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Breakfast that day was eggs and bacon. As normal a breakfast as anything Travis could think of. The eggs were a fluffy scramble topped with shredded cheese. The bacon was cooked to perfection. There was also a gallon of apple juice positioned on the table to drink. Two cups had been pulled by Serenity for them to use. They sat at the dining room table. As per usual for most denizens of Chakona, there were several chairs for bipeds folded and tucked away. Travis sat down next to Serenity to enjoy the meal provided.

They enjoyed the meal in relative silence. Travis was worried about what their conversation would hold. Surely shi was going to give him a dressing down of a lifetime. Shi had said that they were going to discuss what it meant to be with a Chakat. He expected several harsh words that would slice deep. However, as he observed Serenity, he noticed that shi was the picture of calm confidence. There was no worry in hir posture. It was like shi knew exactly how the conversation would go. It was unnerving.

Breakfast seemed to both go too fast and not fast enough. There was a desire to get the dreaded conversation over with. Travis didn't want to prolong the inevitable. There was also hesitance because he didn't want to have the talk at all. It would be uncomfortable and awkward. The warring feelings were driving him crazy. He needed to bite the bullet and get his sanity back.

Once breakfast was over, Travis offered to take Serenity's plate. While he knew shi could handle it hirself, he was told to always maintain being a gentleman. That meant taking on the harder jobs to make the life of his significant other easier. Serenity smiled amusedly at him. It was endearing to know that while they were having a slight argument, they were still cordial and loving.

“Of course. Thank you, sugar." Shi pulled the plate off the table and offered it to him. He gingerly took the offered dishes. With his cargo secure, he went to the sink to wash them off. A quick rinse to clean off the debris and they were ready for the dishwasher. As Travis finished up, his emotions started to get the better of him. There was just so much pressure on him. The weight of trying to maintain his sanity was driving him up a wall. He knew that he should be talking out these issues. Years of programming, though, only allowed two other people any glimpses into the monster that was his dark thoughts. Both of those people were off-world and probably thousands of lightyears away. Serenity was becoming another one of those trusted people. Travis just needed time and a solid boot to the head.

That boot came in the form of Serenity. Shi stood from the table with the grace of a feline. Shi padded over to the family room where shi found a seat on the couch. Shi motioned for Travis to follow with hir tail. He stepped away from the kitchen and followed dutifully. Once he got close enough, Serenity presented hir hands for him to take. Hir paw pads were warm and supple like he remembered. They gently pulled him to sit with hir on the couch. He knew what would be coming next. He just hoped he had the strength to go through with this.

“Come," Serenity said softly. “We need to finish our discussion."

Travis grimaced and asked, “I'm going to hate this, aren't I?"

“It's important we face it now before it becomes our ruin. Please, sugar? For me?" Travis stared into hir forest green eyes. He saw love and care in those eyes. The promise of a future that he wanted. He would walk this path just to get a glimpse of what he could get.

“Okay," he sighed. Shi grinned at him, then guided him to sit back with his head on the arm pillow. Shi laid down on top of him. The warmth of hir silky fur was exquisite. He relished in it for a few seconds. Serenity sighed contentedly as they cuddle together on the couch. Then, shi asked the question.

“You know I would never do anything to hurt you, right?" He nodded in agreement. Shi had gone above and beyond to make him comfortable with every interaction they had. It was time to cash in all that trust they had been building. “Then trust me when I say that you need to understand exactly what and who I am."

---

Chakats are a polyamorous species. Love was meant to be shared in their culture. It didn't matter who the person was in relation to them. If there was a connection, they were going to demonstrate their love. That usually also included physical demonstrations. This was as normal as breathing to them. It may cause some frustration to some people, but it was widely agreed that Chakats were affectionate to those they deemed important. This equaled having many different people in their closest circle. Travis found himself as one of those people and he didn't know what to do.

Travis had never been interested in being intimate with more than one person at a time. He had taken an oath that he would not be a lowlife scumbag. Cheating was reprehensible, as it rightly should be. The difference this time was that Travis was entering a poly relationship. It wasn't considered cheating since everyone would be involved, knowledgeable, and consenting to the dynamics. While this sounded good on paper, Travis was adamant that something was going to break. Either his sanity would give first as he tried to juggle multiple people or there would be a pile of broken hearts as he hurt the people he cared most about. A daunting task loomed before him. He wasn't sure if he could tackle this monster, but he had to try. Not only for his sake, but for Serenity, Sequoia, and Baiyoshay. The pressure to persevere wouldn't let him quit so easily.

