This Is Paradise! In Disguise...[Lion!]

[Anonymous]

Words could not properly describe how Maia felt, nothing could do it any justice or rival it in intensity. Everything was coming back together, the small bump quickly being smoothed over by the pure serenity that now flooded over them. Her heart fluttered as he stroked her face, his large hand so gentle and motions exuding such care for her. It was touching, and as he leaned in to kiss her again she knew that this would be special and remembered.

Going along with him, her motions fluid and precise as they kissed, Maia felt at peace. Everything was calm now and every action careful and calculated while also being accommodating to what the other wanted. Her heart was singing, the sweetness of it all getting to her. Then she was slowly brought back down, her eyes fluttering open to see the smiling face of her lover. She listened to him, all of her attention his while she wondered what could possibly make her hate him. All it did, though, was make her smile.

"I couldn't hate you for wanting that. It's flattering and I'm really eager about our baby too." She saved other, moment-ruining thoughts on the matter, though, knowing they were for a different time and place. "I love you too, Kaito...let's hope this baby wants out soon," she said, a giggle beneath her tone, though she knew they were still a few months away from welcoming their first child into the world.

Maia lifted an arm up to wrap around him, letting her hand walk its way up to his neck. With a gentle touch she began stroking his hair, letting her motions carry down along his neck for a while before she moved it back up, leaving it nestled there to play with his hair for a little while. It was nice to just lie there like they were, she wouldn't trade these feelings for the world.

[Lion]

Things were going well, and all that mattered now was that he satisfy her.  He was tired true, but like any good lover, he placed her needs before his.  Really now though, her desire to simply lie down together was resounding its appeal repetitively in his head. It was sounding like a good idea more and more as the thought about it.  His lips still tingled with her presence even when he pulled away and there was a certain relaxation to be gained from it.

He lay back down now, placing an arm around Maia that he used to pull her against him as she wrapped her own arm around him.  He made a pleased face, his visage placating in clearly defined comfort.  "That feels nice," he muttered and surrendered another grin.  "Like a dog."  And he laughed at this and felt for her face once more, pulling her in for a quick peck.  "We should pick a name now.  We talked about it, but we really didn't decide did we?"

[Anonymous]

Maia continued to play with his hair for a while, the feeling of the softness between her fingers was calming as she lie next to her lifemate and he seemed to enjoy it anyhow.  She had just started to get into a wind-down mode when she felt his hand touching lightly before grabbing at her for a quick kiss. When she heard him speak again she sighed. Shaking her head a bit and scooting herself to lie in a more comfortable position, she looked over at him with a tired smile.

"I remember that," she said softly, taking the opportunity to close her eyes. "Now? ...As great as that sounds, Kaito, I really want to sleep right now," she coaxed. "I do want to talk about this, though, it's important to me... Maybe tomorrow night?" She stopped petting and playing with his hair then, moving her hand around his neck and down until she grasped his shoulder lightly, using it to pull herself to him. As she inched her way closer she was able to clearly detect his scent, which had a calming affect on her that made sleep all the more difficult to elude. "Just sleep with me now?" she asked in a whisper, a gentle smile resting on her lips as she inhaled the smell that was his and his alone that reminded her of so many wonderful things.

[Lion]

He figured she would turn him down, but she had to give him credit for trying.  He was caught between the need for sleep and the want of light conversation.  But he found that she had a strange way of persuading him.  No matter how strange however, it was obviously working as he smiled in understanding and said, "Of course, whatever pleases you, my love!"

Laughing generously at this and wrapping his arms around her as she drew closer, grasping his shoulder, he kissed her cheek and whispered a response of his own, "Yes, sleep sounds like a good idea.  You're smart enough for the both of us."  He laid down on his back, pulling her to lay on his chest, but in a non-squashing her belly sort of way.  Closing his eyes too, sleep drenched him far too quickly, letting the aching of his body finally ease away as his mind drifted off, Maia on him like a security blanket.

[Anonymous]

She was glad that Kaito did not push the naming topic further, she realized just how nice sleep sounded after such a long night with her belly full now. She yawned, taking a moment to stretch her legs before Kaito pulled her up on top of him. At first the position was a little awkward for her, squirming so that she kept unnecessary pressure from her stomach. Once she settled, though, she was tucked nicely against his chest, her head resting beside his own.

