[At least knowing why she feels this way comes with added relief and...well, not less stress but, a mysterious illness is a lot more foreboding for a small animal compared to morning sickness. As he sets her down she does hazard another kiss to take advantage of his closeness, atop his muzzle where his fur thins near his wet nose.
It's a mix of butterflies and nausea when she looks at him, and when he does part from her she does exactly what's expected, settling down on her knees at the table and twisting open the green tea still cold from the fridge.]
Take as long as you need-- [Please...you stink of grease...] You're not going to miss anything.
[She sounds amused. Still very much shaken up by all this, evidenced by the way she still has to steady herself before taking a sip from the bottle, but she's happy. Haru would have been happy if it were just the two of them growing old together from now until the end but, the fact that they'll be having a kid? It's a thought that finally sinks in when Legosi leaves for his shower, and she feels splotches of tears falling warm and wet from her eyes from the relief of it all, wiping them away with the back of her wrist.
Yeah, she'll definitely feel better after eating something.]
[With one last crooked grin to leave Haru with, Legosi shuffles off to the washroom to make himself a bit more pleasant to be around. It's going to be some time before he can really process anything, gathering up his clothes in something of a stupor with his thoughts unable to connect on any one topic. They should be a whirling, overwhelming mass, but right now he can't think of anything at all. It's like his brain is on autopilot as a defense mechanism while he recovers from the outpouring of emotions all at once. Shower. Basic needs. That's what he can handle right now.
But then he gets into the shower, alone for the first time since Haru left to actually take the test, hot water striking the back of his head with as literal of a hammer as anything to remind him that this is all real. He isn't dreaming any of it. He's going to return to their apartment to that little white rabbit in the center of the room. His girlfriend. The soon-to-be mother of his child.
He cradles his face in his claws, and he weeps. He thinks about how Gosha must have felt when he heard the same news. He thinks about his mother. Thinks about all of the hybrid children and adults alike that exist in this world, and he wonders...what will mine be like? Will they be healthy? Happy? Or will they seek to hide their heritage from the world, just as his mom once had?
Legosi can only hope for a bright future. It's something he's going to chase after for his child with every last ounce of his strength, at no matter the cost.
He comes back to Haru in a little while, his grey fur fluffy from drying and all of his usual canine/work smell all gone. You can't completely keep a dog from smelling like a dog, of course, but now he smells like freshly bathed dog. A much nicer variation.
Silently, he stoops down next to where Haru is sitting so he can take a seat beside her at the table, setting something down in the middle of it. It's a small pile of menus that they'd collected from various restaurants that deliver nearby.]
[She's managed to quell her tears even as the swell of emotion stays warm and heavy at the center of her chest, a pleasant contrast to the way she'd been otherwise feeling on and off these past few weeks. Still, through her sniffling and wiping her face dry, she manages a few more careful sips of green tea before setting it aside to tidy the place up as Legosi bathes.
Life goes on, and will continue to go on, even if right now she feels like she's in a little bubble of what ifs, most pleasant but some thoughts dipping into uncertain territory. And as she picks up the test from the floor to put it away, washes her hands and tidies up the table in preparation for ordering and having dinner in, she thinks to...
That professor of hers, who she's not seen hide nor hair of outside of what happened well over a year ago at this point. About how happy she had been to see a hybrid adult like him, the trepidation and excitement she had felt. But before she can ruminate or think any further, setting herself back down in her usual spot, Legosi comes back smelling nice and clean and at this point, she's gotten so used to the simple underlying smell of dog that it smells reassuring and of home at this point. Leaning against him as she settles down next to her, she gives herself a moment to just relax against him before leaning forward to sift through the menus he's set down for her to look over.]
Hmm... [She's sitting up on her knees, flipping through the selection. It's not a huge choice of takeout around these parts as it had been near her university, considering how close the complex had been to the Back Alley Market, but she sits back after choosing her go-to place.] I think I can really go for some dumplings tonight. That feels like a safe option.
[She spreads open the menu for him to look alongside her, her ears twitching every so often. It's funny, how normal this all is, while knowing officially that their routine is going to change dramatically in the coming months.]
You should pick your favourite from the menu, too.
[Haru's encounter with Melon isn't something Legosi thinks back on often. Mostly because, well...his primary takeaway memory is that of Haru promising Melon he could eat her, but given what they'd both been through at this point...it's not really something he could hold against her anymore. Far too much has happened for that, especially when it doesn't matter at this point besides. What he does think about, however, is the impact every interaction he had with the hybrid made on him, both good and bad.
