Breath of Fresh Air

Noah beamed and finally leaned back, wiping his own eyes. "Good! Cuz it's too late to back out now," he teased. He got to his feet and stood up, offering Nel a hand and tossing his head. "C'mon. We've gotta go tell Father. He's gonna be over the moon!"

Soot sniffed at the pair carefully. After determining both were unharmed, he snorted and licked them both just to be on the safe side. And when they both stood up, he did the same, stretching his front paws out with a bit of a yawn.

"Lily, you're going to come with too, right? We're gonna need all the hugs we can get," Noah added. If Nel had accepted his hand, he would still be holding onto it, determined to make his new brother feel as connected with him as possible. Then he smiled and held out his other hand to Lily. "We could all walk home from here, probably. It's close enough. I just need to drop off the tack at the supply shed on the way."
 
Nel laughed at Noah's teasing, despite the nervous thrill in his gut at the idea of presenting himself to the older man, and took his hand to get onto his feet. He could only hope that Axle Harn also wasn't averse to his company. "You don't . . . think we'll be bothering him?"

Lily got up with a smile and hopped over to take Noah's offered hand, but after giving it a squeeze and a few little pats she let it go again. "You start walking! I'll put the stuff away and me and Fern'll catch up quick!" They would just fly after, and be back at Noah and Nel's side before they'd even made it to the house. That way they could be together without having to let go of each other again just to put away equipment.
 
"Pppfft what? No way! He's going to be so excited," Noah promised with a grin. "Besides, he's super hard to actually bother. Even when he's busy, he's always willing to take time for me if I ask. He'll do the same for you."

Then he smiled at Lily gratefully and nodded. "Oh! Good idea. Thanks, Lily."

He kept walking towards the house with Nel, beaming in delight. "I'm so happy you said yes. This is gonna be so fun having a second brother! Jasper will deny it, but since Grandpa Jenkins adopted him as his grandson, he's also our brother. Oh! Do you and Soot want to move in? It'll be a little close at first, but we're starting renovations on the old mill pretty soon, and then there'll be plenty of space!"

Soot and Chaital followed the pair at a fairly close pace. But since the humans were walking slower than they were, they took frequent breaks to groom each other or play for a bit to let Noah and Nel get farther ahead again.
 
Nel thanked Lily as Noah pulled him away, but made a soft, uncertain sound as they started to walk. "I - I'm nervous. . ." It was one thing to have Noah offer to make him family, as overwhelming as that had been, but another to go and be presented to someone else. He didn't want Axle to be disappointed with him, even though Noah seemed to think everything would be fine. Of anyone, Nel had to admit, Noah would be the one to know his own father.

Nel was going to express that he didn't think Jasper would follow the same train of thought, but had his own immediately derailed. "Move - Move in?" He repeated uncertainly, fingers curling a bit tighter around Noah's hand without thought even as his eyes drifted away. "I couldn't impose on your space. . . My room is all right. . ." As long as he had lived inside that small space, it had never started to truly feel like Home, but it had been what he could afford and what he felt willing to take. The idea of having a Home, in itself was overwhelming all over again and left him feeling almost dizzy.

Lily worked quickly, getting the saddles and harnesses put away, then hopped onto Infernus' back and was sure to attach her tow line if only to make Noah feel better. With a softer, warning call from Infernus, they landed nearby in the grass, far enough off for his wings not to come info range of anyone nearby, and she rode peacefully along on his back when he came over to walk beside the others.

"Record time!" She declared with a grin, wanting to make the atmosphere light since Nel was looking nervous. "And i didnt even get tangled in the saddle!" Infernus chuffed at her, having been amused at the sight of her putting away equipment that was longer than she was tall, but she only gave him a little chuckle in response.
 
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Noah glanced over at Nel, his expression softening, and he gently bumped the boy's shoulder with his own. "It's okay. I'll be right with you the whole time. I promise." Then he reached over with his free hand and ruffled Nel's hair. "As for you moving in - it's not imposing on us if we want you there. Which we do. But like - my room has four entire beds, and I'm the only one in there. You can have an entire half of the room all to yourself!" he added.

Then Infernus' distant call had him pausing and glancing over his shoulder. He beamed and waved his free hand. "Hey, welcome back! And that's great news. Always worth celebrating not getting stuck in the saddle." He held his hand out again hopefully. "We're just a few minutes out from the old mill. I can't wait to be home!"

