IN THE END IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTER // CotC trespasser

[michael t.]

ALL I FOUND THE SPACE BETWEEN THE SPACES
STANDING IN THE NOTHING, AND TIME RECLAIMS YOU

If Michael had expected anyone to have kids that none of them knew about, it certainly wouldn't have been Lutum. Not because the dragon was a bad guy, or anything. It was just difficult for the bobcat to imagine the other making any children, given his... condition. Perhaps some people were just into slime – he had heard of weirder things. Either way, the dealer had a smile on his face as he approached the bell that day, and spotted Oleander there. Over time, he had gradually softened up when it came to the presence of kids around him, a process that had been considerably sped up by having his own children. So, seeing the enthusiastic little hatchling managed to brighten his day a bit. It was honestly lucky that Oleander hadn't introduced herself with her full name, though, because his mood certainly would've tanked if he had realized who the girl's mother was.

For now, though, the identity of Oleander's mother was hardly on Michael's mind, aside from a teasing jab at Lutum as he padded over, "Lutum, you horn dog! How come you didn't tell any of us that you had kids? I would've loved to meet them... although I suppose I get the chance now." Turning his mismatched blue gaze then to Oleander, he offered the girl a small smile, sitting down as he continued, "Hey there, Oleander. I'm Michael – I'm related to your Dad's cousin, actually." Through adoption, obviously, but he didn't really think the kid would question it too much. After all, anyone trying to see a family resemblance between Lutum and Roxie would probably end up dumbfounded.

With a little hum leaving him then, the thief gestured with a paw in the direction of the tavern, explaining simply, "Don't worry, we've got plenty of food. In fact, we've got an entire tavern full of food and drinks. Have you been traveling for a while?" Honestly, the thought of such a young kid roaming around on her own was kind of terrifying. Sure, Michael had done something similar early in his life, but he had at least been a teenager at that point.

— Reggan