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The Cohen Clover

Angie Mae & Anin B

copyright comidacomida 2022

Friday nights were Pod nights; it was an established norm for Angie Mae at that point and, by extension, Anin. Although the two partners had a rocky time during the misunderstanding they were quick to patch things up and life returned to normal in no time. As was the way of Ikali, however, things didn't remain the same; as with the otter-people, it was always changing, and continued to do so... for the better.

Three weeks had passed in the blink of an eye with Angie Mae spending time with Anin and her pod every Fri; every Saturday became a night just for her and her Ikali partner. Anin, for the most part, was content to get as much time with her in as many ways possible, and he was always happy with whatever activities she chose; invariably it was always her choice, as if he were along for the ride. He never seemed to tire of her taking the lead, however, as every single outing they had was met with wide eyes and childlike wonder. Angie Mae came to really appreciate that.

Sitting back in her chair, picking at one of the pieces of pepperoni on the half-slice in front of her, she finished her explanation to those around her. "Which is why we settled on the two bedroom, two office apartment without a living room."

Angie Mae's pod-mades were gathered close around her as she offered up her plan for their.... information? Approval? She honestly didn't know what she expected from them, but she laid it out regardless.

Charlie was all smiles. "I think that's wonderful... the fact that you and Anin can enjoy being around each other so much, but still comfortable spending time apart."

The Otter let out a happy churl. "Whenever we're in different areas it just reminds he how much I like being around Ammy."

Angel smiled smugly, giving Angie Mae a playful elbow. "You OBVIOUSLY don't work with mah girl then... she's got a knack for correcting even the smallest little thing!"

Anin didn't even hesitate to reply, his thick, rudder-like tail swaying behind him. "Oh! I really like that! She is a great teacher and is always helping me correct things I did not understand."

Greg, who was walking behind the Otter's tail stutter-stepped as he got tripped up by Anin's tail; Hunter caught him at the last minute, keeping the Human from face planting on the floor with a fresh pizza in his arms. "Careful, Greg... pizzas are easy to replace; handsome faces are not."

The Ikali glanced behind himself, quickly pulling his tail in closer to his body, draping it down one of the legs of the chair. "Oh! I am very sorry, Greg. I did not know anyone was behind me."

The Human recovered quickly, maintaining balance on the platter of pizza as Hunter led him to a seat. "No worry, Anin... no harm done, really. I shoulda been watching where I was going, I guess."

Hunter let out a displeased double-click. "He has a tail, and it is in an area where people walk. Phin are mindful of ours, and ours are bigger. The least he can do is keep from tripping my boyfriend."

Anin didn't even miss a beat "I am very sorry for tripping your boyfriend, Hunter. It was a mistake and I will be careful in the future."

The Album offered a succinct whistle in acknowledgement. "Good. I accept your apology... just do not do it again."

Angel shot a subtle glance at Anin with a smirk and clawed at the air while noting under his breath "Mrowr... hiss."

The Ikali glanced back at the black man blankly. "I do not underst--"

Carver leaned past Max to whisper quietly "He is implying that Hunter is being 'catty'... It is a turn of phrase which means--"

Anin piped up happily "Oh! I am familiar with the term 'catty', Carver, thank you! I am very lucky because it is not something I see very often from most of my coworkers. They are very nice people... like all of you. Even Hunter."

The Album puffed up indignantly. "Hey!"

Greg reached over and put an arm around Hunter's shoulders. "Relax, Hunter... he doesn't mean anything by it."

Although Hunter looked as though he wanted to say something further, it was Andy who cut into the conversation. "So... you figured which room is gonna be yours, Quick-Brow?"

Andy's quirk for using peoples' last names had come to include what the Ikali called a 'trait name', the qualifier they used to differentiate between two individuals who might otherwise share a name; Anin was known as 'Quick-Brow' because, compared to other Ikali, he was considered quite the thinker. In that case, he didn't even pause before answering happily "Yes! I am taking the room that Angie Mae doesn't!"

Clicker leaned in from across the table; Humans often had trouble reading the expressions on Phin faces since they weren't as expressive as those of Humans, but Angie Mae had long-since become familiar with them, and could tell that the Album was slightly concerned. "Anin... do you always defer to Angie Mae?"

The Ikali looked aghast to such a point that it almost seemed theatrical. Wrapping his arms around his chest, grasping the wet suit covering him tightly, Anin objected. "No! Of course not! Ikali cannot take off our hides. Besides, I think that would be rude! Even if I COULD de-fur I would ask permission first!"