Chaital turned her head and moved a few steps over, making room for Infernus so all three dragons could walk behind the humans. She chirred and reached out to lightly bump her muzzle against him once or twice in greeting.

Eventually, the old mill came into view. Grandpa Jenkins was out front, feeding Old Boulder some treats. He glanced up and smiled when he saw the group coming. "Uh-oh, Boulder. Here comes trouble, eh?" he teased.

"Hi, Grandpa!" Noah called out from a distance.
 
Nel could only smile at Noah's physical affection, a nervous thrill in his heart still but with something like warmth alongside it. As much as he felt welcome at the Dragonry, it was also nice to feel wanted. "We- Well, if . . . if Mr. Jenkins says it's all right. . ." He couldn't just start sleeping in someone else's home without their say so, even if he didn't think Noah was lying to him.

Lily hopped off of Infernus' back to let him walk next to the others, and he nuzzled Chaital when she reached out to him, only sharing a look and head toss with Soot in way of greeting since she was between them. He was the only one in a saddle, still technically on duty, but he didn't mind. He was used to wearing it all day.

When Mr. Jenkins came in sight, Nel raised his free hand in a little wave, though it fell to the back of his neck after in a sort of nervous fidget. "Good afternoon, Mr. Jenkins."

"And Boulder!" Lily called, hopping off in front of them to go and greet the dragon, though she kept a distance between them still so he wouldn't be upset with her for getting near his food. "Hello, buddy! Gettin' some good snacks?"
 
Boulder licked his lips, having just finished the last of his treats. He rumbled and slowly ambled over to meet Lily, bumping her hand lightly with his large beaked muzzle to greet her. Then he greeted Nel and Noah in turn before slowly making his way back to Grandpa Jenkins.

The older man waved back to the group and scratched Boulder's chin when he returned. "It's good to see you lot. What're ya all up to? Swinging by fer some human snacks?"

Noah laughed brightly. "Nooo. Hey, have you seen my father? I wanted to ask him something."

"Eyup. Out back cooking dinner," Jenkins said, smiling and pointing a thumb.

"Thanks, Grandpa! Come on, Nel. Come on, Lily!" Noah burst out, running off towards the back of the mill.

Chaital and Boulder eventually headed for the dragon shelter, ready to relax in the shade and groom each other a bit. But Soot was more interested in where Nel was going. He walked after him, peering around the corner of the mill with his ear fins perking forward.

Axle Harn had just finished closing the barbecue to begin smoking some meat when Noah and Nel ran over. He wiped his hands on his apron and smiled brightly. "Hey! Noah and Nel and Lily. What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you all?"

Noah squealed and whispered to Nel, bouncing a bit. "Do you want me to ask him?"
 
Lily smiled and gave Boulder scratches when he greeted her, overjoyed that he would bother to move and say hello to all of them when he usually conserved energy, picking and choosing his activities. When Noah ran off, dragging Nel along with him, she only laughed and gave Mr. Jenkins a shrug like she didn't know what was happening, then hurried to follow.

Infernus watched her go, then went with Chaital and Boulder to rest and stretch out inside the shelter next to them both. It was good to be with other dragons who were his friends, and people who he knew Lily was safe with.

Nel managed a wave when Axle turned to look at them, but when Noah looked at him he clammed up, flushing a faint pink and shyly nodding his head with his eyes on the ground. He couldn't do it. How could he ask so much of someone he had hardly met?

Lily only waited quietly nearby, not wanting to interfere or appear too excited. She wanted everything to happen naturally, and just hoped Nel wouldn't get so nervous he exploded. He looked about ready to hide behind the nearest large enough object.
 
Noah giggled and gently tried to pull Nel a bit closer to his father. "So Father . . ." he began.

Axle stifled a chuckle. He knew from the tone in Noah's voice that he had some exceptionally good news to share. He adjusted the flower in his hair and nodded. "Yes?"

Noah had to pull in a deep breath to keep from exploding with excitement, himself. He grinned and put his hands on Nel's shoulders. "I asked Nel if he wanted to be my brother and he said yes! You have three sons now!"

The older man staggered back briefly and clutched a hand to his chest. "Oh. Oh!" he managed to choke out at last. "Nel, lad! You're a Harn?!" He laughed in delight and ran over, scooping Nel up into a hug and spinning around with him. "This is the best news I've heard all week! Haha! Welcome to the family, lad!" he stammered, tears shimmering in his eyes. "Jenkins! Jenkins, get over here!"

