“Thirteen is a very important age, Ash. You're a teenager now, growing up so fast. And we have something very special to celebrate!”

“Really?”

“Of course! Come with me!”

 

Gwen took the boy’s hand and led him to the back of the house and up the stairs to the bedrooms. At the end of the hall she stopped and turned back to the boys with a smile. The room in front of them was the same one Ash had stayed in when he first arrived, right across the hall from where he was now sharing with Aidan. Gwen slowly pushed the door open and gestured for Ash to step inside first.

The plain old guest room had been transformed. New furniture replaced the ancient set that had once been there; a tall dresser, large computer desk and two big book shelves all made in dark wood. The walls had been painted a sharp teal and thick dark gray curtains hung over the windows. The single bed pushed against one wall had a black and silver comforter.

 

Ash turned to look at Gwen; she was bouncing on the balls of her feet her hands gripped together at her chest. A proud grin stretched her face and her eyes shone with pride.

“I don’t...what...what is this?”

“It’s your very own room, Ash! We set it up special just for you!”

“My room?”

“Yes sweetie! You're getting to be such a big boy now; you don’t have to share with Aidan anymore. If you don’t like anything we can change it...” He voice trailed off at the end. Ash felt bad, she obviously could tell he wasn’t as excited as she had been. He forced himself not to look at Aidan for support like he usually did and instead scanned the room. It was rather nice; the colors were ones he probably would have chosen himself. The two large book shelves would make room for all the books he had started collecting with room for more. There was an abundance of shelves, drawers and cubbies; it would make Ash’s need for organization easy to satisfy. It would be nice to actually have room to put his things away. The only thing it was missing was Aidan.  

 

Ash took a deep breath. He was growing up; none of the other kids his or Aidan’s age shared a room with their siblings. Let alone a bed like the two young shifters. And Gwen looked so proud of it; he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Maybe Aidan wanted his own space; he was a high school senior now. He’d probably want to bring his friends over and not have the ‘little pup’ bothering them. And it would be difficult to bring girls home if Ash was still sharing his bed. He was getting to be that age, and even though he showered as soon as he came home Ash could sometimes smell it on him.

 

“You don’t like it...” Gwen’s dejected voice reminded Ash she was still waiting for his reaction.

“No!” Ash said quickly. “I mean, I’m just a little overwhelmed. I’ve never had my own room before.” He hoped his smile seemed genuine. “Thank you Auntie, really.”

“Oh good! It’s going to be great. Aidan honey, help Ash pack up his things and we’ll start moving them over before dinner.” Ash peaked over at Aidan to see his reaction. He was studying the younger shifter with an unreadable expression. His arms were crossed over his chest as he leaned on the door jam. Ash tried to give him an encouraging smile to let him know he was okay with it. If Aidan needed his own space Ash would give it to him. He couldn’t cling to the older boy forever. Aidan took a deep breath as he pushed up, his face still unreadable.

 

“Alright, Little Pup, let’s get you all moved.” Even his voice was guarded.

 

It didn’t take them long to pack up and move Ash’s few things to the room across the hall. Aidan’s room actually looked a little bare without Ash’s things. Aidan felt ice in the pit of his stomach. The older boy pushed passed it; Ash wasn't going to be a pup forever. After they finished moving everything Gwen went to start dinner and Aidan retreated to his own room to give Ash time to organize. And to collect himself. The older boy was starting to feel sick as he lay in his bed. It seemed much too large now; empty and cold. He would just be across the hall; it wasn't like he would be far. And the kid has never had his own room before; this must be a big deal for him. Ash deserved his own room; hell that little pup deserved anything his heart desires. Aidan just had to back off, not be so overprotective.

Ash had to hold himself back from chasing after the older boy. He sat on his new bed and looked around the room. He didn't unpack anything or put his clothes away. Ash took a deep breath. It smelled alien, like hard wood and fabric softener. It felt cold and empty, even though it was furnished and designed with love. He could do this; Aidan was right across the hall. He would be just fine.

