"You're probably not going to turn me into a pooka though so I can't be all that useful."

<I might, if I decide I can trust you, but not instantly just because Iago told you some secrets, no.>

"Are you like the leader pooka?"

<Something like that.>

<Yeah, something like,> says Trouble.

"Complicated pooka social structure?"

<Exceedingly.>

Snuggle snuggle cookie.

<I'm not going to push you into a decision you might reverse yourself on later. You don't have to decide now.>

"Well... that's good, I guess. Can Iago still be my pooka buddy?"

<Yeah,> he says, cooing and snuggling up.

<Yep.> Because "trying to stop him would be an exercise in futility" is needlessly combative.

"...Okay. Oh wow, this is such a young adult paranormal romance novel or something."

Trouble giggles.

"I'll think about it. And I won't tell anybody about you pookas."

<Thank you.>

Snuggle.

So much snuggle.

He considers answering with 'Bite me', but cuddles Rhea instead.

Cuddles cuddles. Rhea dispenses the rest of the shortbread one-handed, feeding more to Trouble whenever he has finished prior offerings.

He is such a well-fed pigeon. Coo coo.

"My mom is home, but she leaves at like two," says Rhea. "Do you want to come over then?"

<Yeah!>

"Awesome. Best pooka. I don't think that other one likes me."