Melon was an example. An example of what can come of a hybrid relationship if not taken the proper dilligence and care. One can't predict what their children may do, of course, but even so...Legosi can only hope that whatever their future child turns out to be like, they'll be happy enough with their lives that they don't fall into a similar type of madness. He isn't sure what he would even begin to do in a situation like that.
Legosi shifts an arm around Haru as she leans over to look at the menus, making a much more snug space for her to fold in against his side. Honestly, several more of her could fit against him with how much space he can give, but.]
Mm...
[It only takes him a moment to decide, and it's probably predictable as anything. He points a claw at a listing for Tamagoyaki. Legosi's go-to type of comfort food.]
It won't be the same as the egg sandwiches from Cherryton were, but still good.
[And learning he's going to be a father is plenty worth celebrating with EGG.]
[There's a comfortable, warm feeling that settles in her heart as Legosi affords her a more comfortable spot at his side, herself feeling snug and safe, surrounded by the smell of soap. It's impossible to predict the future, but...unlike whatever had happened to Melon that had him behaving the way he did, she knows that theirs will be a warm and safe home.
She has a hunch as to what Legosi's going to pick, and the moment he points at his choice she smirks, settling in even closer after she fishes her smartphone out of her pocket. Your cellphone savvy girlfriend is going to place this order through Zoober Eats because honestly, she doesn't really want to burst this little bubble of the two of them by talking to some stranger on the phone. Not right now.]
You talk about those sandwiches like they're the girl that got away. [Said chidingly, tapping away at her screen as she speaks.] I'll order some extra sides. Worst case, we'll have leftovers.
[Aaand done and ordered. She draws her feet up close, her full weight now against him, and after a second, something's clearly still weighing on her mind after all this:]
[He's only half joking. He still wonders why his favorite changed so suddenly, but alas...he hasn't had them in such a long time. It's nothing more than a nostalgic memory these days.
With their dinner ordered and on the way, Legosi had been ready to just sit holding Haru for a little while...until Haru is Haru and asks him something he isn't immediately prepared to answer. He's so glad she accepts all the weird canine things about him, but this has got to be one of the harder ones to explain.]
You, ah...well...I mean. You always smell.
[...]
N-not-! In a bad way! Everything has a scent, and yours is absolutely wonderful...I couldn't mistake it for anything. It's just...difficult to explain. It's subtly different, right now.
[His tail curves a bit closer to the both of them.]
[She flashes him A Look when he says she always smells, but it's mostly performance; because, honestly, she knows that nose of his and she's an animal herself. Everyone smells, and she's always the first to point out whenever Legosi stinks.
So she relaxes into him as he explains further, absentmindedly taking his tail in her arms as it curls around them, bringing it over her lap and petting him as she tries to put herself in his shoes. Imagine how the world must be for a guy who can smell that something was up with her before either of them even knew. And, one hand still resting atop his tail, she brings the other down to rest against her abdomen. It's not that she feels anything, it's too early, but it's more the thought of it.
A subtle difference.]
It's weird to think about...that there's something else there. [And that he could sense it before even she knew what was up] Because besides feeling sick, I don't feel anything else just yet.
[It still feels like it's just her, even knowing.]
[Honestly, Legosi had assumed that what he was smelling was the fact Haru was getting sick. Just in a more general sense, nothing to do with being pregnant specifically. If he'd thought a bit harder about it, he might have started to suspect in a more correct direction...instead, he's been as blindsided as she was by the news.
The tip of his tail wiggles just a little bit as she reaches around to hold it, otherwise staying still in her grasp as they sit there together in the center of their small apartment.]
I guess...it will probably be a while until you feel anything.
[He's about as knowledgeable with this sort of thing as any other young man his age, which is to say...not very. It doesn't help that he dropped out, but it probably wouldn't have mattered either way. He'll learn everything he needs to know, be it from the doctor themselves, or the internet, or the plethora of books he's no doubt going to be picking up on the topic.
After a little pause, he'll reach over and cover Haru's hand against her middle with his own.]
[Haru's knowledge of the matter is probably much better than Legosi's; she's a rabbit, after all, and though it's a stereotype, it's one based in some reality and necessity of most small mammal species. Her mom had definitely given her The Talk which laid the life of a female rabbit out in all its messy, short-lived glory.