Maia breathed lightly against him for a while, noticing how he was slipping away into sleep. Smiling, she pressed a final kiss to his cheek before letting herself drift off as well.


---

It had been a week now, Maia had counted every day of their precious new freedom together. Tonight she had wandered out to the little stream Kaito had shown her when he had given the proper grand tour earlier in the week. She liked this place, it was calm and water was so pretty in the moonlight. Sitting down a little ways away, against a tree so she could let it support her, she set herself up to look back at their home.

Maia had come to this new place only wanting freedom, the form hardly mattering to her, and she had felt quite spoiled getting all that she had gotten in this place that belonged to her lifemate. Now, though, after everything had had the chance to sink in, she was even happier with it all. Things were relaxed and she had had enough time to fully appreciate the quiet of such an isolated area. Now she spent her nights with Kaito, savoring the time left that they had to be alone even though she was quite excited about having the baby.

Even with such a home and everything that she needed Maia still worried a bit about Kaito. Being pregnant made her already greedy feeding schedule all the more difficult to handle with the additional requirements of their growing child. She did not like having to feed on Kaito all the time, though he had expressed his willingness and desire to take care of her and keep her own strength and health up. It bothered her how he got the short end of the stick on this matter but at the same time she knew now that they could not chance her going out to feed alone in her condition, it was far too risky.

Sighing, trying to put negative thoughts aside, she found herself wondering now when their baby would be born. The past week her belly had grown quite a bit and it didn't seem to feel like things would be slowing down. To add to this strange feeling of being pregnant, she often felt the baby moving inside of her now, the sensations ranging from ticklish to added pressure, but it was nice to be able to notice such drastic changes from the beginning; to her it was more of a realization that yes, she was pregnant. Rubbing gently, Maia leaned her head back to look up at the moon, so bright now as if it shone for her and her alone.

[Lion]

Blood roared in his ears as he ran.  His breath the only other thing he could hear aside from the blood that burned through him like gun powder.  Smoke emerged as steamy breath from his mouth through the coldness of the night.  The run was nothing too jostling but more than a jog.  Legs traversing the fallen logs, boulders and ground with such natural ease, Kaito knew he'd make it back to the cabin in time to take care of Maia.  As of now, he wondered if she was awake.  Chances are she was but the baby was starting to really make her realize she was pregnant.  He supposed it was just a reminder that there would be three of them soon.

 Kaito had left as soon as darkness had fallen when Maia had still been asleep to go and hunt.   He found some unsuspecting campers in the vicinity of the area, all of which were armed with 'hunting' equipment.  Thinking he could take out six birds with one stone, he drew them out one at a time and attacked them and took them all out in the hopes that that would be enough blood to satiate him for a while.  Carpathians, unlike vampires, usually did not kill their prey, but instead took enough to feed and make their victims forget the moment ever happened.  But Kaito had been desperate and he knew that it was better to be prepared for the coming baby on his part than to spare a few lives.  Besides, from the looks of their weapons, they would've done more harm than help and would've endangered his lifemate and child should they be discovered.  Better to take care of the problem before it became one.

Blood covered the majority of his jaw, something that he'd forgotten to wipe away from his dashing away from the scene.  His body, after feeding, had become incredibly invigorated, burning with the intensity of energy ready to burn at anytime for anything.  Emotions to him now were all in a boil, in a state of recovery from his feeding frenzy.  Kaito finally tore through the brush from the back of his own cabin, and that was when he stopped running, calming now to catch his breath.  After he regained himself for a moment or two, he strode around to where the stream was and was surprised to see Maia out there in the cold.  Suddenly, his worries getting the best of him, he took long strides toward her.

"Maia!" he said when he reached her, eyes wide.  "I didn't know you were up yet.  What are you doing out here?  It's far too cold, you have to go inside right now!  You'll freeze!"  Apparently he was not thinking that she might've been waiting for him or that she wanted some fresh air.  And suddenly now, he seemed a little paranoid, certainly not a state to be rationalized in.

[Anonymous]

Everything had been calm, quiet, the only noise around her the running water nearby. That is, until she heard the sounds of someone moving through the brush. It was all too fast to be a normal human and this caused her to perk up and turn towards the source, waiting eagerly in hopes that Kaito had come back so early in the night. When she saw him break through finally, appearing still a ways away from where she was now, she smiled, her face bright at the sight of him. She wanted to jump up and run to him but she knew she wasn't supposed to do that sort of thing. Instead, she sat there, an arm up to grasp at a branch, preparing to pull herself up. She paused this motion though, when she saw him turn and begin to come closer to her.

