FSE

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… Week Nineteen…

Aideen frowned at her to-do list written in immaculate cursive. Potatoes: mashed, ham: glazed, wine: chilled. Her granite counter tops were blanketed with pre-portioned ingredients. Despite nary a crumb out of place it was heinously cluttered by her standards. Her ears swiveled towards someone shuffling beyond the threshold to the living room. Green eyes flashed in warning. “No! Out! I already told you.”

“You don't have to do this all by yourself,” Tyson pouted, tail between his legs. “It's not like I don't make you dinner most nights.”

“This is different,” said Aideen, hands on hips. “We're not throwing whatever's in the fridge together to see what sticks. That means we do it right. We do it by the book. And we don't do it by ear.”

“I thought you liked it when I improvise,” huffed Tyson.

“I do, but this is Christmas Dinner. It needs to be perfect,” insisted Aideen. “Besides, the help is coming. When did the boys say they'd arrive?”

“It's not 'the boys' anymore, Aideen,” Tyson said firmly. He swept up Aideen from behind, the bristles of his mane poking through the gaps of Aideen's Christmas sweater.

“Damn it. I guess I have a job for you, after all,” frowned Aideen. She snatched a wooden spoon from a utensil carousel and thrust it into Tyson's hand. “Hit me with this if I make another mistake. I refuse to get it wrong in front of Calill.”

“Hit you where, _ Lovely _?” Tyson growled into her ear.

“Anywhere you like, Dearest,” purred Aideen. Her tails coiled around Tyson's body so he was swathed in her warmth. He rumbled contentedly in a way that always made Aideen glow with pride. “They've been 'the boys' in my head ever since they became friends. That doesn't exactly work now, does it?”

“Calling them a trio isn't catchy enough for you?” said Tyson.

“Right, there's three of them now,” Aideen said icily. She regretted it, doubly so when Tyson growled a gentle, wordless warning. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that.”

“You promised,” reminded Tyson.

“I did,” Aideen sighed wearily. She let Tyson hold her a little longer. His embrace was her most reliable tool against her anxieties and tonight of all nights she needed them under control.

“Why don't you call them what I call them?” Tyson proffered, swaying her ever so slightly.

“I think Owyn would laugh in my face if I called him 'Kiddo,'” Aideen said, cracking a smile.

“I think you're right, but I only call Elan 'Kiddo,'” said Tyson. “I've gotten in the habit of calling them 'The Delinquents' when I'm around the campus station.”

Aideen keeled over, cackling. “You're not wrong.”

Further banter was interrupted by the scrape of wood and a burst of cold wind. Aideen hurried to greet their guests. Elan wore a pink maternity dress from the care package she'd sent him. It fit his silhouette marvelously despite him not having a bust. He proffered a tail to Calill, who draped her faded denim battle jacket over it. Every inch of the aged thing was covered in studs and punk patches so that it clashed with her elegant black slip dress. Owyn wore simple grey slacks with a matching shirt and, inexplicably, a fluffy pink apron. His arms were laden with tupperware.

“Come in you three, get out of the cold.” Aideen sprung into perfect hostess mode. She embraced Elan and aided him in divesting the others of their coats. “I'm so glad you're here for the holidays again, Calill.”

“Thanks for being happy to see me,” Calill said casually. Aideen's lower jaw twinged and she raised a hand protectively to... don't be stupid, girl. You can't fall to pieces when they just got here. Callil's ambivalence to her parent's behavior never sat right with Aideen. She fought the urge to say something untoward about the Stallones, or at least that Cal deserved better. She settled for a hug which Calill returned gratefully. When she let go she was left face-to-face with Owyn. Aideen halted in her tracks, forced to crane up at the larger 'Arc to meet his steely eyes. Arceus he must have a foot on Tyson...

“What, no hug for me?” Owyn flashed Aideen a shit-eating grin.

Aideen bought herself time by taking the stack of containers from Owyn and balancing them neatly on her tails. Under the guise of helping his wife, Tyson shot her a look.

Be nice.

I know.

You promised.

I know!

Aideen sighed and tentatively wrapped her arms around Owyn. It was like hugging a novelty Ursaring doll. She couldn't fully reach around his bulky and she doubted her ears would even tickle his nipples. The thought lit a warmth under her cheeks and she hastily broke away.

“Can't you dress festive for one day? It's the holidays!” said Aideen with more indigence than strictly necessary.

“Black is good for every occasion,” said Calill.

“Pink is a shade of red,” Owyn said, gesturing facetiously to his apron.

“He tried wearing green but I forbid it. It's awful for his complexion,” said Elan.

“And I'd hate to upset my resident baby momma. Stress isn't good for the pups, after all,” Owyn smirked and scratched Elan paternally behind the ears. Elan's tails wiggled contentedly and Aideen had to choke down a frown.

“Besides, Mom, I only have one green dress and I don’t think you’d like it very much.”

Aideen heard a snort behind her, but she couldn’t tell if it was Owyn or Tyson who had suppressed a laugh. “Where’s the Christmas sweater I sent you last year, Elan?”

“The goodwill,” mumbled Calill. Elan shot her a glare but wilted under Aideen's frown.

“Moooom, ugly sweaters are so dowdy,” whined Elan. “And besides, I don’t need a sweater. When have I been chilly in my life?”

Aideen shook her head but didn’t pursue the issue. She turned her attention to the various crocks and Tupperware. “I said ‘bring dessert’ but you brought the whole bakery?”

“Almost,” Owyn said proudly. “The cookies are all baked and ready to go but I also have dough for dinner rolls.”

“We’re roasting a ham, you know,” said Aideen cautiously. She didn’t want to seem ungrateful. Quite the opposite, actually: the initiative impressed her. “And the potatoes need time to finish too.”

