Page 47 of Culture and Curiosities
“What costume do you think your friend would like?” His open expression seemed to indicate we had been moved into asafe in some waycategory, but I didn’t understand it.
Wren may have because his smile widened. “What kind of animal would a vampire seduce?”
Yes…Earthlings were very interesting and my people had assimilated completely.
“Good job, Daddy. That was the right word. See? I told you Star Trek would be helpful.”
I needed to work on turning down our bond before I thought something that might be considered rude.
We survived our shopping trip without me frustrating my mate, however, and without fully answering any of the questions we received from the store workers and owners.
“That was exhausting.” My Wren flopped down on the bed, arms and legs spread as he draped himself in his costume. “I’m too tired to even dragon. I’m gonna squirrel.”
“Do those animals live quiet lifestyles?” Weren’t we talking about the small angry creatures that ran through the trees?
“Being in a human shape is hardest…dragons are easier because they’re rumbly and get to stretch out and fly…squirrels are the least thinky and just get to run around.” Wren’s answer was information but I wasn’t sure it was helpful.
“Is that a diner man explanation?” My response had him laughing so hard he nearly rolled off the bed. Catching him was easy and required frowning to make sure he understood limits regarding danger. “Safety, my mate, or no squirrel time.”
Hmm.
“Is there a Team Squirrel?” Was that what he meant when he talked about being so tired he was going to squirrel? “I don’t know how to feed or give attention to one of those animals.”
Wren sat up, frowning as he studied his costume. “Um, I think they eat nuts and things like that. I don’t know what else they eat or do.”
Was it good we were both starting with minimal information?
“Little is being who you are.” That sentence needed work. “Are you a squirrel too?”
I wasn’t sure I was ready to chase him through the woods…he was fast and easily excited.
“Let’s see.” Holding out his arms, he gave me thetake care of melook that came with being little.
Understanding that meant I was supposed to help him, I came over and took off his shirt. “We will have to discuss safety if you become a squirrel.”
Humans had strange ways of keeping people safe, but I wasn’t sure which would help. I wasn’t even sure what magic would keep him safe as a squirrel.
“Daddy.” Wren giggled and flopped back on the bed as I knelt down to remove his shoes. “Squirrels don’t wear backpack leashes.”
“It kept the fast-moving young child safe in the parking lot.” I shrugged as he giggled. “Humans restrain a variety of young children and animals.”
Combining the two types of restraints when he was a human-looking squirrel seemed logical. “Can squirrels be taught to use verbal communication? I think I overheard the diner men discussing Team Pony communication.”
That conversation also made much more sense with additional context.
My Wren laughed as I took off his socks. “I like talking.”
Making cute thinking sounds, he frowned and shrugged.
“I don’t need a leash, Daddy. But that would make Pierce squirm.” Giggling out the words, his youthful nature came over him again as I stood to remove his pants. “I think I’m just gonna play pretend and I’m always a good boy with you.”
“I think it is a reasonable limit that good boys who are safe do not have to be leashed.” Having a mate came with more discussions than I had been prepared for.
So far I had not needed to negotiate chores or learn to communicate with my mate, but leashes and the merits of having clowns at a mating celebration were commonplace.
My family had not prepared me for mating, but I had a very patient mate.
“Squirrels need chocolate, Daddy.”
