my heart runs on gasoline vapors

they slip easily from the treehouse, well-acquainted now with its floorplan and structure. it almost feels as though they've lived there forever, as though there'd never been a time when they hadn't slept in a bedroom of their own with their adoptive parents just across the hall. if only that were true. "Dad," they greet, coming to Bas' side and aiming to brush themselves affectionately against his shoulder. they've gained a little height over the past months, though it's apparent they'll retain a significantly small size even into adulthood. still, they've lost much of the puppy roundness in their face and legs, replaced by faint muscle and a sharp angularity. pink eyes flick to the stranger, the motion rendered unnerving by the twin pair of eyes that remain tellingly still. their gaze travels over the newcomer, scanning them from toe to ear tip with open scrutiny.

then a grin breaks out across their lips, flashing a mouthful of sharp teeth as their expression shifts with impish delight. "oh, hello - you're new."

Speech