put your arms around me and I'm home [open]

[Chestnut]

 
 She had never been so peaceful in her life, not even when she was sitting by the fire, the rain tapping on the windows and beating on the roof as if it were a drum, the little children rubbing her ears and scratching behind her neck. The soft squeaks and whimpers that now filled her heart had been more comforting then anything she'd experienced before, granted she was alone and was now forced to fend not just herself- but for four new lives that have never seen the world. It scared her more than she'd like to admit this past week, but now that they were actually here with her, snuggling deep into her belly fur to get warm and secure, Niamh knew she'd do anything for her little loves. Niamh wasn't entirely happy with the place she was forced to birth them in- a rusted car under a large oak tree that kept the inside cool. She would relocate when her pups were strong enough, but for now- she was to stay put on the large back seat with various holes surrounding her, which would prove to become a hazard when her pups became more adventurous.


Niamh picked up her head to look at her family- they were all deeply sleeping in the wall of her belly, almost disappearing into her white belly fur. Even at this early age- they all had their own unique colorings and patterns. She knew that they would more than likely grow out of the coats they adorned now as they grew, but it wasn't hard to guess their colors.

Two boys and two girls- both of the males had her spotted monochrome pelt, although one was more speckled than the other- they were almost like little clones of her. Her second daughter's pelt had been a little mind boggling to say the least, she didn't posses splotches, but instead had totally black fur- which she was sure would dull into greys as she grew- seeing signs of what would become light from the contrast of the lighter black fur. Her last girl- her firstborn had been a surprised her, even though she knew one of them was bound to turn out like Nicolae. she had silently prayed that they wouldn't. The sudden disappearance of the wolf had caused Niamh some unwanted pain. She knew it was foolish to hope he might stay with her to see his pups grow- but Niamh wasn't completely oblivious, she knew there was a possibility that Nicolae would retreat from parenthood. But it didn't lessen the pain.

Niamh shock her head of those thoughts- her new family needed her to be level headed and strong. The small Nicolae look a like squirmed and gave a muffled cry, Niamh licked her on top of her head, calming her back into sleep.

Soon she'd have to think of names for them all, she had a few ideas- but she wanted to wait for them to open their eyes. That excited her as well, she wondered what they had inherited from her and what from Nicolae- other than her daughter's coat- they all seemed to lean toward her genetics, even the seemingly solid colored one. But Niamh would love them all no matter what, if they had amber, blue, brown or whatever out of this world color you could think of on a dog, they were all she had, and she was their world.

notes: It's a thing I guess

[PittieGirl]

      Christian could see a rusted old car in the shade of a huge old oak. He had been walking for weeks, trying to find a friend. The last dogs he had met had hated him for his appearance. He was a Pit. How could he be anything but evil? His scars made him look dangerous, and he was, or at least he used to be. He often fought back the urge to attack a jibing pup. He always beat the monster that reared up in his chest, fueling his temper. He was desperate for a friend.

      Christian could smell dogs in the faint breeze. His limitless optimism convinced him to approach. He didn't want to scare anyone, so he let his tounge hang slightly to the side as he panted. As he trotted closer, he could smell puppies, and very young ones, eyes probably not even open. In his subconscious, he knew that the mother would be very protective. He knew that she probably wouldn't want a dog as dangerous looking as him around her young. Even still, he couldn't help but hope."Hello? Is anyone there?" He called out softly. " My name is Christian, I don't mean any harm. I know you have pups, I'll leave if you like." His voice dropped into a depressed tenor as he said the last few words. He was so desperate for reassurance, and he was terrified that he would be turned away because of his appearance.

[Chestnut]

The gentle breeze that had just picked turned into a messenger, the scent of an unfamiliar dog that was too close for comfort made her haunches rise and her fur stand on edge. Hello? Is anyone there? The fact that the stranger was male only made her more on edge. It wasn't unheard of in most species that males eliminated their competition, no matter how old or young their competitors might be.