Maia was grinning by the time he noticed her, her mouth open to say something when he spoke first. Of course, she hadn't expected what she heard at all. Her smile fell little by little, starting when she saw the slightly panicked look in his eyes. "Kaito I-" He thought it was too cold? She shouldn't be outside? She'd thought she was fine until he said such things. It hurt a bit, having to wake up with him gone already and then this be the first she saw of him.

Turning her head away from him, her smile entirely gone now, Maia grasped at the branch firmly and pulled herself up, taking all the grace in her body to not make it look awkward or weak in front of him now; she didn't know what showing any other weaknesses would do to him at this point. Sighing, watching as her breath fogged in front of her, Maia's eyes started to tear up as she thought about the situation she was in now. Not crying, though her eyes bat furiously to keep any drop from falling, she glanced at him from where she stood now. Groaning mentally, she noticed the dark smears of blood against his jaw now that he was closer. The smell was fantastic even though it was something other than her lifemate's, and she found herself inching closer to him.

She didn't say a word once she was close enough to grab hold of him, just stood on her toes and licked gently at the fresh blood sitting cold against his skin. She savored the taste, wanting more when it was gone, but she realized then how awkward it might be that she had remained quiet all this time. Pulling back, she looked Kaito dead in the eye, her eyes welling up again until she could hold it back no longer; a few beads of fresh tears dashed down her cheeks as she stared at her lover who she'd been so eager to see. His coldness was getting to her and she shook her head gently, averting her gaze. "I wanted to see you, I didn't know when you would be back..." she whispered, the words slightly choked as she tried to keep her crying from interfering with her speech. A slightly panicked look entered her expression as the urge to hit him started burning its way to the surface; she was upset, but she didn't want to hurt him and it was so confusing to her in the moment. Then, not a heartbeat later, Maia was dashing across the grass towards the door. Storming inside, she went as quickly as she could up the stairs, not bothering with the door she left blazing open to the elements.

Stopping at the door to their bedroom, Maia fumbled with the handle for a brief moment before she rushed inside and slammed it shut. She wasn't able to stop the tears now as she walked to the bed to sit down. She thought about the cold now, the thought never crossing her mind before until he had made such a big deal about it, and she felt guilty for having sat outside for so long. She began to worry herself now, thinking about if she'd hurt their baby somehow by being out there like that. All at once she wanted to apologize to and yell at Kaito, heart racing for the first time in ages for the anxiety she was feeling.

Moaning, she closed her eyes and leaned over to rest on her side, her head on her pillow. She let tears flow easily now, the pillow soon damp and smelling slightly of salt.

[Lion]

At first, he was mindless, unthinking and making use of his recovery time to catch his breath once more.  He was a bit in a mechanical spot as of now, consciousness slipping in and out of recognition as he attempted to steady himself.  The stupor from the frenzy was steadily dying down and he was becoming more aware of himself when he suddenly realized that Maia was licking his face.  What for?  "Huh," he muttered when she pulled away the blood on his face all gone now and was now slightly moist with her saliva.

As his cognition was restored, so was his confusion as he saw tears well up in her eyes.  A few beads escaped and he found that he could only breathe her name slightly.  "Maia...."  He fought to find the words to allay her tears though he couldn't say exactly why she was crying.  But her words told him it was something he said to her, something that obviously didn't make her happy at all.  "Oh, Maia.  Wait!" he called back when she suddenly pushed past him to run inside the cabin.  Apparently she was so upset that she'd forgotten to close the door.  "Damn!" he muttered under his breath when he realized what happened.  "Maia, come on."

Kaito followed her, walking rather briskly and closing the front door where she left it open.  He sighed at the stairs, unsure if he should follow her.  He could let her cry it out, only to have her still be upset about it later or go up there with her and talk to her about it.  He didn't know what would be the results of the latter, but he decided rather quickly that that was the better choice of the two.  With that in mind, he quickly trotted up the stairs and stopped for a moment at their bedroom.  He took a breath and reached down, grasping the handle and pressing down on the button.  The door unlocked and unhindered, he entered softly and closed it behind him.  Eyes watching Maia cry, he voiced outloud in a solemn tone, "Maia, what's your problem?  Why are you crying?"

