"Yeah. 'Course, you can get even really shy wildlife to not mind humans if humans leave food all over the place."

"We are bad at not doing that." 

"And wildlife has pretty different definitions of edibleness."

"Well, generally if something has been left where wildlife might find it for very long humans will cease to consider it edible regardless, but yes." 

He laughs. Then: "I can head out tonight to lurk around foxily, if it seems a good idea."

"Have you tried being a fox before?" 

"A few times! It's a lot more comfortable than being a cat or a dog, and about as small animal as I can get without feeling all squished?"

"Does feeling all squished have any effects, or is it simply uncomfortable?" 

"Harder to stay the right shape, and it's really uncomfortable."

"Please don't take any risks while surveiling Ephraim that aren't strictly necessary." 

"I won't. I promise."

"Good. The Asenath problem is hard but she's half-human; a shoggoth like you would be much harder to bring back." 

"Probably, yeah. But you guys would figure it out, right?"

"Yes. But you are regardless not expendable, even temporarily." 

"Thanks."

"Well. You're family, now." 

" - Even past the name thing?"

"I was hoping to talk to my husband a bit first, but - yes. I would like to adopt you."

He seems absolutely floored.

"If Eliza was here, she would hug you." 

He doesn't seem to know what to say, still.

Eventually: "Thank - you?"

...Joseph pats his head. 

What does he do with head pats???

...Keep...getting...them? Oh no is this awkward why did this have to happen while Eliza isn't here. 

He laughs kind of awkwardly, says, "Ah, maybe we should start the things!"