Cautiously, she lifted herself from her pups, who gave a few whimpers of protest as their prime heat source had just left. Niamh ignored their cries for now, she wouldn't be long and the roof and back windshield of the car acted as a shield for them. When jumped out of the car, her head low and threatening. She drew her lips back, showing off her canines to the other dog as a warning. My name is Christian, I don't mean any harm. I know you have pups, I'll leave if you like. Although Niamh felt a small pang of pity for the intimidating pit, her maternal instincts were at large, and all she could see was a potential threat. Lifting herself to her full height, she was taller then the male, but she didn't pack away as many muscles as he did, "Be on your way, Christian." She demanded, she was willing to let the male live- so as long as he didn't make a wrong move.

From the way he sounded, Niamh knew deep down he probably wasn't a real threat, at least not in his docile state. From the way he looked- powerfully built with many scars littering around his body, she could only suspect he was a had been fighter. Niamh wasn't too familiar with dog fighting- she had been a ranch dog, never had she been to a ring where she would be forced to tear another dog a part just for human enjoyment and gambling. But she had meet a few dogs that had been from the fights, and she heard humans talk about it enough. Her human wasn't a gambler, nor his wife. But he had been to a few, simply, he couldn't stomach it. Two very pent up dogs with only one way to escape and one thought: kill. Just by the breed they were born into, they were expected to preform different tasks. Unfortunately for the more intimidatingly built pit, fighting seemed to be right up his alley- although most personality wise couldn't be further from the truth, she knew exactly what fighting could do to a dog. More then once was she nearly attacked by not just pitbulls, but all sorts of relative breeds that were pitted against each other. She could only thank her luck stars she wasn't one of them.

[PittieGirl]

The words crashed in Christian's chest. He grew abruptly too tired to keep up his cheerful façade. His infinite, honey brown eyes grew pleading and desperate. Anyone could see that he had turned back into the lost, terrified, and abused puppy that had been forced to fight. He shut his mouth and drooped his head in acceptance of his unwelcome. He was used to this, but the depression was back, and this last farewell could break him. He was tired. Tired of judgment, tired of the nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach that told him to just end it. Just end the hatred and predjudice. He squinted his eyes shut and shook his head slightly. He pushed back the unwelcome thoughts, fighting them back into the dark basement of his mind. He would be fine, or atleast he told himself that.
"O-Of course. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused."

As he said the words his entire bog hardened. Christian straightened, standing tall. His formerly liquid gold eyes had hardened, and he looked away. He wasn't going to lose his composure. Not now. He turned to walk away, but as he raised his paw, a spark of pleading hope ignited in his chest.

"I promise, I'm not dangerous, not anymore."

But as he finished, th spark of hope fizzled, and his voice drooped over the huge mountains that his words became. He turned back, and began to leave. Yet again forced away for his appearance.

[Chestnut]

Niamh watched as the pit's world crashed right before him. She could tell he hoped that she would accept him, and if she weren't protecting four pups, she just might of. O-Of course. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused Niamh dropped her threatening pose, instead, she lifted her head and stopped showing off her teeth. Niamh tilted her head, more curious now.

"U-uh wait." She stuttered, Niamh didn't know what she was thinking, if thinking at all. She turned and jumped back into the car- stepping carefully. The pups were crying louder and high pitched, desperate for their mother. At this rate, they were going to attract unwanted company. promise, I'm not dangerous, not anymore Niamh didn't really know what that meant, although it put her on edge slightly, she'd question him later. Licking and nuzzling each of her pups as reassurance. Eventually, they calmed. Nestling into each other for warmth from Niamh's temporary absence.

Jumping our from the car, but still guarding the door, Niamh inspected the male from a far, "I mean no offense or judgment, Christian, but I have pups to think about... and this isn't the safest place." She explained, she didn't know when Christian had gotten here- but he had to at least know there were... interesting characters in this town. Most not as willing to back down as him.


notes: Ohlordinheaven this post is horrible ;~;

[PittieGirl]

Christian's heart began to soar, not much had really happened, but this female showed signs, if small ones, of acceptance. This was the first time he had been even remotely considered as welcome. He turned back to the female, and there was intense relief in his eyes. He smiled his big pitty smile, and wagged the cropped stump of his tail. In this moment, it would be hard to think of him as dangerous. He looked like the happy, playful, and care-free puppy he never really got to be.

He didn't speak, but his relieved grin made his thoughts clear. Finally. No more hate. Even if she turns me away later, I will never forget this.



