Chapter 6 Requesting Sunshine's Advice

One Month Later

John's PoV:

John smiled where he sat beside Blue Feather outside the other two-spirit's teepee on a soft deer skin blanket. The two of them were working on their beaded moccasins. Blue Feather was teaching him about the different materials that could be used to make them.

John's moccasins were made of deer hide covered with soft and warm rabbit fur, in preparation for the coming cold nights that Pocahontas had warned him about. He was in the process of decorating it with sky blue and sunshine yellow clay beads, which Blue Feather had taught him how to make by hand.

He planned to give them as a gift to Kocoum as soon as they were finished to Blue Feather's satisfaction. Thomas sat a short distance away outside Shining Fish's teepee, and John laughed softly when he saw his friend blush pink as the two-spirit beside him leaned in close to kiss Thomas's cheek affectionately.

The strawberry haired man still wasn't used to the idea of accepting the attentions of another male, but he was slowly coming around. Of course it didn't hurt that Shining Fish was sweet natured, kind as well as attractive.

"Have you thought of names for the child, Sunshine?"

"Hmmm?" John hummed, coming back out of his thoughts in response to the question. "I am sorry, Blue Feather. I was watching Thomas. I have not talked to Kocoum yet, but yes, I have thought of names. If the babe is a girl, Virginia. It is what my former people call this land, and I thought it beautiful. For a boy, Kocoa. For Kocoum, obviously. I would like that, someday, but I have a feeling this one is a little girl."

"And is this what you want? A little girl?"

"Yes. With Kocoum's dark hair and my eyes. But I will take her however I can get her, as long as she is healthy. That is what really matters."

"You are right, John. But I am sure everything will be alright. Grandmother Willow would not endanger your life, or the child's. She is everything that is good about nature. Love and the natural world. This is the place in the universe she cares for and watches over for us all."

"I am glad of that."

Thomas's PoV:

Thomas felt himself flush when Shining Fish kissed his cheek, cursing inwardly at his reaction when the two-spirit began to giggle, though his laughter was good-natured and clearly happy, not mocking.

He would be lying if he said he didn't have feelings for Shining Fish. He was sweet, beautiful and fun to be with. But those feelings also made Thomas uncomfortable, because of his past and his upbringing in England.

He honestly was not sure of anything, except that he wanted Shining Fish. His kindness, his continued love and attention. It made him uncomfortable, but it also made him happy.

But in order to have that he would have to live among the tribe. To have his own teepee for he and Shining Fish to share. To take a new name, to recreate himself among these people, because most of his people would never understand this choice. They would never accept such a relationship among them. It would be dangerous to even attempt such integration. And he would never endanger Shining Fish's life like that.

There was also the matter of children. Thomas had always wanted them, but Shining Fish, regardless of John's miracle, could not give him that. This knowledge hurt him. And would likely hurt Shining Fish if he told him. That was the last thing he wanted to do.

Maybe John- Sunshine would have some advice. As though his thoughts had conjured the man, his friend appeared at his side, John and Blue Feather joining them. They both smiled in greeting, continuing their work on the beaded moccasins that they held in their laps.

"John- I mean, Sunshine. Can I ask you something?" Thomas requested, his demeanor slightly nervous as he shifted his attention from Shining Fish to his friend.

"Of course, Thomas. What is it?"

"I do like Shining Fish, and I want to be with him. But it's not that easy. I would have to live here among the tribe, chose a new name. Recreate myself to fit in here. And what about children? I want them, but with Shining Fish I could not have them. How can this possibly work?"

"I see. Well, you could take a second wife eventually, a woman to provide you children. It is allowed here."

"No. I am not like that. It would have to be love. I only have enough room in my heart to love one person, John. And I want to love Shining Fish. I just can not see any way around the children problem."

"It is a predicament to be sure, Thomas. Perhaps Shining Fish can suggest something if you speak with him on it?"

"It might be possible. But I am still clumsy with the language and I do not wish to hurt him. Will you help me? Will you tell him that I love him? That I want to live and be with him here? But that I also wish for children? Ask him if he can think of a way for us to have children?"

"Alright. I can do that for you."

John spoke quietly to Shining Fish for about ten minutes or so, causing the dark haired two-spirit's eyes to light up with joy, before turning back to speak to Thomas.

"Shining Fish says that you and he can move his teepee near Kocoum's when you are ready to lay with him in marriage. He also says that his papa recently died, and his mother is expecting with too many young brothers and sisters to feed already. The tribe helps, but it is a strain on her. She needs to find a married pair to care for the babe. As her son, Shining Fish's husband will be given the choice first to take the babe in and raise it."

Thomas blinked, his eyes widening at the thought, appearing to be greatly pleased by the suggestion. "That is perfect! Thank you, John!"

"You are most welcome, my friend. Be happy."

"I will, John, thank you. We will. Well, it seems that I have a lot of work to do now to get settled in with Shining Fish."

"Yes, you do, Thomas," John replied, his amusement clear.

One Week Later

Thomas's PoV:

A week later, after speaking to Chieftain Powhatan for his permission, Thomas asked Shining Fish to pack up his belongings. Then he showed Thomas how to dismantle their teepee.

The two of them moved everything to a clear spot near Kocoum's teepee before putting it back up. Shining Fish then went inside to begin unpacking his things again in order to set up their home.

Thomas left to pack up his own possessions at the fort before he returned to speak to John about how to take care of Shining Fish's needs later that night.