It took a few moments before the older man shuffled around to the back. "All right, all right. What's got you lot in a tizzy?"

"Grandpa! Nel's my brother now!" Noah burst out.

Mr. Jenkins blinked a few times. Then he scoffed and crossed his arms, hurrying over. "An' you just walked right by me without sayin' nothing? Nel! What great news!"

"Sorry, Grandpa," Noah apologized, giggling.
 
Nel frowned uncertainly when pushed forward, ever uncomfortable with feeling as if he were the center of attention or being put on display, and could only blink uncertainly at Axle as he reacted to the news. Noah and his family were very expressive and it caught him off guard. He could only make a small, surprised sound when Axle came over and grabbed him, even succeeding in getting his feet off the ground which startled a watery little laugh out of Nel.

Lily laughed in delight at their mutual excitement, but when Nel's feet were on the ground hurried over to take hold of one of Axle's arms and give him a shake. "Mr. Harn, stop, you're gonna make him cry!" She insisted with a little chuckle, wary of the way they looked a bit teary-eyed together. "And if you all cry then I'm gonna cry and - and -" As much as she cared for her friends she was not ready for crying today, and she didn't want Infernus coming to look for her.

Nel only rubbed at his eyes, trying to stop himself from getting too emotional when he could only think about how it felt to be spun around like that, reviving old memories of his own father snatching him up off the ground. "I- It's really all right?" They really wanted him? No one was displeased, or confused? How could they just accept him into their family like that? It was all so overwhelming.
 
"Oh. Sorry, lad. Sorry," Axle murmured. He set Nel down gently and wiped his own eyes, sniffling but smiling widely. He pulled in a deep breath and tried to let himself relax. Then he nodded at Nel and met his gaze. "Of course it's really all right. We're very, very glad to have you in our family, Nel." He cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. "I think a round of tea is in order, lest everyone start sobbing and make the dragons worried."

"Aye. I'll get a pot on," Grandpa Jenkins said, shuffling back into the house.

Noah beamed and looped one arm over Nel's shoulders and one arm over Lily's. "Man, this is the best day ever. You both want to come inside and relax a bit in the chairs?" He was already planning on giving Nel a tour of the room and to try and convince him to move in, but he figured he should at least wait until the young man had a chance to catch his breath and get his bearings.
 
Nel only barely managed to meet Axle's eyes long enough not to look as if he was ungrateful, he thought, and was back to shy shuffling and wiping his eyes a moment later. It was difficult to let it all settle in. He needed to time to understand that there was anyone in the world that would accept him so easily.

Lily laughed when Noah grabbed them both, a hand coming to rest over his arm on her shoulders and letting herself get squished into his side. "Sure! I could use some tea. I'm sure if anyone needs me they'll check here." She wasn't sure who they would send to retrieve her if she was needed for sending messages, but at the Dragonry the windmill was one of the places she frequented, and Infernus was visible outside. It would be fine.

Nel only nodded a little, feeling unsteady still. "Sitting down might be a good idea. . ."
 
Noah nodded and eagerly pulled Nel and Lily through the door. "Yeah. Lot of excitement in one day," he agreed. He guided Nel toward the couch first, as he seemed a bit unstable, and then sat down himself with Lily on the other side.

Pumpkin had been chewing on a toy in the other room. But when he heard the commotion and smelled salty tears, he quickly scampered into the living room and chirped.

"Aw. Hey, Pumpkin," Axle greeted. "You won't believe it. But I've got a third son! We've adopted Nel," he announced.

The little orange dragon tilted his head and listened intently. Eventually he squeaked and ran over to Nel, hopping into his lap and licking at his cheeks and eyes to clean the tears away.

Noah chuckled and smiled. "Good boy, Pumpkin. You're excited about your new brother, huh?"

Shortly afterwards, Grandpa Jenkins brought out a round of tea and passed it out to the group. "Now, eh - I know this is a lot happenin' all at once, lad. But is it all right if I send Lily to let Jasper know what's goin' on? I know he'd want to know there's a new family member."
 
Nel felt a bit better when he didn't have to hold himself up anymore, sitting a bit stiffly on the coach and only relaxing a little when Pumpkin came to see him. Dragons, at least, he could handle. They were easier to understand than people.

"I- I'm all right." He reassured softly, closing his eyes and turning his head a little to avoid getting blinded but not actually pushing the little dragon away. "Ah - I don't mind. . ." He managed when he realized Mr. Jenkins was speaking to him, tilting his chin away enough to speak without getting licked on the mouth.

