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“It’s alright Miles, I’m right here,” Gregory soothed, rubbing his son's shoulder gently.
Miles fiddled with the strap of his bike helmet nervously. “I’m scared… what if I fall and get hurt?”
“I promise I’ll catch you,” his father said, “and the pillows are here to break your fall too.”
He patted the fluffy pillows on the floor to demonstrate. Miles took a shaky breath, then nodded.
“Okay… okay, I’m ready…” he mumbled. His knees wobbled as he stood up on the couch. “I’m ready.”
Gregory smiled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He slowly backed away, keeping his arms outstretched. “Remember sweetheart, just imagine yourself as a bat okay?”
Miles scrunched his eyes tight. “I’m a bat, I’m a bat, I’m a bat…” he repeated to himself. He clenched his fists. “I’m a bat, I’m a bat…”
He bent his legs, took one last deep breath, then jumped. Gregory leaned forward to catch him, but to his surprise the small boy did not fall into his arms. Instead, he watched in amazement and pride as Miles, now a tiny furry grey bat, flapped vigorously to keep himself in flight.
“That’s it Miles!” he cheered, “you're doing amazing!”
The little bat huffed and puffed. Soon, the frantic flapping morphed to relaxed rhythmic wing beats, and Miles had the hang of flying in no time. He squeaked in joy.
“Look at me!” he giggled as he flew in a loopty loop around the living room, “look how fast I’m flying- owch!”
His father flinched as he bonked his head against the ceiling. Thankfully his bike helmet had shrunk with him. Gregory ran over to catch him in case he fell, but he just shook it off and kept flapping.
“I’m okay!” he said, and did a flip in the air.
Gregory was filled with such pure happiness that his heart felt like it could burst. He watched Miles flutter around so free and happy, a stray tear or two slipping from his eyes. “My boy… you're growing up so fast…”
In a blink Gregory transformed into a bat himself, then immediately regretted it as his back ached in pain. Should’ve stretched before doing that, but oh well. He flew up to join his son.
“I bet you can’t beat me in a race,” he teased, ruffling Miles' fur with his wing tip.
Miles pouted. “Can so!” he shot back, “I’ll race you upstairs!”
Before Gregory could speak, Miles took off in a blur of grey. His father dashed after him, purposefully stalling a bit behind so that he didn’t knock Miles aside with his big wings.
They both flew into Miles' bedroom at the same time. Breathing heavily, Miles collapsed on top of his bed and transformed back into his humanoid form. “Hah…” he panted, “I won!”
Gregory chuckled and flew down to perch on his bedpost. “You didn’t wait until I was ready, so I don’t think that win counts, son.”
Miles huffed as he unbuckled his helmet and tossed it onto his pillow. “Well, I can still fly faster.”
His father transformed back and sat down next to him. He pulled Miles into a big warm hug, and kissed him on the top of his head.
“I’m so proud of you son,” he cooed, and squeezed him even tighter, “so, so proud.”
Miles nuzzled against his father. “Can we go for a fly outside tomorrow night?” he asked, sparkly eyes filled with hope as he gazed up at him.
Gregory bit his lip lightly with his fangs. “I’m sorry dear, but I think you should get some more practice in first before we try flying outside.”
Miles deflated a bit. “Oh, okay…”
His cheeriness was quick to return though, as he bounced off the bed and ran over to his wardrobe. “Now I can finally wear that tiny bow tie I made that’s the perfect size for a bat!”
Gregory sighed fondly. “But Miles, all your bow ties would shrink anyways once you transform, you won’t need a tiny one.”
Miles rifled through his collection of bows before tugging out a tiny red (slightly misshapen) bow tie. “I know, but this one is extra special because it’s made for a bat!” he said, waving it triumphantly.
“Ah, of course,” his father laughed, “quite true.”
He handed the bow to Gregory, then scrunched his eyes shut. In an instant, he was once again a furry little bat. He flopped down onto Gregory’s lap.
“Um… can you help me put it on?” he asked with a tilt of his head.
“Of course dear,” Gregory replied. He carefully slid the strap around his son's neck fur, moving his fingers delicately so as not to ruin the fragile bow. With a click he hooked it to the clasp, then tightened it so it fit nice and snug.
“There,” he said, giving Miles head a pat, “now you look like a fancy gentleman bat.”
Miles puffed out his chest. “The fanciest,” he affirmed with a grin.
His son spread his wings in a way Gregory recognized as I want upsies. He cradled him in his hands and brought him up so he could snuggle against Gregory’s shirt collar.
Miles purred with content. “Father, when I get my defence attorneys badge, will it shrink with me too?”
Gregory hummed in thought. “Yes, but… it’s better to put it in your pocket before you go flying, so it doesn’t fall off and get lost,” he said, “though I’m sure you’d look dashing with it on.”
Miles gazed up at him with wide eyes. “You really think so?”
His father kissed him atop his furry head. “I know so.”