As Legosi's large hand covers her own, his paw easily spanning across her entire abdomen in a comforting warmth, she smiles.]
Things will probably start feeling a lot more real once we get it checked out. Make sure everything's all right... [Her voice trails off a bit, and she'd rather not think of the 'what-ifs' and the doctor appointments.] We should wait before we tell everyone. Keep things between us for a few more weeks.
[It feels nice, having a little secret between the two of them, plus it just makes sense. Not rush into telling everyone until everything is absolutely certain, keep a sense of normal for awhile longer before things really do change.
Avoid how overbearing and nosy her family will inevitably be......she's most worried about how her dad will react with how much of a protective worrywart he can be on a good day.]
But I might start bugging your grandpa for advice.
[He can readily agree to that. It's going to take him just that long to get used to the idea, so he can't imagine how much more like a big deal it's going to feel like once others know. Not just their families, but their friends as well...it's really going to be surrounding their lives all at once. Surely Haru hasn't been pregnant for a huge amount of time, especially since these symptoms just recently developed. They have plenty of time to work out how they want to go about letting this information be known.
And if Haru thinks her family is overbearing...just wait until Gosha hears he's going to be a great grandpa.]
Yes...he would be happy to talk to you, I imagine. He raised me no matter how difficult I could be, so I doubt there is much that surprises him anymore.
[Well, beyond that time he learned his grandson was dating a rabbit. That was still pretty surprising.]
[Haru's gotten a taste of Gosha's overbearing nature no doubt, considering the the utmost care he took regarding his venom whenever her and Legosi would drop by for a visit.]
He did a good job, even if you're not perfect. [Said playfully at Legosi's expense, drawing her knees up even closer so she can hug his hand against her.] And he's the only person I know right now who's had a kid with someone of a completely different species.
[She'll trust him more than the internet; at least in the beginning.]
...plus he'll probably show me even more baby pictures of you.
[Truly the core reason why Haru will want to tell him first. More excuses for her to browse through photos of Legosi's ever-elusive past.]
[...okay, that causes Legosi to snort on a laugh before he can stop himself.]
Please no...
[It's not that he looks back on his childhood badly, far from it. Even with how difficult the situation got with his mother, he was a happy child growing up. He never wanted for anything, and even being a hybrid he never felt the pressure of it because Gosha made sure to shield him from that harsh reality for as long as he could. Legosi was able to grow up thinking that having a komodo dragon for a grandfather was just a completely normal thing. He was special for having him in his life.
But...Gosha also was the type to document everything. Everything. Legosi is pretty sure there are half a dozen photos for every year of his life up until he moved out for school, so the amount there is for Haru to uncover is- quite honestly- going to be staggering. And once their child is born, that's going to be no exception.]
I hope you don't mind family photos...
[He imagines that's something Haru is also used to, with how many siblings she has.]
Are you kidding? I'd be happy to spend the entire day looking at your family photos.
[She's allowed herself to get real comfortable against him now, the full weight of her small body leaning against him, bringing her hand out from under his so she can rest both her hands on his tail she's still kept wrapped around her. By the time the delivery person arrives and makes the trek up the stairs to the apartment, she's not going to want to move from this spot.
Tilting her head up to look at him, her impish grin is clear as day.]
It's the perfect excuse to unearth more of your mysterious past.
[And see more what a hybrid family looks like with her own two eyes.]
Plus, it'll be a way to learn more about what I'm getting myself into. I know what I was like as a kit, but a wolf pup? I've never even been near one before.
[Legosi's family was definitely a bit of an outlier in terms of what one might expect from your "textbook" hybrid family. Even with their komodo dragon blood, both his mother and Legosi himself looked like grey wolves in every way...at least until his mother started to grow scales as she grew older, things changing far too abruptly for her to be able to handle. Legosi wonders, sometimes, if he might begin to see similar changes in himself as he grows into an adult...he of course would embrace the changes, however strange. He's already gotten accustomed to the oddity of his regenerative abilities on top of his immunity to a komodo dragon's poison.]
I imagine...they aren't too much different from any other child, really.
[Even across species, children are children. Sure, a small rabbit is going to behave in some ways differently than a tiger cub for example, but they ultimately don't have the same concept of special differences at that age. Legosi was only so strongly aware of it because he'd grown up surrounded by reminders.]
