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1059 Words
Elizabeth reached for Sawyer's hand; she wasn't hurt, but she was worried that he would be upset and it was an instinctive reaction.
"I can offer you both a place in the pack now and… maybe you can bring this up again when things have calmed down a little? We're sorting out what we're going to do about Saga, and we're worried about where Karoline is, and Linnea is threatening to leave, and…"
"... Selene, it's fine. I understand… we both understand. You have to think about the members you already have before you start to think about things like this. We're outsiders, things we might want some day shouldn't be a priority."
Selene chewed her lip for a moment and then sighed.
"You're not outsiders to me, and you know that. And I know what this means to you. As far as I am concerned this pack needs more members, and I think it would do everyone good."
"You don't owe us an explanation," Elizabeth smiled. "And being accepted as members is an honor; please don't leave here thinking we're disappointed."
Selene stood up to leave, but before she got to the door she turned back.
"What made you ask this? Me and Robin didn't ask you two for permission."
Sawyer shrugged.
"I don't know. I guess we wanted you to know that we respect this place, and we know that you and Valo are the ones in charge here."
"Oh…well, I appreciate that. And it's fine by me if you want a family, but if you feel like you need to prove something to the pack, I think it would be good to give you some work to do around here."
"I doubt there's much call for a Barista around here, and…"
"... I don't mean that kind of work, Sawyer. I mean… I'd like you to help with things like guarding the place. I don't think anyone will begrudge you if you're willing to do that."
"Guard the place?" Elizabeth leaned forward slightly, waiting for an explanation.
"She means as a wolf," he turned to Selene, taking her comment seriously. "If there's something the Pack needs defending from, I don't think we'll be starting a family any time soon. Is there a reason you're hoping I'll help guard the place?"
Selene looked at her feet in silence for a moment, then gestured toward the front door.
"I would like to talk to you about this in private, if you don't mind?"
Sawyer raised his eyebrow at Selene, and he was surprised that Elizabeth hadn't immediately protested.
"I don't think that would be appropriate when this conversation is going to influence our decision whether or not to have a child."
"You both know what you want - I highly doubt that anything is going to stop you; it never has before. I want to talk to you, alone."
He looked at Elizabeth for a moment, seeking her approval, and she nodded agreement.
He followed after Selene, unsure of what she really wanted, and he was a little concerned when she lit one of the clove cigarettes she only ever smoked when she was stressed.
"Selene, is everything OK?"
She shrugged, and took a draw from the cigarette as they walked away from the buildings to the edge of the trees.
"You tell me, first…is everything OK with you and Elizabeth?"
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Because she's never expressed an interest in having kids before, and you're my friend; I don't want you to get hurt."
"She really wants this for us. I believe that she is being genuine."
"So, why ask if you're allowed?"
"Because it's the right thing when this isn't our Pack."
"You're welcome to settle down as far as I'm concerned," she shrugged, and Sawyer narrowed his eyes a little.
"I thought you didn't want to make a decision like that?"
"Help us keep this place safe, and you can consider our hospitality and willingness to let you have a kid as your p*****t. Does that sound fair?"
"Are you all in danger?"
"You probably know better than we do, but I assume people are going to want to get their hands on Saga, or figure out a way to get Francesca."
Sawyer laughed cynically at the suggestion.
"If anybody managed to kidnap Francesca they would send her back the way Robin did; she's not exactly a riot to be around."
"She seems to be trying," Selene shrugged. "And I know there are plenty of packs who would kill for a white wolf, so… it would help us a great deal if you agreed to help patrol."
"I'd have done that even without you making it a deal. I'm happy to help."
"I hope you can… you know…" Selene looked away awkwardly.
"Help you?" Sawyer laughed, "are you worried I'm too old to be useful now you've got a younger man to admire?"
"I don't admire anyone that way, and that's not what I meant. I meant… I hope she can…"
"Oh," he swallowed nervously and felt his stomach tighten, "I guess we haven't had time to worry about that."
"Sorry. I don't know why I said that when there's no reason she wouldn't be able to have a kid with you. You know it's possible, at least, and if it happened once…"
"...for the love of God, stop talking. You don't need to explain yourself; you're my friend, and you're fretting that I'm going to get upset. I've not had much of a reason to be worried about it before, but yeah… I think part of me is afraid that what Cordelia did to her might mean we won't get another chance. I spent a long time obsessing over what happened, but I'm in a better place and when Elizabeth asked me if I would consider this, I realized how badly I still want it."
"Which is entirely why I don't think there's any point telling you not to do this. You know what you want already, and I'm not going to force you to suppress that desire. You've suffered enough - both of you - and you deserve happiness in whatever form you have finally settled on. I'm relieved you're back - I may also be acting a little selfishly and encouraging you to settle down here so you don't disappear again."
- Writer