" I've been walking for weeks. I wasn't followed, and I understand your concern. I was a father once myself." His thoughts frowned, though his face ignored his mental negativity. His internal frown came from his transparent honesty. The relief had stopped him from truly thinking his words through. He hadn't particularly wanted this piece of information out in the open.

Flash back: Christian was only a year old when the humans had bred him. He didn't particularly care for the female, but when the pups were born, they had become his whole world. They were all that mattered. But, at the same time, he hated them. Hated them because the humans had made them. Made them for the sole purpose of fighting. He debated running then, but his love of his hatred for his sons forced him to stay.

He surfaced back into reality, and from his temporary gloom sprung hope and joy. Like a phoenix from the ashes.

[Chestnut]

Niamh smiled slightly as the pit seemed to burst into smiles and hope. Niamh didn't know what this meant to him, but she could tell it was a great deal. The monochrome female jumped back into the car seat, adjusting herself so her head stuck outside the car door, her pups once again nestled in her belly, safe and warm. Her paws hung over the seat, while she pointed with her noise to a spot beside the car. The right door had been taken off it's hinges, propped against the car instead- making a small shelter for one dog. It was well shaded and rather cozy- if you could consider laying under a rusted door against a rusted car a nice location.

I've been walking for weeks. I wasn't followed, and I understand your concern. I was a father once myself.Niamh nodded, now gesturing with her nose for him to lay underneath the door, "You must be exhausted, please, have a seat." She offered. Even if other mothers wouldn't be so trusting with a stranger around their pups, Niamh had confidence she could defend them against him if the problem a raised, "Where are your pups? Back at your old home?" She questioned, she didn't want to push it with questions, but a few couldn't hurt right?

But Niamh knew too well the pain of the past, perhaps Christian and her didn't share the same history, she did have her own story to tell. Psychological pain could be just as scarring as physical pain, and Niamh could prove it. Hell, a lot of dogs here could. Niamh didn't bore many scars across her thick pelt, or have trophies of sports or fights she'd been in, but not all pain was visible. Niamh would try her best to be understanding towards him, she might be confused or put off by some of his behavior, but no one was perfect. The air calmed around them, the wind had died as well the tension that stiffened her muscles and made her eyes see red, all for four little lives. Lives that had yet to be lived, their eyes weren't even open, but Niamh loved them from the time she knew she was pregnant. But motherhood was tough, puppies- even in this early age- needed a lot attention, and a lot of food. Which was dangerously close to empty. She had hunted down a small deer that had strayed into the junk yard, but she had finished it this morning. She couldn't leave her pups in this place, not without someone to watch over them as she hunted. It was too risky, too scary to leave them.

[PittieGirl]

He was ecstatic at her acceptance. He gladly took the seat she offered, she was right he was exhausted. As he nestled into the dry grass next to the car, he thought. Thought of how to tell her the story of his past without appalling her.

" As you have probably figured, I was fighting." His voice was hesitant as he began. He'd never let anyone in before. No one had ever wanted in before. " I was training, it was before my first fight that the humans bred me. I didn't care for her,"he admitted, rather sheepishly. " But the pups became my world. I hated what was to become of them, fighters o bait dogs." He winced at the memory of his horrid past. " The mother was used as a bait dog as soon as the pups were weaned, she didn't last two days. At the tm, I was indifferent, but I have realized now how callous that was of me. " He added hurriedly. He wanted this stranger to know the truth, as no one before her had, but he didn't want to lose the only accepting dog he had ever met. " The pups were sold to bidders, and the unwanted ones were thrown away like trash. I almost killed the human that shot them. I could've lept up then and there-" He shut his fiercely angry eyes and shook his head. He dint want to seem to volatile around this new friend- was that what she was? She didn't trust him, but for him, this was the first dog to ever even think of him as moor than rubbish, like his pups- he suppressed the thought once more, and continued. "And that's that. Feel free to ask more questions. I'm an open book. I want you to trust me. You're the first dog to let me withen five feet of them. I want you to know what you need to know." He implored. His own honesty surprised him once again.

He put his big, square head on his paws, patiently waiting. He knew that she had questions. He knew she would need to make sure that he wasn't too much of a threat. He could tell she thought that she could fight him. He would never fight back of course, but he could run faster than she could bite. He'd had lots of his practice.