 

X+X+X+X+X

 

Both boys were quiet during dinner, lost in their own thoughts. Lennox and Gwen tried to fill the silence by chatting excitedly about things they could do and get for Ash’s new room. A computer would be important for school, maybe a little TV. Ash was more interested in music then television so a stereo system would probably get more use. Ash started to feel sick. He hated all the ideas. He hated his new room. He didn’t want a TV or a radio. And he dreaded crawling into that empty bed tonight all alone.

 

“May I be excused?” Ash’s quiet voice broke through the chatter. Even though he whispered his voice demanded attention.

“You’ve barely eaten anything.” Gwen pointed out.

“I’m not hungry.”

Aidan’s hand on his shoulder was warm and it made the younger boy want to curl into the contact. He resisted, holding himself rigid. “Come on, Ashling, you have to eat.”

“I’m not hungry.” He snapped back pulling away from the older boy.

Everyone froze, eyes drawn to the obviously upset shifter. Ash never pulled away from Aidan, and he never talked back. Gwen and Lennox exchanged a glance; their son staring wide eyed at the younger boy. Surprise, confusion and little bit of pain plainly on his face.

“Cashel...?” Gwen started softly.

“Can I just go to my room?” Ash cut off. “Please?”

“Okay honey, you may go.”

 

Ash quickly pushed away from the table. After dropping his dishes in the sink he rushed up the stairs. He could feel his eyes beginning to water and his throat burn. He rushed to his room and threw himself on the bed. When he took a deep breath and inhaled Aidan’s calming scent he realized this wasn’t his room anymore. In his distress he had retreated to the safety and familiarity of the room that now only belonged to the older boy. Unable to hold back anymore he pulled Aidan’s pillow to his face and cried as he breathed in the familiar scent. Why didn’t Aidan want him there anymore? He cried because he was lonely and scared and he cried because he was ashamed for being so weak. Gwen said he was growing up, but he still felt like a small child. Clinging to his knight in shining armor, his savior and protector. When he was with the older boy he finally felt safe, for the first time in his life he didn’t feel like he had to fight for his right to live. He knew now Lennox and Gwen weren’t going to abandon him or send him away. The pack was accepting him as one of their own. But a part of him was still afraid to be away from his friend; Aidan was hia first home. The first person who ever accepted him. The idea that Aidan was looking for more distance between them made Ash feel the lose of abandonment all over again. He knew deep down this wasn’t the same, not even close, but it scared him nonetheless.

 

X+X+X+X+X

 

Ash didn’t remember falling asleep but he woke up to the feel of fingers running softly through his hair. He instinctively turned into the contact knowing exactly who was petting him.

 

“What are you doing here, Little Pup?”

Ash sprang up, leaving Aidan’s hand hovering where the younger boy’s head used to be. He slowly lowered it to his lap.

“Oh shit! I’m sorry, Addy, I’ll get out of here.”

“Hold on, Ash, what’s wrong? Have you been crying?”

“I’m fine.”

Aidan reached out and pulled the younger boy against him, “Nonsense, you tell me what’s wrong,little pup of mine.”

“I’ll be okay. Promise. I won’t bug you anymore.”

“Bug me?”

“I know you want your own space, I understand. You’re all grown up now. I won’t bug you I promise. I just... not sure I’m ready. But if you want me out… I’ll deal, I’ll be okay. I’m growing up. I can do this. I can be brave.”

“Want you out? Why the hell do you think I would want you out? I don’t want you to go anywhere. Separate rooms is a stupid idea.”

“But Auntie said...”

“I know what she said... but that doesn’t mean I want you to leave.”

“Really?”

“Really. You’re my pup; you should always be by my side.”

“Then... do I have to move out? Maybe if we both tell them we don’t want to be separated they will let me stay.”

Aidan couldn’t stop himself from matching Ash’s infectious, excited grin. “Yea, maybe. Come on let's go try talking to them together.”

 

+x+x+x+x+

 

“Mum, can we talk to you a minute?”

Gwen looked up at her boys. Her son had his arm tight around Ash’s shoulder, holding the younger boy close to his side. He had a serious look on his face; his back rigid and muscles tense. Ash was leaning softly against him, his hand fisted in the hem of the older boy’s shirt and eyes glued to his feet.

