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The morning after, Travis had woken to the sound of purrs all around him. The Dancing Lights Clan had created a massive cuddle pile of fur and limbs, all centered around him it seemed. Nocturnal maneuvering had changed who his cuddle mate was over the course of the night. Lapis was still close by but was being squished between Sequoia and Amethyst. Sequoia had hir back pressed to his own back. He had ended up being wrapped up in Braveheart’s arms. The warmth of the embrace was much different than Serenity’s. It had the quality of being embraced by a parental figure. Hir hand was rubbing his back in soothing circles. When he raised his head from hir chest, he noticed that shi was awake as well.

“Morning, bud. Sleep well?” Travis blushed and rose completely off hir. He looked around and spotted Serenity laying with Baiyoshay while Kairen was snuggling with Marathon. Diamond was nowhere to be found in the cuddle pile. He had heard of the usual communal sleeping arrangements all Chakats favored. Travis had to admit that being in the center of one of those was an amazing experience in terms of sleep quality. He felt refreshed and ready to face the day.

“Yeah, I did. Sorry for burying myself in your cleavage.” Braveheart laughed and raised hir upper torso. A hand reached out to ruffle his hair.

“Don’t worry about that. I don’t mind being your blanket.” Shi got up onto all fours and gave a feline stretch. A yawn turned into a slight meow. It was the cutest thing Travis had seen to date. He stood as well and did his usual back crack. Braveheart exclaimed softly, “Wow, that was a good one. What happened to cause that?” Travis shrugged as he tested out his shoulders. They, too, gave small cracks as they repositioned themselves in their sockets. A flip of his arm also got some noise from the elbow, all of which made Braveheart’s ears flick in response.

“Multiple things. Life as a mercenary is not kind to the body. Lowers your life span by several years, if not decades. That is if you survive long enough to retire. Anyway, what’s the plan for the day?” Braveheart noticed that he didn’t expand on what exactly happened, but let it slide for now. There would be a time in the future to talk about his past. Shi would remain supportive of hir daughter’s new mate. It wasn’t as if they were going to lose him anytime soon.

“Well, it’s Seventhday. I’m not sure if we have any plans right now, but I’m sure we can think of something.” A door opened from down the hall, which caused both to look over. Diamond came out of the bathroom with a tired yawn. The teen was rubbing one eye as the other focused on being awake. Shi greeted them as shi went to the island bar top in the kitchen and took a seat.

“Morning, Dee. Looks like you’re still waking up.”

Shi grumbled, “Don’t know why you’re so chipper, bro. It’s barely five in the morning. How do you manage that?”

“Lots of practice and having drill instructors waking you up at zero-dark-thirty. Can’t really sleep when they’re blowing whistles in your face. You kind of learned to wake quickly to avoid further yelling.” That seemed to get hir energy levels up. Hir ears went high and alert while hir tail started to lift off the ground slightly.

“That must have really sucked. What did you do so early?” Travis grinned as he flexed an arm. While he may not work out as hard as he used to, he still maintained some form of muscle. He also did a few small workouts when he had the time to keep his body from going too flabby.

“Physical Training, Dee. Got to get those gains, bro!” Dee’s muzzle fell open in shock as Travis started flexing. Being in his boxer’s sort of gave him the appearance of those old Mister Universe competitions from before the Gene Wars. It looked ridiculous to hir seeing as he wasn’t as built as those models. Laughter bubbled up from both hir and Braveheart.

Braveheart said through the laughter, “Bud, don’t ever change.” A pair of arms wrapped around Travis that he instantly recognized. Serenity’s purr rattled his back as shi pressed hirself to him.

“I agree with mom. Don’t ever change, sugar. You’re way too precious.” Miraculously, Travis’ blush was only a slight pinking of his cheeks. He reached up to rub the head that was resting on his own.

“Don’t worry, Ren. I’m not going anywhere.”

“That’s good. I love you, sugar.” He nuzzled hir jaw with his nose and inhaled hir scent. Sweet spices filled his lungs which he attributed to the remains of hir pheromones from yesterday. That brought a new thought to him that he was interested in finding out. Shi didn’t act any differently at work on Fifthday, and shi was only slightly more affectionate yesterday. He guessed that as an adult, shi could retain control with the aid of heat suppressants. He did remember hearing somewhere that heat only lasted for two days for Chakats. Shi should be completely off the hormone trip. If shi was still this affectionate, he worried what it would be like with Serenity off the meds. He swore that his hips would be turned to dust if shi wasn’t careful. However, that wouldn’t be a bad way to go.

Another pair of arms encircled both off his left side. The grey arms signaled that Sequoia had awoken and was now joining in on the cuddle session. What was interesting to Travis was that Sequoia not only embraced hir official denmate, but shi also held him as well. It also wasn’t one of friendliness, either. He got a distinct feeling that Sequoia didn’t care that Serenity was pursuing him. In fact, he bet that shi was actively pushing it. It was weird to him, and it brought back the thoughts that had encroached on his mind.