Doing a double-take, Clicker held up his webbed hands. "No... no... I didn't mean taking off your pelt, I meant--"

Angie Mae interjected. "He knows what you meant, Clicker."

Max, as usual, was astute when it came to Other Earth residents. "Right-- you can tell he's kidding because his whiskers are doing that thing they do." Max was also, as usual, lacking in clarity.

She filled in the blanks, also using the correct term for Anin's 'whiskers'. "See how his vibrissae are twitching? Just so you're aware, that's a sure sign that he's only joking, Clicker."

Anin sat back down, a sheepish grin splitting his muzzle. "I am sorry if I confused you, Clicker. I DID know what you meant."

Angel swooped in and repeated the question. "He's right though, you know, Short-Stuff... if you're always just doing what Angie Mae tells you to then it's not actually a partnership, yeah?"

The Ikali cocked his head to the side. "Of course it is. Partnershps can take many forms, and, in this one, she helps guide me so I can make less errors!"

With all of her Pod so suddenly interested in Anin, Angie Mae looked down to the topping-less half piece of pizza in front of her. Seeing that the pizza Greg brought to the table was almost gone, she quickly excused herself. "I'm getting another pizza for the table. Be right back."

Although Angie Mae wanted the time to recollect her thoughts, she was accompanied by half her pod. Charlie and Clicker were the first to walk after her but they were followed quickly by Andy and Hunter; the former was accompanied by his Longos boyfriend and the latter pulled Greg along for the ride. Interestingly enough it was Greg who spoke first. "Are you alright, Angie Mae? I mean... going to a new Earth is a big change, but I've never seen you seem so... uh... off your game."

The young woman appreciated her Pod-- each and every one of them brought something to the collection of individuals that made them stronger as a whole; she'd always considered her unshakable analytical approach and knack for maintaining a clear mind to be hers but, facing the casual 'interrogation' of her regarding her partner it made her falter just enough that she began second-guessing a lot. Oddly, Anin was not one of the things she was doubting.

After a long pause she addressed Greg's question. "I'm alright, yeah... just a lot to think about, and you guys DO bring up some good points... but they're ones I've already thought about so it feels like I'm doing double-duty justifying myself."

Identifying just how much Hunter had grown along with Greg's own development, the Album spoke calmly and without judgment. "I am confused, Angie Mae Kline... I have not seen any of our Pod require you to justify yourself." The impression was ruined when the judgment came on the back end. Personally, I feel as though Anin is not the best partner for you, but I am not requiring you to defend your choice."

Hunter got an elbow from Greg, and elbowed him back. Charlie took a much softer approach. "The two of you... seem happy."

Even someone else bringing it up made Angie Mae smile. "I do like him, and he's said he likes me."

Andy, as usual, was both tactful and tactless. "You mean... as in... 'THAT' way?"

She immediately felt as though she had to justify herself again but it was a knee-jerk reaction and she carefully controlled it, choosing instead a much more conservative response which also better represented her mindset on the matter than a black-or-white answer. She was an adult so she could answer maturely. "I don't know yet."

Clicker glanced back toward the table and Angie Mae followed her gaze. Anin was standing on the bench, talking in an animated manner with Max and Angel. The moment he noticed her looking he stopped, stood up a little straighter and balanced on his tail as he raised a paw and waved it in an almost comically enthusiastic manner, an enormous smile on his muzzle; it made her smile as well. When she glanced back to the Album she could almost foresee his next words. She wasn't wrong. "He definitely likes you."

Angie Mae felt no reason to deny it. "I know. He already told me he does."

Their discussion stalled as the spot at the counter was vacated and she took a moment to order another pizza. As she did so, her Pod spoke quietly behind her; they weren't making any attempt to be subtle about their words and, to her joy, all four seemed quite pleased with the situation, Hunter even going so far as to say "Well I for one am glad that she has finally found someone."

Once she finished placing her order she turned back around to address her friends, only to have Coaster add in "So... if he likes you and if you like him-- which it looks like you do, then what is the problem?"

She offered a shrug. "I... I just don't know if I'm ready to see where it all leads."

Andy responded with his usually laid back advice. "It leads where it leads, Kline... What-- are you too afraid to walk a road because you're not sure of what's at the other end?"

She evaded his metaphor with a carefully constructed answer. "Well, generally when I'm on a road I already know where it goes... otherwise why taking it?"

He didn't let her settle for a disconnected answer. "Adventure.... I bet Ikali are full of it, aren't they?"

