The Dreamcatchers / Night Watch

- So?

Leaving his office, Sen was greeted with Ilu’s curious smile. Her face full of anticipation.

- So what?

- Have you decided on a name yet?

Fantom, who just walked down the stairs holding a tiny, black cub looked at it then at Iluzija.

- Lil guy - he announced.

Both Sen and Iluzija rolled their eyes.

- Come on, it’s been two days since you found it, you have to give it a name! If you don’t pick it by midnight I’ll call him Fuzzywumpkins Littlepaws and noone will stop me.

She marched out of the building, leaving Sen and Fantom in confusion.

- That sounded really ominous - Fantom handed the sleeping child to Sen and also left, saying it’s his time for patrol.

- You should call him Phenomenon because it’s a phenomenon for a dream to raise a nightmare - he laughed from his desk and did not stop when Sen gave him a scolding look.

It was evening when Fantom returned and joined Sen in his office. Sen was sitting on an old couch of an ugly green colour. He was unable to do much work today. Handling documents and taking care of a baby has proven quite a challenge. Right now the cub was sleeping, nestled in his arms. Though Sen did less that day than he normally would, he felt tired and was happy about this moment of calm.

Fantom sat next to him.

- I’ve been thinking - Sen started, a little awkwardly. - Revas suggested calling it phenomenon. My mother came from a yoruba tribe. In their language that would be Lasan. What do you think?

- That sounds just like “La Seine”, that song I always sing for you.

Sen sat in silence for a moment.

- Somehow I failed to make that connection.

- I like it. Now I can sing it to both of you.

- I no longer think that’s a good name - Sen’s shoulders sagged, while Fantom chuckled.

They watched the cub move it’s little paws, dreaming silently. Sen shifted a little, uncomfortably. There was something he really wanted to talk about, but had a hard time putting it into words. He was never good at talking about feelings, especially his own. Maybe it would’ve been easier to share with someone like Moe, but Fantom had to know this.

- I… - he started awkwardly, intently staring at the cub and avoiding any eye contact. - I don’t think I can be a good father. I don’t really know how to be one.

He did it. He finally said what was weighing on his chest. And now that he started, the words seemed to just flow out.

- I don’t remember my own father. He was a soldier and died when I was just a cub. All I have left of him is a single letter. How can I know how to act like one?

He felt heat creeping up onto his cheeks. He knew that Fantom was watching him.

- Mine died pretty early too - the dark-maned lion finally spoke. - He was a king and had no time for me, even though I was his only son. I could only ever watch him from a distance. I learned how to do a cool, royal pose, but not much besides that - Fantom’s voice suddenly changed from melancholic back to his usual, joking tone.

Again, silence fell between them. Neither of them was the type to share their tragic pasts, but speaking about them now and to each other, made them both feel a little closer. Then Fantom literally got closer, very close and looking over Sen’s shoulder started playing with the cubs tiny paws. Sen felt the heat grow even stronger, but did not move away.

- Even though we have no experience - said Fantom. - I think we can do it. We make a good team. You’ll be the responsible parent and teach him about life and I’ll be the cool one and tell him all of my best jokes. - Golden eyes met Sen’s blue ones. - And anyway, we’ll be together and support each other.

Sen smiled, despite himself. Fan was at least half-joking, but he was right. Despite all their differences, they did make a good team. He felt a weight being lifted. He was happy he wouldn’t be alone in raising the cub and, more than he expected, he was happy that it was Fantom that would share this responsibility with him.

- Did you really learn a royal pose? You never act much like a prince.

Fantom chuckled at the obvious attempt at changing the subject. He loved how easily embarrassed Sen was.

- I’m no longer a prince since there is a new king. Wait, am I?