“I am a Chakat," Serenity began. “You know this, and you know what that entails, right?" Travis agreed hesitantly. “My species is known for our polyamory, and I'm no different. I currently have three official relationships including one with you. I have to balance each one delicately. I would like to say I have been doing rather well. Do you agree?" He nodded. “So, do you think I would love you any less because I have others in my life?"

“Kind of hard not to," Travis responded heavily. He sighed in anger at himself for his insecurity. His brain was rebelling against him. It was time to come clean. “Ren, have I told you how many relationships I've been in?"

“You've only mentioned one that was during your schooling before university. Some girl named Daisy?"

“Yeah, Daisy Vollencraft. Or, as I call her, the Bitch of Whore Mountain. I've had the displeasure of being her punching bag while I was under the delusion that she loved me."

“What did she do?"

“What hadn't she done? She used me as a cover to hide her almost forty-year-old boyfriend. Had another guy she was lying to on the side. And when I confronted her about it all, she claimed polyamory. That was when I decided enough was enough. That relationship ended with me being beaten to an inch of my life and left for dead in a dumpster. On her orders, no less." The horrified gasp from Serenity brought the shame he thought he had overcome back. It wasn't as bad as it used to be. It still hurt, but that pain was more of a dull ache than the piercing jab it used to have.

“That's absolutely vile! Who could do such a thing to someone?"

“People can be wicked, Ren," he said with a sad sigh. He knew the cruelties people could render to one another. Slavery in all its many forms, racketeering, kidnapping, piracy. He'd seen the depravity of Humans, morphs, and aliens alike. Nothing new under the sun, there. “They can lie, cheat, and steal to get ahead in life. It's the way things have been since the beginning of time. We may think we have it all figured out and are civilized, but depravity has never left us." He turned to look away. The shame of being Human was now weighing heavily on his shoulders. He had cried himself to sleep on several occasions after realizing just what being Human was doing to others. Especially when bigots and racists were making more and more trouble for everyone.

“That's a tragic train of thought, sugar. Surely Humanity is worth more than that?"

“Not really, but I don't want to talk about it. Let's leave that bomb alone." Serenity didn't want to, but shi left that topic alone. Shi would bring it up later when the time was right. Having those types of thoughts about your own species, or society in general, lead to a dangerous path. Misanthropy was a sad way to view people in hir opinion.

“For now. Getting back to the original topic, why do you bring this evil person up?"

“Because she destroyed everything about me. My self-worth, confidence, and esteem went down the drain after her. It's because of her I have these insecurities. And I hate it!" His hands went to his head as he gripped his hair. The pain from his scalp helped keep his mind focused on what he wanted to say without the tailspin into a depressive coma. “I hate being this way! I hate being so screwed up in the head!" Serenity placed a calming hand on his side as the other gently rubbed his head behind his hands.

“You are not screwed up."

“Oh, I am! Why should I have these insecurities? Why don't I trust you? It's killing me! I should trust you. No, I need to trust you. I can't keep thinking in worst case scenarios. You say you love me, and I should trust you mean that."

“But that trust takes time, sugar." Shi knew that something was breaking inside him. Shi watched him with the intensity of a hawk. Shi wasn't looking for a weakness to exploit, though. Far from it; instead, shi was looking for a way to bring the wall down so shi could help him rebuild. The rubble and debris from those walls crumbling had to be replaced with a new foundation of trust. Love would be the anchor point and cornerstone of this rebuilding effort. Amethyst would be invaluable during that time.

Travis sniffed and lowered his hands. He no longer was pulling on his hair, but he dared not look up at hir. The shame was pressing in. He felt weak and despondent. Serenity met him with hir gentle kindness. Shi placed a hand under his chin and forced him to look up. Their eyes caught as time seemed to stand still. Shi leaned down and gave him a sweet kiss that demonstrated that shi wasn't going anywhere. They were in this for the long haul. At least that was what Serenity was hoping for.

