Jeremy's parents were back from greeting the new neighbors, though it was odd his mom still had her 'welcome to the neighborhood' casserole dish in hand. She also looked like she was freaking out over something as she spoke with dad. "I can't believe I did that! The first time we meet, I insult his entire people!"

For his part, dad grinned patiently and hugged mom from the side, avoiding the still-hot casserole dish. "Oh honey, it wasn't that bad! They've only started moving into our neighborhoods, and everyone expects there to be an occasional misunderstanding. He even said it was fine! Just make sure next time you bring something more meat-based!"

Jeremy didn't wait around to see what this was all about. He was just getting to the good part of his book and wanted to go to his favorite warm summer day reading spot. Though, as the screen door slammed shut behind him, he couldn't help but wonder what the big deal was all about. Everyone was freaking out about the new neighbors one way or another. Some said it would ruin the neighborhood, and others thought it was exciting, but he couldn't see what the big deal was. After all, it wasn't anywhere near as exciting as half the adventures he read about in his books. But as he scrabbled up his favorite tree and settled into the best reading nook, he forgot all about it as he opened the quickly-wearing pages of his book.

He hadn't been reading long when a girl's voice broke him out of his concentration. "What'cha doing?"

Lowing the book, Jeremy felt the tree shake slightly as the girl swung up onto a nearby branch with surprising ease. Looking up at the much larger, heavier, and greener girl, Jeremy suspected he realized what was so different about the new neighbors. The girl was an orc.

Not sure what to say or do, Jeremy decided just to answer the question she'd asked from the ground. "I'm reading my book."

The girl made a face that clearly expressed he thoughts on the idea of reading. "Ugh, I thought it was summer vacation here! Did they give you summer homework or something?"

Jeremy knew most of the other kids felt the same as her, but it still annoyed him that she just belittled one of his books like that. "No, this isn't homework. I just like reading."

The girl made another face. "Really? But books are so boring!"

Jeremy frowned. "Well, maybe you've just read boring books!"

This time, she looked more thoughtful as she spoke again. "Okay, so what's it about?"

Realizing she wasn't about to let him get back to reading without answering at least some of the girl's questions, Jeremy closed the book on the bookmark before answering. "It's about a family that got shipwrecked on a deserted island. They built huge complicated tree houses with pulleys and bridges to move stuff around. They even fought off pirates who came to loot the island!"

After a moment's thought, the girl shrugged. "Alright, that does sound pretty cool, but it's still a book. Let's do something fun, like wrestling or tug of rope!"

Looking up at the girl, it was easy to see she was not only taller than him, she probably weighed at least twice as much. Jeremy shook his head. "No point. You'd just win."

After a moment, she grinned. "Alright. Well, common, I'll find us something fun to do!"

Now Jeremy was really getting annoyed. "I don't want to 'find something fun to do,' I want to read my book!"

Now the girl looked confused, her brow furrowed in thought. "But...you surrendered...so I'm in charge!"

Jeremy remembered reading about something like this in social studies at school. Orcs usually decided on their leaders through shows of strength. With a sigh, he answered her unasked question. "That's how orcs decide who's in charge, but not humans. We do things differently."

Still looking confused, the girls responded. "Okay... How do humans decide things?"

Jeremy thought for a moment. "Lots of ways. Voting is a good one. Everyone says their ideas, and we vote. Whatever gets the most votes wins."

The girl grinned. "Okay, I vote for going and riding bikes!"

Jeremy didn't grin. "And I vote for reading my book."

The girl looked confused. "So what do we do if we tie?"

Jeremy shrugged, pretending like this wasn't his plan all along. "I guess we just do our own thing. You can ride your bike. I can read my book."

However, instead of leaving, the girl sat down on the branch and kept thinking. After a few moments, Jeremy was thinking about getting back to reading, but then she brightened and shot back to her feet. "Well, how about we build a treehouse, like in your book!"

As annoyed as he was at the girl refusing to just let him read in peace, Jeremy had to admit, this idea sounded at least a little fun. "Okay, but how? Where will we get the wood? Who's going to design it? Where are we going to get the tools to build it?"