“Hmmm, morning Seq.”

“Hi, yourself, love. Good morning, Trav.” Sequoia gave him a quick nuzzle and lick to his cheek. His blush worsened, but not as bad as it used to be. He was getting more and more used to how this family operated. The dynamics were strange to him, but he was learning. The past three weeks of interacting with them offered insight into a new world that he was barely understanding. Yet, he was walking that path and enjoying the adventure. The intrusive thoughts tempered that walk with dark clouds. He needed an answer to his questions but didn’t know where to get the answers. He’d table that issue for now and focus on the present.

Serenity took one arm and brought Sequoia in closer. Travis took his free left arm and wrapped it around Sequoia’s waist. It wasn’t really planned on his part. He was just trying to avoid elbowing hir or causing discomfort. Sequoia’s hand on his chest showed shi didn’t mind. It was a picture-perfect scene for them. Braveheart quickly snapped one with hir PADD. The three looked up to see hir smiling. Shi beamed in that way a parent might have for their child learning to walk or watching as they walked the stage for graduation.

Braveheart turned the PADD over to show the picture. While Travis wished he was clothed in anything other than dark grey boxers, he had to admit that it was a cute photo. Each one of them was relaxed and leaning on each other in a show of support and solidarity. This was so different from his last foray into romance. This felt better than anything he ever thought possible.

“I am so putting that as my background for my PADD,” Sequoia immediately said with confidence. Travis looked at hir in puzzlement. He caught a glimpse of the others filing into the kitchen. Marathon went to hir mate who showed hir the photo. Shi cooed at the sight and said shi’d get that framed and placed on the mantle of the fireplace. Diamond was also shown the picture and seemed to fall in love with it instantly.

“Mind sending me that, dad?” shi asked.

“Of course, kiddo. Amy, Kai, Baiyo, would you three want one as well?” Kairen and Amethyst said yes almost instantly. Baiyo also wanted hys own copy but wasn’t completely sure if hy deserved one. Travis quickly told Baiyo that he didn’t mind, to which Serenity and Sequoia said they agreed. Baiyo thanked them for sharing such an intimate moment with hym.

“It’s no problem, man,” Travis said. “You’ve become one of my friends. I’m willing to share parts of my life with you.”

Baiyo smiled softly before saying, “I’m honored, Travis. Thank you. I’ll always treasure our friendship.”

Kairen slapped hym on the back. “Oh, don’t be so formal. You’re our friend, now. Get used to it, skunky.” Travis laughed heartily, along with most of the others. Baiyo was not offended by the quip. On the contrary, hy was enjoying the brash and confident personality Kairen had.

“Careful, Kairen. You know the rules about skunks.” Baiyo looked back at Travis with a raised brow. Hys smirk showed that Travis was on the path to being hys new toy if he didn’t tread carefully.

“And what’s that rule, oh wise Human?” Baiyo said challengingly. Travis met his gaze with equal confidence. He wasn’t intimidated by the Skunktaur.

“A happy skunk is a good skunk. An angry skunk is a stinker.” That caused the entire Clan to laugh uproariously. Baiyoshay blinked owlishly a few times before laughing hymself.

Amethyst confirmed, “That’s so true! Good one, Travis!”

Kairen called out, “Fifteen-love, Travis.” More laughter erupted. Baiyoshay conceded defeat and claimed Travis did indeed speak the truth. Once the laughter subsided, Braveheart started up breakfast ideas. Shi had plenty of ingredients to make a country classic: biscuits and gravy. There were murmurs of agreement on the breakfast choice. With that, Braveheart started the task of getting the biscuits in the oven.

The others started conversing among themselves. Travis heard Marathon offer Baiyoshay the chance to have breakfast with them, which hy agreed to. Travis was still being held by Serenity and Sequoia. Neither of them was making any moves to let him go. He noticed that since they were so close, he could feel as they started to get a little friskier. That even included him. He heard Serenity whisper something in Sequoia’s ear, but it was too soft for his mere Human hearing. Sequoia giggled and nodded to whatever Serenity said. Travis felt a little like the odd man out but was quickly brought into the conversation.

“I missed the touch of my mates,” Serenity told him quietly. “Want to go have a morning quickie upstairs before our shower?” He looked over to Sequoia who waited patiently for his response. Both of their eyes were filled with lust and desire. Travis could see that those desires weren’t only directed at each other. Those were also directed at him. Sequoia was willing to join in on a threesome with him and Serenity. There was no ambiguity on what that would entail.