[There's a thoughtful hum from Haru, thinking about a bigger and toothier child. She splays her hands wide against the fur of Legosi's tail so that tufts of fur stick up between her fingers.]
And rabbits are smaller. Less toothy. [But, beyond physical differences, Legosi is right. A baby has none of the same preconceived notions that children and adult animals do; much of her life experience and expectations were entirely based on both her species and the surroundings she had been brought up in.
And, slowly but surely, in part thanks to Legosi and Louis, this city of theirs and the way their world works in regards, is changing. Even still, Haru was born and raised in a pure blooded dwarf rabbit family, right down to fur colour. She's never really had much experience with mixed species families, or hybrid animals. Legosi, after all, on the surface has most of the characteristics and appearance and mannerisms of a large canine, and Melon...
...His existence and his living to adulthood as as a child of a carnivore & herbivore coupling had made her happy. And Haru is smart enough to know that he was very well an outlier, but also someone pushed to the brink by some means beyond nature.]
Gosha...he raised you really well, Legosi-kun. He's a good man. [Said fondly, looking down as she strokes Legosi's fur.] I want to know more about how he raised you. Learn more about your family but-- ah [she rubs one eye with the back of her hand. The overwhelming feelings of this day come and go like waves, and it's probably too early to blame horomones for it.] I'm getting ahead of myself! It's not like it has any teeth and--
[She lifts one hand, pinching her forefinger and thumb nearly together. Noting the size of a pea.]
[Legosi finds himself squinting at the shape she makes with her fingers, even if he's close enough to get the gist without even having to be any nearer. Their offspring is scarcely more than a concept at this stage, slowly growing but very much there. Would the doctors be able to tell the predominant species of the child through ultrasound alone, he wonders? Would that not even be a factor you could see until they're born? It's not like it matters to him- he'd love them even if they had gills somehow- but he is curious. With how large their physical and biological differences are, the gene pool is vast and could be pulling from any number of places.
...Hell, this baby is going to be a small fraction part Komodo dragon themselves. It's pretty far removed at this point, but the fact of the matter is that it will be there. They'll be more hybrid than most, considering that fact.
As Haru rubs her eye, Legosi just...sets his muzzle gently atop her head, sniffing.]
It's okay. I think it's...exciting, to speculate what they might be like.
[Exciting, nervewracking...it's much better assuming they'll be okay and healthy than allowing himself to dwell on the possibility that some complications arise.]
And thank you...I know grandpa would be very happy to know you feel that way. He's worked very hard to find his happiness in life. This will only contribute to that.
[Ah Legosi is just so...big and warm. And the careful weight of his muzzle on her head, the clean post-shower smell emanating from his fur, the strong feelings that had brought tears to her eyes ebbs away into something quieter, more pleasant and manageable.]
You're right...it's normal for [parents; the word stop shorts in application to the two of them, because like he's said, it still doesn't feel real, so after only a small pause:] people to get ahead of themselves.
[And to someone like Haru, thinking about the future far in advance is still very new, something to get used to. Something she's had to learn, in time, thanks in part to the level of understanding and importance Legosi felt towards her and how, in turn, she knew she wanted a future with him.
She hums, happily, thoughtfully, and reaches up to run her hand along the length of his muzzle. Idly scratching him when she comes to stop at his cheek.]
I hope he's also happy to be a go-to baby sitter. [Said jokingly. She's still a few semesters away from graduating, and she's not going to put an end to that.
But, before she can get even more ahead of herself, there's a knock at the door, and Haru begins to detangle herself out from under Legosi, though she'd rather not move from their cozy little bubble of 'what-ifs.']
Coming! [Said towards the door, crawling on her hands and knees before standing up. Even if Legosi is going to try to take it on himself to answer the door instead of his girlfriend, she works hard to be a few steps ahead of him whenever she can; and getting delivery is no exception to that.]
[Haru's on the same brainwave as Legosi, seeing as how he'd immediately started to try to stand, only to have Haru wiggle herself free from him before he could properly get up. He decides to sink back into a sit, watching her go to the door while he waits in her wake. He's realizing that she's probably on borrowed time here, in terms of how much longer she'll be able to easily do things herself. Not that he imagines she'll let pregnancy stop her, but...he's under the assumption it's probably difficult on smaller mammals in particular. There's a lot of weight to carry, a lot of extra energy that needs to be stored to suit both the baby and the mother's needs.