Angie Mae sighed; she appreciated that her Pod were interested in her happiness (or maybe just wanted to play matchmaker), but she also wasn't really comfortable with people involving themselves in her private life. "Ikali are, yes... but there are other issues-- despite how simple they might seem they're socially complex people."

Repetitive fart sounds pulled their attention back to the table, upon which stood Anin, marching in place and raspberrying with every step while the pod around him laughed at his antics. Hunter blinked. "Clearly a very socially complex people."

She rolled her eyes, turning back to regard the counter attendant as he slid a pizza to her on a tray. Once she had it in her grasp she stepped aside so Charlie and Clicker could order. Addressing Hunter, Angie Mae explained "Ikali are complex in their simplicity. They don't commit to things usually. They're flighty... mercurial. Do you know that their marriages only last two years?"

Coaster shook his head calmly. "Nobody is saying you have to form a life bond, Angie Mae... there are a LOT of stages between 'friends' and 'married'. Even if Ikali only marry for two years, that does not even have to enter into the discussion."

Hunter interjected. "It makes me wonder if you are worried about commitment, or a lack of commitment."

Balancing the pizza tray on her shoulder, she shot the Album a glance. "And what's that supposed to mean, exactly?"

Greg stepped between the two. "We all worry about you... you know that, Angie Mae."

She was not pacified. "And?"

The young man elaborated. "And that's it. Honestly. We just want to make sure that you're happy... and Anin seems to make you happy... so that's a GOOD thing... right?"

When asking the question he looked around at the rest of the Pod. After a pause they all nodded in agreement. If nothing else it provided Angie Mae a chance to escape, offering a dismissive "I'm content. Thank you."

Anin was all smiles when she returned to the table, eyes going wide when she set the oyster and white sauce pizza down. "We've been sticking to red sauce pizzas... I figured it was time to broaden your horizons."

Although Angie Mae was not particularly a fan of oyster pizza she wanted to make sure Anin had a chance to taste it; he loved trying new things. His eager churl was enough to banish her self-conscious thoughts and it made her smile. The Ikali began looking around the table. "I will love it, I know-- it smells really good... I wonder though, will it go better with... um... where is the--"

She smiled, sliding a glass jar with a perforated metal cap on it over to her partner. "Sean's parm?"

His smile widened even further. "Yes! The Parm of Sean!"

Angie Mae stopped worrying about her Podmates' opinions or where the road would lead; in the moment, she had to admit that she was happy with the gathering; she was happy with her Pod; she was happy with her partner. She was happy, and Anin helped make her happy. She was pulled from her happy thoughts when Anin asked her a question "Ammy... why are humans always swearing on fuzzy snake fishes?"

The question made her stop. She knew that 'snake fish' was the translation for the Ikali word 'eel', but she didn't quite understand his inquiry; snake fish weren't fuzzy. Turning to regard him, she looked at the otter, who was staring up at her from his spot on the bench; beyond him, Angel was laughing so hard he looked like he was going to fall over. Regardless, she sought clarification. "What do you mean, Anin?"

Rather than letting Anin answer, Angel, who was still guffawing uncontrollably somehow managed to gulp down lung-fulls of air before he was able to blurt out between laughs "I... I said... 'for real'."

The statement stopped Angie Mae. "Oh... fur eel."

Anin's happy churl was his only reply.

* * * * *

The next week passed in a blur. Between the finalization on the research projects they were conducting at Station Zero and the preliminary preparations for transfer to Riparian Earth, Angie Mae felt like she was pulling double (or even triple) duty. Fortunately, Anin remained by her side the entire time, happy and even eager to help wherever she needed. All Unity Programme participants transferring through the Gateway had to receive vaccines against Riparian Earth diseases.

In order to provide the best protection, staff were advised to get them at least two weeks ahead of the transfer, and so Angie Mae elected to get hers that Thursday. She had mentioned that she hated needles and Anin joined her at the clinic, holding her hand as she got her triple battery of inoculations. His presence, she had to admit, made them bearable and his light-hearted chatter was a fine distraction.

He brought it up the following day as they were putting away their lab equipment for the weekend. "I would like to know more about Human medicine. Dr. Forgotten Gazer told me all about vaccinations but Ikali do not have anything like that. I hope we have a chance to help teach them so my people can be safe from sickness too."

Angie Mae accepted the oscilloscope the Otter handed to her and, as he stowed the wiring in a carrying case, the two of them returned the items to storage as she spoke. "Any of the Ikali joining us at the Centre will get vaccinated too-- they need to be protected against Human and Phin diseases just like we need to be safe from yours. Didn't you get your shots before you came here?"

