Raptors Don't Take Baths!

The hotel suite is quiet and quaint. It has a kitchen, a bath, a couch and even a bedroom. The place clearly cost his parents some money, and he's confused what he did for his mother to think he deserves this.

It's something he definitely shouldn't be privileged to, and yet, he is.

Blue's soft crying grabs his attention. Pulling her from the harness, he gently tosses her to the couch. She bounces lightly resulting in a soft screech and an open mouth. It's then he drops his duffle bag-backpack and pulls off the harness.

It's nice to be free of restraints.

"Are you ready for a nap? I am," he comments and sits next to her. He pulls her little outfit off as well as the diaper. "I'm still tired after that long flight."

As if in answer, she yawns and rolls to her side. Her little tail flicks back and forth as she watches him.

"What?"

She babbles softly.

"I can't understand you."

A whimper leaves her mouth before she babbles again.

Owen sighs and rises from the couch. Walking to the bedroom, he looks at the bed with the queen bed and white sheets. It looks inviting. His eyes scan the large bathroom and an idea forms. Walking to the spacious, white bath, he fills the tub and adds the bubbles provided. Tossing his phone on the counter, he pulls his shoes and socks before shedding his shirt and shorts.

Walking back to the couch, he looks at the little raptor. "Can I trust you?"

Her little talons flex and she looks up at him with grabby claws.

He bites his lip and considers it a good idea that he keeps his underwear on. At least there's some sort of protection there. Picking her up, he walks to the bathroom and climbs in the tub.

Holding her up, Owen settles into the bath and slowly lowers her into the water. He plops her on his chest where her eyes widen, and she slams her claws into the water with a screech. Her lips pull up into a smile.

After a few minutes, Blue calms and he lays her against his out-of-the-water chest. It isn't long before she's snoozing away with soft gasps he's come to believe are snores.

His fingers gently run up and down her side as his eyes close. It's been a while since Owen's felt this relaxed. He hasn't had a bubble bath in years. There's something soothing about the baby on his chest and the warm water that has him nodding off.

His phone starts vibrating against the counter and he's suddenly gripping the raptor in his arms as he leaps to his feet. The baby in his arms tenses, and he braces for slashes that never come. He receives a soft, confusing chirp instead and can feel her heart pounding.

Owen grabs the phone and places it to his ear. "Hello?"

"Honey, are you okay?"

"Mom?" he questions and walks into the bedroom. Keeping one hand on Blue, he grabs his bag and he brings it to the bed. "What's going on?"

"Did you get in?"

"Yeah, a while ago," he comments as he pulls out underwear. Normally, he'd sleep in nothing, but since Blue's been around he doesn't think sleeping naked is beneficial to her or him.

"What did I tell you when you left?"

Owen puts the underwear on the counter before turning and pulling the plug on the tub. "I forgot. I'm sorry."

"Do you know how worried I was?! I thought something had happened to you."

"Mom," he says as he watches the water drain. "I'm sorry. Blue and I made it here. The hotel is beautiful. We're both thankful for what you did for us. I'm grateful for this trip."

His mother sighs and he's positive it's from her relief. "I'm glad you're safe. Are you two having a good time?"

He nods as he sets Blue in the empty tub. "Yeah. We're both tired. I'm about to shower so we can both sleep."

"Well, I'll let you go, then. Call me in the morning."

"Will do, Ma. Love ya." He hangs up and puts the phone on the counter. Owen then walks to the shower and turns on the water. When it's the right temperature, he climbs in.

With a glance toward the baby cooing in the tub, he starts humming a tune he happens to sing all the time recently. He can't figure out the words, though. He can't remember where it comes from. It's something he's known for years, but everything about the song escapes him.

When the cooing stops, Owen pauses. Looking towards the tub, he can't see any part of the little raptor. His hand meets the shower door when suddenly a little blue head wobbles into view.

Owen has the water off and a towel around his waist in moments. He moves to the tub and looks down at the raptor using the tub edge to stand. He feels like his heart is going burst out of his ribcage as he puffs out his chest and grins.

"You're trying to walk."

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