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Chapter 31: To Forget

Geoff grunted and gave a soft groan as he shot his load deep inside Liam, adding to the large pool Faelen had already left inside the Rottweiler. Nathanial lay curled up to Faelen, having just received blow-job from the smoky grey Wolf; they were both watching Geoff finish up with interest. Liam was still pretty... addled, but appeared to really enjoy himself. He grinned goofily at Geoff as he rubbed his belly and giggled. "Mmm, squishy. You guys are the best." He moved his paw from his belly to his eyes and rubbed them, before staring back up into Geoff's face in confusion. "Who are...?" Liam gave a yelp of pain and grabbed his head, before passing out.

Faelen rolled over Nathanial to lay right next to Liam, holding his love's paw and stared into his face, "Liam! What's wrong?" Geoff felt extremely awkward, kneeling over the unconscious pup with his knot stuck up the guy's ass as he finished the tail end of his orgasm.

Nathanial put his paw on Faelen's shoulder, "Faelen, we knew he might pass out. His vital signs still seem fairly strong, so let's just let him absorb what you gave him." Nathanial scrambled off the bed, "Geoff, lay down on your side, if you can, with Sensei's back against your chest. Faelen, just lay close to Liam-sensei's front. That way you two can continue to let him absorb some energy and keep watch. Besides, it's not like Geoff can go anywhere anytime soon." Nathanial pulled out his phone from his dress pants and turned it on, he looked at it for a second before lowering it. "I'll be back in a second, guys." He pulled on his boxers, hissing as the fabric rubbed against his sensitive penis, before slipping out the door.

Geoff carefully manoeuvred himself onto his side, holding Liam close to his belly, and watched as Faelen moved in close to stare into Liam's face. His friend grabbed one of Liam's paws, and held it tightly, while his other paw rested just above Geoff's arm, over Liam's heart. Faelen's face was tight with concern and fear. Geoff reached over and stroked Faelen's cheek, before resting his paw beneath Faelen's ear. "He'll be fine, Faelen. He just needs to recover some of his Chi. I can feel a huge pool of cum in here, and once he wakes up, you can add some more."

Faelen didn't look comforted, "Sir, he didn't know who you were. He's never forgotten something like that before, not even when we nearly died after fighting Nicholas and those Imps. He said Ancient Ones can't forget. As in it's impossible! How could he not know who you were?!"

Geoff scratched around Faelen's ear, "Shh, keep it down. Let him sleep, and we'll see how he is when he wakes up. We can't do anything more for him than we are. Just be here for him when he wakes up." Faelen nodded, moving in closer so his nose touched Liam's. His tongue flicked out, gently licking the tip of Liam's broader muzzle. There wasn't any response. Geoff moved his paw down to rest on Faelen's hip. "Hey, you guys have that bond. Can you feel anything from him? I could feel Nathanial call me earlier, and we don't have one. You should get something from it."

Faelen sighed sorrowfully, "Yeah, I can feel him, I think, but it's really confusing. Sometimes it seems like there's several voices coming from him, I can never make out the words, but it makes it really hard to figure out what's going on. Right now I can only hear one; it's faint, like it's very far away. I-I don't know it. It... scares me."

"Is it Liam-sensei?"

A tear ran down Faelen's cheek, "I don't know. It might be, just muffled because he's unconscious and weak. He says all of his past lives are him, but I can recognise the Song Li voice when it's strong, and the Conor Quinn one. That's the Old Man and the Celt. The rest of his lives I don't know. He feels so... weak, Geoff. I'm scared, I don't want him to die."

Geoff felt a surge of fear himself, if Liam died, he'd be upset, but it'd also mean he'd lose Faelen. That terrified him. He tried to push away that fear and comfort Faelen, "If he feels weak, then be his strength. Be the anchor to keep him here, with you. Don't let him fade. Try to stop worrying and just think of how much you love him. You guys are bound, he can probably feel everything you are feeling, so make them good feelings."

Faelen sniffed and nodded, his nose brushing over Liam's. He smiled weakly, "Yeah, you're right. Thanks." He moved his head slightly and gently gave Liam a kiss, "I love you, pup." Geoff felt a little uncomfortable being here, he felt Faelen needed some privacy, but he was literally stuck at the moment. And, really, Faelen was his bodyguard, stuff like this was probably going to happen at times. Privacy doesn't really exist when you have a bodyguard, for either person. Still, listening to someone profess their love to the person you are balls-deep in has to win some sort of awkward award.