“I love you, sugar. Your insecurities are valid. I see where they came from and why they torture you. Let me help carry that burden. Let me show that I understand you." That was a first for Travis. From everything he had heard, most people always gave the platitude that everything was in his head. The reality was that some of his insecurities were very much caused by outside influences. The way to deal with those would be to be more like a duck. He had to let those insults and fears he had from others pass over him like water off a duck's back. They should have no hold on him because those that insulted him didn't matter in the long run.

“How are they valid? Most would say they are just in my imagination."

“Simple: the first time you were in love, the other person abused you. There's no excuse for that. Whatever developed from that interaction is real and affects you every day. And I'm going to guess that you never went to therapy to take care of that, did you?" Travis looked away again. He hadn't back then. He just bottled those feelings up and focused on his career as a mercenary. Taking his frustration and rage out on his targets was cathartic for him, but was considered extremely unhealthy.

“No, I didn't."

“Then we're going to have to change that. I can help set you up."

“Wait, no! You can't do that. I can't make you into my therapist. That would be emotionally taxing for you. I can't let you do that."

“Who said I would be your therapist?" Travis blinked a few times as his brain caught up to what shi was insinuating. “Amethyst is much better suited to that role. No, I am going to support you and help you come to terms with what happened. You have to let go of your fears before we can fix your self-esteem and confidence issues." That made a lot of sense, actually. The past had a grip on him that he had been fighting alone for many years. Serenity was willing to stand beside him and face that past with vigor. It seemed that things were changing for the better.

“How are we going to do that?"

“For one, you're going to send a request to get Amy as your therapist. Then we're going to get you a mental evaluation to diagnose any and all problems that need addressing. Finally, we will be having a family meeting soon to discuss your place in the Dancing Lights Clan." Travis' first reaction to the last statement was rejection. He scolded his brain for being pessimistic and kept his face neutral.

“Should I be worried about that meeting?"

“Absolutely not!" shi stated emphatically. “That meeting is only to establish what each person expects out of you and what you expect out of us. We should have had this a while ago, but I was hoping we could establish that naturally. It seems we have to be a little more direct with you."

“I'm sorry, Ren. I know I'm causing undue stress and trouble."

Shi quickly interrupted with, “Hey! No more negativity. It's a change we have to do because you operate in a different way. If making you comfortable requires us to be more direct with what we want out of you, then we'll do so. You deserve to have your thoughts and desires acknowledged and respected." It felt good to be heard and listened to. Serenity was setting up the negotiating table for him. Maybe he could actually get some peace of mind knowing that he was part of this family. “Baiyoshay should also be involved in that discussion. I'll contact hym with the details. Speaking of, you need to talk to hym at some point. I think hy'd appreciate a date."

“You think so? Are you sure? I mean, that would be nice. I just don't want to do anything to upset you."

“That's why I'm telling you to go through with it. I'm perfectly okay with you seeing Baiyoshay. This should prove to you that nothing will change between us even as you bring others into your life that you love." Shi winked at him with a lascivious grin. “Besides, I like hym. I think hy will be a great member of our family." That helped ease a lot of the fear that Travis had been holding on to. Shi was talking about them like Travis had already asked hym out. Maybe he could pull this off.

“Okay," he told hir. “I'll give hym a call tonight. I really hope this works out."

“As do I. In the meantime, I'm pretty sure dad, Lapis, and Diamond are still home. Do you want to spend the day with them?"

“Um, sure. I'd like that. Also need to pick up my clothes."

“They should be dry since dad took them. Give me a second to grab my pad and we'll head over."

---

Once inside Braveheart and Marathon's home, Travis was surrounded by companionship that was beyond words. His first step into the house was the beginning of a nice day of relaxation and comradery. Diamond had opened the door for them, greeting them with hugs. The teen hugged Travis a little longer than usual, pressing hir face into his shoulder. He swore he could feel hir relief from his presence. Shi had been worried about him it seems. Travis didn't exactly like that, but the thought behind it made his heart warm.

Marathon also greeted them at the door with, “Hi, you two! Good to see you! Travis, dear, your clothes are dry and folded up in the laundry room."

“Thanks, Marathon. I appreciate it."

