ORIGIN

As the time approached for the hatching of the first three, Erasmus seemed stressed over every detail on parenting, asking Alek questions that he sometimes did not even know the answer to. Still, he used his logic when experiences failed to answer. But he was always unfailingly honest to Erasmus, admitting his own lacking of knowledge when it came up.

So when the time for the hatching of the first three not only approached but came, well. It seemed Erasmus's stress became panic at times this day. Alek had wanted to find a way to tie Erasmus to the world, to life, and in a way, he had succeeded.

So long as these chrysalises were around, Alek rather doubted Erasmus would abandon life... or abandon Alek. He was selfish enough to know that his fondness of the vampire had caused this situation, which they now suffered for.

Alek usually visited both the chrysalis sites each day, of the children of Erasmus and he and the child of Fulgur and he. But since it was the hatching day, he had been staying with Erasmus more to keep watch over these three and Erasmus themself, though he'd done his best to let Fulgur know the situation.

Erasmus had used to visit both chrysalis sites too, since seemed still very attached to the idea of the their children having siblings. But now the other had withdrawn, and Alek was worried deeply.

Usually, Erasmus was the first one to notice any sounds, their ears incredibly sensitive. This time, however, it was Alek that first became aware of the cracking. "Erasmus-" Alek attempted to warn the other of what they suspected was about to occur, but the first one hatched so quickly, tumbling out of their chrysalis.

And oh, Alek really hadn't thought this through, had he? The moment he saw this first child, this hybrid of him and Erasmus, he was stunned silent. He could see the resemblance to Erasmus, even as the child was draconic. And Alek already loved the child, because he also was suddenly realizing he loved Erasmus.

He loved Erasmus, and he had not really been fully aware of that until this moment. Alek was aware he was attached, but not to what extent. He still did not truly grasp the extent. He was tempted to blurt out the words, but he suspected that would not help Erasmus.

"They're beautiful," He spoke instead, gazing at the child who crawled towards Erasmus and warbled, confused perhaps. Alek started to drag the extra food he had caught earlier closer to the little gembound. Truly, the child was tiny. His child. It was mind-boggling.

Then the other chrysalis began to hatch, but not fully. "Erasmus- That one needs help, and I'm too large to assist. I need you to try and help," He turned his many eyes to Erasmus, hoping that the other was feeling less anxious and not more now that the children had begun hatching.

The more draconic child seemed naturally empathetic, focusing on the emotions and feelings of others, even if they were still new to the world. It felt like a relief. Alek hadn't thought to worry about the temperaments of the children, but both Erasmus and he were undeniably predators in temperament, even if Erasmus suppressed that side of themself to the extreme at times.

However, the gaze of the other child... Alek could see the predator in that gaze. It had at least some of their nature, though it was yet to be seen how that would show. Alek would watch. But he loved the child no less for his nature.

Alek finished dragging over the meat from a lesser caught earlier this day, dropping it by the children. "Eat, little ones," His masculine yet musical voice was warm. "You are our children. I am Alek, your dad. Erasmus is your other parent." He nodded towards the vampire as he spoke.

"We'll protect and care for you, until you are ready for the caves. And even after, we'll be there for you," Alek assured the two.