Travis asked, “You sure you want me to join you? If you want, you two can go have fun. I know I’m taking time away from you, so I understand if--”

“No, that’s absolutely not true!” Sequoia snapped back instantly. “You’re a part of Serenity’s life, which makes you a part of mine. We may not have anything official between us, but I’ve grown to also care for you as much as shi does. While we would respect it if you don’t want to, this offer is because we want this. There is nothing attached or hidden. It’s there because we want you to participate.” A light feeling of relief spread itself through his core. There was something about having Serenity’s denmate’s approval that changed the entire dynamic between them. He grinned stupidly as he pulled Sequoia in tighter.

“I appreciate that, Seq. I’m honored you would share Serenity with me. I would never forgive myself if I ever came between you two.” Serenity turned him around so he could face them. Shi grabbed both of their shoulders, which Sequoia copied. Travis followed suit with some amount of confusion. Serenity’s face was one of grim determination. They would overcome this and that was the last Serenity would say on the matter.

“Travis, your respect for myself, my denmate, and our relationship is the only thing we ask. We’ve had many lengthy conversations about how much we were willing to share with you. We decided that there should be no difference. All three of us will be together as equals.”

Sequoia took over with, “Just because I am hir denmate doesn’t mean I am better than you, or more important. You are just as needed in this relationship. Not only for Serenity but for myself as well. You are part of this family now, so don’t you forget it.” Travis was touched at hir words. They answered a lot of the insecurities that had propped up yesterday. They weren’t fully gone yet, but that would take time. He now knew that he wasn’t going to cause a rift. If that had happened, he would have pulled away and cut all contact. He would not be the cause for mates to split up.

“Seq, you are an amazing person.” He brought hir into a full hug which shi accepted with hir own. Hir strong arms squeezed him all the tighter when he trembled slightly. “Thank you for accepting me into your life. I want to make this work between us.” Shi smiled at his obvious vulnerability. Shi knew that being in a relationship with a Chakat would bring in other lovers. Shi had hir own couple of Companions that shi dallied with on occasion. Travis was slowly growing on hir. His relatively shy nature was slowly being dismantled, which was a very good thing in hir book. Taking its place was a man who would be an asset and welcome addition to their family. Shi half considered offering something more official but thought better of that. He needed more time before adding another Companion so quickly after being official with Serenity. However, that didn’t mean shi wouldn’t push for it.

Serenity seemed to agree with that. “I’m so glad to have such kind and loving mates in my life. I love you both.” Shi gave each of them a full kiss that left them breathless. Serenity gave Sequoia a wink and a smirk that made hir laugh. Travis didn’t know what the inside joke was. Sequoia’s next move would technically be considered the joke, but everyone knew it wasn’t. Hir own kiss to his lips was just as pure and true as Serenity’s was. He was dazed at their forwardness but easily recovered. He had to admit, kissing Sequoia was just as good as he thought it might.

“I must admit,” Sequoia hummed after the kiss broke. “Serenity’s right; you’re a really good kisser.”

“Oh, that was so hot.” Serenity grunted as arousal overcame hir. “I need you both. Like, right now. Mom, if you don’t mind?”

Braveheart waved them off with a quick, “Be back in time for breakfast, and be sure to wash up first.” Hir chuckling was turned to full-blown laughter when Diamond made a comment about them being so needy. Serenity made an offer for Diamond to join them to demonstrate how needy they could be. Travis was at first shocked that Serenity would offer such a thing to hir teen sister. He knew the laws regarding age of consent were upgraded with the introduction of Chakats to society, but that was stretching the limitations of his sensibilities! That was akin to robbing the cradle! Shi was nearly half his age! Lucky for him, Diamond refused and said maybe next time. Serenity said something along the lines of more for them and dragged him and Sequoia to one of the spare bedrooms.

Serenity quickly closed the door after Sequoia stepped in behind Travis. Once the door was shut, the horny ‘Kat pounced on hir denmate. The rough and tumbled on the floor as Travis watched. There was some growling, nipping, and moaning as they pleased themselves. Travis was left wondering what he was supposed to do. His erection was outlined by his boxers, but he made no move to remove them yet. He did decide to get a little closer to the action just to see what they were doing. They ended up with Serenity on the bottom, handpaws firmly grasping hir foxy lover.

Serenity moaned, “Oh, Seq, I love you!” as shi played with Sequoia’s firm breasts. Sequoia returned the favor by tweaking Serenity’s own nipples. Shi leaned down and captured one between hir teeth. Serenity made a very high-pitched meow at the combination of pain and pleasure. Sequoia seemed to enjoy the sounds as hir own murring joined in. Shi released the nipple and turned to the odd one out.

“Come here, Trav. Let’s get hir motor really going.” Hir arm was outstretched to him, beckoning him to approach. He let himself be guided down to their side. Sequoia put an arm around him to steady him as shi recaptured the nipple shi had been playing with earlier. Now that his libido was effectively jump-started, he joined in by sucking on the other one. Serenity growled in pleasure as both hir mates lavished their attention on hir. Shi gripped both their heads firmly to hir chest and didn’t let them go.