Anin's whiskers twitched and he nodded his head, not bothering to hop on the step stool to put away his case. He handed it to her instead and she stowed it where it belonged on the top shelf for him. The Otter spoke passionately. "I did... and I watched the entire time. I think syringes are so amazing, but I think it made the Album technician uncomfortable."

The Human woman glanced down to her companion. "He was uncomfortable that you wanted to watch him give you your vaccinations?"

He smiled up at her, holding his paw out to Angie Mae and she took hold of it without barely a thought, heading out of the lab with him in tow, elaborating on the experience. "I told him what it felt like since I know he didn't have fur or a hide, and I asked him what it felt like when he got his shots... he said 'it hurt'. It was not very descriptive."

Angie Mae laughed at his statement. "I suppose things like inoculations are so common place that we don't spend the kind of time thinking about them like you would... that, or some people just lack the attention to detail that you definitely aren't missing."

The statement seemed to satisfy Anin and he followed along happily, humming in his usual way as they went; she had come to recognize it as the 'All of us' song that he seemed to fond of singing when cooking. As far as Angie Mae knew there were not a lot of Ikali songs or, if there were, Anin definitely had his favorite; they'd spent most of their time that week staying in, looking over plan binders and reviewing options for their pending apartment transfer. Although she greatly enjoyed having spent the time with him, she was looking forward seeing her Podmates again. Apparently Anin felt the same way. "I am excited that we get more time tonight with your Pod, Ammy."

Smiling, she admitted it freely. "Me too, Anin... but they're YOUR Pod too, you know."

Anin let out a happy churl at that, double-hopping for his next two steps. "I did not know, but if you say it is fact I will believe you."

Laughing to herself, Angie Mae gave Anin's paw a light squeeze; he looked at her, smiled wide, and gave her a gentle squeeze in return. They entered into the Parlor together; although they were usually the last pair to arrive, she noticed that Max and Carver were absent. Taking her Ilaki companion to their usual seat, she sat down on the bench, finally breaking contact with Anin, who remained at the center of the room several seconds before speaking up "Carver and Max are not here."

As if saying the names aloud were all it took to summon them, the door on the east side of the room opened; Carver stepped through first and Max followed a half-step behind, arm hooked into the Amplus'. Angie Mae was surprised every time she saw him; Max's belly continued to get larger and larger every week-- she wondered how he was even able to walk. If the pregnancy caused the young man any great amount of discomfort he certainly didn't let it show; he was absolutely glowing, and had the largest smile on his face.

Once everyone was seated the discussions began in earnest. Obviously the first topic was Max, but, once all of the updates on the status of his calf were discussed he quickly pushed the discussion onto other important news, such as the upcoming trip for Angie Mae and Anin. The Otter was all too happy to distribute information freely. "I am so proud of Angie Mae. Ammy and I are the only Human/Ikali partnership going back to my Earth... Dr Cohen will be going, of course, but all of the partnerships other than us are Ikali and Phins."

Charlie smiled wide, reaching across the table with both hands so she could grab one of Angie Mae's hands and one of Anin's paws. "You two are going to be AMAZING."

Anin glanced toward Angie Mae, smiling. "I think we already ARE amazing!" The entire table laughed in response.

The discussions got much lighter after that, grazing a variety of topics, including the Station Zero Dive Ball teams and how Ikali were becoming amazing contributors in exhibition games. Numerous half-Phins like Andy had created teams and, with the inclusion of Human-looking team members it only made sense to invite the Otters, especially since they were able to stay under longer and swim better than Humans, occasionally giving the Phins a run for their money-- mostly due to their improved maneuverability. Some of the teams even began creating strategic plays capitalizing on them. It was a brave new world in Phin sports.

Although Angie Mae had never been much for sports, one thing she DID value was her Pod and, as the night wore on, she surprised herself when she realized that she'd been spending more time focused on her Ikali partner than the various discussions going on around her. She had selected pasta for the night's dinner and, almost without thinking about it, selected a dish that was considered safe for Ikali. The young woman was not surprised when Anin asked about her meal and, having selected carefully, she was able to let him taste it. As with any other first experience, Anin was completely overjoyed and bobbled off to go get himself a plate of it as well.

It had taken time for her to warm up to him, that much was true-- it always took her time to grow comfortable around anyone new. The more she was willing to let down her guard, however, the more she realized that there was no real reason to have it up. Every day that passed brought her closer to transferring to Riparian Earth-- an entirely new life on an entirely new Earth and the only familiar thing she had to hold onto was Anin. Previously the thought of having a mercurial, flighty, quick-to-change Otter as her rock was frightening and yet, as she watched him pad his way back to the table with a huge bowl of pasta in his paws and an elated expression on his muzzle she couldn't imagine taking the trip alongside anyone else.

