The Story Of Bunny And Fox

Vol 6 (Side Story 3): Chapter 4.2

All that you are,
is all that I'll ever need

"Lyle. It's me. Can I come in?"

Karlyle looks at the door, startled. His fingers tremble. He takes a deep breath. He can't avoid Ash forever. He will eventually have to face the disappointment from Ash, and his family. After a few seconds of silence, he rises from his seat. Then he walks to the door, and opens it. Behind the door, Ash is standing there with a look of concern. Fortunately, there's no one else with him. That alone is a little less stressful.

"Come in, Ash."

"Thank you."

Ash comes in and closes the door. As Karlyle is standing still and quietly looks at him, Ash cautiously takes his hand. The moment his husband's warmth seeps through his skin, something overwhelming rises in him. His tears almost pool up in his eyes. He feels so, so sorry towards Ash. So he immediately apologizes.

"You must have heard the results.... I'm sorry."

He just has to say it, has to let it out. He can't stand it anymore. Ash comes closer. In an instant, Karlyle is caught in his arms.

"What are you apologizing for?"

Ash's voice shows clear upset, he doesn't understand why Karlyle is saying sorry. Ash holds him stronger, and tighter. Karlyle hesitates, unable to face him.

"I'm sorry for making you have false expectations. You must be looking forward to the child, but I let you down...."

Just as he's about to apologize again, Ash holds his chin. He raises his head. Ash's looking at him with a stern look.

"Lyle, don't apologize. Just don't. You did nothing wrong."

"But...."

"You are healthy, your body has no abnormalities. Everything's fine. Everyone also thinks the same. So don't think like that. In the first place, Alphas can't get pregnant anyway."

Hearing that, Karlyle raises his hesitant hands that have been hovering behind Ash's back and hugs him back tightly. A little, he has felt a little more reassured.

".....But you seemed really happy yesterday, Ash. So this result must have been a let down."

At that, Ash looks into his eyes.

"Remember what I said a long time ago, Lyle? That I had no intention of having children?"

".... Of course I remember."

"I still think the same. I don't want to have children."

Karlyle blinks at his firm words. Seeing him so confused, Ash puts their forehead together. He looks at Karlyle lovingly.

"As I said, yesterday I was happy because it was "your child", Lyle. But before this happened, I had never thought about wanting you to have kids or anything like that. I've never once felt disappointed that you are an Alpha and can't have children. But if you were really pregnant, it would be a miraculous blessing. That's why I was happy. What kind of husband in the world would hate the child of the person he loves?"

Karlyle's heart softens. His stomach, which has been aching with tension and guilt, finally calms down. His eyebrows furrow, his eyes squint. Munching his lips, he vomits out what has been bothering him.

"I heard that many people changed their minds about wanting to have children after getting married. It's understandable, so I thought.... maybe you might want a child. Ash, you've lost too much because of me...."

"What have I lost?"

Ash asks gently. But it's not that he is blaming Karlyle. He just wants to hear his thoughts.