 

“Everything alright?” Gwen gestured for the boys to sit down at the table with her. Aidan gently guided Ash into a chair and sat down next to him, pulling his chair close so their arms and legs were pressed together.

As usual, Aidan spoke for them both. “Ash really appreciates what you did for him, with the room. It really was a special birthday surprise.” Ash nodded in agreement, but kept his head down.

 

“But…?” Gwen, prompted.

“But we talked about it and we don’t want separate rooms. We want to stay together.”

Ash shifted closer and seemed to melt into the older boy’s body. He had really started coming out of his shell since he’d been with them. He wasn’t a skittish pup anymore, but he still relied on Ash heavily. Especially during confrontation or discussions with Gwen and Lennox.  It was part of the reason Lennox had suggested giving them both some more space. Ash needed to learn to stand on his own two feet or he would forever be relying on Aidan. The boy had latched onto him hard, which was understanding considering Aidan was the one who saved his life. Sat with him and talked him through his first change. When everyone else had written the little guy off for dead Aidan was there to take care of him. It was understandable, but they couldn’t encourage it. Ash had to learn to be strong and independant. He had to learn to stand up for himself or he would be in danger. When he first came to them he cowered every time someone moved too fast or spoke too loud. His nightmares kept everyone in the house awake. He was doing much better but he still needed to learn to stand on his own two feet.

 

Gwen sighed, “You boys are growing up, there’s not a lot of space in Aidan’s room. Ash needs more space for his things. And you, Aidan, are almost an adult; you’re getting too old to be sharing a bed.  Your father and I have discussed this. You’re both growing up and it’s time to become a little more independent.”

 

Ash shivered and pulled closer to Aidan, as if he was trying to crawl into his lap. That was actually what Ash didn’t want. Aidan to grow up and leave him behind.

His voice was small and muffled when he spoke, “Please, Auntie, I don’t want to be alone at night. I know I’m supposed to grow up. And stop acting like a child. But...it’s just...at night…” His voice trailed off. Too embarrassed to go on. He didn’t want to admit he was scared. Only Aidan knew he still sometimes had nightmares about getting attacked or wandering the woods alone.

 

Aidan wrapped his arms around the smaller boy protectively and laid his cheek against the top of his head. Gwen studied the boys closely. They spent all their time together, touching whenever possible. They had a tight bond and it was only growing. She had a feeling she knew what it meant and had warned Lennox. The Alpha had shrugged it off.

 

“I’ll tell you what. Let me discuss it with Lennox. You boys are growing up and there really isn't enough space in that room for all your stuff. It’s crowded and cluttered and always a mess. It will only get worse as Ash gets older and with him starting high school soon, he needs space to do his school work as well. It really isn’t appropriate for you two to share a bed anymore. Aidan’s almost 18, an adult…”

“Mum! It’s not like that…”

“BUT… I understand you’re not ready to be alone. And we are pack animals. How about we put some bunk beds in Ash’s room? I think we have a set around here somewhere. That way if you need to be close by at night, you can. But you both get your own space.”

 

Aidan gripped Ash tight for a minute. He knew she was right; he was almost an adult and he really shouldn’t be sharing a bed with a little boy. And their room was rather crowded. Aidan sighed and pulled a little away from Ash to look into his eyes.

 

“What do you think, Ashling?”

“I guess that would be okay.” He replied softly, sitting up straighter.

 

+x+x+x+x+

 

When bedtime came around Aidan and his Father had finished putting together his old bunk beds. He was still a little apprehensive about this sleeping arrangement but appreciated the compromise. This would be just fine. He would be close enough to keep an eye on his little pup and Ash would feel safe knowing Aidan was nearby. Until he was ready to be alone.

 

Above him Ash curled into a ball on his side, the blankets pulled tight around his small body. He couldn’t seem to get warm. He continually took slow deep breaths; holding Aidan’s scent as long as he could. He tried to take solace in the fact that he wasn’t scared; just cold, uncomfortable and a little lonely. He could hear Aidan moving around in the bed below him. The movements reminded him that he was nearby, but his restlessness made the young pup anxious.