Kaito slowly attempted to approach her and he reached for her shoulder, gently tugging at it.  "Maia!  C'mon!  What's wrong?"

[Anonymous]

She did not make noise while she lie there crying, just stared at the wall hoping that what just happened wasn't real. Of course it was and she couldn't change that now, but she didn't like how it had turned out even though she felt that Kaito was the one at fault. Sniffling, she turned her head when she heard him coming up the stairs. Sighing, knowing she would have to face him, she closed her eyes and waited for that moment he would come through the door. She hoped he wouldn't be angry, hoped that he would come inside quietly and maybe even apologize for being so paranoid before.

When the door opened she remained where she was, eyes shut as she listened to him speak. His words, though, made her want to glare or lash out at him in some way; it was as if he didn't remember what he had said at all! As he approached she finally opened her eyes a bit, looking up at him when he began tugging at her shoulder. "You didn't have to talk to me like that," she began, voice soft despite her annoyance with him at the moment once she was able to speak properly. "I mean...I didn't really realize it was so cold but...well, I wanted to wait outside tonight since I hadn't been out much." Maia sighed before pushing herself up to sit.

She felt a little awkward after her thoughts began to clear up. Why had she gotten so upset before? It was confusing to her, she'd never gotten that way with her lifemate before now and she didn't want to make it a trend. Reaching out for his hand, she finally tilted her head back to look up at him. Maia figured that awkward was her own problem now but it didn't excuse him from what he'd said, so she took a stance. "Have some sympathy, Kaito...you know that  I can't go out hunting with you...at least let me go outside sometimes."

[Lion]

"Oh, about that..." he breathed quietly after she spoke.  Now he understood what she meant after some carful consideration.  His cognition was returning to normal now and in his mind flashed a picture of the recent events passed: his own ferocity in attacking the hunters, the blood splattering all over him, the run back to their home, and his sudden lashing out at Maia for being outside.  Now it all made sense to him, why she was upset and more importantly that he was, again, the cause of her frustration.  Kaito knew that she'd want him to apologize.  But he had to explain himself first, and hopefully she'd listen.

Kaito bent low to sit down beside her, hoping she wouldn't protest.  Reaching out for the hand she sought, he met her halfway and grasped it gently.  "Hey," he said in a tone he reserved for her only.  "I don't wanna cage you, Maia.  That's not what lifemates are for I don't think and that wasn't my purpose.  It's just that, well, I love you too much I think.  I get scared that something bad might happen to you.  Not that I was afraid that you would intentionally hurt out child.  I just want what's best for you, and I want to ensure that you're safe and of all the world, the safest place I can think of for the both of us is this little place.  It's our home."

"I'm sorry," he said finally, gripping her hand and rubbing her fingers with his thumb.  "I didn't mean to lash out at you.  My worries got the best of me.  We just been livin' here a week and this is our first fight.  I don't want it to be a regular thing.  Think you can forgive me?"  He hoped she would, he didn't want to sleep on the floor when it was time for bed.

[Anonymous]

Maia had watched his changing expression, as if he only now realized what he had said to her before. She did not protest as he came to sit beside her, just lowered her head to look at the floor instead while he spoke. It wasn't fair, though. No matter how mad she wanted to be with him the tone he used now did nothing but calm and sooth, a voice he'd always reserved for her in times like now. Listening to him, she started to space out a bit, wondering just how he would manage when her time was coming close or when their child was already born. Already she saw so many signs of his insecurity about this, what with wanting to constantly keep her safe. The idea was understandable but she felt he'd begun to think of it in extreme terms to say the least.

"Kaito," she began when he'd finished speaking, apology and all. "I appreciate the thought.  The sacrifices you're making for us are really something special, if you really sit back and look at it from my perspective, but I need you to understand that I can take care of myself." She was trying to be gentle with him, understanding his feelings of love since her own were identical; it was difficult to even be mad at him at all, the thoughts actually taking effort on her part to assure herself that it all was necessary. "This place is very safe and I feel very at-home here...I love it." Maia let a little smile surface upon her lips before finally lifting her head and looking over to him. "I won't let anything bad happen to our baby, please keep that in mind," she added.

