“That’s the first Dasan and I have heard about food,” Gramlithyn explained.
“We’ve been hiding in here from all the massive dudes unpacking boxes and grumbling,” Dasan added.
Semira laughed. “The centaurs have always been overprotective of Pyxlevir.”
“Jordan and the gargoyles aren’t much better about the twins,” Laconifel added.
It pleased Gramlithyn that his revelation that they were ignorant of the dinner plans had eased some of the tension, and his parents no longer appeared as troubled. He didn’t want to hurt them, but he was still lying to them. And nothing would change their anger and shame when they eventually learned why Gramlithyn had left.
Or that he’d run in the first place.
“That’s true, I was expecting them to show up with pitchforks today,” Gramlithyn mused. “But thankfully they were armed with boxes and suitcases instead.”
“Speaking of unpacking, was there anything you wanted us to bring you from the house?” Semira asked.
Gramlithyn shook his head. “No, I’m more comfortable in jeans, and it’s not like I need any of my old toys or anything.”
“Just because you don’t need them any longer doesn’t mean you might not want them,” Semira said gently. “Even if you don’t play with the toys doesn’t mean they don’t have great memories.”
“I don’t need them with me to remember the great times I had with them,” Gramlithyn responded.
“Okay,” his mother replied, though there was hurt in her eyes. But Gramlithyn wasn’t surprised. She was a sentimental person, and they’d nearly come to blows when he’d tried to box up or rid his room of old things. “Can we help you with anything?”
“Nope, all moved in. Should we go find out what they’re planning on getting for dinner?” Gramlithyn asked. “Dad and I will have veggie options thanks to Pyxlevir and Kalthekor, but who knows what those shifters will want.”
“That’s true, if I want a potato or a bit of salad, I need to get out there,” Semira joked. “Otherwise, those centaurs and gargoyles will order nothing but giant slabs of meat.”
“I like a mixture of stuff too,” Dasan said. “A pasta or a roll. Those are sometimes more delicious to me than anything else. I get that protein is important for shifters, but I don’t like much meat. Gram introduced me to the wonders of protein powder, and it’s been a literal game changer. Now I can eat what I want and not worry that I’m neglecting my hummingbird.”
“Youdidneglect your hummingbird,” Gramlithyn reminded his friend. “I told you about the protein powder after you fainted.”
“Okay, but that was because it was cheaper to eat noodles than to buy meat,” Dasan argued.
“If you needed money, all you had to do was ask, Gramlithyn,” his father remarked. “We tried to deposit money into your account.”
“I know, I denied the transactions or sent it back when you contacted the bank directly,” Gramlithyn answered. “It was important to me to prove to myself that I could survive on my own.”
“No more of that,” Semira stated firmly. “You did it for six years, and now you’re going to deal with your parents helping you out.”
Gramlithyn smiled. “No worries, I want to figure my future out. I also want Dasan to have the freedom to do the same, so I’ll take the money for now.”
“You will continue to take the money or you’ll have to formally emancipate yourself from your parents,” Laconifel corrected. “And even then, I’m still your Chieftain, so if I want to ensure you have everything you need and want, I will do so. Is that understood?”
“Yes, I’m not divorcing you or my tribe.”
“Not that he uses the Verdanyth last name anymore,” Dasan muttered.
“You don’t do what now?” Semira asked.
“I’ve been using Hippotigris,” Gramlithyn revealed.
“If that’s what you want, I understand,” Laconifel said, though his eyes were dark with hurt.
“I’d like to hyphenate it like Mom does,” Gramlithyn replied. “Is that okay?”
Laconifel smiled. “Of course. I’ll fill out a form and make it official. I think it’s only right that you give dignity to both sides of who you are.”
“I like the short hair,” his mother enthused. “And whoever did your tattoos is very talented.”