[Chestnut]

Niamh gave another smile, watching as he made him way under the door and relaxed behind it. As you have probably figured, I was fighting. Niamh nodded, it wasn't hard to tell from his appearance he was once a fighter, I was training, it was before my first fight that the humans bred me. I didn't care for her, Niamh didn't doubt that, she was the product of breeding for certain qualities, not what his pups must have been used for, but for her coat and sense Native American dogs weren't the most common of breeds. The puppy mill runner wasn't impressed by her, instead, he was just going to rid of her. Out of sight, out of mind as they say.

But the pups became my world. I hated what was to become of them, fighters of bait dogs. The mother was used as a bait dog as soon as the pups were weaned, she didn't last two days. At the tm, I was indifferent, but I have realized now how callous that was of me. The pups were sold to bidders, and the unwanted ones were thrown away like trash. I almost killed the human that shot them. I could've lept up then and there-
Niamh understood his anger, hell, she would've done it, even worse if she were in that situation. And that's that. Feel free to ask more questions. I'm an open book. I want you to trust me. You're the first dog to let me withen five feet of them. I want you to know what you need to know. Niamh shook her head, "I won't impose- you must be tired, I'm afraid I have no food, but a deer or rabbit might stray into here if we're lucky, why don't you rest? We can hunt later in the day when the animals are out." She suggested, she knew how tired he must be. When she had first come here, she felt like her paws were going to fall off. The hunger had drained what little energy she had left. She had thought it was the end of her- but then Nicolae had come and rescued her. Feed her, worried and cared for her. But that was in the past, and Niamh had to look forward.

[PittieGirl]

Christian nodded his big head and put it back on his dirty paws. He yawned hugely. She was right, he was very tired. The stress of this encounter has exhausted him, even though he had napped just a few hours ago. The shade felt nice. He rolled over onto his back without thinking, exposing a long scar that went from the middle of his chest, all the way down to soft pink skin of his underbelly. He was, smart, and if necessary, he would fight her. He would never really harm her though. Not with the pups so close. He would give her one swift bite and run. This was where his mind always lead him. He would picture the worst possible outcome, his opponent dead at his feet, and he would plan how to handle a situation that could make that nightmare a reality. He sighed lightly, rolling back over onto his belly. His gloomy thoughts had lead him down a dark road. He knew that if he went to sleep now. He would have a nightmare.

They were always the same. The humans cheering and booing alike, the light of the arena hot and bright. His opponent would approach him slowly, and the young, savage Christian would run up to meet the opposition. He would sink his teeth into the soft skin of the dogs neck, and shake. he would leap off, the other dog on the ground, howling. He would look to his trainer waiting for a signal. The signal would be "kill". Christian would dive onto the dog at his paws, and finish it quickly. He would stand back, at first proud, but the realization would strike. He would stare at the carcass of a fellow dog, a dog that would suddenly morph into his most recent introduction, and the scenery would change as well.

He would wake up from these dreams covered in sweat and panting. He would cry out as he thought the dream was real whining and howling. As Christian would realize that it had all been a dream, the nightmare that was his past, he would tremble and whimper, attempting to force the images from his mind.

He didn't want that to happen in front of this new-found almost friend.

[Chestnut]

Niamh rested her head by her belly, curling the rest of her body to bend with the pups, her paws tucking underneath her chest. Before she closed her eyes, she took one more glance toward Christian, seeing the deep scar the marred his underbelly. It must of hurt something fierce, Niamh couldn't speak from experience about scars-although she had a few from cattle- Niamh never had any serious wounds that would cause such a scar. Niamh felt pity for him, she would try her best to understand him. But she couldn't promise she would want him around- she would allow him to stay with her as long as he needed, food and rest wise. Giving a small sigh, Niamh closed her amber eyes, letting sleep over take her.

Niamh startled awake, whimpering filled her ears. But it wasn't her pups, she knew their whimpers instinctively. She rose her head, inspecting from what she could see in her spot. There wasn't any new scents of unfamiliar dogs or unwanted eyes piercing through the darkness back at her. To her surprise, it was the intimidating pit. She looked at him, still startled. But startled turned into concern, "Are you alright? Did something happen?" She asked, genuine worry in her expression.

It was hard to imagine something scaring off him, but everyone had their weak points, their blind spots. Niamh didn't care how ridiculous it might be, but she didn't want Christian shaking to the bone- he had traveled far and the added stress to his body couldn't be good.

