Mama Fox

<Zuri>

These babies were far too adorable.

Pulling up the cover blanketing the three babies, Zuri stared at their cute sleeping forms. He examined the way they lightly stirred in their sleep. The way they shifted and cooed in complete satisfaction. Three months had passed since the birth of his children. In that time, the once impossibly small babies had grown considerably. They had grown considerably, becoming pleasantly plump for their age. A direct result of Zuri’s tireless efforts in order to ensure they never went without. The work was draining in every sense of the word, but seeing its fruits bear out so richly was somewhat fulfilling... though it would be a lie to say he wasn’t excited at the thought of them being able to finally eat solids soon.

Taking a deep breath, Zuri rapidly heated his body, almost to the point of lighting a flame.

Right at the cusp, he gently blew out the air he was holding, producing a warm breeze.

The breeze rolled over the sleeping babies, calming their movements.

Seeing the swift effectiveness, Zuri grinned.

This little trick had saved many a sleepless night.

And, the best part about it was, he had invented it entirely by himself without imitating Cleodora.

‘…Goddamn it’

At the thought of that idiot, Zuri felt his mood instantly plummet.

Never make decisions in the heat of the moment.

It was a lesson Zuri thought he had internalised given his past life. The struggles he endured taught him the importance of thinking things through. But, it would seem, he had forgotten the costs of failing to do so. Remembering the promise he had agreed to in the heat of the moment, Zuri couldn’t help but curse himself. A party was soon to be had. A great, big party in honour of him and the babies. Hosted by the villagers, the party was a local tradition held in order to welcome the new arrivals to the community.

All things considered, the intention of the party was rather sweet.

But, honestly, Zuri's gaze briefly drifted over the napping babies; he didn’t like it one bit.

In fact, he hated it greatly.

Why did he need to show off his babies to some random peasants?

So what if they are occasionally kind to him? That hardly matters in this context.

He was under no obligation to share the babies.

Zuri sighed deeply.

Getting out of this was going to be rather hard.

“Is something of the matter, Princess?” (L)

Luwn, the elderly healer, posed a light question.

Finished with her short monthly check-up, she was already a half-step out of the room.

“Nothing of importance.” (Z)

The healer paused in her step and let out what sounded like a mildly exasperated breath.

After a short murmur to herself, she turned round and addressed Zuri.

“I had hoped you’d be more willing to be forthcoming, Princess. But, it appears such developments are a little ways off.” (L)

Luwn walked back into the room, set her folding chair beside the bed and in an earnest voice addressed Zuri once again.

“You are aware you don’t have to host this party, Princess? It’s a wonderful tradition we have here but far from a must. Many mothers often postpone it, if not outright cancel it.” (L)

‘As if I don’t know!’

The moment Zuri realised what he agreed to, he searched for various ways out of it.

Going as far as to convene with the three mothers down at the village in his spare time.

They all already had informed him of such.

“I’m sure our Hero will understand quite well.” (L)

Zuri pursed his lips.

The real problem he faced was telling Cleodora that he actually didn’t want to do it. A fact this ever-observant healer seemed to have caught on quickly. Zuri hadn’t realised at the time, but Cleodora was awfully excited at the prospect of showing off their kids. She talked about constantly, every day, non-stop since that fateful moment Zuri agreed. As a result, Zuri struggled terribly every time he tried to tell her. It felt rather wrong to so suddenly go back on his word. Doubly so because he didn’t have that great a reason beyond merely not wanting to do it.

“Who cares if that idiot understands anything? I already told you this issue is of no importance… And anyway, it would be unnecessarily troublesome to say anything.” (Z)

Luwn sighed.

“I know this isn’t really my place to say, but you need to learn how to say no to her sometimes, Princess.” (L)

“I-I say no to her all the time! What are you on about!?” (Z)

What was she even trying to imply!?

“I have no doubt you do, Princess, but… there is a key difference in saying ‘no’ and actually meaning it.” (L)

Luwn’s gaze drifted up towards Zuri’s neck.

Quickly covering the exposed mark, Zuri felt his face instantly start burning.

The shame he had gone to extraordinary lengths to hide was so easily exposed.

