Page 11 of Little Saint Nautilus

I was too busy staring out the window, watching people, cars, houses, buildings zip past us to answer right away. The more I sat with Cory’s hand on me, reminding me of his presence, the more I was able to take it all in. It was a marvel. I could propel myself quickly through the water,especially in my half-shifted form, but never anything like this. “We’re going so fast.”

Cory laughed. “Yes, I suppose so. Though, it’s a much lower speed limit here than in some places. Maybe later, if you’re up for it, I’ll take you on the freeway where we can go a lot faster, depending on the time of day.”

“Oh? Does it work like a tide, with highs and lows?”

“In a way, yes. But on the roads, it’s called traffic. There are busier times of the day, mostly when people are going to or from work.”

“Hmm. I see. No, I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet.”

“That’s okay. I don’t want to push you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

I squeezed his fingers. “You are very thoughtful.”

Cory squeezed in response, a simple gesture that skittered through me excitedly. “I’m trying. It’s a little…strange to have someone who is so unfamiliar with things I don’t even have to think about.”

“Strange for both of us.”

“Then at least we’re navigating it together.” Cory patted my leg, and I smiled, loving the way ‘together’sounded. I continued watching through the windows, unable to observe every little detail at the speed we were going. We didn’t speak for a little while, but it was nice. Cory’s breathing and tapping on the steering wheel were comfortable reminders of his nearness, but allowed me the chance to take everything in. I noticed along the way thatseveral buildings had trees with colorful bubbles on them. Some were inside of houses, and others were on signs or paintings.

“Are trees sacred here?” From the brief glimpses I’d caught, they certainly seemed to be idolized.

Cory glanced over before returning his gaze forward. “Well, I suppose they are to some groups. Why do you ask?”

“There are many trees in places I wouldn’t expect.Inside. They are decorated and some even glow.”

He chuckled. “Oh! Those are Christmas trees! It’s something some people do at this time of year to celebrate the Christmas season.”

“Christmas?” I’d heard the term somewhere, but couldn’t seem to pick out a reference from memory.

“Oh, boy. Well, Christmas means a lot of things to a lot of different people. For some, it’s a centerpiece of their beliefs, but for many others, it’s a time to come together with loved ones, share meals together, and exchange gifts as a way to show gratitude and love. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. There are other holidays around this time of year, like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, that each have their own special significance.”

I turned to face him. “Do you celebrate any of them, Cory?”

“I do. I usually celebrate Christmas with my family.”

Hope sparked within at the idea of possibly being included in his family. Would I get to share meals with him or exchange gifts? He’d already given me so much. A blanket, clothes, flip-flops. What could I give him to show my gratitude and love? My mind started wandering at that. I didn’t have any material things. I didn’t haveanythingaside from what I wore and my shell.

Cory turned the truck and stopped under a cover. Several other vehicles were lined up in a row beneath the cover. “We’re here. This is where I live.”

I looked around and then back at him. “Do you live with many other people?”

“No. This is an apartment building. It’s divided into several individual homes. I live by myself.” Relief washed over me. I really didn’t want to be introduced to anyone else so soon, and without a name. He ran a hand over his hair and quirked his lips to the side. “It’s not big, and it might be a little messy.”

He seemed nervous now as if he was worried about showing me his home. I offered him my best smile and said, “If it is yours, I know I will like it.”

His blue eyes brightened at that. “All right. Let’s go in.”

Cory showed me how to undo the straps across my chest and waist, and I climbed out, staying close to him. He led me to a door beneath a set of stairs, and I breathed a sigh of relief not to have to tackle those once more. When he opened it, I was hit with the intensity of his scent infusedinto the place. It was briny, like the sea, but with his own unique woodsy musk. The intoxicating scent made my dick perk up again. I wanted to roll around in it, to envelop myself in his aroma.

“It’s not much. But it’s mine,” Cory said with a shrug.

“It’s fantastic,” I said in a whisper. It wasn’t big and overwhelming, like I feared it might be. It was small enough that it gave me the same sense of security I’d felt in his truck, more so with his scent in my nose.

Cory showed me around, pointing out the couch, the kitchen, and the bathroom. His cheeks flushed a pretty color when he pointed out his bed. “Yeah, so that’s everything.”

I looked around, taking it all in, when I realized as nice as it felt, something was missing. “You don’t have a Christmas tree?”

“No. It’s just me here, so I haven’t really bothered with it.”

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