“It was no trouble, dear. I was happy to do it." Travis blushed slightly when shi pulled him into another hug. He found that no matter how many times he was embraced, it never got old. The feeling of another's arms around him was something that he had thought that he would never have in his life. He was glad how wrong he was.

“Hey, dad," Serenity called as shi entered behind Travis. “Mind if we spend the day with you?" The matronly Chakat told them that they were welcomed to spend the day here. It would only be hir, Diamond and Lapis since Braveheart went into work a few hours ago. Speaking of, Lapis came around the corner and bounded up to Travis. Like most times he came here, he was on the receiving end of a cuddle attack. Lapis launched hirself into Travis' arms as per hir usual modus operandi for hugs and lick-kisses. This cub was worming hir way into his heart. Travis was not expecting that this seven-year-old would warm up to him so quickly. He didn't question it, though. Going with the flow seemed a much better option in the long run.

“Hi, Travie!" the excited kitten exclaimed. Shi continued to hold on as Diamond also came up and patted him on his back. These two kids would grow up to be amazing people. He just knew it. Diamond's passionate love of Chakker was the same passion he had for music. Lapis' energy and forthrightness gave Travis an idea that shi was going to be a loving mate to someone in the future. He loved these two precious darlings like they were his own siblings. To him, they practically were.

“I'm glad you're here, my dude. I was worried about you."

“That's kind of you, Dee, but I'll be fine. Now, mind helping me with Shir Squiggles-a-lot?" Diamond tried to help him, but Lapis had decided that shi wanted cuddle time with him. He conceded defeat and tried walking to the couch.

“Are you staying the day with us?" Lapis asked once he was seated. Shi took position on his lap as Diamond leaned on the back of the couch above him.

“I sure hope so," Travis responded with a chuckle. “That is, if your mother doesn't kick us out first."

Said mother responded, “Now, why on Chakona would I want to do that?"

“Oh, I don't know," Travis faux whispered to Lapis and Diamond. “Maybe because you two and I would cause some trouble with a prank or two. I've thought of a good one with peanut butter, some rope, and dish soap!"

“Travis Archer!" The yell from Serenity caused him to flinch and make an out of character high sound of surprise. “You will not be corrupting my little sisters with your shenanigans!"

Without missing a beat, Diamond responded, “Too late for that, sis!" Serenity made a show of being mock-outraged at that statement.

“Good heavens! You're a bad influence on them, Mr. Archer." Travis looked to his two partners in crime with a raised eyebrow. Lapis stifled hir chuckle with a hand to hir muzzle. Diamond gave a mischievous grin before giving Travis a wink. With both of them confirmed in his ranks, he raised one hand with a grin that said he got the canary.

“Guilty as charged!"

“I am so going to punish you!" Serenity exclaimed in consternation.

“Oh, kinky! Please be gentle, mistress. I bruise easily." Shi didn't stop there. The ante was being raised, and one of them would have to fold out soon. Both were hoping to out maneuver the other in this game of verbal sparring.

“Don't worry, I'll kiss it all better. Maybe even let you have some milk as after care?" Serenity won hands down. That little jab hit him right in the sweet spot that shut his brain down. He went fully catatonic when shi took a hand to one breast and squeezed. A bead of white milk formed at the tip. With that, Travis was a beat red, stuttering mess.

Diamond exclaimed, “Oh, it finally came in. Has he enjoyed that yet?" Travis was mumbling about a sneaky kitty that was playing mind games with him. Lapis hopped onto his chest and started tapping his forehead. He didn't respond to hir insistent tapping.

“No, not yet. Sequoia has, though. Hirs should be coming in shortly."

“Big sis?" Lapis asked. “I think Travis is broken."

“Don't worry about him, Lapis. He'll get over himself in a bit. In the meantime, I suggest you two get started on your homework. Get that done soon, and we can decide on what we're doing for fun." Lapis squealed in happiness as shi left Travis to head for hir room. Diamond chuckled and left Travis with a quick lick-kiss to his nose.

“Better wake up soon, lover boy. Your kitten wants some attention." That seemed to pull him out of his daze. He sputtered as he tried to give the perfect retort. He didn't manage to make one though before shi disappeared in hir own room. Travis grumbled a bit before feeling a new weight beside him.