Anin made her feel warm inside and out. He was funny, and he always meant well for anyone and everyone he encountered. Her Ikali partner was attentive and affectionate and he really and truly cared. He was cute in a bumbling, awkward way and that fact completely escaped him-- often causing him no small amount of confusion when he received 'aww' responses from those around him... her, most of all. It had taken her weeks-- or perhaps MONTHS to realize it but, in that moment, when he sat back down beside her and gently curled his tail around the small of her back, Angie Mae began to wonder if she was falling for him.

The Otter repeated his statement happily. "Posterior."

She didn't miss a beat. "Yes. I can see you're back."

He fired right back without even the slightest pause. "When I left you could see my back. Right now you can see my front."

Angie Mae smirked, careful not to speak in a conjunction which could be purposefully misinterpreted for word play. "Right. I can see your front, and I can see it because you are back."

Anin was all smiles, speaking around the first of many noodles he'd scooped up into his muzzle. "Yes. Thank you for for the food suggestion, Ammy!"

"My pleasure."

She sat in silence with her partner happily humming to himself as he demolished a Human-sized platter of pasta. The rest of the Pod continued their casual conversations, talking about a little bit of everything as Angie Mae absently toyed with the contents of her lab coat pocket. She didn't often wear her lab coat to dinner but Dr Cohen had handed out the first of several distributions ahead of their transfer; each member of the group had received a collection of Chits to include in the luggage they'd be taking to Riparian Earth.

Angie Mae found herself familiarizing herself with the feel of the currency, carefully picking out each and every denomination and pausing when she came to the thumb chit. It was the one reserved for a very informal courtship ritual, and one that Ikali were prohibited from offering to other Programme participants due to the very likely result of a misunderstanding. Ikali weren't allowed to offer it to their partners, but there were no rules about non-Ikali offering it to the Otters. Before she could second-guess herself, Angie Mae turned to regard her partner and spoke quietly. "Anin?"

The Ikali had already finished his pasta, and was sitting quietly, seemingly enraptured with a discussion Andy and Angel were having about nightlife in ocean towns. His attention, however, was pulled free and focused entirely on her the moment she called his name. "Yes, Ammy?"

Committed to the thought, she gripped the thumb chit in her pocket as she motioned with her free hand toward an unoccupied part of The Parlor. "Can I talk with you for a minute?"

The Otter glanced in the direction she gestured and back at her, cocking his head to the side. "Of course. You can talk to me whenever you like!"

When it was obvious that he didn't understand that she wanted to talk to him away from everyone else she clarified. "I mean over there. I'd like to talk to you alone, please. Do you mind?"

Shaking his head, Anin slid off of the bench. "Of course we can talk."

He held his paw out to her and she took hold of it; she had to slow herself down so he wouldn't have to rush to keep up with her-- despite being less than a foot shorter than her, Anin, like all Ikali had shorter legs and his speed on two legs was nowhere equal to a Human's. She forced herself to slow down a little and she carefully counted out a slow tempo to help. Thirty eight steps later she came to a stop, a polite distance from the rest of her Pod and she turned to face her partner. "Do you remember when you asked me about dates?"

Anin nodded, his whiskers vibrating. "Yes. I did not get a complete answer. I hope you do not mind that I like to think of all of our dinners here with your-- I mean... OUR Pod-- I like to think of them as dates."

Angie Mae found herself smiling. "I'm glad you enjoy spending time with the Pod, Anin... but, dates, for the most part, are supposed to be about getting to know the other person better and... uh..." she faltered.

The Otter picked up where she left off. "I already know you very well, Ammy, and I like getting to know about you. We do a lot of that in our apartment. I thought a date was when you went out and did things... like had dinner."

It was obvious that he was confused and she had to readjust her approach. "Yes... but... no-- not exactly I mean. What I want to say is that dates are--"

He brought his second paw to her hand he was already holding with his first and pat the back comfortingly. "It is alright, Ammy... I know you are not sure what to call it. I know you may not want to call them dates, and it is not important, just so long as we can spend time together I am happy."

Feeling her heart jump up into her throat, Angie Mae slowly brought the chit out of her pocket. "No, Anin... what I'm trying to say is that I think I really would like to--"

Her words were cut short by a guttural, pained cry from the table. Max called out unintelligibly, but it was followed quickly thereafter by Carver. "The calf! It's time!"