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Goldilocks awakes with a jolt, eyes snapping open glaring at ceiling. Pale blonde curls splayed across the pillow. A cold sweat gathering at her brow, chest heaving with quiet yet ragged breaths.
It was just a dream.
Yet, it was real.
The nightmare that replayed cruelly in her mind, a constant reminder of what had happened. The young girl had been abandoned deep in the woods, her parents uttering sinisterly sweet lies- as they ordered her to remain by the rushing river as they initiated a fake game of hide and seek.
They left.
She could still hear her mother's voice, calling out too her.
"Don't worry, dear. We're almost there."
"Stay next to this tree, your father and I will go hide- then you seek us."
Sometimes Goldi wished it was just a nightmare. A stupid nightmare. But it wasn't, it'd never be just a stupid nightmare.
Sitting upright gaze sweeping across the interior of the cottage. Eyes locking on the snoozing lumps of her adoptive parents. She debated whether she should go over and ask Mama Bear if she could sleep with her. The 11 year old was still so new to her forever home and with that- came new anxieties.
Always being polite, withdrawn. Not wanting too upset Papa Bear or the others. She found herself being targeted by the only other child- Baby Bear.
His face continuously scrunched into a scowl, as she tried to bond with him, over playing- or even chatting. Goldilocks didn't really understand it, but she guessed he thought he was stealing his parent's attention.
It only made her feel more unwanted. Though, she couldn't really blame Baby Bear for acting like this, she knew she was still a stranger, mostly.
Unfortunately; Goldi always wanted a brother. But now? She wasn't.. so sure.
Of course Mama Bear was sweet as can be, teaching her to knit as well as taking her out to catch salmon. Smiling and offering reassurances when Goldilocks got scared by the current. Brushing her blonde mane with her laws, delicately and gently. Coo'ing with adoration when she learnt how to crawl on her fours with succession (Being with bears, had heightened her feral side). Acting as an emotional anchor, smothering the young lass with undying affection. She was grateful for Mama Bear, she was far kinder than her real mother.
Papa Bear was gruff- a bit firm. He too, was protective- always reminding Goldi she meant something to them. He felt like an actual father- being scolding when she tried climbing a tree- only to fall and scrape her knee. His hugs were the best, picking her up in his furry arms, and laughing softly when she tickled his belly. The action always humoring Mama Bear.
They were just right.
Baby Bear was a different case. The young cub always followed like a shadow, barely communicating or interacting with her. Avoiding her best he could, much to Mama and Papa Bear's amusement- as she tried playfully biting at his ear- it only fueled Baby's distaste for her. Going so far as to lash out at Goldi- as she tried to approach him once. Grumbling about how she shouldn't be here. When he did relent in play-fighting, his blows were harsh and Goldilocks feared he really wanted her to get hurt.
She refused to give up determined to get his affection. Wanting him to be the big brother she always wanted. Goldilocks did gift Baby Bear with present- made of flowers of sticks. A crown, thankfully he did keep it. It hadn't been destroyed yet, so.. that was a bonus, right?
Shaking herself out her train of thought. Goldilocks swallowed thickly, hands gripping the bed sheets as nerves shot through her veins like fire. Getting up, sliding her legs over the side of the bed. Feet gingerly connecting with the floor, looking away the gloomy cottage.
Quietly hurrying over to the nearest bed, the nagging fear that crept in her mind- was overwhelming. She wanted to cry, to scream, to unleash all her pent up negative emotions. Would they really understand her? Her new family?
Goldilocks grabbed at the edge of the bed, hauling herself up onto the soft mattress. Before shuffling closer to the furry body. "Mama?" She uttered, voice tiny and scared reaching out, resting her tiny hand across the blanket that shielded soft fur.
The lump shifts, causing the bed to creak slightly, a low whine coming from them. Head raising up from the pillow, masked by the shadows. Eyes cracking open.
Blue eyes.
"O-oh- Baby. I'm sorry." She apologizes quickly, immediately jerking away from the- now awake bear cub. Feeling incredibly stupid, how could she not tell the difference between their beds. Well in her defense it was very dark.
"Pee off, you sod." He mumbled, squinting, not paying too much to the girl's frantic disposition, using his arm to get wipe the crust from his eyes. Baby re-positioned himself, so he could properly stare at his 'sister'. Not bothering to hide the contempt in his expression.
"Baby.. please- I don't wanna wake up Mama Or Papa."
"They ain't your parents!" Baby growls, a tad bit aggressively. Jowls pulling back to reveal his teeth. Why couldn't she just bug off already?! Back to her village, or where ever she came from. He knew (well didn't) that somebody could've taken her in. But no, she just had to barge into his life- take away /his/ parents and their attention.
Goldi's visage sinks into a hurt expression. Her gaze lowering onto her hands, eyes growing glossy with unshed tears.
Baby immediately feels regret. Knowing he went too far this time, seeing her face stricken with sorrow makes his gut twist guiltily. "Hey.." He runs his tongue over his muzzle, the air surrounding them is awkward- at least for him anyways. "I'm sorry, Goldi. I didn' mean it like that."
How did you mean it? Her mind echoed.
Goldilocks sniffles, bringing her knees to her chest, trying to pull herself into a submissive ball. "I know you think- I'm stealing your parents away.. but." A small sob escapes her as she tries to speak, lump in her throat growing, trying desperately to recompose herself. "My parents.. a-abandoned me." She ultimately thinks she shouldn't be feeling this pain. They were her parents, but they- left her. In the woods, all alone, defenseless. Without anybody near, it dawned on her. Were they hoping she would.. die out there?