“That was mean, Ren," he told his Companion. “You know I don't like being messed with. Especially when dealing with…" He paused as he motioned vaguely to hir before saying, “that."

“Who said I was messing with you?" Shi maneuvered them around the couch so shi was laying with him beside hir. Shi offered one breast to him. He eyed the offering hesitantly before making contact with hir eyes. “I did this for you. I want this as well." His feelings changed with hir declaration. He would entertain hir if shi requested. He just hoped Marathon wouldn't get mad. “And don't worry about my family. This is us time. I want to cuddle you like this for a bit." He couldn't say no to that.

He decided that if this was what shi wanted, he'd give it to hir. A teasing breath cascaded over hir proffered flesh which caused hir to giggle. He gave a few more breaths to really tease hir before going in for a lick. Travis noticed that something had changed since the last time they did this. Shi seemed to be a little more sensitive and responsive to his touch than usual. He guessed that shi was really into this fetish as much as he was. Deciding to stop the teasing, he latched on and gave a suckle.

The flow of milk was sweet and rich. Hir milk was much thicker than milkwater by a significant margin. Shi tasted better than any store-bought milk he ever purchased. It was warm and seemed to be filled with hir love for him. He cuddled in further as shi pulled him closer for a snuggle. Hir purring combined with warm milk put Travis into a relaxed state, bordering on sleepy. He slowly drifted off to a nap as Serenity rubbed his head. He was in paradise.

“That's it, sugar. Keep drinking. I have plenty to give." Shi held him close as shi also closed hir eyes in bliss. Before shi drifted off, shi whispered, “Love you."

Marathon would later find hir eldest daughter snuggled up with hir Human. Shi cooed in awe of the sweet scene before hir. Shi gave both a rub on their heads and lick-kisses before moving on. Diamond smiled wistfully at the scene while Lapis ignored it. They went to the dining room table where their mother waited for them. Class was now in session.

With Serenity and Travis occupied and everyone else gone, Lapis and Diamond started their homework for the day. Of course, there were also the chores that needed doing around the house. Those would come later and would not take much to complete. Marathon had a system in place for that so each sibling would have a fair number of things to do. The help around the house made Marathon's job as a homemaker much easier in the long run. After homework and chores were done, the two sisters usually found ways to entertain themselves on most days. With Serenity and Travis here, entertainment would be much easier to come by.

The Chakat teen and cub settled down to start on their tasks for the day. When Travis woke about forty minutes later, he offered to help Marathon with the chores. Since he had nothing better to do, he had to keep himself busy. It was a weekday, so most of the tasks were just standard maintenance for the house. They were easily done long before the younger Chakats were done with their homework. Every so often, one of them would struggle a little bit and ask for some assistance. They were smart kids that just needed a little guidance to the right answers.

A few hours later, and Marathon called that it was time for lunch. Today's special was homemade sandwiches. Each person made their own sandwich with the materials they wanted. Since Chakats had a much higher caloric intake than a human, they ate a lot more than Travis. Diamond had two full sized sandwiches with some extra fruit added on. Shi was a growing teen after all. Lapis only had one sandwich, but did sneak off with a few pieces of Diamond's fruit. Little stinker was being more rambunctious than ever.

After homework and chores were done, they asked themselves what they wanted to do to pass the time. There was the local park that was around the corner that they would visit every so often. The other kids in the neighborhood would gather there to play and be kids. The beach was about ten minutes away by walking. Travis was excited about taking that trip next week. There were also a few local hot spots for gatherings. There were a few clubs that were on the beachside which made them great places to hang out for both adults and teens. The whole of Azure Beach was a very quaint and lovely part of Amistad. If Travis had the option, he would have found a condo down here. Ravina was nice, but there was just something amazing living so close to the beach.

Lapis had mentioned that shi was wanting to play outside or go to the park. That sparked a thought in Travis that he presented to them. Marathon agreed with the idea since it would allow Lapis to be hir little bundle of energy without causing too many problems or headaches. Diamond was also into it since shi knew a couple of the local teens liked to hang out around that park. Serenity and Travis considered the walk as an intimate time together. With all parties in agreement, they decided that today was going to be a park day.