---

Nathanial knocked on the door to Micah's room, and stepped in after Garret grunted, "Dad, Liam-sensei just passed out. Geoff just finished, um, giving him some Chi, so neither of them can really move. Sensei was a little confused and out of it the whole time, but just before he passed out, he didn't know who Geoff was. It may just be low Chi, so we're keeping a close eye on him, and letting him absorb what he's already received." Garret looked a little groggy and confused, but he nodded. Nathanial couldn't help but smile at the sight of such a masculine Fur waking groggily from a nap on a bed covered with Super Mario characters, and in a room that obviously belonged to a pre-teen boy. He smile turned to a frown as he saw how messy the room was. Micah was supposed to have cleaned it.

Garret gave Nathanial a funny look, "What was that for?"

Nathanial smiled again and shook his head, "The sight of you waking up here," he waved his paw around, indicating the room, "Was pretty funny. Then I noticed how bad a job Micah did in cleaning it up. Anyway, the reason I came in here was to ask if I could invite the rest of the McDougal's over for supper. I should probably ask Mr. Smith, too, considering I should call him to tell him Liam-sensei isn't doing well."

Garret frowned, "That'd be a really big supper. Can you cook for that many?"

Nathanial shrugged, "Sure, I've done it many times for when Lily wanted a dinner party, but it was too short notice to cater. But don't we have tons of food from people? We had a funeral today."

Garret shook his head, "No. No one dropped anything off for us. But, if you want to, go right ahead. I'd like to get to know them better, anyway. My son is dating theirs." Nathanial smiled and nodded. "And, as a note, when you've just had sex and your dick hasn't retracted yet, please wear something more substantial than silk boxers. You're, ah, very obvious."

Nathanial quickly moved his paws in front of his groin and blushed furiously as he beat a hasty retreat. He heard Garret stifling laughter behind him. He stopped and poked his head back around the door, "Oh, um, how are you feeling?"

Garret stopped laughing, "Like I was run over by a truck; I'm extremely sore and tired. I feel like I've lost something, something that was a major component of my life. It's so strange, I just can't put it into words." He looked down at his bandaged paw and ran a finger over the cut. "Why are we so feared? Just because we can use a weapon of our enemies, does that mean we become our enemies? I was a lousy Dad, but am I evil? Do I deserve to die because I was kidnapped by a Demon when I was a child and used as a magic battery, no, more like a magic keg. To be opened up and drained whenever my master wanted to drink. Why did my year of that mean I have to die?"

Nathanial walked back into the room and sat beside Garret, pulling him into a hug, "No, Dad. You aren't evil, nor do you deserve to die because of what someone else did. No more than Nick does. He won't say what he suffered while he was in one of the Hells, but it seemed pretty bad, and he was only there for a short time. I can't imagine what you went through, but you don't deserve to suffer more because of it. But from what Sensei was saying, Mages who keep using Demon magic get progressively more Tainted, and that can't be a good thing. From what you were saying, using Demon magic makes it easier for them to enter our world, which isn't a good thing. I don't think the cost is worth the possible benefits. Just because Nick and you seem to be immune to the progressive effects of the Taint, doesn't mean the laws should be changed for everyone."

Garret hugged Nathanial back, "Why do I keep feeling like you're the dad? But, thanks. I don't use Demon magic, even though I can. I don't use any type of magic all that often. I don't like it, and I don't like the Hidden World. I really hoped you guys wouldn't have to deal with it any more than the bare minimum. But, go, you have people to call, and a dinner to make."

Nathanial squeezed Garret briefly and licked his ear, "All right, but I'm here if you need me. Get some more sleep if you need it. The other three are in my room, naked of course, but you may want to check on them periodically, in case they need something."

Garret chuckled, "Yes, Dad. I'll keep an eye on your friends."

Nathanial stood up, smiling, "Sorry. I'm just so used to it, it's habit, now." He finished the sentence in his mind, 'But there were many times when I really felt the need for some comfort from a dad. I'm glad you're here now, but I wish you were here then.' He slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

---

Geoff lay on Nathanial's bed, his predicament forcing him to look at Faelen as he stared at Liam's face in adoration. Apparently he was following Geoff's advice, and found it easy to focus on his love rather than his fear. While Geoff was happy Faelen wasn't so scared and nervous, the sight of the Wolf he had a crush on for so many years looking in his direction with such love was almost painful. He was forcefully reminded of his own unrequited feelings, and how that dream was lost forever. He thought he was completely over that crush, but, now, he wasn't so sure. Nathanial had been gone for almost ten minutes, he said he was just stepping out for a second. As if that was a cue, Nathanial walked in, "Hey, how is he?"

