Nick relayed that to Trevor, who cast him a neutral smile.
“You said that in my language,” Kit said after an awkward few seconds of silence.
“Oh.” Nick repeated it.
Kit’s tail flicked up, tapping the back of Nick’s thighs. “That is still my language.”
By attempt number five, Nick was scowling, Kit was patiently telling him that he wasn’t translating anything, and Trevor had clearly realised that Nick was trying to talk to him. “I guess we’ll have to stick to Connor for translating,” Trevor said with good humour. “Kit, right?” he addressed Kit with a friendly smile. “I recognised that much at least. I’m Trevor, Nick’s dad.” Trevor reached through the space between them, offering a hand.
Kit’s tail froze mid-air, eyes flashing towards the outstretched limb.
Nick caught his dad’s wrist and pushed it back, making a sharp no gesture. “It’s fine, Kit, he’s not going to touch you.” He immediately moved his attention back to Kit to reassure him. “It’s common for Irish people to shake hands when they meet, but not necessary at all.”
Kit’s leather gloves creaked as he flexed his fingers. “I can shake his hand,” he said, determined.
“I don’t want you to,” Nick objected. Even if Kit was willing to power through, Nick knew Kit didn’t want to touch Trevor. Or rather, he didn’t want Trevor to touch him. “Can we sit in and make tea? I’ll try and figure this out.”
Kit breathed out, something distinctly relieved in the sound. He nodded and went ahead.
Nick turned to Trevor. He tapped his own hand and made a no gesture.
Trevor nodded. “Got it. I didn’t mean to upset him.”
They followed Kit into the kitchen, where he had tea brewing on the stove. While it boiled, Nick made a few more attempts to talk to Trevor, but the words just wouldn’t come out in English.
“I guess it’s more important that Kit understands you than me,” Trevor teased.
Nick went completely still. He blinked. Looked at Kit, who returned his look with a puzzled one. “What did he say?”
“What my problem is,” Nick said, and somehow, he knew that was exactly what the issue was. “I’m subconsciously prioritisingyouunderstanding me.”
Kit’s head canted to the side. His tail had begun to swish in a relaxed manner while Nick tried to figure out what was going on. “I do not mind if you speak in a language I can’t understand. Many times you say words that I have never heard before.”
“I think that only happens when there’s no equivalent word in your language. And I’m not doing it on purpose.” Nick sighed. “This is going to be a very quiet meeting.”
Kit led them to the dining room and placed down three cups of steaming hot tea. “Do you have many prospective workers ready for Nick to train?” Kit asked as he set down Trevor’s cup in front of him.
Nick’s own laughter caught him off guard.
Kit’s eyes gleamed when they flicked towards Nick. He pushed a seat close to Nick and sat, wrapping his tail around his abdomen. Tightly. Nick inclined his head towards Kit, well aware that question was a pointed jab at him.
“I’ll be sure to repeat that for him later.”
“Do.” Kit sipped his tea. “I have trained many people. I will give you some tips on how to quicken the process before you depart.”
“I’m not sure I need to inspire the same devotion you do from your students, but I’d be open to hearing how you get them to listen to you so well. You have a knack for making people want to impress you.”
Trevor cleared his throat, half coughing. He set aside the cup, trying to hide a grimace. Nick grinned. “Too bitter?”
Given that they couldn’t exactly communicate, Nick decided that they’d have better luck asking Connor to translate in the morning. And when Nick said as much to Kit, Mini materialised from the next room and gestured for Trevor to follow him. “Mini will lead him to your ship,” Kit said. He inclined his head toward Trevor in a friendly, open gesture. “Goodnight.”
Trevor caught on quickly, saying, “He’ll show me back?”
Nick nodded. “Night Dad.”
“Trevor.” Mini said, with a distinct accent and a proud look.
Trevor raised a brow. “Mini,” he guessed correctly.