He's going to make sure he's there for her, every single step of the way. Even if he turns into an absolute nuisance of a helicopter spouse, that's just how it's going to have to be.
God. He really is turning into his grandpa...]
I think he would be disappointed if he wasn't the first to be considered.
[He calls after her, his tail sweeping the floor.]
[When Haru had been left alone with her thoughts the hours between realizing she was late and before Legosi came home, she's already come to grips with the idea of working on borrowed time. For a small rabbit like her, longevity and the lack thereof is something that always needles away at the back of her mind.
And Legosi is right in his assumption that she's not going to let this stop her from doing and acting in the way she usually does, so in the ways that his potential helicoptering is going to be a pain, considering the can-do attitude that does sometimes exceed her physical limitations, the wolf's going to have to be a nuisance every now and again.
...besides, Haru will probably appreciate the attention.
As she answers the door to accept the delivery, she keeps it open just a crack to keep from prying eyes, still in want of privacy. And after thanking the delivery animal, accepting the boxes of takeout made with large mammals in mind, she nudges the door closed with her foot.
Continuing their conversation, as the smell of greasy takeout wafts through the small studio:]
There's always my mom and dad...and siblings too. So we're not short of extra hands but-- [Setting the contents down on the table, she settles back next to him, already starting to rifle through and set their meals up for them. And she'll happily make use of the large mammal chopsticks provided with the meal.] I don't know, your grandpa's like you. Big and reliable.
Big and reliable...I think he would be happy, hearing that.
[Gosha always strived to be exactly that. Helpful to a fault, sometimes to his own detriment...but he always meant well. Legosi could sense that even as a young pup, even when the world was unfair and nothing seemed to make sense. He'd gone off to Cherryton halfway against his komodo dragon heritage...now he wishes he'd embraced it more.
His nose is already going before the food gets properly set down, and he's not even meaning to really sniff the air as aggressively as he is. It's a canine thing...Haru will probably be able to feel his snuffling breath tickling the backs of her ears as he leans over her, clasping his hands together around her front.]
It smells good...
we can probably timeskip to a new scenario if you want!
[She remains smiling at that, nice and easy even as his hot dog breath tickles the fur at her ears and back of her head as Legosi gets all up in her space. It does smell good, and happily the promise of food and a filling meal doesn't make her stomach do flipflops. Even as she sets their table (which is really just hefting out large-mammal sized portions of to-go boxes and setting them out) she doesn't nudge Legosi away.
Not that she'll want him eating over her. But sitting next to each other is certainly nice after a long day.]
Well! Let's dig in. Just smelling it isn't going to do us much good.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
i can still take this thread in that direction.
It's a mix of butterflies and nausea when she looks at him, and when he does part from her she does exactly what's expected, settling down on her knees at the table and twisting open the green tea still cold from the fridge.]
Take as long as you need-- [Please...you stink of grease...] You're not going to miss anything.
[She sounds amused. Still very much shaken up by all this, evidenced by the way she still has to steady herself before taking a sip from the bottle, but she's happy. Haru would have been happy if it were just the two of them growing old together from now until the end but, the fact that they'll be having a kid? It's a thought that finally sinks in when Legosi leaves for his shower, and she feels splotches of tears falling warm and wet from her eyes from the relief of it all, wiping them away with the back of her wrist.
Yeah, she'll definitely feel better after eating something.]
THIS READS LIKE A THREAT
But then he gets into the shower, alone for the first time since Haru left to actually take the test, hot water striking the back of his head with as literal of a hammer as anything to remind him that this is all real. He isn't dreaming any of it. He's going to return to their apartment to that little white rabbit in the center of the room. His girlfriend. The soon-to-be mother of his child.
He cradles his face in his claws, and he weeps. He thinks about how Gosha must have felt when he heard the same news. He thinks about his mother. Thinks about all of the hybrid children and adults alike that exist in this world, and he wonders...what will mine be like? Will they be healthy? Happy? Or will they seek to hide their heritage from the world, just as his mom once had?
Legosi can only hope for a bright future. It's something he's going to chase after for his child with every last ounce of his strength, at no matter the cost.
He comes back to Haru in a little while, his grey fur fluffy from drying and all of his usual canine/work smell all gone. You can't completely keep a dog from smelling like a dog, of course, but now he smells like freshly bathed dog. A much nicer variation.