Geoff was more than happy to look away from Faelen, "No change. He almost seems to be asleep, but it's a really deep sleep." Nathanial was looking at Faelen in confusion, Geoff gave a lopsided smile, "The little lovebird was feeling scared so I told him to focus on his love for Liam-sensei, rather than his fear of losing him. His bond will probably transmit his feelings to Liam, and love is a much stronger motivator to return than fear. It's also better for Faelen."

Nathanial smiled in return, "It is." He walked over and kissed Geoff, "I called your parents and invited them over for supper. It'll be a little later than normal, but not as late as yours. I also called Mr. Smith and told him what happened. He's on his way, he was at work, wherever that is, so it'll be a bit. I'm going to start cooking soon, but I asked Dad to check in on you, in case you need something."

Geoff looked up at Nathanial with hunger in his eyes, trying to drown out his resurfacing feelings for Faelen, "I need you."

Nathanial blushed and smiled in delight, "The feeling is mutual, love, but you seem a little tied up at the moment. Unless you want to be the bottom for once?" Nathanial leaned over and gave Geoff a deep kiss.

Geoff moaned into the kiss and pulled Nathanial closer, before letting his mouth go, "Tempting, really tempting, but, no. I need to separate, here. Being tied to Sensei, and being in this position, is really uncomfortable. My knot has shrunk, some, maybe I can pull out. Can you back up, Faelen? I want to roll onto our stomachs." Faelen moved back, and Geoff rolled over. He tried to pull out normally, but Liam was completely limp, so his hips just moved with Geoff's. Faelen slipped his paws between them, and pressed down on Liam's butt, his fingers rubbing against the edge of Geoff's penis. Geoff hissed slightly in pleasure, but pulled up. His knot slowly began to emerge from Liam, Geoff kept the extraction gradual, trying to ensure as much of the combined semen remained where it belonged. His knot still popped out fairly quickly. He pulled out a bit quicker, but slowed down as his tip began to emerge, allowing Liam's muscles to close around him. He shivered as Faelen's paws rubbed against his sensitive shaft, 'Ah, what would his ass feel like? Gods, no! I have Nathanial's, that's the only ass I want!' He sat up and grabbed Nathanial, pulling him down onto his lap and assaulted him with kisses.

Faelen burst out laughing, "You weren't joking about needing him, were you? Here, I'll move my love over to this side of the bed, and you can fuck your love over there." Nathanial looked a little embarrassed at the thought of mating in front of Faelen like this, but Geoff pulled the Akita's boxers off and flipped him onto the bed, still kissing him passionately. Nathanial didn't resist at all, and started kissing Geoff back. Geoff lined himself up to Nathanial's hole and held it there, letting his freely flowing precum spill onto his target. Nathanial moaned into Geoff's mouth when he felt Geoff's tip brush over him and slightly press in. Nathanial hooked his hindpaws around Geoff's hips and pulled down, forcing Geoff's shaft halfway in. Both of them grunted at the sensation; Nathanial in pleasure and a little pain, Geoff from pure pleasure and surprise.

Geoff heard soft noises coming from beside them, and saw Faelen stroking himself as he watched. His friend grinned and winked, "Hey, if I'm going to be in the same room as you two, I may as well enjoy myself. Don't mind me, boss." Geoff rolled his eyes, and Nathanial blushed, but the Akita pulled down on Geoff's hips, impaling himself up to Geoff's knot. Geoff shuddered and moaned, and began thrusting roughly. Nathanial hissed and moaned before grabbing Geoff's ears and pulling him back into a kiss. Faelen gave a soft groan at the sight and started stroking himself faster, keeping time with Geoff's thrusts. Geoff wasted no time in fully possessing his mate, in three minutes he was approaching another orgasm and shoved his knot in. Nathanial howled and started shooting a large load onto their stomachs. Faelen jumped to his knees and moved over Liam's rump, pushing the tip of his penis into the unconscious dog as he emptied his balls. As the three started coming down from their orgasmic high, Geoff gave Faelen a funny look, having trouble believing Faelen just did that. Faelen grinned sheepishly, "Yeah, it's odd, but he really hates it when I waste my cum. He also wanted me to fill him up, even if he did fall unconscious. I... wanted to honour his requests, even if it does feel... wrong." He kept a paw wrapped around his knot, squeezing out the last of his seed, as he gently rubbed the tan fur on the inside of Liam's butt cheeks.

