The Dreamcatchers / Night Watch

Sen made his way towards the only comfortable bit of the room and heavily plopped down his body. He let out a sound that was something between a sigh and a groan. He heard a soft chuckle from Fantom, who was lying next to him. For some reason the lion always found it hilarious that Sen could spend hours fighting and strategizing, but things like reading exhausted him. It slightly annoyed him, but he let it go this time as his attention was stolen by a soft yawn made.

Lasan, a baby cub they adopted together, was lying between Fantom’s paws and right now stretching and yawning. They both smiled and spent the next few minutes just looking at it in silence. It was truly an adorable image, but a heavy thought entered Sen’s mind. Were they too hasty when they decided to take it in? Or rather, forced to take it. What if they failed to be good parents?

- What is it? - Fantom tilted his head to the side. His long black mane framed his face as he looked at Sen. He could always read him like a book.

- I was just… thinking - said Sen, knowing there was no point pretending he wasn’t worried. If anything, this might help him get some answers and was something Fan should be aware of. They were in this together after all. Still, that didn’t make it easy to talk. A few silent minutes passed before he finally exhaled his worry. - What if I’m not a good father?

Fantom didn’t answer, only kept looking at Sen, inviting him to continue.

- Well… you know… My father wasn’t really around when I grew up. He wend to war, leaving my mother to raise me all by herself. All I remember from him was just one letter he sent from the battlefield, before he died.

There. He said it. He’s never talked about it with anyone before. It slightly lifted the weigh from his heart, but also added another one to it. Worry of how Fantom would react to it. The grey lion nuzzled the tiny sleeping cub with his nose. Then his expression went slightly more serious before he answered.

- My father was the king of my pride.

Sen observed him with interest. Fantom never really talked about himself or his past. His eyes seemed distend and more sad than he’s ever seen them before.

- He lead the lionesses. Protected the land from other males. I always observed him from afar and tried to look proud and noble like him. I don’t think I ever spoke to him. He barely even noticed me.

Fan chuckled and his expression returned to normal.

- Looks like neither of us knows much about parenting.

He said that in a joking manner, hoping to lift the mood, but Sen only looked more worried.

- It will be alright - Fantom assured him. - You won’t have to leave to fight the war and I’ve already given this little bean more attention than my father ever gave me. We’ll be great parents, I can already picture it. You’ll be the overprotective one and stop him from getting into any danger and I’ll be the cool one and teach him how to steal candy.

Sen finally relaxed and smiled.

- Don’t actually do that, we’re part of the watch.

- No promises - Fantom smiled back. - And whatever happens, you won’t have to face it alone. I’ll be there for you.

Fantom moved closer and cuddled against Sen’s white mane, making him immediately blush. Sen wasn’t very good at expressing feelings and usually tried to avoid all situations that involved them, but this time he did not move away.