“I love this. I love you. Both of you. Please, suck harder!” They both received spurts of milkwater. Serenity seemed to enjoy the whole experience as a deep, resounding purr filled the room. Travis felt Sequoia nuzzle in beside him and started to rub him in a sensual way. He wasn’t expecting Sequoia to be as attracted to him as shi was to Serenity. If shi wanted to touch him, he wasn’t going to mind. He found hir attractive as well and started his own caressing. Shi moaned then chuckled at him. They continued to suckle and drink Serenity’s milkwater, much to hir enjoyment of course. Sequoia pulled away with a laugh at how worked up they were getting.

“Seems both of you are enjoying this. I knew Serenity loved having hir tits played with, especially with hir lactation fetish. But I didn’t expect you to enjoy this so much, Trav. Do you like drinking from hir?”

He nodded as Serenity said, “He does.” Shi pushed hirself up to hir elbows to look at both. Travis pushed off hir so shi could move but was still latched on. He was enjoying this a little too much to let go right then. “He’s already on board, but I need to ask you, Seq. Would you be okay if I get my mother's milk production started? I know you’re not as big into it as I am, and you’re not as interested in starting yours…”

“If it will make you happy, I’m okay with it. I know you love both sides of that fetish, so I’m fine also starting my own. You know I want to make you happy, Ren.”

“You really mean it?” Sequoia bopped Serenity on hir cute muzzle and softly chided hir. Sequoia was not about to deny hir mate what shi wanted. If this was something shi wanted to do, then Sequoia would support hir all the way.

“Stop that. No silliness from you. If this is what you want, I’ll gladly partake and provide. Now, I’m all worked up over here. What about you, Trav?” He let go of Serenity to push himself up while swallowing the mouthful he had.

He answered, “I am as well. How did you want to do this?” Sequoia took on a thinking pose for a bit. A devious grin soon came upon hir. That toothy smile warned Travis that this was going to either be a lot of fun or would end with him passing out.

“Ren, love, sweetheart. Would you mind too terribly if I was in the middle?” Travis was curious about why Sequoia wanted to be in the middle. Shi would have to be completely fine with him touching hir, which was something he thought impossible.

“Sure, Seq. I don’t mind. You want me to stay on my back?”

“Please, love.” Travis nervously moved off Serenity as Sequoia got in position. They kissed again before Sequoia motioned for him to come closer. He scooted in while thinking that this should be way out of the realms of possibilities. When he got close enough, shi demonstrated how wrong he was when shi kissed him as well. “Get behind me, lover boy.” He did as bid and moved behind Seq while removing his boxers.

Once behind, his arousal-addled brain decided to have some fun of his own. He didn’t know where he got this idea from, but he didn’t care. He had done something like it once, he’d do it again. He reached out with one hand to start stroking Serenity’s vulva, making sure shi was wet. He supported himself with the other as he got between them. He saw Sequoia’s dark red member already mostly out of hir sheath. That devious thought pushed him to use Serenity’s fluids to start lubing Sequoia. He made the right decision on that one.

Sequoia’s yelp indicated that shi felt what was going on below hir. Hir growing maleness soon reached full strength, aided by Travis lovingly stroking and kissing. Serenity giggled at Sequoia’s shocked and lustful expression. Shi vowed to give Travis a reward for making hir mate feel so good. Maybe shi should get hir Mother's Milk started as soon as possible. Seemed shi will need to make a phone call later today.

“Something wrong, Seq?” Travis asked from below. Sequoia moaned as another lick coaxed some pre-cum from hir.

“Jeez, Trav, you’re--huff--really something. Are you--oh!--this playful with all your bedmates?” He slowly extracted himself from below them while still gripping Sequoia. He pulled on hir dick to get hir in position.

“Only those who deserve it. Now, you wanted this, so start moving that cute fluffy butt of yours.” Sequoia happily obliged. A single thrust aided by Travis and shi was in Serenity. They both gasped in pleasure. Serenity mewled as those handpaws started kneading on Sequoia.

“Yes, that’s it,” shi hissed as Sequoia took hir. “That’s nice. Deeper, Seq. Really give it to me.” Sequoia used those strong hips to slowly pound away at Serenity. With one of his goals completed, he moved on to the next one. He got up onto his knees, which brought almost eye level to Sequoia’s fluffy booty. The sight was spectacular. Matching Sequoia’s slow pace, he brought his hand to hir own vulva, already wet from arousal. Sequoia moaned hir approval at the dual sensation.

“Oh, that’s so good. You two are amazing,” Sequoia huffed out in pleasure. Serenity brought hir head around Sequoia’s body and grinned up at Travis. Seeing hir splayed out with Sequoia inside was oddly stimulating for him. He should be feeling jealous, but his lust was winning that fight.