“Oh I can tell. Maple glaze?” Owyn sniffed with relish. “Don't worry about timing. These are quick bakes and Kitsy told me you’ve got a double oven. They should be done before the rest even has time to cool.”

Aideen suppressed a frown and shared a look with Tyson.

Kitsy? Really?

Yeah. Really.

The exchange was wordless but Tyson's resigned expression said it all. Aideen sighed dejectedly. She was gonna just have to get used to it. “Since I’ve got the ham roasting already. Can you three help with the sides?

Elan, Calill, and Owyn took up a task without question. Calill and Elan arranged a work station to roll out dough while Owyn snatched the pan that Aideen had prepared forsautéinggreen beans. Aideen's blood pressure rose when Owyn ignored her pre-portioned seasonings and added several more cloves of garlic to the beans and diced bacon. “Owyn I know it's your first time here for the holidays but nor—”

Elan interrupted her by looping a tail around her wrist. He whispered so only Aideen could hear. “Mom, let him cook. He's good, I promise.”

“So Owyn cooks for you often, then?” said Tyson, a feeble stab at being conversational.

“All the time,” said Calill. She stood on tiptoes to steal a kiss. “It's amazing what he can do with what we pilfer from the dining hall salad bar.”

Elan flinched and Aideen realize too late that he'd caught her scowling. “Mooom, we're allowed to fill up to-go boxes, it's not like we haven't paid for it.”

“I— it just sounds like a lot of work. I hope they're not taking advantage,” said Aideen.

“If you’re training, cooking at home is the best way to control your intake. So that’s what I do. And I like cooking for more than just me. Otherwise I'll get lazy about meal prep.” Owyn snapped his fingers over the stove, his dark-orange flames sizzling beneath the pan of green beans.

“He packs me a lunch for long studio days,” chimed in Elan.

“Yeah,” said Owyn. He ruffled Elan's hair without leaving the stove. “Gotta make sure the kits are eating good, too, you know?”

“You should see him on cheat days. That's when he bakes,” said Calill fondly. She and Elan stood side by side and rolled dough into little balls on a baking sheet.

“I hope you don't leave all the kitchen work to Owyn,” said Aideen pointedly.

“I help,” said Elan enthusiastically. “Except on the cheat days. Then I'm banned from the kitchen except for dishes.”

“I wouldn't have to ban you if you learned to measure,” teased Owyn. “You can cook with vibes but that doesn't fly when you bake.”

“And who, I wonder, taught him to do that?” smirked Calill. Tyson looked appropriately abashed and Aideen permitted herself a half-smile.

“Speaking of, what should I do since you've commandeered my green beans?” said Aideen. Tyson shot her a warning look but she brushed it off. This was still her kitchen, after all.

“You did the ham and potatoes, right? Why not put your feet up?” Owyn said magnanimously.

Aideen waved away the proffered olive branch. “That's not right! You're my guest. It'd be like asking you to vacuum.”

“You can help us,” offered Elan “The rolls need an egg wash bef- OOMF!-”

A vigorous kick made Elan flinch. He dropped the dough ball in his hands when he keeled over. Before Aideen could even act, Owyn had his arm around Elan's waist, reeling him close so the 'Nines could lean against him. “Easy there.. Don't hurt yourself.”

“S-sorry,” Elan said shakily.

“Let's set you up on the kitchen table, Kitsy,” said Owyn. He kissed Elan on the top of the head and helped Calill relocate their impromptu bread station. “You should be off your feet anyway.”

The epithet made Aideen purse her lips but she covered her lapse by depositing the dropped dough in the trash can. She'd hoped no one noticed, but she thought Calill, or all people, shot her a look. The silent rebuke simmered sourly in Aideen's chest. Maybe _ you _ could've caught your _ boyfriend _ if you weren't so busy giving me the stink eye. Cal was closer to Elan than Owyn, after all.

“An egg wash, huh? Fancy,” Aideen said feebly when she sat next to Elan. She realized she'd forgotten the basting brush, but Owyn had already tossed it to Elan. “Can you please not throw things in my kitchen?”

“Sorry, forgot I'm not back home with them,” grunted Owyn.

“Speaking of, how is campus now that it's winter break?” Tyson asked diplomatically.

“Lookin' to juice your end of year review, huh? Lucky for you, 'Ol Timer, I can be bribed,” smirked Owyn.

“Your bribe is me not telling my boss you're living in underclassmen housing,” Tyson flashed his fangs playfully at the larger 'Arc.

“I'm just surprised you stayed, Elan. You know Calill would've been welcome till term resumed,” Aideen said, tone measured. I see, it's just a joke when _ he _ says it. But _ me _? Aideen fumed internally, nostrils flaring with golden sparks. She jumped when steam erupted from the stove behind her: Owyn had added a dash of white wine to the green beans and ignited it. It took all her willpower not to comment. He should've asked where the cooking wine was. She'd uncorked that bottle for herself. He knows what he's doing. Who puts their cooking wine on ice?!

“Part of it's my fault,” Calill said hurriedly. “I needed an extension on my final and I got permission to use the dark room after term ended.”

“An extension? You?” said Aideen skeptically. Calill was always so on top of things. If anyone it was Elan who left things to the last minute.

“I may have messed up some of my negatives on the last day. Professor Ashe was very understanding,” Calill said sheepishly.

“I was sneaking into my studio space when she goes to the dark room,” Elan whispered conspiratorially. Tyson theatrically clapped his hands over his ears when Elan admitted to his trespasses “It's in the same building and all. I've been reading the syllabus for my set design class and there's a big project I've been prepping for.”

