Page 123 of Falling in Love with A Tiny Bat

“Really, really, truly?” I get so excited, Ash might experience heartbeat dubstep while he sleeps. “We can already add something to your list of safe foods? This is going splendidly! Do it again.”

“I fail to see why my liquid diet with the notable exception offigs and cashews is no longer sufficient. I’ve been branching out. Intotwokinds of smoothies. I’m doing so well.”

“Sweetheart, putting your meals through a cheese cloth is not entirely what I would considerdoing well. You deserve access to more nutrition options. Let’s find them together.”

He, reluctantly, obliges my whims.

After seventeen gags, several vomits, and a few attempts at coercion, Alexios rests draped across the back of the kitchen chair, head thrust dramatically away from me. “Despicable creature,” he whispers, “why must my heart long for you?”

“Xios, you’ve already addedthreenew safe foods to your list. This is cause for celebration! Not looking half-dead!” I am a monster. I should not be enjoying this so much. He just says the funniest things.

His pupilsdragacross his sclera to me. “Three. But at what cost?”

“My respect.”

He quips, “Sadist.”

Possibly. “I’m joking. I still respect you. Maybe even more. I’m proud of you for putting up with this. I’m so excited that it’s actually working and we’re finding more things you can eat.”

He glares at me, stormy eyes dredging into my soul. After a moment, he closes them with a sigh. “You are swiftly bestowing a praise kink upon me. What a tragedy.” He rubs the back of his neck and faces squarely away from me once more. “I had so enjoyed the humor of being a creature formed through trauma without any of his own.”

“Trauma makes you funny. You’re welcome.”

His lip curls. “I am already hilarious.”

I hide my laugh with a cough and snuggle Ash. “I mightgood boyyou if you get through a few more plates.”

He swears, “—woman. Screw you.”

I cover Ash’s ears. “Language.”

He says something in Japanese.

“Are you teaching my son how to swear inbilingual?”

“Japanese doesn’t have any specific curse words. It’s all about tone. And…creativity.”

“So you’re teaching my son to be creative? That’s okay then.”

“Ourson,” he corrects.

“Absolutely not. Next plate.”

Alexios sniffs, lifting his chin to glower at me. In a perfectcustomer service robottone, he says, “We’re sorry. Your request is strictly included in ourfather of my childpackage. Consider upgrading to proceed.”

After enacting the paywall, he crosses his arms.

“Who gave you the right to manipulate me like this?” I ask.

“I figured if we’re being toxic today, it was only fair.”

“Toxic? Where am I being toxic in havinglovinglyprepared dozens of different things for you to try in order to expand your horizons?”

“And now you’re gaslighting me?”

I sigh,dramatically—you know, since we’re beingdramaticand all. “I guess you don’t want to be a good boy…”

“Oh,docontinue teaching me that affection from you comes at a price. I’m almost certain that won’t have any long-lasting side effects, aren’t you?”

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