Ever since that disastrous relief effort he conducted on Cleodora, things had not been the same between them. Especially, when it came to the said task of keeping her in check. Every time Zuri tried to go back to the simple original routine, Cleodora would beg him endlessly for all the way. Every time, Zuri would refuse, but the pleading, pathetic form of her always managed to steer him in the wrong direction. And make him act in a manner that he would come to regret the very next morning. Things have gotten bad, really, really bad. To the point, Zuri had been dodging Cleodora this entire week lest he make a poor decision. A task that bordered on the impossible.

“If this keeps up, you’ll no doubt get pregnant again. All she’d have to do is just ask.” (L)

A light smile played on the healer’s face.

“W-What the hell am I supposed to do then?” (Z)

Murmuring to himself, Zuri faced away from Luwn.

There was a truth he had been struggling to acknowledge for the longest time.

But.

It had gotten to the point he could no longer ignore it.

There was clearly something wrong with his head beyond mere post-pregnancy afflictions.

The healer seemed to stir in thought.

“How about we practise?" (L)

“Practice?” (Z)

Zuri stared sceptically.

“Practice saying no properly.” (L)

The smile Luwn wore grew.

Digesting the words, Zuri’s gaze drifted to the three sleeping babies beside him.

There wasn’t much of a choice, was there?

“…Don’t tell her about this.” (Z)

“I’m home!” (C)

“I can see that.” (Z)

‘You don’t have to announce it so loudly all the damn time…’

Standing at the entrance of the house, Zuri stared down coldly at Cleodora.

He noted the new length of her fiery red hair that flowed elegantly with her step. He noted the bright, wonderful sky blue eyes that lit up at his sight. He noted her perfectly sculpted face with features that could only be curved by an acclaimed artisan. He took in her beauty. Her beauty capable of captivating—

Closing his eyes, Zuri took a deep breath.

He needed to avoid any and all triggers that would sway him per Luwn’s instruction.

If he could do that, he could have this whole thing sorted before they served dinner.

“I need to inform you of a matter serious in nature.” (Z)

“Oh, what is it?” (C)

A charming voice, full of concern, tickled Zuri’s ears.

It was a shame there wasn’t much he could do about the voice.

As Zuri was about to speak again, ensuring he won’t be swayed by that vixen voice, a harsh scent assaulted his nose.

Instantly, his body turned to jelly as all his muscles began to relax without his permission.

‘This damned seductress!’

Despite the fact Zuri had taken precaution and blocked his nose with his sleeve, the overpowering scent still managed to sneak in.

“We… We need to talk about the party.” (Z)

With tremendous might, Zuri forced out appropriate words.

He needed to end this before will abandoned him!

“Right, the party!” (C)

Sadly, before Zuri could get any more out, Cleodora took the conversation.

Rambling on and on about all the arrangements being made down at the village with unmatched fervour.

Time passed swiftly, and with each second, Zuri’s will waned sharply.

“By the way, I was meaning to ask. What are you doing?” (C)

Abruptly, Cleodora stopped her ramble midway while chuckling softly.

“Is this some game I’m not aware of?” (C)

After taking a moment to collect himself, Zuri answered back sternly.

“I-It’s not a game, you idiot!” (Z)

“Eh? Really?” (C)

A playful tone coated the fool’s words.

Feeling a terrible foreboding strike him, Zuri immediately lowered his exposed arm.

“Aw, man!” (C)

This bastard!

She was definitely going to try and tickle him!!

The scent Zuri had been barely staving off hit with full force.

‘Agh!’

“Still keeping your eyes closed? I guess I don’t mind too much.” (C)

Before Zuri had the chance to react, he felt a pair of lips touch his own.

The natural outcome of which caused his eyes to fly open.

With his last powerful defence down, Zuri felt himself melt into the kiss.

‘S-Stupid kiss rule…’

Why on earth did he ever agree to such nonsense?

The kiss lasted for a foolishly long time. Cleodora pulled Zuri close and held him until satisfied.

A gross saliva trail connected them as she at last parted.

“Ah, it’s so good to be home.” (C)

A pleasant giggle escaped Cleodora’s mouth.

She lifted Zuri into a fitting princess carry before bounding to their room.

“One kiss down, three to go!” (C)

She marched forward with unwavering determination, flashing Zuri a sly smile while posing a question.

“There’s something you wanted to tell me about the party? Any special requests are welcomed!” (C)

Biting his tongue, Zuri looked away.

“N-Nevermind… It’s not important.” (Z)

…H-He could always break the news tomorrow.

The party was in a week’s time.

There was no rush.

No rush at all.

Spoiler

Recently lost two of my little siblings.

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