“Hey, sugar. Ready to blow this puppy’s mind?”

Sequoia added in, “Please! Mount me, Trav! I want it! I want you!” Not wanting to torture Sequoia any longer, he removed his fingers and used hir juices to lube himself up just as he did to hir. He readied himself behind Sequoia and matched the outward thrust. Hir howl of pleasure was not quite loud enough to deafen, but Travis was pretty sure the whole house knew what was going on. Neither Serenity nor Sequoia seemed to care, so Travis deemed it a non-issue. They started to increase the pace; Travis matching Sequoia thrust for thrust. They got a good rhythm going which seemed to go straight to Sequoia’s mind. Hir tail was wagging like crazy, hitting him several times in the face. Getting tired of that, he grabbed it and pulled lightly. That seemed to do something good for Sequoia.

Sequoia growled deeply, which Travis thought was a warning. He was dissuaded from that when Sequoia told him to gently pull hir tail. Being extremely gentle, he started to lightly pull on hir with each thrust he gave. Shi ended up clamping down on him with each pull. While this was going on, Serenity continued to play with Sequoia’s breasts, pinching and licking to hir heart’s content. All three were soon overcome by the waves of pleasure and passion they shared with each other.

Serenity could feel hir denmate getting close by the way Sequoia was twitching and moaning. Shi was fortunate that hir heat had passed, as shi wasn’t inclined to get pregnant just yet. Else, shi would have to force Sequoia to pull out and ruin the rhythm they had going. Shi could also feel through hir empathy that Travis was just as close. Hir own orgasm was building as well. All three were building to a glorious finish.

“Getting close, loves!” Seq whimpered to Serenity and Travis. “I’m so close on both sides! Please, keep going! Make me cum!”

“Same here!” Serenity confirmed for hirself. “Don’t you dare pull out, Seq! Give me everything!” Travis grunted as that seemed to push Sequoia right to the very brink. Hearing these beautiful people voicing their passion was like a symphony. He was getting close himself.

“I’m ready to pop, Seq!!” A few more thrusts were all it took before he exploded. He moaned his release as he pulled on Sequoia’s tail firmly. Not enough to hurt, mind. He still had enough cognitive thought not to hurt those he cared for. It was just enough to be what Sequoia needed to push her over the edge. Shi clamped down on him with an iron grip. Not as strong as Serenity, but definitely a runner up.

“Deities above, coming!” Sequoia exclaimed as a dual orgasm blew hir mind. As shi squirted all over him, hir cock shot rope after rope of hir load deep into Serenity. Serenity accepted each shot with hir own orgasm milking Sequoia for all shi was worth.

“Yes, that’s it! Cum for me, my mates!” Serenity goaded them. Shi reveled in the feel of Sequoia’s warm load rushing inside hir. Shi mewled and gasped in pleasure at the feel of joy and passion hir empathy was receiving. To know that the two people shi loved most in the galaxy were sharing in hir pleasure was everything shi wanted. Shi held onto Sequoia and licked hir face as they came down from their high.

Travis was gasping for breath, recovering from the exertion. Sequoia was nearly passed out from the lovemaking they had given hir. Serenity was rubbing hir back while hir eyes looked up to Travis. Shi gave him a wink then motioned to hir side. He nodded and slowly pulled out of Sequoia. Shi hummed in disappointment from the sudden emptiness but didn’t say a word. Shi decided to put hirself deeper in Serenity’s bosom. Travis set himself down beside them. He got enveloped in their hugs as they relaxed together.

“Hmmm. That was good,” Serenity purred to them. “Did you enjoy yourself, Seq?” Sequoia could only grunt in affirmation. Travis huffed out a laugh and leaned over to kiss Sequoia’s muzzle.

“I think Sequoia is a very happy puppy.” A nod was all he got from the Stellar Foxtaur. He leaned into their embrace and kissed Serenity as well. “And thank you, Ren.”

“For what, sugar?” Travis swapped his gaze to both, catching each of their differing green eyes. The dark forest green of Serenity’s alive with joy and happiness. Sequoia’s bright mint green’s full of satisfaction and love. So different, yet Travis loved looking at them both. His brain soon caught up with what his heart was telling him. Not only was he in love with Serenity, which he knew would happen soon. He was also growing to love Sequoia as well. That thought scared him and brought back those intrusive thoughts that took root in his mind.

“For everything, Ren.”

With their playtime done, they washed and got ready for the day. Travis asked Serenity if his clothes from yesterday were finished air drying. Serenity responded that his clothes had been put into a hamper to be washed, which should be occurring today. That was when Travis realized he’d have to go downstairs in the buff since he only brought enough clothes for a single change. He wasn’t exactly planning on staying but the Dancing Lights Clan was very persuasive. They even got Baiyoshay to stay the night!

