Kirumi kept her jaw set, not letting a word escape her mouth. 

Ryoma squinted and set his ears back in suspicion. 

"Kirumi...?" Angie asked quietly, catching on to her plight. "Were you going to say something else?" 

Still nothing. 

The short wolf nudged her leg with his nose. "Ditto, Angie. Do you have something to say?" 

With widened, shell-shocked eyes, she slowly turned to Angie. Shaking, she now let out a whimper, opening her mouth to say something. "....movement from my stomach..." 

Ryoma's mouth slacked, eyes almost as big as Kirumi's. What...?!

Angie raised a brow at his actions, giggling. "Nyahahahaha! Seems you two will have some little blessings coming in the spring!" 

The soon-to-be parents turned to each other now, their eyes meeting. 

The look they shared? Holy shit..

His face softened, a smile growing on his snout. "Kirumi..." 

He licked her cheek. "Ya' don't know how excited I am!! Oh, we're gonna have pups!"  

His tail even wagged, something the majority of the pack had rarely ever seen. 

But, Kirumi's expression didn't change. 

He frowned, stepping back. 

Then he sat down. 

Reaching out a paw to her cheek, Ryoma said, "Look, 'Rumi. I know you're scared, and you have every right to be. I also know that I have no place saying this, but you're gonna be alright. I know it." 

He didn't know the validity of his own words, but he had a nagging feeling in the back of his head: Everything will be alright for Kirumi and our pups. 

He knew he had said the right thing when she turned to him, a soft smile on her face. "I guess you are right, dear. I was just fearful, because I did not want to leave you or my future pups alone. I am excited as well!" 

Wagging her tail almost as fast as Ryoma, she gave his cheek a big lick. 

In the background, Tsumugi cheered, excited for the pups to come. 

Angie skipped around the two. "Don't worry, Kirumi! Angie'll do checkups on you whenever you want~~!" 

"Thank you," Kirumi turned to her, still smiling. "That is a gracious offer." 

"You're welcome, Kirumi! Now, Angie's gotta go and sort out her medicine storage dens.. bye-o-nara!" 

With that, she walked away, a jump in her step.

Tsumugi gave them a wide, wide smile. "Congratulations, guys!" 

"Thanks," Ryoma said. He turned to his mate. "Let's follow her back. I think we have an announcement to make." 

Ahhh.. this one is better! Though, not by much. And, woohooo, PUPS!! ~ Mia 🔱