She fell silent then, glancing down at their intertwined fingers as he massaged her. He'd apologized, like she'd wanted, but she was hesitant with her reply to it. Not that she didn't love and trust Kaito, but she was worried about whatever mindset he was getting into that he had to be the protector for all of them. After a long time of silence on her part she finally looked up, purpose shining in her eyes. "Kaito...I can forgive you if you promise me something... I want you to let me worry about taking care of the baby until they're born, okay? You getting worried like that is only doing harm, not that I really blame you, but please be a bit more sensitive to my feelings right now; all I need is your love and support."

She was watching him closely now, determined to get her message across. As she sat thinking she found herself wondering more on how he might be with their child. On the inside she grimaced, thinking that he might crowd the poor thing or be too...fatherly. Time would tell, though, and she knew they would have time later to sort out how parenting would go; as it stood it would be very unconventional just with what they were. "You know...we never did talk about names again," she hinted, wanting their conversation to steer away from the emotional pain she'd just experienced.

[Lion]

From this, her voice was evenly soft despite her own emotional and mental anguish.  He hadn't realized how such a simple comment or desire as for her to remain warm and safe would cause her to cry rivers.  But he couldn't blame her, he deserved it for being an asshole.  If he couldn't satisfy his woman, then what else was there for him to do?  He wasn't aiming to be the sole provider for them, soon to be three, but he did want to ensure the safety of his family.  But he also didn't want to steal away Maia's freedom.  At this he recalled the moment he first met his lifemate and the chase across the city that resulted.  They fought and she put up a good fight, one of his more formidable opponents.

He smiled as of result of such deep thought.  It was almost as if he wasn't listening, but he'd actually heard every word she uttered.  "Yeah, I understand that.  And I'm sorry for being so overbearing.  I promise; you have my word on my honor, Maia."  Kaito wrapped an arm around her and smiled.  "Let's not fight, eh.  I just wanna hold you.  C'mere."  Pulling her close, to him and thought about the names for a time.  "Alright, you want to talk about names, we'll talk about names.  All this fighting business is wearing me out.

"Um, what names do you have in mind?"

[*dies* So short, so sorry...]

[Anonymous]

Maia was glad that he seemed to understand her, though only time would tell if he would follow through. His promise eased her heart and she finally relaxed after the  short time she stressed over the matter. As Kaito pulled her close, though, she giggled and wrapped her arms around him as well before scooting closer to make their little hug not so much of a strain. She leaned against him for a time, basking in the silence while both remained quiet. When he did speak again she felt a little guilty that he was worn out already from their minor spat after hunting.  

"Well...I remember you told me your father's name. Tiza...I think it was Tiza, am I right?" She turned her head then, shifting around a bit so that she could look at him and still be within his embrace. "I think the baby's going to be a boy," she added with a gentle smile. "I just know it...I feel it..." Maia sighed softly, content with that she thought she knew this to be true. "What do you like, though? We really never talked, did we?"

[Lion]

They were closer now and the fight was over, much to Kaito's relief.  He wasn't one for arguing, which explained why he had made a living as a fighter for the Underground rather than a lawyer or statesmen.  Then again, he didn't really have practical generic schooling, he had street smarts and taught himself how to do things like read and count. He wondered if he would have to do the same things with their child when it came.  Well, that was another responsibility to think about for another time.

"Tiza....  Eh, it just doesn't click with me.  I mean, not that my father wasn't good to me, he was great.  But I don't think I want that to be a tradition of naming kids after their grandfathers, even if they are dead.  When I think of the name Tiza, I think only of my father.  And when our kid is born I want to be able to see him as an individual rather than the passing on of my dad's name."  Kaito became solemn for a moment, becoming steadily introverted.  But then he remembered himself and turned his head to grin at Maia.  "I like Heike.  It just stands out to me.  What do you think?"

[Anonymous]

As Maia listened to him speak she nodded a bit, understanding his reasoning for not wanting the name; being traditional with a Carpathian's name did the individual no justice. "Hmm." She inched closer to Kaito, resting her cheek against his shoulder for a moment while she pondered his words. "You're right...it would be a bit unfair to have to have someone else's name as your own." A few moments more and she released him, slipping out of his grasp to lay back against their soft bed.