“How... proactive of you,” said Aideen, trying to sound encouraging instead of interrogative. “Don't get too invested in one idea, the professor might have expectations beyond the syllabus.”

“It'll be fine, Mom,” Elan waved away Aideen's concerns. “One of my friends had Professor Wisteria's class last year. He told me that she hasn't updated the syllabus since I was in grade school.”

“And he knows this... how?” asked Aideen.

“Moooooom, it's not like seeing the rubric early is cheating,” said Elan. He gestured to Aideen's counters with all the pre-portioned ingredients. “The professor would give it to us when the project starts. I'm just trying to set myself up for success. Just a little mise en scène.”

“But surely your extension is over now that it's the holidays. Are you sure you want to stay on campus now that you don't have any school work?” asked Aideen.

“We don't mind,” shrugged Calill. “The international students who didn't go home invited us to a potluck the other day. My friend Han made a killer curry. We traded the leftovers for Owyn's meatballs.”

“Don't forget I still have to see Doctor Larson every week,” reminded Elan. “it's only a twenty minute bus ride to the hospital from our place, at least when Owyn's too busy to take me himself.”

“Me or your Dad could take you inste— I mean, it wouldn't be any trouble to take you while you're on break.” Aideen said a bit too quickly. “Surely Owyn has better things to do than chauffeur you?”

“I volunteered,” Owyn said gruffly. He shot Aideen a steely look that didn't sit right with the elder Ninetales.

“Do you really want to schlep forty five minutes both ways every Tuesday? Trust me, Mom, It's easier this way,” assured Elan.

“If you say so,” said Aideen.

“Let me save you from beating around the bush anymore: they're staying for me, Aideen.” Owyn clattered the pan a bit too hard when he took the beans off the heat. Everyone jumped. Aideen could smell the seasoned bacon and garlic from the table, but the warm aroma did nothing to lighten the silence that laid between them. The fluffy pink apron did nothing to undercut the Arcanine's glower. “I ended my lease when I moved in with those two. And I can't exactly get cozy around the tree with my grandparents anymore. Not without bringing a fuckin' shovel, anyway.”

“I— that's not what I was asking,” stammered Aideen. She felt four pairs of eyes on her but didn't dare shrink before Owyn. I won't be weak. Not in my house. Not in front of him.

“It's not what you said,” Owyn scowled. “But it's what you asked.”

“What would you have me do, make him live out of his car for three weeks?” said Elan.

“No, I—”

“Besides, Felicity invited us to her baby shower in the new year,” said Elan with an air of grasping at straws.

“That's kind of her,” said Aideen hesitantly. “She may have invited you to be polite so—”

“She was bubbling on the phone,” interjected Calill.

“So you talk regularly, then?” asked Aideen. “Have you told Felicity if she's having boys or girls? I suppose you're far enough along to know now.

Calill grunted moodily, much to Aideen's alarm. “Can you cis people just be normal about these things? Why do you all act like baby genitals is appropriate casual conversation?”

“You, woul—” Aideen bit back her retort. She would notpermit a misstep like that, especially not against Calill. But the flash of recognition in her crimson eyes told Aideen stung harder than a slap. “I’m sorry, Calill. I guess I've never really thought about it that way. But you're right.”

Owyn snorted inscrutably behind her and Calill shot him a look.Elan came to the rescue. “Felicity and Milo aren't compatible egg groups, so the species doesn't really matter to them. And since they know it'll be fire-types no matter what they don't want to know any more than that.”

“I was just surprised that you haven’t told the adoptive parents, is all.” She winced internally. Now it sounded like I’m guilting them.

“We’d hate to spoil the surprise by accident,” said Calill, still on-edge. “Felicity happens to think gender reveals are silly anyway.”

“It’s, uh, good to see you’re getting along with kits’ future parents,” said Aideen in a brave effort to pull out of her tailspin.

“Of course I keep her in the loop. I gotta keep her up to date on my doctor stuff,” said Elan.

“I just hope you don't bother them. I'm sure they're busy getting ready for triplets. And don't they both work?” frowned Aideen.

“Aideen, wouldn't you want them to know these people a little better? This is the home Elan's kits are going to,” challenged Tyson.

Aideen frowned. Arceus not you, too. “Most college freshman make friends with their classmates, not—”

“Pardon me,” grunted Owyn. He shoved an arm brusquely past Aideen and snatched a tray of dough that glistened with brushed egg. As if on cue, the timer Aideen had set for the potatoes screeched. Owyn reached in without need for an oven mitt. He put the mashed potatoes on the stove next to the finished green beans and brought a spoonful of the stuff to his nose. He pointedly stirred in more seasoning, butter, and garlic into the mixture, silently daring Aideen to object.

She almost took the bait. Almost. Instead, with herculean effort, she turned to Calill. “So it sounds like Elan's already thinking about next semester. What about you? Any exciting classes coming up?”

“Gen eds for the most part,” groaned Calill. “The good news is I've got a four day week. My Friday is completely clear now.”

“Did you coordinate that with Elan? I know Fridays were always your special day back in high school,” said Aideen, grateful to steer the conversation away from Owyn for the first time tonight.

“Me and Calill do date nights on Sundays now,” said Elan. “Theater Majors need to do productions and I can't skip out of Friday rehearsals even if I'm just stage crew.”

“So what do you do on your Fridays if you don't spend them with Elan?” asked Aideen.

“Y'know, it's nice to have free time,” said Calill evasively. “I can catch up on homework and then I have the whole weekend to myself.”

“She hangs out with me on Fridays. We grab lunch mostly,” said Owyn. He leaned on the counter with arms crossed, glowering at the oven with an intensity that threatened to scorch his rolls. “And Thursday is when I have dates with Kitsy because he only has one class that day.”

