Page 12 of His Theo

Hopefully.

We just needed a starting point.

Chapter 4

Yes, starting point.

I knew I’d eventually find one but I was glad when he gave me another hug and started talking about what made him happy.

“One aspect of happiness I can decipher is physical touch. I am confident that holding you and providing comfort increases my happiness.” He said it so matter-of-factly that I almost glossed over how cute that was.

“I like physical touch and cuddling too. Not just…not just the sexual kind of touch. I like being held.” I knew that could end up with him carrying me around everywhere, but I was confident I could create a good boundary if it got that far.

He made a happy sound and patted my head. “We will have much in common, but appreciating mutual physical contact is a good foundation for any relationship where caretaking will occur.”

Yes, that was a good place to start.

Oh, starting point.

“Um, speaking of starting points, I want to make sure we talk about a few other foundation kinds of things. Like…what’s your name?” Had anyone already mentioned it? “If Larry said it right before I…lost consciousness, then I’m sorry but I didn’t hear it.”

My new friend went very still before letting out a very human and dramatic sigh. “No. He did not. I apologize for missing that step in the human custom for social introductions. I am used to being known.”

Huh?

Nope, first things first.

“It’s okay. The drama was a distraction and then we got involved in talking about other stuff.” Like about cuddling and about how I was brave when I managed to look at him. “We’ll just do that part now.”

“I have taken the human name Jerker.” Before I could mentally walk through how he’d pronounced JER-ker, he kept going. “Again, I apologize for not making that known.”

“You’re used to being known. It’s fine.” He seemed worried about fucking up our introductions so I straightened and kissed his cheek again. “But why are you known?”

That sentence was terrible but I found myself mirroring his words unless I really thought about it.

“I was…” He paused, clearly working on translating an idea or a word. “Hmm. I do not think there is a single word translation. I was… The human language is fascinating.”

Oh yeah.

“I will say I was part of our group-captain-decision-makers.” He went quiet again, rolling the idea around in his head before making a rolling shrug. “I am not pleased with the translation, but it is the closest that I can find without additional research.”

Well, it wasn’t bad as long as I was understanding the combination right. “So you were part of the decision-making group that’s closest translation would be captains? Like running the ship as a group?”

Wait.

Had I heard that right?

It wasn’t until I thought about what he’d said that the reality hit me and it wasn’t just a word game of figuring out what he meant.

“Yes. That is an accurate description.” He gave me a pat on the back like he was proud of me for working out the details. “It makes me known.”

I could see that.

I was back to my questions having questions again.

“Um, are you still in that position?” I wasn’t sure if that was a stupid question or not until he shook his head and treated it reasonably.

“No. My term has finally ended and another has taken my position.” His answer was so casual I had a feeling he thought I already understood more than I really did. “I am ready to interact socially with humans and to be a member of your society. Do not worry.”

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