Chapter 7 #3
“Arf, Arf!” Ocean barked, the second bark sharper, drawing attention his way and bringing an end to the conversation.
Instead of barking more, he stood watching Roan finish his dance and clapped his paws, barking encouragingly when Roan did an awkward bow at the end before scurrying off the stage.
It prompted some of the others to clap and whistle too, rather than standing around ignoring him.
Pope rubbed his ears, pleased with way Ocean was presenting himself tonight.
Gentle and kindhearted, just like his old man.
Pope knew his old friend would have been proud of the way his son had turned out.
Pope waited until Roan had returned to Danger’s side before leading Ocean away, but there was a moment when Roan’s eyes widened in recognition when he’d spotted Ocean that Pope could have sworn something unspoken passed between them when Ocean inclined his head and Roan returned the gesture.
Interesting. He’d file that little tidbit away for later and wait to see how they interacted during Roan’s next swim lesson, since he’d be on hand for that.
They paused to observe a flogging demonstration that was part teaching, with one Dom occasionally stepping in to help readjust the way the wielder was administering gentle strikes while he got the hang of it.
Ocean paused where Pope did, standing still and observant, never bouncing around or acting impatient when Pope lingered somewhere until he was satisfied all was going well.
He leaned into every touch and caress Pope administered, nudging Pope’s hand to get an extra ear scritch or two but never attempted to distract him from his duties.
At the end of his shift, he went to the bar and found Roadie signing in to take over for him, so he passed him the emergency care kit and accepted the cold lemonades Teddy slid over for him and Ocean.
Ocean’s in one of the special pup bowls stocked beneath the counter.
“I heard about what happened with Kermit,” Kat said as she paused across the bar from him. “Sunshine took him into the quiet room to finish settling down, but she said you and Ocean really saved the day.”
“He’s a good pup,” Pope declared, rubbing the back of Ocean’s leather-covered neck.
They’d talk about whether or not it was okay for Pope to touch skin, among other things, once they’d finished their drinks. For now, Pope was enjoying a moment of calm after what had turned out to be a somewhat lively two hours.
“Yes, he is,” Kat declared, gently patting his head before moving along.
Since Ocean wasn’t in the right headspace to tell Pope why he hadn’t mentioned being a pup when they’d given him the tour, the question would have to wait until later.
It was good to see him completely at ease, slurping lemonade from his bowl and arching, whenever Pop’s hand slid over the back of his headgear.
Lemonade dripped from the leather when he finished, and Pope carefully wiped it away, Ocean’s glittering emerald glaze never leaving his.
“We need to talk for a moment about limits,” Pope said. “So, I need you to focus for me. Can you do that?”
“Arf!” Ocean replied, eyes narrowing behind the mask, and then he blinked, nodded, and found his voice again. “Yes, sir.”
“Perfect,” Pope replied. “I know you want to play, but before I take you to the pet space where there are all kinds of fun and naughty things to do, I need to know if it’s okay to touch places your gear doesn’t cover.”
“Yes, please,” Ocean replied.
“Are kisses and nose rubs okay?” Pope asked.
“Definitely.”
“If you need something or have questions, do you have a signal for pause?” Pope asked.
“Three taps on the thigh,” Ocean replied. “Like pawing.”
“Good, okay, see, I needed to know that,” Pope replied. “Things got a bit twisted up there, so we didn’t get to do things in the right order.”
“I’m okay with you touching me anywhere.”
Ocean’s clear and articulated consent was what Pope had been waiting for.
Now that he had it, he could ease him back into his pup headspace properly by taking him to the pet playroom and introducing him to everyone.
Then they’d drop back in on the littles, who’d be happy to see their new friend return.
Ocean would dictate what happened after that, since there were a wide range of apparatuses available if he chose to try them.
On a night when he’d expected to be bored enough to sign up for a second, if not a third, shift as a monitor, the unexpected gift Ocean had given of his company was more than welcome.
“Just so it’s clear,” Pope said. “You’re free to touch me anyway you’d like, Pup. Ready to see the playroom?”
Nodding, Ocean let out an excited Arf!
“Have fun you two,” Kat said, chuckling when Pope flinched, having missed her return.
He offered his arm to Ocean, who was far bouncier on this trip through the crowd.
A pup who understood the difference between work and play usually required training, which just left Pope with more questions about how much playing he’d done, because he’d make an amazing pup for anyone looking for one.
Including him.