“That's nice that you make time for each other like that,” Tyson said casually. The wood of Aideen's chair creaked beneath Tyson's vice grip. She shot him a look.

“We still have a day. That's what matters,” shrugged Calill. “And Owyn works weekends. He's doing private coaching while he's getting his masters. He's harder to pin down than I am half the time.”

“And you're just okay with that, Elan?” Aideen's voice quavered treacherously and she cursed herself for permitting such a crack in her facade. “I mean, when was the last time you and Calill missed a Friday together?”

“Aideen,” Tyson's murmured warning only raised Aideen's hackles.

“Mom, you promised you'd be normal,” said Elan, exasperated.

“Don't ta—” But Aideen was cut off when Tyson laid a paw on her shoulder.

“Aideen,” Tyson growled insistantly.

“Elan, I— I never meant tha— Damn it,” Aideen's fists clenched until her nails dug into her palm. Bile rose in her throat, white-hot with rage at Tyson for breaking ranks. She jolted when the oven timer screeched and she scrabbled to recover her shattered poise “I’m sorry, you three. Please excuse me for a moment.”

She left through the dining room in a whirl of tails. She caught a glimpse of Elan clutching Calill as she left. She thought she saw the shine of tears on his cheeks and was overcome with the familiar bitterness of self-hatred. Buzzing murmurs snapped at her angles as she ascended the stairs, Calill's refined trill rising above the rest. “—f you’re asking me you got off easy, Softie.” Aideen didn't linger to listen. She stormed into the master bedroom and collapsed spread-eagled on her bed. Her tails fanned out behind her legs so that she enveloped the whole surface in silken fur. Tyson had left the ceiling fan on and she squinted in the half-light to watch one of the spinning blades circle round and round and round...

“That wasn’t your best showing, Aideen,” Tyson said softly. She hadn't heard him come upstairs. The bedspread rustled as he sat next to her and ran a hand through her long alabaster hair.

“You don’t need to rub it in,” said Aideen, dejected.

“I wasn’t trying to.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” There was a pause between them, but Aideen was grateful for Tyson’s comforting fingers navigating the tangles that were perfectly coiffed a moment ago. “Is Elan okay?”

“Just stress and hormones. I left him in good hands. Two sets of good hands,” said Tyson. The last part felt like a rebuke even though Aideen knew Tyson didn't mean it like that.She still deserved it. She deserved worse, actually.

“I've made a fucking mess of things, haven't I?” sighed Aideen.

“I think you should start working on your defense, Lovely,” Tyson said kindly. “You’ve gotten so used to flattening anyone who stands in your way that you’ve forgotten what to do if they’re left standing after the flare blitz.”

Aideen acknowledged the joke with a feeble shrug. “Do you think I’m turning into him, Tyson?” The question burst, involuntary, from her. Tyson did not answer right away. Aideen wished he did.

“I don’t see dear old ‘Dad’ in the room with us. I think it’s safe to say he’s in the ground where you left him,” said Tyson when he finally responded. He held her hand and squeezed.

“I’m being serious, Tyson.”

“So am I,” Tyson replied bluntly. “I don’t see any holes in the wall and the house hasn’t burned down. And I can’t imagine he’d do anything less if you or your sisters showed up for the holidays unwed and pregnant.”

“But am I any better?”

“Of course you are, Lovely.”

“Then why did I screw up like him?”

“Because you’re not perfect, Lovely. Close as a living person can be, but not perfect.” Tyson hesitated. Maybe he was anticipating a retort, but Aideen had no inclination. The ‘Arc inhaled slowly, then pressed on. “And I think you should give yourself a little grace for untested waters like these.”

“So now what?”

“I think we need to trust Elan,” sighed Tyson. They both knew it was not what she wanted to hear, or hear again. “Remember what Owyn said last time he was here? Elan's old enough to make mistakes now and all we can do is be on hand to catch him if he does fall.”

“But I don’t think he’s going to fall. I think he is going to hurt him.” She felt ashamed for admitting it. “And isn’t it our responsibility to stop it before it happens?”

“Do you really think that? The man currently commandeering your kitchen in a fluffy pink apron?”

“What if it’s an act? What if he’s lying? And what if Cali—” Aideen abruptly cut off her rambling.

“Be serious, Aideen. This is some grand conspiracy of Elan’s now? Just to trick you?” Tyson said, suddenly brusque. He looked away from her and Aideen thought she caught the ghost of a scowl. His eyes blazed so ferociously that Aideen expected them to leave a scorch mark. But then it was gone. Maybe she'd imagined it.

“I’m sorry, Tyson. I really did make a mess of things, didn’t I?” She sat up and tentatively put a hand on Tyson’s knee. His hand laid warmly atop hers.

“Just holiday stress, Lovely,” assured Tyson.

“I was such an ass. Do they even want me to come to dinner?” Aideen sighed dejectedly.

“They want you to come down when you're ready, I talked to them,” said Tyson. “But Elan told me to tell you that you can't keep acting like Owyn isn't his boyfriend.”

Aideen gritted her teeth. “Why isn't Calill enough for him? They've been together for so long and suddenly...” She trailed off. You sound ridiculous, girl! What the fuck is wrong with you?!

“Do you really think Elan and Calill don't love each other anymore?” Tyson said sternly.

“I— no. Of course not,” sighed Aideen.

“Hate to say it, Lovely, but we're getting' old. Maybe we're not meant to understand all the new stuff kids get up to these days.” shrugged Tyson.

“Bold words from a man who's mane is half grey already,” teased Aideen.

“Why don’t you change into your nicer clothes and try this again,” said Tyson, affable and firm as he always was.

“But I’m not done in the kitchen, it’ll get all dirty,” said Aideen.