Silently, he stoops down next to where Haru is sitting so he can take a seat beside her at the table, setting something down in the middle of it. It's a small pile of menus that they'd collected from various restaurants that deliver nearby.]
Pick your favorite.
THERE WAS NOTHING BESIDES THIS TAG RIGHT HERE
Life goes on, and will continue to go on, even if right now she feels like she's in a little bubble of what ifs, most pleasant but some thoughts dipping into uncertain territory. And as she picks up the test from the floor to put it away, washes her hands and tidies up the table in preparation for ordering and having dinner in, she thinks to...
That professor of hers, who she's not seen hide nor hair of outside of what happened well over a year ago at this point. About how happy she had been to see a hybrid adult like him, the trepidation and excitement she had felt. But before she can ruminate or think any further, setting herself back down in her usual spot, Legosi comes back smelling nice and clean and at this point, she's gotten so used to the simple underlying smell of dog that it smells reassuring and of home at this point. Leaning against him as she settles down next to her, she gives herself a moment to just relax against him before leaning forward to sift through the menus he's set down for her to look over.]
Hmm... [She's sitting up on her knees, flipping through the selection. It's not a huge choice of takeout around these parts as it had been near her university, considering how close the complex had been to the Back Alley Market, but she sits back after choosing her go-to place.] I think I can really go for some dumplings tonight. That feels like a safe option.
[She spreads open the menu for him to look alongside her, her ears twitching every so often. It's funny, how normal this all is, while knowing officially that their routine is going to change dramatically in the coming months.]
You should pick your favourite from the menu, too.
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Melon was an example. An example of what can come of a hybrid relationship if not taken the proper dilligence and care. One can't predict what their children may do, of course, but even so...Legosi can only hope that whatever their future child turns out to be like, they'll be happy enough with their lives that they don't fall into a similar type of madness. He isn't sure what he would even begin to do in a situation like that.
Legosi shifts an arm around Haru as she leans over to look at the menus, making a much more snug space for her to fold in against his side. Honestly, several more of her could fit against him with how much space he can give, but.]
Mm...
[It only takes him a moment to decide, and it's probably predictable as anything. He points a claw at a listing for Tamagoyaki. Legosi's go-to type of comfort food.]
It won't be the same as the egg sandwiches from Cherryton were, but still good.
[And learning he's going to be a father is plenty worth celebrating with EGG.]
no subject
She has a hunch as to what Legosi's going to pick, and the moment he points at his choice she smirks, settling in even closer after she fishes her smartphone out of her pocket. Your cellphone savvy girlfriend is going to place this order through Zoober Eats because honestly, she doesn't really want to burst this little bubble of the two of them by talking to some stranger on the phone. Not right now.]
You talk about those sandwiches like they're the girl that got away. [Said chidingly, tapping away at her screen as she speaks.] I'll order some extra sides. Worst case, we'll have leftovers.
[Aaand done and ordered. She draws her feet up close, her full weight now against him, and after a second, something's clearly still weighing on her mind after all this:]
...so...do I still smell?
ZOOBER EATS
[He's only half joking. He still wonders why his favorite changed so suddenly, but alas...he hasn't had them in such a long time. It's nothing more than a nostalgic memory these days.
With their dinner ordered and on the way, Legosi had been ready to just sit holding Haru for a little while...until Haru is Haru and asks him something he isn't immediately prepared to answer. He's so glad she accepts all the weird canine things about him, but this has got to be one of the harder ones to explain.]
You, ah...well...I mean. You always smell.
[...]
N-not-! In a bad way! Everything has a scent, and yours is absolutely wonderful...I couldn't mistake it for anything. It's just...difficult to explain. It's subtly different, right now.
[His tail curves a bit closer to the both of them.]
Like...there's something adding to it.
[A second scent.]
it was between that and PawDash
So she relaxes into him as he explains further, absentmindedly taking his tail in her arms as it curls around them, bringing it over her lap and petting him as she tries to put herself in his shoes. Imagine how the world must be for a guy who can smell that something was up with her before either of them even knew. And, one hand still resting atop his tail, she brings the other down to rest against her abdomen. It's not that she feels anything, it's too early, but it's more the thought of it.
A subtle difference.]
It's weird to think about...that there's something else there. [And that he could sense it before even she knew what was up] Because besides feeling sick, I don't feel anything else just yet.
[It still feels like it's just her, even knowing.]