---

The park was around the corner and two blocks over from the Dancing Lights home. It had all the amenities that a normal park would have. Jungle gyms and rock walls for the little ones. There were several baseball fields for those inclined to the game. Travis noticed that there was even a concession stand that offered shaved ice, smoothies, and other treats. People moved to and fro as little league games were played on the fields. The occasional crack of a bat and cheers of the crowd gave the place a cozy feeling.

Lapis was instantly drawn to the playground. Other kids around hir age instantly invited hir to play with them. Shi instantly found a groove and joined in the fun. Marathon, being the ever-matronly Chakat shi is, decided to sit with a few other parents that shi knew nearby. Lapis would be occupied with the other kids, giving Marathon a break from overtly entertaining hir cub. Diamond had found a few neighborhood teens that were tossing around a frisbee. Shi ended up joining in on the fun.

Travis and Serenity, though, continued on to have a walk. They snuggled close together as they observed the crowds around them. They walked hand-in-hand, enjoying the day and their company. There were all manner of families that they could see as they walked. There were so many different types of morphs, aliens, and even the occasional Human. Travis noticed that for the Humans, it seemed that most were quite comfortable with Chakona's lax clothing laws. Serenity would often wear nothing indoors, but usually donned something when going outside. There were people walking with only sandals on their feet. While most other Chakonians were fine with the casual nudity, Travis was still coming to grips with it.

Shi caught onto his embarrassment and asked, “Something wrong, sugar?"

He coughed to the side as he said, “Yeah, I'm good. I think?"

“You think?"

“Still not used to casual nudity in public." His admission brought a slight blush to his face and he quickly hid it away. He knew he was being silly about it. He knew what shi was going to say. He dreaded the lecture he was sure to receive.

“You'll get used to it. I know how shy you are, sugar. The body is nothing to be ashamed of. You can show as much or as little as you desire. There will be no judgments from me, or the people of Chakona."

“It's not judgment from you that I fear. I know you and your family accept me even with my obvious flaws." He motioned to his head with his free hand. He knew he wasn't fully mentally put together ever since the incident that put him on medical leave. What he experienced effectively re-wrote and damaged major parts of his psyche. It took sheer willpower just to maintain his sanity.

“Those flaws make you who you are. They made and shaped you. They are as part of you as the color of your eyes. I wouldn't change you for anything." Travis blushed heavily again. He kept getting put on the backfoot with how into him Serenity was. Shi saw everything that was wrong with him and didn't seem to care how they made him look. He was just Travis to hir. There was nothing he could do or say that could change that.

“It's strange…" he said quietly. He petered off as he watched a fellow Human snuggle with a Wolftaur. The odd (to him) couple were having some ice cream together on a park bench. They were soon joined by a lion morph that snuggled into them. It was the picture-perfect scene of a loving family.

“What is?" shi asked after he didn't elaborate. Shi followed his gaze to the three on the bench. Shi looked back at him to see a wistful expression settle over his features. He seemed to be contemplating something deep.

He continued with, “I always wanted to be accepted for who I am. To be seen as something better than a soldier or monster. When I first came to Chakona, I was dubious of ever being just me." He looked to his beloved friend and Companion. Shi smiled at him softly. Shi hoped that this would happen. Shi didn't want to fight him any longer about their relationship and what he meant to hir. This may be where he finally gets it through his skull that he was loved. He gave an amused snort before saying, “And here I am."

“Here you are," Serenity confirmed. Shi took his hand again and pulled him closer. “Next to me. Never forget that." Travis nodded as they continued on their way.

---

The day ended with them returning home. Lapis had tuckered hirself out and was carried on Travis' back like a backpack. Shi was lightly dozing as he walked easily with hir. Diamond and Marathon walked in front, chatting lightly about some gossip of some sort. Serenity walked beside him as happy as a clam. The grin shi gained during their conversation didn't budge an inch off hir face. Shi swore that today couldn't get any better. Shi was slightly wrong, since there was one more thing Travis was going to give hir.