“I think we should trust the big guy to manage. You did all the hard stuff, anyway,” smiled Tyson.

Right… trust.“Can you tell them I’ll be right down?”

“See you soon, Lovely.” Tyson stole a kiss and departed for the stairs.

Aideen sat at the edge of the bed, trying to dispel the clouds brewing behind her knife-sharp ears. She tore off her green Christmas sweater and pencil skirt in an explosion of tails. She stopped just as suddenly, inhaled, and then held out her hand where a golden candle flame flickered in her palm. She exhaled so that the fire in her hand danced in the tiny breeze. When every breath had blown from her lungs, she closed her palm and strode determinedly to her closet. Once more unto the breach!

Aideen reentered the kitchen a mere ten minutes later. Her paws padded softly against the stairs. She had considered heels just to get a few more inches on Owyn but decided against being petty. Besides, no shoes in the house. Her deep red evening dress swept about her unbound tails. It was cut high along the thigh but kept modest by black leggings and matching evening gloves. The velvet was a perfect complement to her cream and orange fur. The outfit emphasized the natural warmth of her orange markings without being garish. She breathed in the smell of maple, salt, garlic, and cracked pepper.

“You all really have the run of the place. It all smells wonderful,” said Aideen.

“Try the bread, Mom. It's still warm,” said Elan, swallowing hastily. He offered the second half to Aideen. Its pillowy insides glistened with melted butter. She accepted the morsel, conscious of everyone watching her on tenterhooks. Warmth exploded inside Aideen's muzzle. The roll was thick enough to have a hearty bite-down, but the crumb was springy and alive with flavor. She immediately craved another, this time without butter, for she knew it would taste just as exquisite without it.

Aideen heard their collective sigh of relief but took it in stride. She turned directly to Owyn. “I’m terribly sorry. I really got things off on the wrong foot. Can we start the evening over again?”

“Be glad to!” Owyn beamed back at Aideen. She couldn’t help but notice how his grin was like Tyson’s: confident, toothy, and just a little goofy.

Aideen surprised even herself by embracing Owyn with arms and tails. Her voice was slightly muffled as it drifted from the ocean of fluff. “Welcome to our home, Owyn.”

“Well, well, well, an actual Christmas miracle,” teased Owyn.

“Don’t get sassy, big guy,” teased Aideen. She saw Calill, Elan, and Tyson standing to the side and whispering to each other from the corner of her eye. “And what does the peanut gallery have to say about all this, huh?”

“Nothing,” said Tyson a little too quickly.

“Just a little surprised, is all,” said Elan gleefully. “I can’t remember the last time you admitted to being wrong about something.”

Aideen made a face but any further ribbing was waylaid by the the oven timer. Owyn, who was nearest, opened the doors and retrieved the ham with his bare hands. He vented the flash fire between his teeth as he laid it on the counter, the extra heat curing the sweet-smelling glaze.

“Show off,” mumbled Tyson.

“You’re not too old to learn a new trick, old man,” smirked Owyn. “I can show you sometime, if you ask me nicely.”

A swoosh of tails parted the two Arcanines as Elan strode between them. “Sweet Arceus will you at least save it till after dinner,” huffed the ‘Nines.

“Yeah, I can barely smell Aideen’s cooking over all your damn testosterone,” said Calill. She snapped her fingers twice and swatted Owyn across the nose with her whiptail. She caught Aideen’s eye and winked. “Down, boy!”

Aideen looked bemusedly to Tyson, but he shrugged and started carving the ham. Instead, she looked to the Riesling on ice that Owyn had “borrowed” for the green beans and poured a glass for Tyson and herself. “Owyn? Although somehow I doubt you’re partial to white wine.”

“Ma’am, my favorite drink is ‘cold and free.’ I’d love a glass,” said Owyn.

The five reconvened around the dining room table that Aideen had immaculately set hours before. Owyn sat with Elan and Calill on either side while Tyson and Aideen sat opposite them. The mahogany interior was dusky but cozy. The wide picture window let in the soft glow of fresh snow that refracted the glow of Christmas lights. Elan and Calill took turns lighting the candles so that the table centerpiece glowed alternately candy apple red and vibrant green. The flames gave way to a soft, warm white after the initial ignition caught the wicks. Aideen basked in their myriad glows. Maybe things are going to go alright after all…

Elan’s voice snapped Aideen back to the now. “—And blessed be that Uncle Hugo couldn’t be assed to drive out during a snowstorm,” intoned the ‘Nines with ironic reverence. Aideen caught herself laughing with Tyson, Calill, and Elan. Owyn, however, was looking perplexed.

“Hugo is my older brother,” said Tyson by way of explanation. “He’s a minister.”

“And every meal with him has to open with a prayer,” said Aideen with a roll of her eyes.

“If no one stops him you have to start breathing fire to stop your food going cold,” snickered Elan.

“Thank Arceus your Aunt Gabby is a snowbird,” said Calill, gently ribbing Elan.

“Yeah, can you imagine how normal they’d be if they saw me right now,” giggled Elan. Owyn snorted.

“They haven’t said anything to you, have they?” said Tyson, fork paused halfway to his muzzle.

“Nothing really,” shrugged Elan. “I may have soft blocked them on facebook. I don't post about my current condition much there anyway.”

“They pulled me aside the first time they met me. It was like they were trying to bring me to confessional,” sniggered Calill.

“Wait, you mean at Elan’s graduation party,” said Aideen. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice they tried to pull anything.”

“They weren’t being, like, homophobic, or anything,” shrugged Calill. “They talked to me like I was made out of glass or something. It’s like they thought I was damaged goods for dressing like a punk. A lost little Wooloo who just needed a proper shepherd to bring them back to the flock. It was so pathetic it was almost cute.”