As her pregnancy progressed she'd seen some changes within herself as well, not just her appearance. In the beginning she'd felt so light, more graceful than she had any right to be, but now everything had changed, her center of gravity shifted and her body ached if she stayed in one position for too long, as if the baby might crush her from the inside. Stretching out a bit and turning over on her side, Maia looked up at Kaito and nodded once again before cracking a smile. "Heike? I do like that one..." She lie there quietly for a time, still thinking over the name, but eventually she put on a pleased expression, smiling at Kaito for making the suggestion. "I think it's a winner, actually, if we don't come up with something we like better before it's time...very nice name, I'm sure it will suit him well."

[Lion]

Kaito laughed a little at the care she displayed as she shifted her body to accommodate the growing bump of her belly.  It was still rather small compared to the bellies of pregnant women he'd seen before; she surely she wasn't as far along as he'd thought.  It'd been only...what, six months, since she told him the news.  Ah well, for now time was not of the essence and he was sure they'd be just fine before the child came along.

"I don't think there is anything better.  Sure the hell beats anything else I could think of.  You know, I always wanted to know what it was like to be called by a name different than Kaito.  I mean, my name is fine and all, but I think it's kind of boring and redundant.  Heike ought to be a name that stands out and gives him purpose.  I just hope the kid himself, don't turn out to be a boring bastard like myself.  And please don't tell me otherwise."  Kaito smiled and ran his fingers along her stomach gently, certainly unsure of something unnamed.  "I wonder what it would be like to have a son.  Why do you think it'll be a boy?"

[Anonymous]

Maia couldn't help but smile for his confidence in the name. Laughing a bit, she laid down her head so she could look up at Kaito while he continued to speak. His own name, she thought, was quite nice but she could understand where he was coming from, that wonder of how life would be if only a few variables changed. She herself had wondered about similar things many times in the past, though now those thoughts were only geared towards how life would be like with another at their side, but still she felt she understood him. "I see what you mean, it really does stand out. In a nice way, of course. Subtle yet still strong in a way...I like it. Quit bashing yourself, though, Kaito...you are not boring," she said, determined and with a smile.

Watching his hand as he touched her so gently made her grin, the feeling almost ticklish but also not and her body couldn't decide between turning away or lying still so she ended up squirming a bit, a mashed-together reaction. Pondering his question, she reached out and placed a hand over his on her belly, exhaling as a pleasant warmth spread through her arm from the contact. "Well...I know things like this can never be certain, but I think it's the memories, wanting a brother but never having the chance... You know, before my parents were killed they had been trying for another. Back then I always wished it would be a boy even though they hoped they would be blessed by the gods once again with another girl...I think I just want to raise my own son to see what things might have been like back then." Maia was silent for a while, staring at the neatly folded covers she was laying on, following the lines with her eyes as she let her mind fall back into the earlier years of her life.

When she spoke again her eyes were bright, focusing on Kaito once more as a gentle smile graced her lips. "It's mostly hoping...but I just feel that I'll be lucky enough, that this child will be the baby boy I always wanted to see."

[Lion]

"I like bashing myself.  Why can't I do it?  I like everything that you see me for, but honestly, I have to be honest with myself most of the time.  I'm not exactly the cat's meow, I know."  Kaito chuckled softly along.  "I don't think I could've handled a brother.  I'd miss out on the attention of my parents.  And besides it was hard enough having a sister to always pick on me, but I guess I got used to it.  I'd have some serious competition if there was a brother too though.

"We'll be lucky though, I'm sure.  If you want a boy, we should have one."  Kaito laid down now, stretching out on the mattress and apparently tired with all this talk of babies.  The argument had passed and was forgotten and all for talk of better things.  He would look forward to having a son even though he knew that boys were nothing but trouble.  At least he was when he was younger.  Not much changed save for his instinct of responsibility.  When it came that, he could say that he grew and flourished.  "Well, I think it's breakfast time now for you."

[Anonymous]

It had been months since Maia had thought about Kaito's sister, who was only mentioned every now and then as it was, but she was as curious as ever about her. Where might she be? Was she even alive? She was quiet for a time, lying there breathing in a steady rhythm as she wondered silently. The moment was short-lived, though, as her attention was drawn to her lifemate's speech which brought a laugh and a grin as she thought about what her mate might have looked like as a child vying for attention.