The girl grinned, showing off her very pronounced and very sharp teeth. "Oh, that's the easy part! My dad's a carpenter. He's got plenty of wood and tools lying around! So you tell me what you need and where, and I'll lift and hold it in place while you hammer it all together!"

As she hopped out of the tree, Jeremy was surprised to find he'd already gotten up to follow. After a moment, he blinked, realizing he'd forgotten something. "Oh, um, I'm Jeremy, by the way. What's your name?"

Looking back up, the orc girl's grin was as wide as ever. "I'm Naz!"

-

As the summer was coming to an end, Jeremy was sitting in his favorite reading spot, up in the tree house he and Naz had built together. Well, mostly them, anyway. Her dad had double-checked their work and reinforced a few places he'd found questionable for holding the weight of an orc, but it was still mostly their work. It wasn't quite as epic as it had been in his book. Their "bridge" was just three ropes, one to walk on and two for their hands to hold onto. And rather than a complicated series of pulleys, they just had a rope wrapped around a higher branch with a basket at the end so they could throw their backpacks inside and lift them into the tree. Honestly, it wasn't any easier than just wearing their packs while climbing the tree, but Naz had insisted they try and copy the book in as many ways as possible.

Just as he finished his book, a familiar face appeared over the ladder as Naz climbed the last few steps into the tree house. "Are you done with that book of yours yet? I wanna go do something fun!"

Jeremy smiled slightly. Despite the summer together, Naz still didn't get his weird obsession with reading. However, she had to take what she called "human classes" before school started to help her integrate with her new school; while Jeremy and his family helped out frequently, he still had plenty of time to read his books while she was studying. But now that she'd done her work for the day, it was time to do something she considered 'fun.' Though he did veto anything like arm wrestling ever again. It felt like she'd nearly broken his arm last time.

Putting his book in his back pocket, Jeremy grabbed onto a rope they'd hung to climb down and eased himself to the ground. It hadn't been that easy to use at first, but after a summer of climbing and building, it seemed easier by the day, even if Naz still made him look like a clutz in comparison.

However, before he reached the ground, Jeremy's mom was shouting for him out the backdoor. "Jeremy! You forgot to take Dash out for a walk this morning, and he's getting into trouble!"

As if on cue, Dash, a little terrier, shot out from behind the woman blocking the door and made a beeline for him. The leash, already attached to the dog's collar, dragged behind him on the grass as he ran up to the two kids, excitedly wagging his tail.

Jeremy smiled apologetically to Naz. "Sorry, your turn is going to have to wait. Apparently, I have to take Dash for a walk..."

Naz didn't seem fazed and shrugged. "That's okay, I'll come with. We could go down to the pond and see if there are any ducks for him to chase."

Jeremy laughed. "Maybe, but as small as he is, he'll probably hide from them. They're more likely to chase him!"

At that, Naz stared at the dog in the way Jeremy was coming to think of as her 'trying to understand human culture' face. Then, when she didn't just come out and say what was on her mind, he gave her a verbal nudge. "Alright, what's the question?"

Having been caught, Naz smiled with a bit of embarrassment before answering. "Well, in human class, we learned how you keep dogs to help you hunt, like some orcs keep worgs to ride, but what does Dash help you hunt? It doesn't seem like something so small would be very good at hunting anything..."

At the thought of Dash trying to hunt anything, Jeremy laughed again. "Oh, Dash doesn't hunt anything! He's not a hunting dog. He's just a pet."

Naz didn't look any less confused than before. "Well, if he doesn't hunt, how does he help you and your family?"

Jeremy shrugged. "Well, Dash doesn't help much at all, not the way you're thinking. He's loyal and a friend, always there for you. That's all he needs to be."

Naz looked skeptical, but with Dash running around all crazy, it was hard not to find him a little cute. Finally, she shrugged. "I'll take your word for it. Do you still wanna take him to the pond?"

Jeremy grinned again. "Sure, sounds fun!"