[PittieGirl]

Christian slowly opened his eyes to the familiar voice. The image of this kind stranger, dead at his feet, lying in a reflective pool of her own scarlet blood. He shut his eyes again, in an attempt to block the horrific image. It did no good, he needed a distraction. He shuddered and opened his eyes again. Slowly, he crawled out from under the old car door and stood up, he wobbled slightly, and leaned against the frame of the vehicle. He blinked slowly, making sure that his voice wouldn't shake, "I-I'm fine." Even with his added effort, his strong words trembled a bit. He breathed out slowly, and repeated "I'm fine." This time, there was no uncertainty in his tone, but a strange detachment. The words sounded very confidant, but beneath that, there was the void of his lie.
He squinted at the female in the darkness, letting his liquid gold eyes adjust to the faint moonlight. Suddenly, a thought struck him, provided him with the distraction he so desperately needed. "I don't know your name." He said softly. It would be nice to know her as more than "the kind stranger", or "his almost friend".

[Chestnut]

Niamh watched as his eyes took in his surroundings, she saw one last look of shock and he shuddered, she was about to ask what was wrong again until he answered her, albeit not so certain the first time. Although Niamh knew he wasn't fine by a long shot, given his physical conditions and the 'fear' he had of her when she growled at him.

"It's Niamh." She responded, smiling as she turned to watch the sun beginning to rise. She chuckled, "Wow, I think this the first time I've actually slept a whole night sense I had my babies." Niamh gazed toward painted sky, it's various colors clashing in it's warm and cool tones. The rising sun was a symbol of the future, of hope for better days ahead and she hoped Christian had better days ahead of him. Niamh would try her best to make him feel welcomed and accepted for however long she allowed him to stay, but she wouldn't cast him aside.

"We should hunt soon, before the pups wake." She suggested, waiting for his reply, it was better to go now where the prey was still out and about in the cool weather but there was light to not miss them in their dark coats beneath the umbrellas of low trees.

[PittieGirl]

He smiled the way only a pittie could, pulling up his soft cheeks and letting his extraordinarily pink tongue hang out to the side. She had actually told him! He expected her to run him off any second, but she kept being friendly. His nightmare faded instantly from his mind, expelled by the joy that overwhelmed. Christian very nearly howled with joy at her trust. True it was just a name, but it was symbolic. Surely she wouldn't tell him this if she only planned to make him leave. She had even offered to let him hunt with her.

Restraining his over-the-top emotion, he chuckled with her and said "Me too. I think this is the first time I've slept for more than a few hours." There was a reason for his reluctance to drift for very long, he was scared of his nightmares. Utterly terrified.

"Hunting sounds good, I cant remember the last time I had a proper meal." He wagged his tiny, cropped stump of a tail at her as she looked at the sunset.

Notes: Sorry it's so short, I'm a bit low on muse at the moment. 

[Chestnut]

Niamh carefully removed herself from her pups, turning back to nuzzle them. Niamh was uneasy about leaving them here like she usually was when hunting, but she learned to push down the fear when hunting, and then sprinting back with only some of the meat to make sure her pups were still alive and well. Niamh trotted toward the oak tree, picking up a large branch that still had various smaller branches sticking out from it, only a few leaves covering their bareness. She propped it up against the open door, making sure before she set it up she moved her pups back far enough so they wouldn't get stuck by the branches. She'd only used this tactic once or twice, but so far it was proven to be effective to keep any flying or stupid predators from them.

She turned, gazing toward Christian to make sure he was ready. Smiling, she turned one last time to the car before setting off, running the obstacle course that was cars pilled above each other and their remains scattered amongst the dirt. Niamh stuck her nose to the air, smelling the faint scents of various animal until...

"Ah ha!" She whispered to the pit, "I smell a doe a few car turns away, we should come up with a strategy before moving in." Although it was a question, it came out more of a 'matter-o-fact'. Niamh was smart, she learned how to out smart her prey, but that didn't make her always successful. Deer's had amazing senses, especially when it came to sound and sight, and once detected, you could kiss your meal goodbye. But Niamh had a plan, or what seemed like a good plan. Working alone, she'd only ever come up with one dog plans, but she'd find a way to coordinate Christian into them.