Dear Big Brother

Welcome Home/Dinner

Once he closed the door he heard running sounds coming towards him. He looked up just in time to see three little foxes crush on him. He stared wide eyed as the four kits cried in greetings. "My kits, what are you doing".He shouted while smiling. "You're not meant to shift yet. Did Bell teach you?"

"She did!" Yelled the boy with red hair once shifting back in the boy's arms. The black fox jumped to his head while screaming at the other one on his shoulder. "Now now. No fighting. I found a new chilly on my search". Giggling, he peeled all three children off him. Bell from the kitchen entrance giggled at the sight. The boy nodded his head in greeting. All three children ran away at hearing her laugh.

"So what is this I hear about a new spice?" She questioned as she dried her hands. The boy smiled as he took off the basket, handing it to her. She left up the blanket to reveal the chilly. As she inspected it, the boy took the infant from her back. The baby instantly giggled at being in the hands of her brother. "I hope the five didn't give you too much trouble". He sighed as he set his other things down.

"Oh no. They were angels." The boy scoffed at that remark. "Bell...please. You and I both know they are far from being angels." Bell laughed at him. He smiled as seeing her smile. "So what's the dinner plan?"

"Actually I haven't thought about that." The boy nodded in understanding. He looked out the window. "Well I was thinking of treating the kids. They've been doing well lately. There are still some deer leftover. Spicy roasted deer with the new chilly spice as the base doesn't sound that bad." He hummed, deep in thought. Bell stared at him for a few minutes. "I hope whatever you're going to do won't poison the kids." The boy gasps. "Oh dear. DO you really think I would do such a thing!?" He muttered while holding the infant closer to his chest. Bell only stared. "Winter is coming...can you really handle it..." She mumbled, turning her gaze away. The boy was saddened at the reminder. "We have to try. Children come first"

"Yeah. I know, but what about us? If we don't make it, who will be there for them?" The boy turned his face away. Bell waited for what felt like an eternity. Her blood boiled at his silence. "Aster, answer me! Who will be there for them if we don't make it." She growled slowly.

"Stop..." He whimpered. She paused. "Sorry" , whispering before she left. Aster stayed like he was deep in thought. Self pity can drive people into a rabbit hole of emotions. He thought of leaving. He thought of just ending it all. He didn't want to be left with this responsibility meant for pair mates. He decided to leave.

"Bah"

Aster looked down to meet his infant sister's eyes. Those golden eyes filled with innocence. Then it hit him. He started to cry. His siblingings. These were not someone else's children. They are and will always be his. "I'm sorry" He chanted. That's how things ended up being. He stayed.

After his mental breakdown. He started on dinner. Three hours later the table was filled with dishes. He called everyone for dinner. Everyone sat down, gave their thanks and ate. He and Bell didn't grab much. Him being seated at the head of the table watched as his siblings ate without a care in the world. This very moment he pledged to himself he would care for every last one the children as his own. Until he gave them to the temple of spring. He smiled as he let himself be joined into the conversation.