They made it home safe and sound. Sequoia was the first to arrive after them, as is the case most days. Amethyst and Kairen usually arrived a little bit later. Amethyst had a longer ride from hir work and Kairen would usually met hir at the bus stop before they would walk home. Braveheart was usually the last one to arrive, but always made a point to be home before dinner. Shi staunchly refused to work late nights unless absolutely necessary. Shi had the fortunate luck to have never been in a situation to require late nights at the office. Of all the working members of Dancing Lights, Travis and Serenity were more likely to be forced into working late just by the nature of their job.

Once they were all gathered together, Marathon and Sequoia got started on dinner. Everyone settled down to wait in the family room. There were comments thrown around about the day, interesting things that happened, or frustrations that occurred. Life was moving on at full speed. Most people would have missed what was passing by. Braveheart didn't want to have that happen to hir family. Every chance they got, shi would sit with hir family and discuss the day and enjoy time together. It was the needed break from the hustle and bustle of normal living.

Travis had a thought hit him once a lull came upon them. Serenity had been sitting next to Sequoia for most of the time since the Environmentalist arrived. Travis couldn't begrudge that since they had spent the whole day together. Shi needed time with hir denmate. Travis let the insecurity and jealousy come over him. Instead of beating himself over the head or trying to hide it away, he decided on a new tactic. He looked at what he was feeling and asked the most important question he could have asked. He asked himself why.

That simple question held the key to beating back his issues. It gave a perspective of his thoughts that showed their idiocracy. They gave no new insight into Serenity's feelings. Far from it, in fact. One could say that these insecurities intentionally obscured the reality before his eyes. They also offered no protection from outside or within. The pain he caused himself was unwarranted and unfounded. While it did offer some comfort, that comfort was akin to what self-harm would give him. That would end up destroying his self-worth in the end.

As he was pondering this, Serenity had settled closer to him and asked, “What's got you thinking?"

Travis responded, “Thinking how much of a coward I've been." Serenity gave him a raised brow. He quickly cut off the thought that he knew would be growing in hir brain. “I've changed a lot, Ren. You helped turn me around. I want to be a better person and a better mate." That seemed to appease hir.

Shi asked, “And what would you say makes you a good person and mate?" That stumped him for a few seconds before inspiration hit him. He knew what would be the politically correct answer. He's heard that thousands of times. He needed to be true to himself.

“Being open and honest with you and myself. To take the opportunities as they come. Among other things." Serenity huffed slightly in half amusement. The other half was annoyance at his apparent cavalier take on it.

“Admirable. Does that mean you're going to start taking those chances?"

“Yep. In fact, I better take the one you told me to take this morning. Now, where's my pad?" He started searching for his PADD around the couch. Serenity pulled it from the side table where he had left it earlier that day. He gave a grateful nod as he took it from hir. A few taps on the screen and he was dialing someone. A couple short rings, and a familiar voice answered.

“Hello, love."

“Hi, Baiyo. So good to hear your voice."

“It's good to hear yours as well. How've you been? "

“Oh, can't complain. Sitting with the Dancing Lights Clan. Serenity is next to me." Said 'Kat leaned closer and put an arm around him. Shi was happy that he was going to take the plunge with Baiyoshay. This would hopefully increase their family again.

“Hi, Baiyo."

“Hi, Ren. I'm glad you're doing well. Keeping this Human in line? "

“You know it. Little trouble maker has been bound and determined to torpedo himself."

“Sounds like him. Give a good thwack for me?" The sound of a palm smacking his head reverberated around the room. Travis gave an undignified yelp and rubbed the spot.

“Done!"

“Hey, stop beating on me!"

“Stop being so negative and we won't have to."

“Hy's got a point. The beatings will continue until morale improves."

“Oi! I'm outnumbered here! Sequoia, help?!" Sequoia looked up from hir conversation with Diamond. Shi took the scene of their argument and decided on maintaining neutrality. Shi would not take any side in this little dispute to save hir own hide.

“Leave me out of this! You're on your own!"

“Oh, dammit." Serenity laughed before giving a lick-kiss to his temple. He giggled at the tickling feeling it gave. Shi laughed with him as they calmed down.

“Listen to us, love. You'll live longer and be happier. " That brought him back to the reason he called. He summoned his courage and steeled his nerves. He was going to do this. He could do this. He wasn't going to back down.

“I'm slowly learning that. In fact, that brings me to why I called."

“Oh?"

“What are you doing on Sixthday after work, Baiyo?"