February
20, 2004
They both slept in
way past breakfast and Cubbi started sucking on Plucki's beard and curled into
the older Gummi. Cubbi wrapped his legs around Plucki's lower back. Plucki
awoke first but laid there for a moment but then gently moved the child, not
waking him, and got the horse ready. Then he took Cubbi out to the spot while
he was still sleeping. Cubbi stirred a bit but didn't wake up and Plucki told
him to sleep some more; he needed it.
Cubbi just nodded
faintly and laid against him a bit more
“I'll hold you until
you're ready to get down” Cubbi nodded and tightened his grip.
“That's my boy“ he said gently and after a bit, the cub opened his eyes
but didn't make any move that he wanted down.
“You sleep better
now, Bright Eyes?”
Cubbi nodded "Uh
huh."
“That's good; I'm glad. You want to fish for a
bit while I set up camp?”
Cubbi just clung to
his arm.
“I'm right here;
nothing's going to get you, the lake is right there. See? I'm still in eye shot”
Cubbi seemed calmed by that and nodded.
“Good boy. You do
that and as soon as I get the tent and things set up, I'll join you” Cubbi nodded
and ran off, but still kept a grip on the bear and Plucki just chuckled to
himself. While he watched the cub, he saw the cub was trying to fish with his
bare hands.
“Where’d you learn
that?”
“From Gruffi, Plu… Daddy. He taught me a long
time ago.” Plucki nodded and showed the kid an easier way and started using a pole.
"You might want
to do it this way so you don’t catch a cold.”
“That way's too easy;
this way's much better…"
“Better if you don’t
want to get sick.”
“Yes Daddy.” Cubbi
said, taking the pole.
“No Papa! I no want
that! No!” Maci called as he ran through the room as Blastus was trying to put his clothing on him. This was the fifth time
the kid had wrestled out of the room and down the hall. At least this time he
had a chance to get the kid’s underclothing on him. But the kid continued to sail
though, onto a slippery floor, Elliot grinned as the kid made it passed, only
to have Blastus fall onto his side.
“T'ank you Elliot. I safe now. I not getting
dressed.” Elliot nodded; that’s when Blastus groaned. Elliot too was in nothing
but his underwear,
“Elliot we’ll tell Plucki
when he gets back. Now get back here and get dressed, you too Maci.” The two as
one called back,
“No!” And ran.