Nathanial reached over to place his paw on Faelen's arm, he panted slightly as he said, "It's what he wants, and he'd thank you. It can't feel any more awkward than I feel right now. How many times have people seen me get laid or cum in the last week? And, now, I just let myself get fucked beside you, and let you jerk off as you watched us. I'm becoming as much an exhibitionist as Nicholas." Faelen moved off Liam and lay down beside him, pulling Liam gently up against his chest. Faelen adjusted his dick so it lay up along Liam's crack and beside the thin tail.

There was a soft tap on the door and Garret poked his head in, "Hey guys, Nathanial... whoops, sorry." Garret blushed and pulled his head back out quickly, shutting the door a little loudly. Geoff could hear him cursing and stomping away. Faelen chuckled as Nathanial and Geoff turned red.

Liam gave a soft moan and ground his hips back into Faelen. Faelen gave a high pitched 'meep', and hugged him tight, kissing Liam's neck and nibbling the floppy ends of his ears. Geoff and Nathanial had a hard time swallowing their laughter. Liam's eyes were still closed, but he smiled slightly and softly growled, as his paw weakly moved to rest on one of Faelen's. Faelen sobbed as he continued to nuzzle his pup. Liam's voice was barely audible, "Sorry for scaring you, love." He opened his eyes, slightly, and smiled as he saw Geoff kneeling over Nathanial and still locked in their mating tie, "But it looks like you had some entertainment while I was out." He rubbed his belly, "And so did I. Pity I missed it. It feels like it was quite a time."

Faelen whimpered as he spoke, "You scared me, please don't leave me like that again. I-I..." He couldn't keep talking, and just buried his head behind Liam's as much as he could.

Nathanial pushed against Geoff, who got the hint and rolled them around so they mirrored Faelen and Liam. Nathanial reached over to rub Faelen's arm and then Liam's cheek, "You scared all of us, Sensei. Your father is on his way over from work. You were out for roughly a half hour, but you seemed really... confused for much longer. What do you remember after Dad drank the potion?"

Liam frowned, and put a paw to his head, "I cannot remember, do not ask. Let me recover some before we deal with that." He gave Geoff a funny look and closed his eyes. "Geoff-san, I get a funny sensation when I look at you, like you had something to do with one of my past lives. I am too weak to pursue that right now, but I will ask your aid in investigating this when I am stronger. As it is, please, no one speak more about this. It will wait, and it will have to, until the latter part of September, when the side effects of my medicine wear off." He rubbed his paw along Faelen's paw and forearm, making shushing noises. After a few minutes of resting quietly, Faelen started to calm down, and Liam gave a quiet snore as he drifted off into restful sleep.

---

Nathanial and Geoff stepped out of the shower, and Nathanial cast a small fur drying spell, noting with amusement he hadn't cast it in over a week. Geoff gave a start and rubbed his dry fur, "That's a really handy spell. Why haven't you been casting that?"

Nathanial blushed and examined his hindpaws, "So you'd rub my fur and brush it as we dried. I love getting brushed. But I need to get supper started, and Mr. Smith is almost here. He just came into range of my senses." Nathanial started to get dressed, he pulled on some slacks and a light green button up short sleeve shirt. Geoff started to wrap a towel around his waist, "Dad's upstairs, in his office. He did ask us to wear clothes when he's downstairs, and he promised to let us know he's on his way before coming down, too. It seemed like a good compromise. But you can just walk over to my room without worrying, this time." Nathanial pulled Geoff into a quick kiss, "Um, I may just be feeling a little jealous, but when I came in earlier, before you jumped me, you were looking at Faelen a little strangely. Are you getting feelings for him, again?"

Geoff's eyes widened momentarily and his ears flicked back for a split second, before he responded calmly, "That's an odd thing to ask, since I practically raped you right after. I've given up on him, well that way, a long time ago, and he's more than permanently bonded to Sensei, now. I love you, Nathanial."

Geoff tried to pull Nathanial back into a kiss, but was stopped by a paw on his chest and nose, "That wasn't what I asked. Are you getting feelings, romantic feelings, for Faelen? Are you still in love with him, or falling back in love with him?"