Owyn and Elan broke out in laughter. Aideen and Tyson groaned. “You be sure to tell us if they say anything else,” said Tyson firmly.

“Oh they’d know if they crossed a line,” Calill flashed her fangs.

“Bones can take care of herself just fine,” affirmed Owyn.

The table lapsed into a comfortable silence as they dug in. Owyn and Elan had piled their plates high and were working through them as fast as they could while still preserving their manners. Tyson wasn’t far behind them. “The ham is delicious, Lovely,” he said.

“Yeah, thanks, Mom,” said Elan after hastily swallowing.

“I like what you did with the green beans,” Aideen said genuinely. The splash of sweetness from the wine complimented the garlic and seasonings perfectly. If he'd added even a dash more it would've been overpowering.

“If you keep layering on the compliments I might even tell you which restaurant I stole the recipe from,” said Owyn.

“You must’ve learned a lot when you worked there,” said Aideen.

“I learned to cook fast when I was doin’ time behind the line,” grinned Owyn, trying but failing to look modest. “But you’d be surprised how often the difference between cooking at home versus eating at a mid-grade restaurant often comes down to an extra few pinches of seasoning and a stick of butter.”

“Interesting, considering you’re trying to be a personal trainer now,” said Aideen. She winced internally. She was trying to be conversational but she ended up sounding judgmental instead.

“What, you mean the spare tire? You don’t gotta be shy about it,” said Owyn with an abrupt bluntness that made the elder Ninetales flush.

_How does he keep doing that?! “_I, uh, i just mean—”

Elan saved Aideen from further spluttering when he chimed in. “Mom, have you seen pictures of actual power lifters? You know, the guys who can pull a damn train all by themselves? They’re built like Owyn.”

“Kitsy’s right,” said Owyn between a huge swallow of ham and flexed ostentatiously for the table. “Being a trainer means my body is my portfolio. This is how I show my clients my strengths!”

“You’re such a dork, Puppy.” Elan giggled and curled a tail around Owyn. “The tummy is a feature, not a bug. He can pick me up if the kits make my paws too tired. It’s verrrry snuggly!”

“That happens often?" said Aideen, a little worried for him. Elan nodded vigorously and smiled. The thought of Owyn sweeping herup sprung to Aideen’s mind unbidden. Before she could stop herself she said, “So, uh, what does he do if he’s bridal carrying you and Calill gets tired?”

“He lugs me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes,” said Calill.

“I see,” said Aideen, struggling to keep a straight face. She shot Tyson a look.

“Don't look at me like that,” teased Tyson. “Maybe if my back were twenty years younger.”

“Tyson!” Aideen shrieked and went as red as her dress.

“Aideen, I say this kindly, but you're not as slick as you think you are,” said Owyn as he refilled both their wine glasses.

“I'm not slick, I've never been slick,” said Aideen, affronted. Tyson snorted and she flicked him on the nose. “Quiet, you. You're as bad as them.”

“Have you ever tried being direct?” Owyn looked to Elan and Calill on either side of him and they nodded some unspoken agreement. Aideen noticed Elan had wrapped a tail protectively around both their wrists.

“Would you like us to explain how being poly works?” offered Elan. “I promise it's ten times less scandalous than you think it is.”

“You think I think your relationship is scandalous?” said Aideen, trying her best to not sound confrontational.

“You've been acting like it,” Owyn said bluntly.

“You're right,” sighed Aideen. “Just, spare me the gory details. I'm still your mother, after all.”

“You weren't afraid to ask me the gory details,” grumbled Owyn, but he abstained from further comments.

Elan, Owyn, and Calill sprung into an obviously rehearsed explanation of non-monogamy. It was very in-depth: there was a lot of nuance that distinguished polyamory, open relationships, and exclusivity or lack thereof. Aideen mostly kept up with the whirlwind of terminology. All the bespoke terminology made her feel like her first days at law school, or listening to Elan and Calill geek out about video games.

“So...” Aideen said delicately. “When you first met Owyn, you and Calill were just doing an open relationship together? Is that considered more normal when you're ga— oops, I mean—”

“It's okay, Aideen. Elan and I will always be gay for each other even if I'm a girl now,” winked Calill. “But you can call us queer if that's easier.”

“Just don't call other people queer unless they tell you it's okay,” said Elan. “And when two partners team up to look for a third that's called 'unicorn hunting.' It's actually kinda frowned upon unless you're up front about it.”

“If what you did isn't common, does that mean... do you not tell each other about other partners?” said Aideen, stumbling in their wake.

“When we got to college we both agreed that it would be fine to experiment with other people,” shrugged Elan. “Like, if Cal went to a party and hooked up with someone, it wouldn't bother me.”

“And vice-versa for him,” added Calill.

“Tyson are you getting this?” said Aideen, hoping she didn't sound lost.

“Seems like they just see sex and a committed relationship as two different things,” Tyson said delicately, as if hoping not to offend. “You and Calill love each other, and that's not affected by who you choose to have sex with. That doesn't sound too bad if you ask me.”

“That's the gist,” nodded Elan. “And we do tell each other after the fact, especially if we did anything without protection. We get tested any time we fool around with someone that isn't the three of us.”

“At least you're being safe,” frowned Aideen. “But I still don't understand how you started dating. You make it sound like you had, ehrr, an encounter with Owyn, found out about the kits, and then all of a sudden he moved in with you?”

“Eeeeehhh, we did kinda do things out of order,” blushed Elan.

“I didn't just move right in,” said Owyn. “At first it was just visits or taking Elan to the doctor. I was hanging around their place but it was because I was was trying to do right by them.”

“The fact we all got along was just a happy accident,” Calill put a hand on Owyn's arm.