The sound of rushing water resounds in her ears- throwing her back into the fated memory.
Her ragged breaths as she flees further into the woods. Claws of wooden branches snatching at her face, arms and legs, her feet pit-pattering against the rocky masses, falling and tumbling into a dirty puddle. Her hair escaping the confines of her plaits. Covered in cuts and bruises- the wind howls deafeningly. Then- just then.
Solace.
Stumbling upon a cottage.
"What happened?" Baby Bear asks, tearing her out of the cursed turmoil brewing inside her head, regarding her with a surprisingly sad look. Which makes her heart flutter with hope. "Why was you abandoned?"
Goldilocks remained silent. Was he really asking? Was he being sincere? Gulping, her mouth suddenly felt exceedingly dry and swollen. "I dunno." She simply says, it's the truth- she doesn't know. She thought she was living the best life. With her biological parents, coming home from school being greeted with their gleeful smiles and kisses.
"I don't think they ever even loved me." Her voice drifts away into a pitiful whisper. Maybe their kindness was all an act, why else would they abandon her?
Baby Bear exhales shakily. Ears pinning against his head, face morphing into a sympathetic expression. He didn't get how anyone could abandon a child like that. He knew he couldn't understand the pain, even despite his evident dislike for the blonde little girl- who intruded in his parent's home.
He couldn't help but become emotional.
Big, wet black nose wiggling. He moves closer, covers draped over his hunched frame. "Well, Mama and Papa care for ya. They love ya." Baby bear tells her gently, refusing to include himself in his sentiments. But as her teary eyes found his, her expression so tortured, eyes so hollow and defeated.
"I love ya too, sis."
He manages out with struggle, as it leaves his tongue. Baby immediately regrets what he had just admitted. Half-expecting Goldilocks to tease him, exploit that little bit of softness- that is until small- yet strong arms wrap around his furry neck with bruising force.
"Gah!-"
Goldi buries her head into his neck, sniffling quietly.
"Love you too."
Her voice is muffled by his honey-brown fur. Baby Bear is tense under the unpredicted affectionate embrace, until he gradually eases into it. Maybe.. this wasn't so bad. Lifting one of his arms, to place it over her small quivering frame.
The cottage is filled with nothing but tiny sobs and hushed succor.
In time- Goldilocks pulls away from the much needed hug, now considerably calmer. Eyes red and puffy, but there's a thankful glint present. A small smile quirks her lips. "C'mon now, best get back to bed. Before Papa gets grumpy." He snickers, gingerly blowing in her face- causing the girl to giggle and bat at his nose.
"Can I sleep with you?"
Baby weighs out the option. Well, if he was being a big brother. Then he assumed- this is how his journey would start. "Course, c'mere Goldi."
He raises up the thick cover which allows Goldilocks to slowly ease up under and lay down next to him, the warmth he excludes is comforting, it fills her with a sense of security. Baby rolls around momentarily trying to find a comfortable position, trying to make room for the unexpected someone joining him.
He glances at the orphan girl, "tomorrow we can go catch salmon, if ya want."
Goldi turns her head around on the pillow, watching him. Eyes half drooped, as sleep begins to take her under. "Oh yes.." A yawn splits her reply, "and you bet I'll beat your furry butt."
Baby rolls his eyes before snickering, "sure ya will, you clumsy git."
She bursts into a barely contained fit of giggles, "we'll see you tosser."
The two delve into brief banter, mindful of how loud they're being. Lest they accidently wake up their parents (knowing Papa Bear would unleash fury if woken up). Their playful insults bouncing off each other, without either of them taking it too heart. Goldilock's eyes droop- as well as Baby's, a small sigh leaving her. As she nestles closer to her adoptive brother, snuggling into his fur, the warm covers combined with another body next to her.
The trauma she carries constantly every day and night is a heavy burden, nothing terrifies her more than the fear her new family leaving her. But this moment it makes Goldi feel secure and finally-
Loved.
They soon doze off into dreamland, herself comforted by the fact someone caring was beside her.
------
"Wake up, love look-" Mama Bear whispers, nudging her mate with a paw. Papa Bear snorts in response, blinking away his tiredness locking eyes with her.
"What is it?" He asks. Following Mama's gaze, only to be met with the cutest sight. Their two children sleeping right next to each other. "Oh my-" Papa Bear grins excitedly, knowing what this meant. Feeling his heart well up with happiness. Knowing that this moment- specifically meant a lot to his mate.
"I knew they'd eventually get used to each other." Mama Bear sighs with relief, burrowing back into her covers. "They look as snug as a bug."
He nods along with agreement, jaws parting into a massive yawn. Resting his head back against the pillow. "Mhmm." Papa hums before his head slumps back, raucous snores filling the silence.
Mama Bear smiles, closing her eyes. Letting the comforting snore of Papa Bear lull her back into sleep.
She held both Goldilocks and Baby Bear dear to her. Knowing how absolutely cruel Goldi's biological parents were, such vile people to leave such a lovely little girl all alone. Wishing she could beat some sense into them- if she ever saw them. Yet it was their loss- now she had an adorable girl too look after.
Who had brightened up her life.
Mama Bear would always protect both of them Goldi and Baby- from the dangers that would up come later in life.
My precious babies. I love you both so much.