Geoff frowned, Nathanial couldn't tell if he was feeling a little guilty, angry, or both. "I was thinking about the way I used to feel for him. The way he was looking at Liam-sensei, whose head was just below mine, was the way I used to wish he would look at me. It brought those dreams and daydreams back, but that's all they were. I meant what I said, I love you, not Faelen. Well, I love him as a brother and best friend, not boyfriend and mate. I never figured you as the jealous type."

Nathanial moved his paws and pulled Geoff into a kiss, "I'm normally not. I... seeing Liam, I mean Liam-sensei, there, so weak and vulnerable, was making me think how easy it would be to lose you. Or even more easily, for you to lose me. I got scared. And then I saw you looking at Faelen like that, and, well, I started thinking that I could still lose you, even if neither of us died. It was silly, I'm sorry."

Geoff gave Nathanial a deep kiss, before holding him far enough back to look into his eyes, "I love you, pup. You, not anyone else. Remember that. Now, let me go get dressed and I'll help you cook. I should probably apologize to your dad, too."

Nathanial could feel a deep flush spread across his body, now both Micah and Garret have walked in on him while he was tied with Geoff. While Nick hadn't, yet, it was a small distinction considering what he's done to Nick. "Well, the only one left is Nick. Once he walks in on us, the whole family will have seen you tied to me. Gods, that's embarrassing."

Geoff burst out laughing, "Yeah, yeah it is, but you've been tied to Nicholas, I can't see how it'd be embarrassing have him see you tied to me. Besides, you've seen him tied with Micah, so it's not that big a deal. Nothing could be more embarrassing than when Micah watched us have sex for the first... oops."

Nathanial's stomach plunged and then his temper blew, "He what!!? Why didn't you tell me then?! That little bastard, the fucking little bastard! He is so grounded, no, that's not enough. He is going to..." Geoff cut him off by covering Nathanial's mouth with his own. Nathanial growled angrily into Geoff's mouth, but didn't push him away, and he eventually gave into the kiss.

Geoff let him go, "Calm down, you need to keep calm, remember? Besides, it's over and done with. Just because it was the first time, doesn't really matter anymore. How many times have we had sex alone? It seems most of the time there's someone else involved or at least in the room, anyway. I was thinking about it when we were having sex in your room just now. I have a bodyguard, we won't really have privacy at any point. Neither will Faelen and Liam-sensei. Sure, we will get to have sex alone more often than not, but most of the time they'll know we're having sex, and vice versa. It's still a little uncomfortable, but we'll have to get used to it. At least Micah was invisible and not being intrusive at all."

Nathanial was still steaming, "That bloody, fucking, Imp. I told him to leave the room and that I wanted my first time with you to be just with you. Go get dressed, I'm going to start cooking." Nathanial stormed out of the washroom, and called over the box of calming herbal tea from the kitchenette as he stomped up the stairs. Mr. Smith was a block away, so Nathanial started cleaning the rice and threw some meat into the microwave to defrost. Once he rinsed the rice properly he put it into the rice cooker and opened the gate for his guest. He wiped his paws dry and walked to the front door, opening it as Walter walked up the stairs. He held his paw out and shook Walter's, showing him in. Walter carefully cleaned his damp and muddy hindpaws, as Nathanial took his coat and hung it up. "Mr. Smith, he's resting, now. He woke up twenty minutes, or so, ago, before falling asleep. Faelen is with him in my room. Um, we got scared because of something unusual." He led Walter through the house to the kitchen, "Tea or coffee, sir?"

Walter gave him an absolutely flabbergasted look, "What?"

Nathanial repeated, "Would you like tea or coffee, sir? I'll fill you in as I make it, and then Geoff will show you to my room."

He still looked confused, "Um, coff... I mean tea. Liam hates coffee." The kettle had just finished boiling water for Nathanial's tisane, so he put a pot of green tea on as he poured his own. Nathanial gave him a quick rundown of what happened, leaving out what treatment Liam was providing and for whom. "He... forgot? Liam forgot who Geoff was? That's... impossible, literally impossible. Ancient Ones can't forget. Even if he was really confused or having trouble focusing he couldn't forget who Geoff was. He must've been unable to see who he was clearly, or something."

Nathanial shook his head, "That's why we called. We couldn't understand it, either. Sensei doesn't want to think of the time period between when he finished the treatment and when he woke up, at least not until he's stronger. He thinks there may have been something that may have almost caused one of his early lives to wake up, or whatever they do. One he doesn't recognize."

