He tried to ignore the comment, not comfortable with being a spectacle, but getting used to it. It seemed all free people felt it was their right to comment on pets and touch them, but it was something he was getting used to. He was learning to accept and respond to it properly.

And it saddened him that Matt was always on alert, always playing his role as a pet- posing and responding as he was taught to, always aware of eyes watching and what he should be. And Matt had to be double aware with Dove with him because there was still so much Dove didn't know.

He kissed softly at Matt's neck.