Kurt clings onto Corrigan as he rises, curling up tighter in his arms, whimpering softly like they're nervous to return to the cabin. Yes, Alpha says the pack is not upset with them, not angry at them for their little outburst, but it's not so easy to believe. The rage Kurt feels isn't their own, but it's still real, even if they only feel inklings of it. This is more than annoyance at Alpha for taking them outside. This is blood fury.
But they try their best to believe him. No one would blame Kurt for feeling a little vulnerable in this moment, right? Who could fault them for still being fearful, apprehensive, a touch spooked? Their chest still hitches with every breath, echoes of their wrenching sobs. But Alpha wouldn't lie to them. Right?
So they try their best to do as he says, pushing down their own fear as the cabin approaches so they can close their eyes and focus. It's hard, disentangling all the warring sensations within, naming which feelings are their own. But there is one emotion that rings out louder than the rest. A hopeful sensation, a wanting, a loving call.
Come home.
Kurt opens their eyes as the door creaks back open, the warmth of the fire against chilled skin making them shiver. They see their mates perk up, one by one, anxious eyes turning towards them, relieved that they're still here, safe and held and much less frightened. Kai is scrubbing at his face, eyes red-rimmed and glassy, Leo's face splits into the biggest smile they've ever seen, Naseer deflates with relief, nearly sinking through the floor. They're all so happy to see them. Even Kurt can't misinterpret that swell of emotion through the pack link, making their eyes burn anew.
"Remember," Naseer gently whispers, a big hand squeezing Benji's trembling shoulder. "Give them a little space. They'll let us know when they're ready." The Beta seeks Corrigan's gaze, hoping and praying for good news. That it all went well out there. Hearing their wails of despair while trying to stay calm for the rest of the pack was one of the hardest things he's ever had to do.
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But they try their best to believe him. No one would blame Kurt for feeling a little vulnerable in this moment, right? Who could fault them for still being fearful, apprehensive, a touch spooked? Their chest still hitches with every breath, echoes of their wrenching sobs. But Alpha wouldn't lie to them. Right?
So they try their best to do as he says, pushing down their own fear as the cabin approaches so they can close their eyes and focus. It's hard, disentangling all the warring sensations within, naming which feelings are their own. But there is one emotion that rings out louder than the rest. A hopeful sensation, a wanting, a loving call.
Come home.
Kurt opens their eyes as the door creaks back open, the warmth of the fire against chilled skin making them shiver. They see their mates perk up, one by one, anxious eyes turning towards them, relieved that they're still here, safe and held and much less frightened. Kai is scrubbing at his face, eyes red-rimmed and glassy, Leo's face splits into the biggest smile they've ever seen, Naseer deflates with relief, nearly sinking through the floor. They're all so happy to see them. Even Kurt can't misinterpret that swell of emotion through the pack link, making their eyes burn anew.
"Remember," Naseer gently whispers, a big hand squeezing Benji's trembling shoulder. "Give them a little space. They'll let us know when they're ready." The Beta seeks Corrigan's gaze, hoping and praying for good news. That it all went well out there. Hearing their wails of despair while trying to stay calm for the rest of the pack was one of the hardest things he's ever had to do.