Sequoia mentioned that the Clan wouldn’t care. They didn't wear clothes in the privacy of their own home. They rarely ever wore them out in public either. The only time clothes were truly worn by them was when it was part of a uniform or required due to formality. Travis was getting comfortable with the idea since Serenity was there to support him. Now that Sequoia was also in his corner, he felt he could face the clan without anything on his person. He just hoped Baiyo wouldn’t get too offended. If hy was as accepting as the others, there shouldn’t be any reason for offense. Better get those clothes washed as soon as possible, however. He’ll need them for the trip home. He knew that most others were not as inclined to want to see a naked Human than other species.

When he arrived back in the kitchen for breakfast, he was slightly embarrassed but held on to his demeanor. He would not show weakness. He didn’t have to fear, though. The Clan didn’t even bat an eye at his state of undress and treated it like a normal occurrence. Kairen did give him an appraising look before winking at him. Even Baiyo grinned at him, complete with a licking of chops! That threatened to break his composure. He just smiled and took the compliment as it was intended. Breakfast was served soon after. The biscuits were light and fluffy. The gravy had pieces of sausage added in and was a perfect consistency. Scrambled eggs were also made to top off the whole entree. Orange juice and milk were passed around to wash everything down.

They all sat together at the dining room table. Braveheart took the head position with Marathon taking the opposite end. Travis was positioned in the middle between Sequoia and Serenity. On the other side was Amethyst bookended by Baiyoshay and Kairen. Diamond sat beside Marathon while Lapis was with Braveheart. It was a little crowded, but that just meant more cuddles for everyone. Baiyo especially seemed to enjoy snuggling in with Kairen to squish Amethyst between them. It was a picture-perfect scene.

As they ate, Travis was watching as they interacted with each other. The current conversation seemed to be revolving around the next beach trip. Since they were so far north in the southern hemisphere in addition to being right where two currents collide, the beaches were just starting to open. They were thinking of taking a day off during Week Twenty-Three to enjoy themselves. Everyone who worked could easily take a day off that week and the kids could work double duty to stay ahead on their lessons. It was made official that on Thirdday of Week Twenty-Three would be a beach day for the Clan. They also invited Travis and Baiyoshay to join them. Travis readily agreed and so did Baiyo.

Travis knew he had found the right family. They say that you can’t choose who you’re related to, but you can choose who you interact with. He found this to be a very true statement. He hated most of his blood relatives. At least, those he had met. They were too much like his sperm donor. All set in their toxic ways and backward to the times. He found this Clan to be more family than his parents and relatives were. He felt wanted, desired, and listened to. This Clan was so outgoing and accepting of him that he started to feel that he belonged. It was addicting, in both good and bad ways. Travis was sure he’d found paradise. He’d just hope that paradise wouldn’t be tarnished by his mistakes and Human nature.

Today was going to end up as a lazy day. The Clan was interested in just being together as a family. It was also a good time for the kids to get ahead on their homework. Diamond was going over hir upper classes in biomedicine. While shi wanted to be a Chakker player, shi wasn’t dumb enough to think that would keep hir supported forever. Shi was thinking of getting certified to be a team doctor for the leagues as a backup. Hir family supported hir choices and did everything they could to make sure shi launched successfully.

Lapis, on the other hand, was only seven. Shi was taking basic level courses to prepare hir for the more intense stuff that came later. Basic arithmetic, history, writing, those sorts of classes. Amethyst took over working with Lapis to make sure the cub was understanding the curriculum. The scene of Lapis sitting between Amethyst’s forelegs as they went over math homework was precious. Travis was watching as the two sisters were bonding over homework. A slight longing sensation entered his mind. He didn’t know what it was like growing up with siblings. If he had been born in a better household, would he have had younger brothers and sisters? Or would he have had older siblings to look up to? He didn’t know exactly. But if the feeling he got from Lapis was what he thought it was, he’d soon have a few younger siblings. Especially if his relationship with Serenity kept growing as it did.

Travis was looking over to Diamond when he noticed hir struggling with a problem. Shi kept biting hir thumbnail in frustration. Whatever shi was looking at was mocking hir. Hir tail kept thrashing in the telltale sign of an agitated feline. He walked over and sat down beside hir. He looked over to see exactly what shi was working on. They were chemistry problems from all the symbols and numbers. However, while this wasn’t the basic chemistry that he had taken to satisfy requirements, it wasn’t much higher. He guessed this would be needed for a biomedicine degree and might be a requirement for the medical classes. While Travis was not big on chemistry in terms of all the theory, he did have enough practical experience to know a lot of different facets of it.