“So you and Elan agreed to date Owyn at the same time?” Aideen said in dawning comprehension.

“No, Calill and Owyn started seeing each other first,” corrected Elan.

“Bones and I get on good,” shrugged Owyn. “And after a couple of weeks of seeing her on the regular I realized I also liked Kitsy. They're good company.”

“Wait, you said weeks?” said Aideen, aghast. “But you and Calill were together for years?! And you let her just fling herself at someone else just like that?”

“Elan didn't 'let me,' Aideen. He doesn't own me,” said Calill a little testily.

“That was... poorly worded,” frowned Aideen. “I'm sorry.”

“Think of it this way, Aideen. Do you think Calill loves Elan any less than she did before she started college? Take me out of the equation: just think about how she acts with Elan,” said Owyn.

“But that's ridiculous,” said Aideen. “She and Elan have always cared about each other.”

“And that's the rub,” said Owyn. “She and Kitsy never stopped loving each other just because she also started seeing me.”

“But Elan, it sounds like you just decided to date Owyn because he was also seeing Calill? Is that, ehrm, normal in poly?”

“Actually, throuples are pretty rare,” shrugged Elan. Aideen groaned internally at yet another term she'd have to remember but let Elan go on. “But even if I didn't get together with Owyn, I wouldn't have minded. I told you.”

“I have enough love in me to care about two people at once,” said Calill. “It's not like I've got a tank of gas in my heart that will run out. Quite the opposite. Owyn recharges me and that gives me more energy for Elan.”

“And the opposite works for me and Kitsy,” said Owyn.

“But you're still splitting your time before two people,” said Aideen. “And... I'm really sorry I keep coming back to this but you moved in after only knowing each other a few weeks.”

“Do you really think I'd shack up with someone just for sex?” Owyn sighed resignedly.

“I— that's...” Aideen's face went hot. Arceus, he just went for the jugular, didn't he? Oh, and you don't? You're not any better than him.

“Aideen, I'm a personal trainer who's an open bisexual. Do you have any idea what my fuckin' inbox looks like? I could string together enough one-night stands and not pay rent for a year,” Owyn procured his phone and shoved the screen in Aideen's face. His private messages were listed in high contrast black and yellow.

User-UniversalSerialBussy3.0:

*sent a photo*

User-M0L0T0VG0CKTAIL:

Split me in half and get me pregnant @w@

User-DykeSpiegel1998:

*sent a photo*

User-4LokosBasilisk:

those balls look heavy can I hold them?

User-ZZ-B0tt0M:

*sent a photo*

User-9LeggedSlepnir:

*sent a photo*

User-PissVintage1953:

hope you're thirsty~

User-CockInspectorGadget1983:

show me your paws, king

User-CuckDynasty1975:

I will do anything please come to my house and fuck my wife

User-X_$lav3Ma$t3r_X:

Awwwww does pup need a leash?

They just went on like that... Aideen was grateful that she couldn't see whatever pictures these people had sent Owyn. Her gaze was drawn with baleful magnetism to the profile picture: a shot of the firedog's sheath that barely fit the circular frame. Perhaps Owyn didn't realize he was in after-dark mode. Aideen flushed scarlet yet again and looked pointedly away. He can't be that big. If he was, then Elan... Aideen was overcome by the urge to find a tape measure: surely hard numbers would confirm she was imagining things?

“Owyn, you didn't,” moaned Elan, pale as death.

“I did,” Owyn said indignantly. “If she's asking for the lurid details I got nothin' to hide.”

“You're tactless,” sighed Calill.

“Never claimed I wasn't,” said Owyn. “But that's what you're afraid of, isn't it? That I'm only living with them to fuck, right? You can say it.”

“I... you're right,” said Aideen. “Can you blame me for being overprotective? It's my son you're dating, after all?”

“I think you're nosy as hell. But you're still trying your best to be a good mother,” said Owyn.

His words stung like only the truth could. This time, Aideen accepted the olive branch. “I guess this whole conversation has gotten pretty personal.”

“Contrary to popular belief, we don't think about sex all the time,” said Elan. “And it's not like you and Dad were chaste when you were in college.”'

“So you finally decided to do the math, Kiddo?” Tyson nudged Aideen and she smiled despite herself.

“And we all see friends and do school stuff when we're not with each other. It's not like we're joined at the hip,” said Calill.

“Not all the time,” mumbled Owyn. Aideen looked away, mortified. Someone snorted. It must've been Calill, but it was such an unladylike noise.

“Aideen, do we spend every waking moment together?” Tyson said in a desperate effort to get things back on track. It was a fair point.

“See, Dad gets it!” exclaimed Elan.

“I think... I think I do, too,” said Aideen doubtfully. She glanced to Tyson only to find his blue-eyes shining intensely. “You make it sound so... enlightened.”

“It's not all sunshine and rainbows,” shrugged Owyn. “We still have our kinks to work out, you know. Sometimes Elan and Cal need a bit of extra time together. And other times they get absorbed in their art projects and I have to remind them that I still live with them. You gotta be good at communicating to make this kinda thing work. And frankly they're better at it than half the people my age.”

“The final boss of polyamory is scheduling,” grinned Elan. “A group chat and a Google Calendar go a long way.”

“I thought scheduling was the final boss of Dungeons and Dragons,” chimed in Calill.

“Alright, alright,” sighed Aideen. “Tyson will you help me with the dishes?”

“Of course, Lovely. Will you three get the living room ready? You don't need to worry about the dishes.”

“Must we?” whined Elan. “We watch it every year.”

“Don't test me, 'Pix,” said Aideen. “Besides, Christmas cookies taste better with a good movie.”

“It could be worse. It could be A Christmas Story,” snickered Calill.

