Tommy was old enough to be gentle, if boisterous, and laughed at his new friend, reaching out to pet him behind the ears. Tegan gasped softly at seeing his hands so close to teeth that looked worryingly sharp, and took the steps forward to take his wrist and pull it back.
"Tommy!" She pulled him back against her own body, eyeing the animal with obvious worry and a little fear, though more for what might happen to her brother than to herself. Her next words were quiet but insistent. "What have I told you about strange animals?"
He pouted up at her, eyes wide. "But he's friendly. And I think he needs a home, like the one we found in the building." His eyes got even bigger. "Can we take him home, Tea?"