“Hey, that’s chemistry, right?” he asked Diamond. Shi looked over at him in surprise before nodding. Shi tilted the PADD over to show exactly what shi was looking at. A cursory glance told him shi was working on the reaction of certain elements. Seemed shi was having the same problem he had when it came to chemistry: there was just too much memorization! He chuckled lightly when he saw hir slight aggravation. “Don’t worry, not laughing at you. Just remembering when I had to go through that. Seems like you’re having a hard time with it, though. Any way I can help?”

Shi gripped hir ear in frustration and exclaimed, “It’s just so much memorization! I can’t keep all the elements straight in my head!” He reached out and grabbed hir arm. He offered a calming smile as he took the PADD from hir.

“Hey, now. Don’t fret. I can help. Here, let’s start by going back to the beginning.”

Travis and Diamond spent most of the morning going over how to understand and recall the elements of the periodic table and how they interacted with each other. They also made flashcards for some of the example equations to help augment hir studying. Braveheart and Marathon watched lovingly as their sort of son-in-law helped their daughter. He was kind, understanding, and patient with hir hot-headedness and slight frustration. He was able to teach hir at the pace and level shi needed to understand the subject matter. All the while, the smile he gave hir when they started never left his face.

After getting hir started on the problem sets, he sat back and watched the family do their chores. It was apparently Kairen’s turn to do the laundry, so shi was off gathering the hampers and starting the load. That included his clothes which he was happy about. While he was getting comfortable being naked with the others, his Human sensibilities were trying to come out and fight back. He put those thoughts aside. They didn’t matter right now. He was soon coming to find that he didn’t mind being clothes-free. Everyone else was equally not wearing anything, so why bother fretting about it? He found that the more he got involved, the less his mind went to the dark spaces that he normally lived in. The light of family and acceptance was chasing away all the depressing feelings that were begging to come back into his life.

His thoughts drifted to how he woke up this morning. Sleeping next to someone was always a plus ever since that one night he and Serenity slept in a bed. There was also the first time they slept together as Companions. That was an amazing time. Today, though, was a different experience entirely. Waking up with family was the breath of spring air that cleansed the soul. He wanted this to be the new normal for him. To wake up in Serenity’s arms every day would make him a very happy man. Could he request it, though? It wasn’t like he was anything special. No matter how often Serenity told him differently, his mind kept acting like a dog returning to its own vomit. He was disgusted with himself. Why couldn’t his mind work with him?

He stood from his position on the couch and went to get a glass of water. Teaching really takes a lot out of the throat. He was standing against the counter by the stove when Baiyoshay swung by. Hy had a sad smile that Travis instantly caught. He hoped that this sadness was for something mundane and not something worse.

“I must return home, love. My family might start getting worried about me if I don’t get going.” Travis knew that he also needed to head home as well. Yet, he didn’t want to leave. He would have preferred staying right here with all of them, Baiyo included. He just couldn’t voice it without causing issues. That would be needy of him and that was something he had to avoid. He would not become a leach. He will be a proper member of this family.

“Too bad, Baiyo. I enjoyed our time together. Maybe we can meet again for lunch sometime?”

“I’d like that. I’ll contact you when I get the chance.”

“Sounds perfect to me. I’ll walk you out.” Baiyoshay stretched out a hand that Travis easily took. They walked to the front door which Travis opened. Baiyo stepped out with quick peck to Travis’ cheek.

“By the by, I really enjoyed the show. Maybe you can give me a demonstration, as long as Serenity allows?” Travis smacked himself in the head. He had completely forgotten about Baiyo’s all-seeing ability. Hy must have felt everything they did up there.

“Funny, Baiyo. You can stop messing with me now.”

“Who said anything about messing with you? The offer is genuine.” Boy, was hy laying it on thick. Travis shook his head to clear the mental images of a female Baiyo spread out before him. Those blind eyes gave the whole thing a different vibe that somehow resonated with him.

Cease and desist, asshole! You are not a horndog, you are a gentleman! Don’t go thinking this is nothing more than teasing! His mind was reeling and denying that this could be happening. Baiyo noticed and placed a hand on his chest.

“I’m serious, Travis. I would hope that you would take the offer to at least see if we are compatible.” Travis took a deep breath. He hasn’t been a Companion for longer than a week and already two more people were wanting him! When did he become such a player? He hoped Serenity wouldn’t claw him for already having more mates on the docket. He blew out his breath and shrugged. His best option was to go with the flow. There was nothing more he could do in that situation.

“Alright. If Serenity doesn’t mind, I guess we can see where that would go. Just can’t make any promises.”

“I would never ask you to make a promise you couldn’t keep. I’ll see you next time, love.” Hy turned and started walking down the path to the sidewalk. Travis was about to respond when something clicked in his mind. Something Baiyoshay had said didn’t make sense at first glance. Baiyo never had given him hys contact info, nor had Travis given his own.

