Ryota stilled in his arms and hung low like a sack. His ears were folded back, and he looked at the ground. Nikola, still laughing, put Ryota at eye level and began to pet him on his neck.
The fox began to purr again, and Nikola hugged him to himself and spun around. He ended up face to face with Penemue, who was staring at him with adoration in her sapphire eyes.
Ryota, little traitor that he was, grabbed Penemue's robe with his teeth and tugged until his parents were nose to nose. Then the fox growled and began to chew at the silk.
Penemue wrapped her hands around Nikola's neck and brought him in for a kiss. The fox finally let go of her robe and began to make laughing noises, which were strange for a fox to make. Then he began to tickle both of his parents with his tail.
The three laughed and hugged each other closely. Penemue took Ryota from Nikola's hands, and the fox began to nuzzle into her bosom.
