private [ ... ] just an anchor

☠

Séamus blinked once, slowly.  His eyes quickly narrowing and watching every muscle movement.  He bit the inside of check at her harsh response.  For a brief second, he recounted the rare the times he'd come home, bruised and battered, tears streaking down his checks, to his mother's side.  That was... Countless years ago and she was gone.

Quickly, he took a tiny step backwards to throw her off.  Had her claws been safely sheathed, he would have been of mind to let her hit him.  The glint of sharp claws caught him a little off guard, though perhaps it shouldn't have.

Gentle as possible, he retaliated, attempting to swipe her paws and trip her. No intention to hurt her on the way down and if the move was successful he'd grab her by the scruff and sit her on his paws.

"I didn't say hit me with your claws, Sibi," he'd scold softly.  "... I understand."

"... I don't want to share you," he admitted, flicking his ear.  For that, he knew his brother rightfully distrusted him.  For that Kian likely saw him as a threat, a danger to Keona.  As if he'd take her away.  Tempting thought really, but he knew better.  "And I miss your mother.  Kian does too.  More than anything, and its not fair, it isn't but life has never been fair.  I think you've learnt that for yourself by now."

"No more tears, Sibi.  Sheath your claws and I'll teach you how to fight."

"word of mouth there's a snake in the garden" —-- Séamus Ó Faolán