“Wait, Baiyo! I don’t think we exchanged contact info!” Baiyo looked back and winked at him.

“Don’t worry about that. I’m already in there. Tail High, love.” Hy continued down the path and was soon walking to the bus stop. Travis watched in disbelief as this Skunktaur defied everything he had expected. This was getting weird for him. Might as well check.

He went back inside to see Marathon coming from the hall. Shi seemed curious as to what was going on and soon voiced hir question. Travis explained that Baiyo had to return home.

Marathon said sadly, “Oh, that’s too bad. We’ll be sure to invite hym to the next gathering.” Travis was glad about that. He had started to grow attached to Baiyo. He didn’t expect Baiyo to have the same reaction. These Chakats and their Chakat-kin were confusing sometimes. He needed to think and ponder on these changing developments. See where he could improve his mental state, and where his boundaries should be. He didn’t want to hurt anyone with his ignorance or stupidity. Then again, one can easily fix ignorance. It’s a lot harder to fix stupidity.

Travis went over to the couch where he had last seen his PADD. He went through his contacts to confirm what Baiyo said. Sure enough, there was Baiyo’s contact. Hy did in fact live in East Hill. He was literally on the other side of the shopping center where they first met. Travis laughed slightly at that as he put his PADD down. That Skunktaur was a crafty little devil. He better watch out or get pounced on.

He walked back to where Diamond was finishing up with the problem set. He looked over the answers, and while shi did get the occasional mistake, shi did very well for just an hour of study. If shi kept improving this fast, shi’d soon bring hir grade back up. Shi was appreciative of his help and demonstrated that with hugs and lick-kisses. Travis was getting used to the constant stream of affection by now. He embraced hir with as much vigor as shi gave him.

He lightly whispered in hir ear, “I’m proud of you, Dee.”

“I was a little worried,” shi confided to him. “My grades had been slipping in Chemistry for weeks. I thought I was going to fail and lose my dream.” Travis could sympathize. He had dreams shattered before. It was on par with getting betrayed in how hard they hit a person. He knew what that could feel like, especially for a teen. He wasn’t going to let this destroy hir dream.

“Don’t ever think that. I’ve been there. Don’t ever lose hope on your dreams. Keep fighting for them. Even when life blows you down, you get back up and push back twice as hard.”

Shi hugged him tighter and whispered a soft, “Thanks.” He merely hugged hir back and smiled. He seemed to have done his good deed for the day. He’d better take a lesson from his own book and start pushing harder to achieve his dream for finding happiness. He’d already started the process. He just now needed to see where it would take him. He just hoped and prayed that Murphy would leave him alone. He’d never know how much those thoughts would come back to bite him. He should really have known better by now.

Across the street in a PTV, two beings were watching the Dancing Lights Clan’s house. They had been observing for weeks, taking notes on patterns, movements, and what else was deemed important. When the new Human showed up, all their plans went out the window. However, it did offer something that would be especially good for them. Their boss had been wondering where a particular Human had run off to. Now, it was possible they knew exactly where he was. They would be rewarded handsomely if this panned out in their favor. It wasn’t every day that luck seemed to smile on someone like this.

“You sure that’s him?” one of them asked.

The other said, “Oh, I’m very sure. He matches the description perfectly. He’s definitely the guy.”

“How can you tell?”

“You never forget a face, man. The resemblance is too uncanny to ignore. We need to tell the big boss about this. We could be getting rich tonight!”

“I don’t like it. This guy supposedly took out an entire operation he had sniffed out by himself. Are we sure we can evade him? I don’t want to die, dude. If he finds us--”

“What are you, Colonel Sanders? Chicken?” The question was punctuated with a punch to the arm. The other man yelled out an expletive that the other shrugged off. “Besides, we aren’t going after him and he’s not looking for us. As long as we stay under his radar, we’ll be fine.”

“Does that mean we’re sticking with the original plan?”

“Oh, no. Not with him nosing about. We need more support for that. Support that we don’t have available right now. Nah, we’ll get the freaks later. For now, let’s see what the big boss says.”

The other guy shrugged and said, “Alright, it’s your call.” He reached into a bag to pull out a PADD. The other one returned his gaze to the house. A malicious grin overtook his face. It was a cruel and disgusting thing.

“Soon. Very soon. Just need to be patient. I’ll have my fun.” He started to chuckle to himself. That chuckling turned to a peal of laughter that could chill the blood. It was the laugh of someone not entirely put together in the head. “Your family will pay for what you did to me, freak. I’ll make sure they suffer just as much as I did.” No one was the wiser to the ramblings of this madman. However, he wasn’t only mad in his mind. There were plenty of things wrong with him. Things that would make even the most hardened criminals avoid. The horrors this man envisioned were depraved and sickening. “I’ll leave my mark on you. Oh, yes. Just you wait, Braveheart.”