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The tip of his tail wiggles just a little bit as she reaches around to hold it, otherwise staying still in her grasp as they sit there together in the center of their small apartment.]
I guess...it will probably be a while until you feel anything.
[He's about as knowledgeable with this sort of thing as any other young man his age, which is to say...not very. It doesn't help that he dropped out, but it probably wouldn't have mattered either way. He'll learn everything he needs to know, be it from the doctor themselves, or the internet, or the plethora of books he's no doubt going to be picking up on the topic.
After a little pause, he'll reach over and cover Haru's hand against her middle with his own.]
It hasn't really sunk in yet.
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As Legosi's large hand covers her own, his paw easily spanning across her entire abdomen in a comforting warmth, she smiles.]
Things will probably start feeling a lot more real once we get it checked out. Make sure everything's all right... [Her voice trails off a bit, and she'd rather not think of the 'what-ifs' and the doctor appointments.] We should wait before we tell everyone. Keep things between us for a few more weeks.
[It feels nice, having a little secret between the two of them, plus it just makes sense. Not rush into telling everyone until everything is absolutely certain, keep a sense of normal for awhile longer before things really do change.
Avoid how overbearing and nosy her family will inevitably be......she's most worried about how her dad will react with how much of a protective worrywart he can be on a good day.]
But I might start bugging your grandpa for advice.
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And if Haru thinks her family is overbearing...just wait until Gosha hears he's going to be a great grandpa.]
Yes...he would be happy to talk to you, I imagine. He raised me no matter how difficult I could be, so I doubt there is much that surprises him anymore.
[Well, beyond that time he learned his grandson was dating a rabbit. That was still pretty surprising.]
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He did a good job, even if you're not perfect. [Said playfully at Legosi's expense, drawing her knees up even closer so she can hug his hand against her.] And he's the only person I know right now who's had a kid with someone of a completely different species.
[She'll trust him more than the internet; at least in the beginning.]
...plus he'll probably show me even more baby pictures of you.
[Truly the core reason why Haru will want to tell him first. More excuses for her to browse through photos of Legosi's ever-elusive past.]
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Please no...
[It's not that he looks back on his childhood badly, far from it. Even with how difficult the situation got with his mother, he was a happy child growing up. He never wanted for anything, and even being a hybrid he never felt the pressure of it because Gosha made sure to shield him from that harsh reality for as long as he could. Legosi was able to grow up thinking that having a komodo dragon for a grandfather was just a completely normal thing. He was special for having him in his life.
But...Gosha also was the type to document everything. Everything. Legosi is pretty sure there are half a dozen photos for every year of his life up until he moved out for school, so the amount there is for Haru to uncover is- quite honestly- going to be staggering. And once their child is born, that's going to be no exception.]
I hope you don't mind family photos...
[He imagines that's something Haru is also used to, with how many siblings she has.]
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[She's allowed herself to get real comfortable against him now, the full weight of her small body leaning against him, bringing her hand out from under his so she can rest both her hands on his tail she's still kept wrapped around her. By the time the delivery person arrives and makes the trek up the stairs to the apartment, she's not going to want to move from this spot.
Tilting her head up to look at him, her impish grin is clear as day.]
It's the perfect excuse to unearth more of your mysterious past.
[And see more what a hybrid family looks like with her own two eyes.]
Plus, it'll be a way to learn more about what I'm getting myself into. I know what I was like as a kit, but a wolf pup? I've never even been near one before.
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I imagine...they aren't too much different from any other child, really.
[Even across species, children are children. Sure, a small rabbit is going to behave in some ways differently than a tiger cub for example, but they ultimately don't have the same concept of special differences at that age. Legosi was only so strongly aware of it because he'd grown up surrounded by reminders.]
Just bigger...toothier.
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And rabbits are smaller. Less toothy. [But, beyond physical differences, Legosi is right. A baby has none of the same preconceived notions that children and adult animals do; much of her life experience and expectations were entirely based on both her species and the surroundings she had been brought up in.
And, slowly but surely, in part thanks to Legosi and Louis, this city of theirs and the way their world works in regards, is changing. Even still, Haru was born and raised in a pure blooded dwarf rabbit family, right down to fur colour. She's never really had much experience with mixed species families, or hybrid animals. Legosi, after all, on the surface has most of the characteristics and appearance and mannerisms of a large canine, and Melon...
