With the council meeting over, Lance Knight went back to his little dressing chamber to defur and put his regular human clothes back on. He was surprised but happy to see Lila Carpenter waiting for him.
"Are you okay?" the weretigress asked, putting her paws around him.
"I am now," he said, returning the hug.
"Listen, I know we haven't really known each other that long, but if you need anything..."
"I appreciate that. I truly do," replied Lance, looking directly at her. "According to Benton's doctors, while bi-polar disorder tends to run in families, it also skips around the family tree too. Overnight tests will confirm it, but I'm not showing any signs of the disease. Can't guarantee our children will be safe, but if caught in time..."
"Wait a second. What did you just say?" asked Lila, not sure she heard Lance right.
"Just wishful thinking about the future," replied Lance, realizing it was too soon to say what his heart was feeling. "When can I see you next?"
"I've got to stay and help clean up, and what not," replied Lila, not wanting to elaborate in case any of the Council members requested her "other" services.
"Can't guarantee dinner tonight, let alone breakfast in the morning," realized Lance. "If I need someone to talk to later, can I call you?"
"You have my number," replied Lila, before giving him a gentle kiss. "If you need me, don't hesitate to do so, regardless of what time it is."
"I won't. Promise. And thank you," said Lance, before hugging her again.
As Lila Carpenter left to let Lance get ready, she started walking down the hall to help clean up when she stopped in mid-step, realizing what he said. OUR children???
There was a smile on her furry muzzle the rest of the afternoon.
Soon Lance was standing in front of Tachibana no Akane's private dressing room. The leader of the Skulk was still in her werevixen fursona and wearing her council robe when she gave Lance his mission.
"Now then, this scroll is for your brother," she said, handing him the first one, "and this one is for Doctor Frances Twist, letting her know about her new patient and our wishes in regards to his treatment. Scrolls are already being delivered to his medical doctors," added Akane, referring to her grandson Tora and Doctor Robinson.
"Does it matter which scroll I deliver first, because I'd like to talk to Doctor Twist myself," wondered Lance.
"No. Just make sure Benton reads his in your presence and understands everything before you leave. You can call me afterward to confirm that, but I am not sure what Doctor Twist can tell you at this point, between doctor-patient privilege and the fact she hasn't even started seeing Benton yet."
"It's not that. Despite how he's treated me over the years, Benton's still family. I just want to make sure he'll be all right."
"I understand. Family is one of the strongest bonds any of us has. But one thing your brother must understand is that until ALL his medical staff Robinson, Tachibana, AND Twist confirms that his conditioned is stabilized on the medications for at least a 30 day period, he is not allowed to travel outside of Moon Lake under any circumstances."
"Considering his business interests, Benton might not like that," observed Lance.
"Too bad. The concern expressed during the meeting about the risk of Benton losing control while traveling is a very valid one. Your words swayed the Council that he wants to make amends and get better, so they are willing to give him that chance. But many weres fear the risk of exposure to the outside world, so no matter what the individual Council members think, they still represent their people as well."
"I understand. Let's just hope my words can sway Benton when I see him," said Lance, clutching the scrolls in his hands.