Who: Cale and Meri What: Sibling convo Where: Their house When: 8/30 Rating: PG (small mention of sex between Meri and Adam)
Caleb had always known Meredith was going to find someone. He liked Adam, even though he was intimidated by him. He liked that the alpha was strong enough to be a match for his sister - to protect her and partner with her. He liked how happy Meredith seemed to be now that she was with him. They'd lost so much in the last couple of years. He was glad - very glad - that she had found someone and picked mate - that she was moving on. He had fun teasing her about coming home smelling like wolf. It had been difficult to miss it - a non-were would've smelled Adam on Meri.
The alpha hadn't hunted down Caleb for a stern talk either, and Caleb had quiet faith that he wanted his sister's happiness. The alpha had, perhaps begrudgingly, accepted the lame coyote was a package deal with Meredith. It was good, honestly. Caleb couldn't fight and challenge the wolf to make him earn his sister, but at least he could test his devotion to his sister in a wholly human and family sort of way. If he truly wanted to pair with Meredith he had to accept the lame coyote fully into his circle too. Family was everything for Caleb and Meri, even before they'd lost their parents.
Other than a knowing look and a bit of teasing sniffing, he didn't make a big deal of it. He and Meri had continued as normal. He knew things would change, yes, but this was what he'd prepared himself for since it became clear he'd healed badly and was never going to regain the full use of his leg again. He'd make a good uncle and help take care of his sister's pups - he was looking forward to pups. For a month or two he'd be able to dominate them until they learned coordination, but by then they'd all be used to his place in the pack.
Meri had obviously acknowledged to her brother that she and Adam had mated, though really it was obvious without that. The harder part would be the moving, and she was taking a bit longer on that. Their home was relatively small and old though so she imagined he would understand the idea, and hopefully go along with it.
She flopped on the couch with him when she got home and poked his side lightly. “I think we need a bigger place, don't you? I mean, if there's eventually gonna be pups… And we should totally plan a gaming room that isn't your bedroom too.” She had already evaluated the house Adam had been looking at, and Cale could have a small suite of rooms near each other on the first floor. No steps to worry about, which would be positive since she knew they hurt when his leg got bad, and he would be able to access all his things easily.
"He's definitely too big to fit here," Caleb agreed, teasing. Adam wasn't physically big but he was alpha his presence was large - both as wolf and human - and their modest house was far too modest for the likes of him. Caleb knew too when his sister said 'we' she was including him. He might doubt his place in the Locke pack, but never doubted his place with his sister. He would've been intimidated by the wolves even without his lameness. "Are you already house shopping?" There were factors he worried about a little that she might not - like public transit and distance to his job. It was a shitty job, but it was the only bit of independence he'd managed for himself since the accident. It was a tiny step towards who he'd been before.
“I looked at that. He has a house he likes.” Meri flicked her hair back and offered a half smile. “It's got a bus route about a block away and if you wanted we can afford to get you a car too…” She knew he would probably decline but the offer had to be presented. “We have access to a lot more money now, so if you need things you can't afford we can still look into them.”
A block wasn't terrible, unless he was having a bad day, but that was a problem he dealt with now anyway. Money was oddly an issue and not an issue at the same time. The house they were living in was paid for from the life insurance, so most of what they earned went to groceries and video games (in his case). "I don't need a car. Can't afford parking near work on my salary." It was one thing to get free rent, but cars were expensive, even ignoring the price of the car itself.
Meri nodded. “If you wanted it for other stuff it's on offer.” Because it might give him a bit more independence in some ways and allow him to get places the busses didn't run, or that would take a lot longer for him if he had to take a bus. The mall, for example, though she guessed he didn't really go that often.
He didn't go anywhere other than work, home, and sometimes to Beau's apartment or out with his friends, though he hung out with them far more often online than he did in person. Talk about driving though reminded him. "The lawyer called. I might have to go in to give another statement or send him more paperwork."
“Okay. Just let me know when. Adam is setting up a shop for me so I just have to be there on occasion when they are arranging.” Though she only had to pop in. It wasn't a huge deal either way and it was nice to have something of her own.
"Plus your regular clients." Caleb shifted on the couch, curling against Meredith. "It'll be a lot of work, with a new shop and house-shopping." He worried a little about that, but Meri was better about things than he was. "Although he'll prolly pay to move everything and pack it too…"
“Probably yeah.” Meri nodded. She doubted Adam would make them do it, even though she could move things easily enough so long as they were not bulky. She was strong for her size and she knew it. “I'm glad we are going to be in a bigger place. It'll give you more room for your stuff, and I think I know which rooms you can use.”
"I don't need a bigger space… well except for you to have some privacy with Adam." He was happy to. I mean I just have my tv and bed and all." He had never entirely gotten past the teenaged/childhood living primarily in his bedroom. Except for the dorm, he'd never lived on his own.
“It will be nice though if you want more things eventually, or if you find a mate.” Because she wanted that for him. She didn't want him to be alone or just have her and no one else for the rest of his life. He should have more.