 

Aidan punched his pillow and rolled onto his side. His arms felt heavy and his chest held a chill. He rolled onto his back and stared at the bunk above him. His skin felt like it was too tight on his bones and no matter how much he moved he couldn’t get comfortable. Aidan took a deep breath and pulled the scent of his pup deep into his lungs. At least Ash was close by. The smell helped him relax a little. The nearly grown shifter rolled onto his side pulling the pillow close to his chest with his arms wrapped tight around it. It was too soft and smelled too much like laundry detergent. God, how much he missed snuggling up to his little pup. The small warm body pressed against his chest, his dark black hair tickling his nose. Aidan sighed. His parents were right; he was too old to be snuggling up with a child. Even if ‘puppy piles’ were a normal part of pack life. And Ash was growing up too, 13. He would be starting high school soon. Making new friends, maybe a girlfriend or two. God knows he’s attractive enough. And sure, humans found him a little odd, he’s so very wolf, but his honest and loyal nature made him endearing. Aidan felt a growl bubble into his throat. What the hell? Aidan huffed and shook his head hard. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath to take in the other boy’s scent and strained his ears to catch the familiar sounds of his soft breath. Cocking his head to the side he listened closely. Ash was breathing deep but deliberately. He definitely wasn’t asleep. Putting his hands on the bottom of the top bunk, he could feel slight vibrations. His little pup was shivering. This was stupid. Him and Ash were both miserable, they weren’t going to get any sleep like this. It was his job, his purpose, to take care of that boy. And part of that was making sure he got a good night’s sleep. Warm and comfortable.

 

“Screw this. Come on down here, Pup!”

“But… Auntie a-and Lennox said…”

“I don’t care what they said; you’re my pup, I make the rules and you should be here, with me.”

“But...”

 

Aidan took a deep breath, his voice going soft, “Unless you don’t want to? Would you rather stay up there, Little Pup? That’s okay you know, if you want to sleep alone. I won’t be mad, I promise. Is that what you want, Cashel?”

“No! It’s cold up here.”

Aidan chuckled. “Then come here, wouldn’t want to wake up to an Ash-cicle.”

 

Ash giggled and jumped down from the top bunk, landing softly on his feet like a true shifter. Aidan was equally proud and impressed. Slipping under the covers he pushed himself close to the larger boy tucking his head under his chin and laying his palm on his chest. It was bit of a tight squeeze but soon the boys were comfortably cuddled together. Ash gently draped his leg over Aidan’s and squeezed his foot under him. Aiden pulled him closer.

 

“Better my Ashling?”

“Much.” Ash said with a yawn before snuggling in.

 

Aidan smiled, buried his nose in the younger boy’s hair and took a deep breath. Yes, this was the way it was supposed to be.

 

+x+x+x+x+

 

Gwen pushed the door opened slowly and peeked in, Lennox close on her heels. Aidan lay on his side with his back pressed against the wall. His face buried in Ash’s midnight black hair. The younger boy’s cheek was pressed against his chest, a soft smile on his face. They had their arms wrapped tight around each other and their legs were tangled together. Two heartbeats drumming gently in perfect synchronization. They were both so deeply asleep neither boy stirred as their parents looked down on them.

 

“See, I told you.”

“This isn’t right, Gwen.”

“Actually, I think it’s exactly right. You’ve been there yourself, Lennox, can’t you recognize it?”

Lennox sighed. “Yeah, yeah. There are some in the pack that aren’t going to like this. And they’re both so young, especially Ash.”

“Perhaps. And what will you do about that, Alpha?”

 

Lennox stared down at the sleeping boys and took a deep breath. “There are some laws higher than even I. And no one will disrespect my boys.”

Gwen smiled at her husband and kissed him gently on the cheek before leaving him standing over the two boys. He followed shortly after, softly closing the door behind him.

 

That evening when the boy’s returned home they found a queen sized bed in each of their rooms.