley completely," she informed him, shaking her head as if the female had said something totally impossible. "Personally, I don't think it's a good idea. We'd risk losing pack members when we've just won over these lands. And the Dancing Star wolves don't seem to be too much of a threat," she continued before pausing allowing him to take everything in. "Though I think we should notify all of the Falling Moon wolves just so they'll be prepared if anythint happens."

Her ears pricked at the mention of pups. Sure, she'd thought about but something about hearing it come from his mouth struck her. And she wasn't quite sure what it was. "Yes, I know," she said with a small nod. "So far, I know that Raiden and Rose are having pups. I'm not really sure about anyone else," she told him, wondering if Duke and Anevay would have any. Truthfully, she hoped they wouldn't. No one wanted a snooty little heiress or heir trying to take control of everyone. But it really wasn't her decision.

It was as if her and Josiah were sharing the same mind. She was also thinking about the possibility of having pups...With him. And she wasn't sure if she was okay with it without some kind of commitment. Whenever she'd thought of having pups, she'd always planned on having them with someone she loved, not just her partner. But in a way, she did love Josiah. She cared about him, and would never want anything to happen to him. But was this love, love?

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[Malo]

Josiah listened carefully as she spoke, thinking Satine's plan was just as absurd as Almira seemed to think it was. And he could never do that, not with his sister and her daughters part of Dancing Stars. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself, and he wasn't going down that road again. I agree, the pack should know. And the Dancing Stars may not be as strong as us, but it's not good to underestimate them.

His mind stayed focused on her words as she spoke of Raiden and Rose, slightly jealous that they were parents-to-be. He looked at Almira, admiring her beauty, her strength, her whole demeanor. If they did have pups...what would they be like? What would they look like, which of them would they take after? Or would they be completely different from either one of their parents? He didn't care, and wouldn't care, for he knew he'd love them no matter what.

But they needed loving parents, who not only loved them, but each other as well. His stomach began to churn, feeling like he had eaten a dozen butterflies. He was confused; he hadn't felt like this in a long, long time. He had to look away, green pools searching for something to look at, anything to take his mind off of...her. She was out of his league, he knew that. He cared about her though, and he couldn't help it. He knew...he liked her, he knew that and maybe it was something more, but would she ever feel the same? He hoped so..but it was all just hope..right?

[Smilies]

Almira nodded her agreement, and then looked out over Falling Moon again, studying the lands. This would be a perfect spot to let out a call, and more than likely it would reach everyone's ears but she held back. It'd probably be best to talk to Duke and Anevay first, and then one of them could let out a call. Being a new beta, she probably wouldn't be taken seriously for a while. However, the alphas will be taken seriously and will be listened to. "Alright, when should we talk to the Alphas?" she questioned, wondering if now would be a good time to call them. Though, she didn't really want to call them now. It'd been a while since she'd had some alone time with Josiah, and she didn't want to ruin it now.

She turned to look at him again, trying to read his expression. She could tell he was deep in thought, but it was hard to see what he was thinking or feeling just from his expression. "What're you thinking?" she asked honestly curious. Maybe there was a possibility that he was thinking about the same things she'd been thinking about. Pups and such...Love. A strong but stupid thing. Some spent their whole lives searching for this. So it had to be good, didn't it?

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[Malo]

He nodded, knowing that the pack would take Duke and Anevay more serious than he and Almira. Though he didn't feel like calling either one of them right now, he knew they would have to eventually. He laid down, resting his head on his white paws. He was careful not to lay on the side that had had the broken rib; luckily for him it had healed now, though it had changed his walk slightly, seeing as how it still caused a little pain for him to move the right side of his body.

He stayed quiet for a moment, thinking about how to answer her question. He didn't know if he should tell her how he was feeling, but knew that with them being partners, he had to trust her. They had to communicate, otherwise things wouldn't work. Giving a small sigh, he averted her gaze before speaking. The pack..the possibility of there being the pitter-patter of tiny paws...he answered truthfully, holding back the thought of the two of them being the ones producing the little furballs causing the pitter-patter. He didn't want to put her off, and make things awkard between them. At least not any more than it already was.

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She sighed and lowered herself down beside him. "Yeah, me too," she said, meaning she was thinking about the exact same thing. "I guess they'd be alright," she commented with a shrug. "Or they could just be runts who take all the food as they get older," she added. But she had to admit, they were also cute and it'd be nice to have a few new faces to wake up to instead of just the same old wolves, the same old personalities. "Well, I guess they wouldn't be so bad," she admitted with a small smile.

"Still no females to have them with?" she questioned, turning her head on her paws to look at him, wondering if within the short period of time they hadn't spoken that maybe he'd found someone else. Maybe she'd missed her chance and she'd have no one to blame but herself. Would she even be able to bear the fact that he was with someone else? Maybe she'd have to leave the pack just because of that. That thought shocked her. They were shocking her a lot lately. She was suprised to see how much she'd actually care.

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[Malo]

He chuckled at her comments, glad to find some amusement in the matter. Well we live in good lands now, there'd be enough food to go around. And if they tried that, we'd simply put them in their place. He nipped her ear to demonstrate, though he didn't bite hard enough to make it hurt. He gave a smile, thinking about the little bodies they would be responsible for, that he'd be proud to call his own. Though he knew pups were clumsy, curious, undisciplined, and didn't listen most of the time. But that was what made them so cute, other than the fact they were so small and fragile and dependent. He'd want to protect them with his life, and he thought he'd make a very good father. Then, hearing her question, his happy spirits lowered slightly as he answered her. No, I haven't had much luck in that department. He gave a chuckle, trying to shake it off.