Lily grinned and gave a little salute, even as she took a careful sip of tea with her other hand. "We're up for the job! He's working at the shop, but if he's not right in the middle of forging he might come stop by."
 
Grandpa Jenkins beamed. "Good! You two go on an' git. And take yer time. A few extra minutes of peace and quiet might be just what Nel could use right about now."

Noah giggled and tossed back the rest of his tea, and then went to set the cup in the sink before hurrying toward the door. "C'mon, Lily! Let's go get him! He's going to be so excited! I hope," he added.

Once the pair had left the house, Mr. Harn took a sip of his tea and smiled gently, glancing over at Nel. "I imagine you've got quite a few feelings happening right now. I'm here if you want to talk about them." Then he settled back into a comfortable silence, adding a cube of sugar to his tea, stirring it in, and taking another sip.

-----

Outside, meanwhile, Noah ran over to Chaital and waved his hands. "Hey! Chaital! Want to help us go get Jasper? We're going to tell him Nel got adopted! It's gonna be fun!"

Chaital stretched her front legs out and yawned widely. Then she ambled to her feet, chirping and swishing her tail.

"Sweet! Lily, can we go over ground with the dragons? The practice saddle and harness are back at the storage shed," Noah added with a light laugh.
 
With the others gone, Nel fidgeted a bit, running a thumb up and down the handle of his mug with an anxious flutter in his stomach at the idea of being the center of attention now that Noah and Lily were gone. He had never done very well being scrutinized, especially by anyone he wasn't very familiar with. While he was very grateful to Axle for welcoming him, and it was nice to think of having people to call family again, they had only just met. He would have to do his best to try and relax.

"I- I think . . ." He managed quietly after a pause, eyes lowered towards his mug rather than looking at the man, though that was often his habit when in conversation if he wasn't fully comfortable, "I'll just be quiet . . . for a little while. Thank you." That was okay, wasn't it? He just wanted to sit with the feelings in his chest until he could breathe through them more easily and figure them out for himself. He had gotten used to doing everything himself.

****************

"Coming!" Lily said with a grin, taking another sip of tea and setting her mug down where she could retrieve and reheat it later, then following Noah outside.

"It's not illegal or anything," she shrugged as they walked, waving to Infernus to get him to follow and clambering up onto his back. "But some people think its annoying. If you want, you could ride with Fern and me. I'll lend you my belt and two line, and you can hold on to me." She gave him a smile, then clipped the line onto herself just to make him happy. It was a short flight, so she didn't really feel like she needed it. "Think about it while we run ahead and report in. I've gotta let Malia know I'm running home for a spell."

It was a quick trip, flying to the offices and running in to let the appropriate authorities know where she would be in case she was needed, then flying back to where Noah and Chaital were still walking towards the bulk of Lower Floaten and coming in for a landing again.

"Back!" She called, staying on Infernus for a moment as she grinned down at him. "What d'ya think? Want to walk it, or come fly with me?"

Infernus gave a soft chuff and looked across at Chaital, calm and quiet. He knew how to fly through the city well enough not to drop her rider.
 
"Yes, yes. Quite all right," Axle said gently. He sank back further in the chair and smiled, closing his eyes. "Best to enjoy the peace and quiet before Noah and the others get home anyway. I imagine he won't stop talking about this for weeks." He finished his tea, and then dozed lightly in the chair. He was still plenty awake to hear Nel if he needed anything, but he very much enjoyed the comfortable silence that could be enjoyed with someone - especially since Nel seemed to appreciate silence far more than Noah did.

Pumpkin eventually settled a bit more and rolled onto his back, swishing his tail while he waited for belly rubs. Then he let out a gentle chirring sound for good measure.

-----

Noah, meanwhile, hadn't even needed to think about it - but he pretended he did while Lily and Infernus flew off to make a quick report. By the time they returned, he smiled and pulled his goggles on. "If Infernus and Chaital don't mind, I want to ride with you! Might be a good idea to practice flying on different dragons from time to time. Plus we'll be able to talk on the way over, then!"

He held out a hand and grinned. "Could I get a lift up, please?"

Chaital seemed more than content to let Noah fly with Infernus. She rumbled and walked beneath Infernus, arching her back and running it along his chin. Of course she trusted him with her rider. There were clear skies, and Infernus was very experienced. And if he was carrying Noah, that left Chaital free to practice a few flying tricks that were too advanced for Noah but just right for her.
 