“Point taken,” said Elan.

“Watch where you're shooting, you two, I'm catching strays over here,” pouted Tyson.

The five departed the table. Tyson and Aideen took over the dishes, but the work went fast. Owyn was the kind of cook who cleaned as he worked. Tyson could learn a thing or two from him. When they returned to the living room, the fire was crackling apple-red and the TV was looping the menu music for It's a Wonderful Life. Elan, Calill, and Owyn were curled together on the couch. Aideen passed them the cookie tray. Elan and Calill made a game of fighting over the best pickings, praising Owyn the whole time.

“Look at them go. You can almost forget how much of a menace he is,” murmured Tyson so only Aideen could hear.

“Which one?” retorted Aideen. She moved to sit down but realized she'd overlooked something important. Their living room had only ever needed the couch and the easy chair when it had just been herself, Tyson, and Elan. Seating was never a problem, even when Calill started half-living with them in her junior year.

“Get cozy, Lovely,” said Tyson, gesturing to where he sat in the easy chair. Aideen hesitated, but Tyson pulled her into his arms. “C'mon, if the delinquents are doing it...”

“You're incorrigible,” acquiesced Aideen. She curled into the embrace and draped her tails over them like a blanket. The movie began and it took very little time for the peanut gallery to start riffing over it. Aideen quelled her irritation in the name of peace. She knew the words by heart anyway.

She ended up watching Elan more than the movie. He lay with his head in Owyn's lap. Calill was on the opposite side, nestled under the Arcanine's arm. They were never still. They pet each other lazily with hand or tail. Every now and then Calill would crane to whisper something in Owyn's ear and it would make all three of them devolve into snickers. Elan shot Aideen a guilty look but she just smiled gently back.

“I dunno about you, Lovely, but they got me fooled,” whispered Tyson.

“You can tell me 'told you so' later,” huffed Aideen.

Aideen was the first to succumb to yawns but she fought each one back until the credits rolled. “I think I’m calling it a night. Elan, would you kindly show Owyn to the guest rooms when you turn in?”

Elan perked at the comment. “So you finally finished remodeling my room?”

“Oh, we finished months ago, we just had to air out the boy stink before it was fit for habitation,” teased Aideen.

“Love you, too, Mom. Merry Christmas,” said Elan as he made a face back at her.

“Merry Christmas,” said Aideen. She ascended the stairs in a whirl of tails and red velvet, Tyson in her wake. Tyson slid a hand to her waist once they were out of view. She hummed contentedly and let him guide her to their bed. “So… how’d I do?”

“Dinner was as lovely as you, Aideen,” said Tyson.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know, Lovely,” said Tyson, softly. “But I meant it. You turned things around brilliantly.”

Aideen sighed and closed her eyes. Tyson’s cologne was fading slightly to give way to his natural scent of grass and sulfur. “Do those three sass you like that when I’m not around?”

“Eh, what?” Tyson started unexpectedly.

“Didn’t you say you helped them prepare that binder for me? You know, the first time I met Owyn,” said Aideen. “And you’re on campus and I’m not. I’m sure you bump into each other somewhat regularly whether you intend to or not.”

“Oh, yeah, I see,” said Tyson hurriedly. “And, yes, they do.”

“That doesn’t bother you, then?”

Tyson sighed pensively. “I think it just means the Kiddo is growing up. Elan and Cal are starting to see us as fellow adults, not ‘Mom and Dad.’”

“I never thought of it that way,” murmured Aideen, almost to herself.

“We were raised to equate ‘respect’ with ‘deference,’ Aideen. And I’m glad Elan grew up to know the difference better than us,” said Tyson sagely.

“Worldly wisdom, from you? You must really be getting old,” teased Aideen.

“Just call me PopPop,” replied Tyson without missing a beat. They snuggled together in comfortable silence.

“Who do you think Elan is going to bed with?” The question burst from Aideen without warning.

Tyson jolted unexpectedly. “Can you, uh, elaborate a little?”

Aideen blushed as she looked up at her husband. Was that caution in his voice? Or is he just uncomfortable? “We have two guest beds, Dearest. There’s three of them. And if they’re all dating each other…” She trailed off, feeling hopelessly naive.

“Maybe they take turns? Three’s a crowd even when one of them isn’t Owyn’s size. But I’ve never thought to ask them,” said Tyson, his affect returning to neutral. His gaze had fixated on a spot on the bedroom wall. “I’ve never thought to think about it in the first place. What brings the thought to your mind, Lovely?”

“I mean, I knew Calill and Elan were, you know,” said Aideen, embarrassed. “And they were together for years. But now I think of my little boy being with that giant… MAN! What if they're not a good match?”

“Aideen, I say this with love,” said Tyson gently. “Didn’t we have this exact conversation after Elan and Calill came out to us? And I think Owyn has proven he gets along pretty swimmingly with everyone after tonight.”

“I just can’t shake the image that… that big hulk of a man put his pups in my little ‘pix,” sighed Aideen.

“I think it’s best not to fixate on that part,” said Tyson gently. He leaned down and kissed her firmly.

“I think… I think you’re right,” murmured Aideen. She kissed Tyson back once, twice, thrice with rising fervor.

“That makes twice tonight. Must be a record,” huffed Tyson. The hand on Aideen’s waist slipped between the slit of her gown. The stockings and panties beneath matched the black satin evening gloves. “Personally, I have much more important things to fantasize about when I have you close at hand, Lovely.”

Aideen giggled like a school girl and pushed playfully at Tyson’s chest. “Tyson, don’t! They’re in the other rooms! What if they hear us?!”

“So what?!” Tyson was illuminated from below as by fangs that gleamed with blue fire. “I think Elan is old enough to know how babies are made.”

---