He looked away, a question of his own forming on his tongue. What about you Mira? Any males chasing after you for the chance to be a father? He hoped deep within his heart she would say no. Then again, she was a very pretty fae, and that could very well be the case. Maybe he had missed out, maybe she had met someone else. Maybe she was already pregnant! Oh, how his heart dropped into his stomach at the thought! If she was already carrying pups from someone else...he didn't know what he would do, or why he cared so much, but the thought enraged and saddened him at the same time. How could she?

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She giggled when he pulled at her ear and shook her head to shake free from his grasp, her smile slowly. Did she just giggle? She shuddered and rolled her eyes. Oh, if only he knew what he was doing to her. She was actually acting...Girly for once. The change was odd, but not unwelcomed. Maybe she did act more feminine she'd be able to attract a male..Like Josiah for instance. Then, mentally, she shook her head. No, she wouldn't change herself for anyone. Not even for him. She listened to his answer, and frowned. If I wasn't such a coward, maybe you would, she said to herself.

She shook her head slowly as he asked her the same question. "Yeah, right," she said, noticing the difference in his emotions. Like someone had just burdened him with something. She lifted a brow questioningly. "Well, I hope you find someone," she muttered, not really sure if she meant it or not. She wanted him to be happy, and if that took another female, then so be it. But she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

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[Malo]

Hearing her say no, his heart practically leapt out of his heart. She was free! She was available, there was still hope! He smiled with glee, not knowing he was doing it. Oh, how happy he was to hear those words. He still had a chance, and he would take advantage of it, though when exactly he did not know. He looked at her, and smiled in spite of himself. I hope you find someone too.

He looked at her, green eyes transfixed-he couldn't stop looking at her. She was beautiful, strong, wise, independent. She was his friend, his partner as Beta, and he wouldn't have picked anyone better. But he did want more...he wished she liked him, as much as he did her. He nudged her, and licked her shoulder gently, seeing some dirt on her fur. He gave a warm smile, something he saved for his family and close friends only these days, and laid his head on his paws. So do you have anyone in mind? His mind and heart hoped for a yes.

[Smilies]

It was pretty hard to miss the gleeful smile Josiah had put on after she'd given him her answer, and she couldn't help but laugh. That had to be a sign that he liked her, right? She hoped so, because she felt as if she was slowly building up to telling him how she felt. But his last words scared her. He hoped she found someone? Her ears flattened slightly, and a frown appeared at her maw. But soon the frown disappeared as he licked her, but her auds remained back, and flat. The spot where his coarse tongue had just run over tingled ever so slightly now, and she inched closer to him until she was leaning against him, head on his shoulder.

Her ears pricked slightly at his question and she had to take a moment to think over her answer. Now would be the perfect time to tell him, but what if he didn't feel the same way. Their partnership would be so awkward and she wasn't even sure she ready to do this. Her heart had been closed, sealed up for so long she wasn't sure when the right time was to open it. But truthfully, he'd already melted her heart, and she just couldn't resist. "Yes," she said, trying to keep her voice flat. She decided to play the game as they'd been doing, wait until he asked, and hopefully he would. And when he did, she hoped she'd have the guts to spill everything to him...About how much she loved him.

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[Malo]

Josiah noticed the change in her, and he smiled to himself with glee. He hadn't felt this comfortable with anyone other than his family for, well...his whole life. He gave a content sigh as she leaned on him, glad that he was the one receiving this affection from her, and not someone else. He waited patiently through the silence, awaiting her answer without a word. He hoped she would say yes, that it would be him. When the answer finally came, he gave her an encouraging smile, but on the inside his heart was doing backflips and cheering. He suppressed a chuckle as he watched her try to control her voice, and he managed to succeed, though he shook a little from holding it in. Now, if only he knew who...

So, who is this lucky male? I'd give the world to be in his spot. He said it jokingly, but inside, he hoped it was he who she wanted to give her affections to. Not only did they make great partners already, but their bond would be multiplied many times stronger. He couldn't resist thinking about her, the life they could have. Not only the partnership and their duties as Betas, but their life together-as a family. He looked off as if in a dream as he thought about their possible pups, how they could help the pack become stronger, how they could help each other become stronger, and better. They could live their whole lives, as one. How he wished it could be that way....then he knew. He knew what it was that he was feeling for her. It was love. Josiah couldn't believe it, but he had fallen in love with her.

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Almira glanced at him as he got happy all of a sudden, and she felt herself glaring, eyes narrowed. Did he know that she was struggling with getting out the truth, and he was sitting here just barely able to hold in a laugh. She was about to spill her guts to him, and all she could feel was his body shake from the chuckle he was holding in. She turned away from him and glared out over Falling Moon's territory. What had happened to her confident, flirtatious attitude? She wished she could resurface it and use it to her abilities, so he'd feel intimidated and not her. But obviously that wasn't going to happen. He was the only male that had ever had this effect on her. And that was really saying something. A sigh was released into the air and swept away upon the wind. Well, here it goes, she thought, squeezing her eyes shot for a moment, before turning her head back around to face him.

"You already are in his spot," she told him, gaze focused intently upon his but she couldn't bare to see his reflection from fear that it might be something she didn't want to see, something other than love. Her cheeks felt like they were about to burst into flames and her whole body felt hot, her ears pressed back, feeling like a pup who'd just confessed something she'd done horrible to her mother. Now, all she could do was wait, but time seemed to freeze, seemed to go slower adding to the suspense which was already killing her. She forced herself not to think about the possible chance of bad results...Such as awkward partnership, or worse, seeing him with another female.

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