Walter frowned, "Timeus is the first life he knows of and he has a lot of difficulty getting anything from that life. That was from the second century BC. If there's an older one, one he's never accessed in a few lifetimes, that'd be extremely painful and draining when it Woke. If something triggered it, but didn't fully rouse it, while he was this weak, he should be out for weeks, only briefly regaining consciousness during that time. If it fully Woke, well, I don't know what would happen. Best to let that lie until he's stronger."

Geoff walked upstairs, "Oh, hi, Mr. Smith. I didn't hear the gate buzz."

Nathanial poured a mug of tea, "Here, Mr. Smith. Geoff, can you bring him to my room? Is Sensei awake?"

Geoff smiled and gestured for Walter to follow him, "Sure. No, he's still asleep. Faelen's fairly relaxed, so I'm pretty sure he's just sleeping, not unconscious. Faelen's all googly eyed again while he's watching over him."

Geoff's face went all soft as he talked about Faelen doting over Liam, making Nathanial tense up slightly. 'He's not in love, he's not in love, he's not in love. Geoff loves me.'

Geoff walked around the counter and licked Nathanial's ear, before nibbling on it, "Relax, pup. Drink that stuff Sensei gave you and relax. I love you, and I want you to feel better, so, please, relax."

Nathanial felt himself melting as he turned to look into Geoff's eyes, "Yes, sir." He could see Geoff's love for him in those icy blue depths. He could still see the power of his Dark Spirit deep inside the Wolf, but it didn't scare him anymore, not like the first time he saw it. Instead, he found himself drawn to it and comforted. Walter cleared his throat, making the two of them jump. "Sorry. Shoo, love, Mr. Smith is worried about his boy." Geoff gave Nathanial a quick kiss and led the chubby Rottweiler downstairs. The microwave had another ten minutes to go, and he had a lot of prep work to do, but Nathanial took a moment to let Garret know Walter was here.

He went upstairs, trembling slightly. He hadn't been on the second floor in almost seven years, and that wasn't a pleasant visit. He wasn't sure if Nicholas or Micah had ever been up here. The floor was covered in a thick, white carpet, and the walls were painted a pale gold. He softly padded over to his father's study and knocked, waiting for his father's reply, "Yes?"

Nathanial couldn't keep his voice from shaking, "U-um, sir? Mr. Smith is here. I-I'm starting supper now. Do y-you want me to put coffee on?"

Garret opened the solid oak door, confusion etched into his face, "Nathanial? What's wrong? You're shaking." His paw hesitated slightly as he reached for his son, before gently resting on the quivering shoulder and pulling him into a hug. "Hey, come on. Calm down, would you?"

"S-sorry. I'm trying, I'll try harder. Just, d-don't..." Nathanial stopped talking, reminding himself he was the stronger one. No one was going to beat him, or threaten his brothers. 'I'm in control. I'm strong, now. No one can hurt me if I don't let them.' He heard the sound of sniffing and heavy breathing in the shadows.

Garret looked a little contemptuous as he held Nathanial at arms length, "Grow up, pup. I'm not going to hurt you." He must have seen the surprise and hurt cross Nathanial's face, "Right, sorry. Be nice, Garret, you're trying to not be an ass to your boys." He pulled Nathanial back into a hug, and rubbed his back, "Sorry, pup. I didn't mean it. What's wrong? I'm guessing the last time you were up here was... unpleasant, and being up here again is bringing it back, right?" Nathanial nodded. "Okay, I should go downstairs and greet Walter, but later on I'll bring you back up here and give you a tour. Show you it's safe, now. As a side note, you guys are allowed up here, but I want the same courtesy I'm giving you. Let me know you're coming up, before you come upstairs, when I'm home. When I'm not home my bedroom and office are off limits. Got it?"

Nathanial had slowly stopped shivering as Garret kept him in a hug, "Yeah, that's fair. Thanks, Dad. I'm not really sure what got into me, but I think you were right. The last time I was up here landed me in the Emergency Room." His dogs moved fully into the Plane of Darkness.

He felt Garret shudder, "Gods, if I'd only bothered to pay attention. I'm so sorry." He seemed to steel himself before he licked Nathanial's forehead and rubbed around his ears, "Well, we have company, so let's go greet them."

"Um, sorry, Dad. I didn't mean for you to, um..."

Garret cut him off, a slightly panicked note in his voice, "Yes! Yes, I know. Enough. Don't mention it, again. Ever." He shuddered and quickly ran down the stairs ahead of Nathanial.