Valeska claimed it got easier, but Nemean was neither convinced nor did she sound convincing. This was his second litter, too, but he'd always told himself the strange nature of his relationship with his kids, secretive as it'd needed to be, was behind the exhaustion. It'd never gotten easier then, but that had always been the fault of Luna sending him away. Despite the failure he'd carry on his shoulders, he'd always thought doing this right, being a family, being happy....
Well, he didn't think he'd still be sneaking around to keep an eye on his kids (they didn't act the same when they knew he was watching), still up all night worrying over them, the works. Was he doing it wrong?

Nemean just shot her a smile, having learned not to doubt her anymore, and breathed a soft: I can't wait.

The silver Callosum sharpened her attention on him as he mentioned Penny, but she seemed less worried. In fact, she seemed to rise to the challenge, insisting fresh air and exercise would help -- but insisting she would speak with him. Well, it was better than sitting around worrying about the little scrap, and otherwise perhaps Valeska could ignite in the boy something Nemean and Fleetwood hadn't yet been able to.

I gotta chase the little shit from the den to get him to go more than a few feet away, he admitted, smiling at the absurdity but eyes glassy with guilt, He ain't sickly like Spiderlily, catching every little bug. He just seems... scared of the bloody air, I suppose. Pays attention when I'm teaching them all things, but doesn't seem to learn anything.

He inhaled slowly, trying to banish the stress.

Maybe he'll go out more if he makes friends, he rumbled, thinking that if nothing else, Valeska might urge the sweet little boy from his shell.