Nel relaxed by degrees as the silence stretched, without anyone staring at him or asking him questions. It was easier to sit and be quiet, sipping gently at his tea and stroking a hand absentmindedly over Pumpkins scales. It let him think, to come to terms with whatever was happening. He had no real family, but who was to say that he couldn't have a new one? He knew well enough that his parents wouldn't have wanted him to stay alone, and though the Harn family was new to him familiarity would come in time. New things were always scary, but family would be worth it. He was allowed to have a new one, he told himself, over and over until it could begin to sink in. He was allowed to have good things.

When Pumpkin rolled onto his back in Nel's lap, the young man finally smiled, and quietly set aside his empty cup. "I'm sorry," he murmured softly, rubbing gently at the little dragon's belly. "Was I ignoring you?"

****************

Lily grinned and reached down to help pull Noah up, her grip strong from work and dealing with dragons despite her small size. Infernus moved a leg to give Noah something to step up on, at the same time, rumbling contentedly and rubbing his head against Chaital as she slid past him.

"Practice figuring out how to sit with another person doing the 'driving'!" She agreed, shifting around once he was seated behind her to take off the belt her tow line was attached to and twisting to hold it out to him. "Here, you can put this on and put your arms around me, or there's secondary handholds right here, and here." She pointed out where there were grips further back than was feasible for her to hold onto herself, added into the saddle because she did have occasional passengers, most often Jasper. "It'll help you lean with us if you hold on to me, but either way is fine!" Infernus wasn't small enough to be affected by the way one person moved, though he would be paying attention to make sure no one fell.

When Noah was settled in Lily pulled her goggles and a mask on and made a bit of a show of settling her hands and feet into their places so he would know they were readying for takeoff. "All set? We'll fly pretty low to avoid the piping up top, but we won't have to go between buildings more than once."
 
Pumpkin squeaked in mock protest, licking Nel's hand briefly before relaxing again and giving a short huff of contentment.

Mr. Harn smiled from where he sat. Nel was very clearly much more comfortable interacting with animals, much like Noah had been before meeting his friends. It was uncanny how well the young man already seemed to fit into their family. He wasn't sure where Nel was staying at the moment, but maybe, once things had calmed down a bit, he could convince him to move in with the group - if only so he'd have more opportunities to prove to Nel that he really was part of the family.

----

"Got it," Noah replied, carefully attaching the belt and blushing slightly when he wrapped his arms around Lily's waist. Then he smiled and giggled. "This kinda reminds me of the first time we flew together. Uh - and yeah. Yeah, I'm ready." But it was different, somehow. He was much more keenly aware of just how close he was to Lily. And for once, his mind wasn't focused solely on dragons.

Chaital lifted a paw and gently preened herself, waiting for Infernus to take off so she could follow.
 
Nel only smiled at Pumpkin's dramatics, giving him belly rubs and moving on to a full rubdown, gently massaging the little dragons legs and paws, even his head and tail. Pumpkin was small enough that just his hands were enough to get the job done, when larger dragons required actual tools or at least gloves. On top of simply making sure Pumpkin's was happy, relaxed, and had no joint or muscle troubles, it gave Nel something to do his hands when he eventually managed the wherewithal to speak and draw attention again.

"You live . . . in Upper Floaten?" He asked Axle hesitantly, piecing together what information he had. The man hadn't lived in Mr. Jenkin's home until now, after all, that much Nel knew. It was easier to ask people to talk about their own lives than it was to speak about himself. "Is your work there?"

****************

Lily shifted her feet just slightly, making sure her placement was perfect since she had a passenger depending on her, and gave Noah's arms a pat with a little chuckle. "Hopefully this time will be just as fun!" Though they weren't going to go as high, and probably not as fast, it was still tandem flying. "Hang on tight!"

Her command for Infernus to take off was silent, a mix of subtle shifts in weight and pressure with her legs, and an unspoken understanding between them that now was the time. He gave a small stretch of his wings and took a running start to prepare his passengers, then took off into the air with little trouble from the added weight. With Chaital close behind, they flew into the heart of the city, lifting over buildings and ducking beneath support beams as they went. Lily was glad, at least, that having Noah's arms around her meant that if they ended up needing to duck for some reason she could sort of pull him down with her. They weren't cutting things that close, but it was always good to have a plan just in case.
 
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