He felt a painful tinge of guilt, seeing the pain in his sister’s eyes. He wanted to be the big brother, the protector, bringing her reassurance and comfort. But he had to know. Yet the answer was as devastating as he feared, ears and shoulders sagging as Stella explained – in the end, he hadn’t been able to entirely kill that hope. And it hurt, in some ways it hurt more that he’d missed his sister for so long, for no real reward.

 

Leo felt his body grow heavy all of a sudden, gaze drifting down in his dejection. Then, to his surprise, he felt Kateri’s nudge, turning his head to meet her two-colored eyes. More guilt flushed him then, bringing heat into his cheeks. After what he’d just thought about her, she was right here, offering support. In truth he didn’t want her to suffer the same fate as the Vuesain-Kipley’s, she was his sister just as much as Stella, and he would never want her to hurt.

 

Attempting a pale smile in thanks, he nudged her back to try and make up for his short lapse, showing how much he appreciated her. Then Stella spoke again, and her words made his ears flatten yet again, head turning to look at her again. His brief weakness was gone and once more his attention was on comforting his sister. Taking a step forward, he reached to brush his muzzle to hers; “Don’t apologize! You did everything you could. I’m just glad you’re home!” Because that was the truth of it. Kip had chosen to leave her family and coming back would be her decision, just as Stella had chosen to.

 

Looking back up at Kateri, Leo nodded at her words, echoing his own thoughts. Once again, he was grateful for her understanding and comfort, the bitterness squashed, at least for now.

Thoughts ”Speech”

 

He couldn’t deny, he would have preferred that she hadn’t gone, selfishly. There had been times when he’d needed her particular, soft comfort and understanding – heaven only knew that Lynx wasn’t exactly the type to listen and share feelings – and while he loved Kateri as dearly as his other siblings, there was this one thing they didn’t share.

Stella’s lament drew him out of those thoughts, brows lifting. He was stunned she’d even think there was a too long, a sentiment Kateri was quick to echo, and he nodded his agreement. Perhaps she was thinking of Kip again, and how it would feel if she did ever return, but that was entirely different. “Everyone will be so happy to see you!” He emphasized, wanting her to know there were no hard feelings, no one would judge her for being away.

However, despite not having found Kip, Stella had not returned entirely empty pawed. Apparently, she’d managed to find some other family instead, family they hadn’t even known existed; our half-brother…! Leo felt like he’d been dunked in cold water, the pounding of his heart suddenly very loud in his ears, almost drowning out Kateri’s response. She seemed happy at the news as far as he could tell, but all Leo could manage was an: “Oh…”

Obviously, the idea of their father not being monogamous was not news to the boy, and yet, something about this particular sibling made him feel oddly conflicted; perhaps it was the simple fact that this was a half-brother. He shook his head, this would take some time to process, later when he was alone. For now, he attempted an encouraging smile, gesturing over one shoulder; “Come on then.” They’d monopolized her for long enough, their father would be over the moon to see her back as well.

Thoughts ”Speech”