mama bear

chapter 15

The morning sun filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on the stone walls as R.A.N.A and her mate sat down to breakfast. The bear had already caught fresh salmon from the nearby stream, and while she preferred her fish raw, R.A.N.A had taken the time to cook her portion over the fire. Alongside the salmon, she had gathered a few handfuls of berries from the woods, making sure to select the sweetest ones she could find.

The crackle of the fire and the sound of their quiet chewing filled the space, a peaceful start to the day. R.A.N.A chewed slowly, trying to get used to the sensation of food. Her systems didn't *need* it, not in the way the bear did, but she had learned that to carry cubs, she would need to provide them with energy and nutrients. This was her way of preparing herself for the changes to come.

Her mate, the bear, watched her for a moment before continuing with her meal. The sight of the bear tearing into the raw fish was something R.A.N.A had become accustomed to, even though it was so different from her own preferences. Despite their differences, there was a sense of harmony between them.

After a while, the bear spoke, breaking the comfortable silence. "You're getting better at gathering food," she said with a soft rumble, her eyes gleaming with quiet pride. "The berries are sweet today."

R.A.N.A smiled at the compliment, though her mind was elsewhere. She had been thinking about the conversation they had the night before, the realization of what she would need to do if they were going to have cubs. It wasn't just about the act itself—it was about timing, about ensuring the best chance for their cubs to thrive.

After a few more bites, R.A.N.A set down her plate and looked at her mate, a hint of hesitation in her synthetic eyes. "I've been thinking," she began, her voice soft. "About when... it would be a good time for me to... activate my system. For the cubs."

The bear paused mid-chew, glancing up at R.A.N.A with curiosity. "You have?"

R.A.N.A nodded, her hands resting in her lap. "Yes. I know I need to do it if we want a family. But... I've also been thinking about the best time for it to happen. I've been researching the seasons, and I think it would be best if the cubs were born in late spring or early summer."

The bear tilted her head, listening closely. "Why then?"

"Because," R.A.N.A explained, "they would have the entire warm season to grow and get stronger before the next winter comes. If they're born during the cold season, it might be harder for them to survive. I want to give them the best chance."

The bear nodded slowly, understanding. "You're right. Cubs born in the spring have a better chance. It gives them time to learn, to find food, and to grow before the cold returns."

There was a moment of silence as they both considered the weight of the decision ahead of them. The fire crackled softly, and R.A.N.A could feel her internal systems whirring, processing the emotions she wasn't used to dealing with.

"I want to do it before winter ends," R.A.N.A said finally, her voice quiet but firm. "I want to be ready before the cubs would need to be born in the spring."

The bear's eyes softened as she looked at R.A.N.A. She could see the effort her mate was putting into this—the thoughtfulness, the planning. The hesitation was still there, but it was clear that R.A.N.A's resolve was growing stronger.

"You're nervous," the bear said gently, not as a question, but as a statement of fact.

R.A.N.A nodded, her synthetic face betraying the faintest flicker of uncertainty. "I am. This is all so new to me. I've never done anything like this before. But I know it's important. I want to make sure we have a family. I just... want to do it right."

The bear reached out with her paw, placing it gently over R.A.N.A's hand. "You don't have to rush it. We'll take our time. But I trust you. You've always done things with care, and I know you'll be a good mother."

R.A.N.A felt a strange warmth spread through her circuits, a mixture of reassurance and affection. She had never thought of herself as a mother before—never considered the possibility that she could bring life into the world, even if it wasn't in the traditional sense. But now, with her mate beside her, the idea didn't seem so impossible.

The bear continued, her voice calm and steady. "We'll make sure everything's ready. The shelter, the food, everything. When you're ready, we'll do it. I'll be with you the whole time."

R.A.N.A nodded, feeling the tension in her systems ease just a little. The bear's presence was grounding, and her support made the daunting task ahead feel more manageable. The idea of intimacy still made R.A.N.A pause, but she knew it was the next step toward the future they both wanted.

They finished their breakfast in quiet reflection, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air. But as the fire crackled and the warmth of the shelter surrounded them, R.A.N.A felt a growing sense of determination. She wasn't alone in this. They were a team, and they would face the challenges ahead together.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, R.A.N.A looked at her mate and smiled. "We'll make sure everything's ready," she said softly. "For them."

The bear rumbled in agreement, her eyes filled with warmth. "For them."

With that, R.A.N.A knew that whatever challenges lay ahead—no matter how daunting or unfamiliar—they would be ready. Together, they would create the family they both longed for, and when the spring came, they would welcome their cubs into the world.