She did want a baby boy, almost too desperately, and she gave but a little nod to Kaito's comment before she watched him lie down. Looking him over, he seemed a bit tired despite that there were still hours of night left for them. This brought a twitch of a frown that she quickly made disappear as she perked up when he spoke again. To his statement she frowned more noticeably, rolling her eyes before she scooted over and sat up on the edge of their bed. "Not yet...maybe later," she replied while setting bare feet to cold floor. As soon as she was sure she had her balance -never could be too careful- she went to the small closet that she stored her clothes in and gently opened the door. After rummaging through what necessities she'd brought along with her Maia finally straightened with a single piece of clothing in hand, an airy white dress that she loved for its softness and light weight.

With her back still facing him, she deftly undid the ties on the dress she was wearing and let it fall to the floor with a soft whooshing sound. Her body bare to the cold now she made haste in putting on the fresh piece of clothing. After tying it off at the nape of her neck she was still a bit cold with the top half of her back still exposed. Sighing, she stepped out of the ring of fabric pooled at her feet and turned to look at Kaito. "I'm going to go out for a bit...I want to see the creek," she explained while walking to the door.

Once she was downstairs she walked out and snatched a small blanket from the floor, shook it out a bit and then pulled it over her shoulders before going outside. The chill air still nipped at her legs and feet but she didn't care, determined to spend at least a little more time outside. When she did finally make it to the creek she sat down beside it, right on the bank, really. Staring at the water for a time, finding its movement out in the wilds of the forest fascinating, she dipped a hand into it to watch how it moved over her skin. Smiling to herself, she twirled her wrist around and watched the effects every little move had on the liquid as it ran downstream.

[Lion]

Kaito hadn't realized that he hadn't spoken much of his sister since he found out that he was going to be a father.  He didn't know if she even thought much about him and really had almost forgotten that he had a living blood relative.  And even now his mind still did not wander on her, but she was a saved part of his subconscious, something that was there but tucked away for later.  Even if he was thinking of her, he no doubt would've known she was safe and somewhere he could find her.  The last he heard of her, she was somewhere in the west, somewhere he'd almost forgotten but then recalled at the final moment.  Kaito was a survivor by blood and Tiza and his mate had bred a family of survivors; wherever his sister was there was a good chance that she was alright on her own.

He relaxed on the bed in silence for a time, not even reacting when Maia swiftly undressed in front of him and changed into another outfit.  How she was able to do it so fast in her condition was beyond him, but she managed and said something he almost missed.  "Alright, babe, don't be long.  I'll be up here if you need me."  He heard her leave for a time and was left there to contemplate on this new facet of his life.  Though he would never tell Maia, he really was nervous about being a father, probably more so than any other being alive had any right to be.  He had no idea what he was doing, his own father having never prepared him for the realities of mate-hood.  Sure he knew that he would give Maia his undying love and devotion but, honestly, that was the easy part.  He had no idea what to do when it came to babies.  He never would believe that he would come to understand the minds of the young little ones of the world.

Huh, maybe a good nap for a while would help him.  He could use one after the frenzy he just had with eating...
~~~

Then something rustled outside, a figure moved through the brush, something far too quick for the naked eye to manage but was moving within honing distance toward the cabin, lurking along the creek.  In its pause in the brush, hiding among the greens with no trouble whatsoever as the pale wood-ish skin became one with the environment and it was now that the true hideousness of itself could be seen, had it been seen.  Its form was gnarled and gangly with muck and grime squashed into its unkempt places.  Its face, foremost, was the ugliest part of it all, appearing as if there was absolutely no flesh but the pathways of veins and bared muscle, if what was seen could be called that.

It knew this place, this was the abode where the cowardly vampire lurked, the owner of this territory....  Or so it was led to believe.  Nobody owned the forest, not like the creature did, the creature that called itself Ma'ichi'no, something whose definition could not be uttered lest it summon the wake of a darker abomination.  Ma'ichi'no scurried along the creeks edge, peering curiously until it came upon the form a beautiful female, one who happened to be slightly round with child.  It studied the form of the female for a time, watching from afar and considering who she might be....  Whatever she was there wasn't a doubt in its mind that she belonged to the cowardly vampire who called himself Kaito.  A devil knew what a devil wanted when it saw it...and Ma'ichi'no found that there might be some use in this female that carried Kaito's child.  And dark machinations manifested in the creatures mind, thing that it might do to this female should it be successful in drawing her out...