Phoenix Maplewood li pale [m]

Marie returned their gaze. Much passed between them, especially when Totoro reached out to not just sniff noses but tentatively rub them together. They grinned at the intimate silliness of it but did not pull away, especially when they felt Marie’s paw glide up their foreleg.

If we were to couple, we would never know if I gave you children, though surely you will bear a litter. You will raise them in your late mother’s, Erzulie’s, memory, along with your surviving mother, your sisters, your aunts and your cousins. They will be cherished, like Sugar cherished me.

None of it came out with the inflection of a question, though Totoro paused and slanted their muzzle to gaze deeper into Marie’s eyes. Even before she could voice an answer, they saw confirmation in those jeweled depths.

Maybe I could offer my assistance, after all. What do you think, Marie? Of lovemaking with someone who is neither man nor woman… or maybe a bit of both?