...His existence and his living to adulthood as as a child of a carnivore & herbivore coupling had made her happy. And Haru is smart enough to know that he was very well an outlier, but also someone pushed to the brink by some means beyond nature.]
Gosha...he raised you really well, Legosi-kun. He's a good man. [Said fondly, looking down as she strokes Legosi's fur.] I want to know more about how he raised you. Learn more about your family but-- ah [she rubs one eye with the back of her hand. The overwhelming feelings of this day come and go like waves, and it's probably too early to blame horomones for it.] I'm getting ahead of myself! It's not like it has any teeth and--
[She lifts one hand, pinching her forefinger and thumb nearly together. Noting the size of a pea.]
is probably only this big.
[...bite sized.]
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...Hell, this baby is going to be a small fraction part Komodo dragon themselves. It's pretty far removed at this point, but the fact of the matter is that it will be there. They'll be more hybrid than most, considering that fact.
As Haru rubs her eye, Legosi just...sets his muzzle gently atop her head, sniffing.]
It's okay. I think it's...exciting, to speculate what they might be like.
[Exciting, nervewracking...it's much better assuming they'll be okay and healthy than allowing himself to dwell on the possibility that some complications arise.]
And thank you...I know grandpa would be very happy to know you feel that way. He's worked very hard to find his happiness in life. This will only contribute to that.
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You're right...it's normal for [parents; the word stop shorts in application to the two of them, because like he's said, it still doesn't feel real, so after only a small pause:] people to get ahead of themselves.
[And to someone like Haru, thinking about the future far in advance is still very new, something to get used to. Something she's had to learn, in time, thanks in part to the level of understanding and importance Legosi felt towards her and how, in turn, she knew she wanted a future with him.
She hums, happily, thoughtfully, and reaches up to run her hand along the length of his muzzle. Idly scratching him when she comes to stop at his cheek.]
I hope he's also happy to be a go-to baby sitter. [Said jokingly. She's still a few semesters away from graduating, and she's not going to put an end to that.
But, before she can get even more ahead of herself, there's a knock at the door, and Haru begins to detangle herself out from under Legosi, though she'd rather not move from their cozy little bubble of 'what-ifs.']
Coming! [Said towards the door, crawling on her hands and knees before standing up. Even if Legosi is going to try to take it on himself to answer the door instead of his girlfriend, she works hard to be a few steps ahead of him whenever she can; and getting delivery is no exception to that.]
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He's going to make sure he's there for her, every single step of the way. Even if he turns into an absolute nuisance of a helicopter spouse, that's just how it's going to have to be.
God. He really is turning into his grandpa...]
I think he would be disappointed if he wasn't the first to be considered.
[He calls after her, his tail sweeping the floor.]
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And Legosi is right in his assumption that she's not going to let this stop her from doing and acting in the way she usually does, so in the ways that his potential helicoptering is going to be a pain, considering the can-do attitude that does sometimes exceed her physical limitations, the wolf's going to have to be a nuisance every now and again.
...besides, Haru will probably appreciate the attention.
As she answers the door to accept the delivery, she keeps it open just a crack to keep from prying eyes, still in want of privacy. And after thanking the delivery animal, accepting the boxes of takeout made with large mammals in mind, she nudges the door closed with her foot.
Continuing their conversation, as the smell of greasy takeout wafts through the small studio:]
There's always my mom and dad...and siblings too. So we're not short of extra hands but-- [Setting the contents down on the table, she settles back next to him, already starting to rifle through and set their meals up for them. And she'll happily make use of the large mammal chopsticks provided with the meal.] I don't know, your grandpa's like you. Big and reliable.
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[Gosha always strived to be exactly that. Helpful to a fault, sometimes to his own detriment...but he always meant well. Legosi could sense that even as a young pup, even when the world was unfair and nothing seemed to make sense. He'd gone off to Cherryton halfway against his komodo dragon heritage...now he wishes he'd embraced it more.
His nose is already going before the food gets properly set down, and he's not even meaning to really sniff the air as aggressively as he is. It's a canine thing...Haru will probably be able to feel his snuffling breath tickling the backs of her ears as he leans over her, clasping his hands together around her front.]
It smells good...
we can probably timeskip to a new scenario if you want!
Not that she'll want him eating over her. But sitting next to each other is certainly nice after a long day.]
Well! Let's dig in. Just smelling it isn't going to do us much good.