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As they wandered down the street, they chatted about important things, like what they might be having for dinner, what final summer blockbuster to go see at the movies, or if modern orc music took its inspiration from rock or the other way around. They were so engrossed in the last subject's debate Jeremy didn't even see the other orc kids until they were practically right on top of them.

The tallest of the lot laughed loudly, seeing the two walking down the same path the group was on. Jeremy realized other orcs must have moved into the city, but this was the first time he'd seen any other than Naz and her family. As the other towering orcs walked up, he suddenly felt very small and very alone.

The one who'd laughed spoke up first, his accent much thicker than Naz's. "Oi, you're a pretty shrimpy one, ain't ya? I doubt you could even take a single punch!"

With that, the orc seemed determined to put his theory to the test because he drew back a fist, then launched it forward, giving Jeremy just enough time to wonder why his life wasn't flashing before his eyes as Dash barked his little heart out. However, before the blow could land, another large green fist intercepted it as Naz grabbed the larger orc's fist, pulled him forward, and slammed her forehead into his. As the orc fell to the ground to the stunned silence of his friends, Naz spoke up loudly and firmly enough that everyone listened. Jeremy noticed her accent thickened a little as well. "Oi! Rock for brains! That's how orcs say hello, not humans! Did you forget everything we learned in class?"

Jeremy reigned Dash in as the large orc rubbed his head where Naz had slammed her forehead into it and spoke up. "Sorry bout that! I just saw a humie with an orc and figured he must be alright! That's all, I swear!"

Naz crossed her arms as she stared down at the other orc. Finally, she helped him up. "Well, this is Jeremy, and he *is* alright, but you still can't punch him! You'll break him if you do! If you wanna say hello, shake his hand like humans do!"

As the large orc reached out a hand, Jeremy hesitantly reached forward, but before they could shake, Naz spoke up again, firmly. "And *don't* try to squeeze his hand too tight!"

After that, Jeremy thought about retracting his hand, but the orc grabbed hold and shook it before he could. It was definitely one of the more firm handshakes Jeremy had ever experienced, but he doubted there would be any bruising, so he didn't think the orc was trying to hurt him.

Naz slapped the big orc up the side of the head. "And don't forget to introduce yourself!"

The orc winced, and his grip tightened just a bit, but when Jeremy pulled back, he quickly let go and rubbed his head again. "Er, yeah, I'm Durrot, and these here are Murob, Morgut, and Nargog. Nice to meetcha."

It sounded like the orc was speaking from a script, but realizing he wasn't in mortal peril any longer, Jeremy grinned nervously. "Uh, hi. I'm Jeremy."

Durrot got the same look on his face Naz did when she was trying to understand humans, but Jeremy didn't dare to prod him the way he did Naz. However, Naz didn't have the same reluctance. "Wot's botherin' ya? Out with it!"

The larger orc scratched his head. "Well, I was just wonderin, why *are* you hanging out with this humie? He doesn't look like he's very tough..." Then, realizing he might be getting himself in trouble with Naz again, the orc quickly followed up with, "No offense or nuffin. Just wonderin!"

Naz crossed her arms and looked at Jeremy, who looked back, half expecting her to make fun of him in the good-natured way she sometimes did when it was just the two of them, but instead, she had an oddly serious tone to her voice as she answered. "He's not very strong, but he's loyal and a friend, always there for you. That's all he needs to be."

Finally, Durrot grinned. "Well, Jeremy, nice to meetcha!"

Now that the hierarchy was properly established, with Naz being the clear authority figure present, the rest of the orcs also greeted Jeremy in very practiced manners before the two groups split and went their separate ways again.

When they were far enough away, he wasn't afraid they'd be overheard, Jeremy turned to Naz with disbelief in his voice. "Did you just say the same thing about me I said about Dash?"

Naz shrugged. "They were good words. Not my fault it's as true about you as it is your dog!"

Jeremy punched her lightly in the arm the way he and his friends would occasionally do before realizing doing that with an orc might be asking for more trouble than he was ready for. He froze up for a moment when Naz grinned evilly before she grabbed his head and held him in a headlock while she ruffled his hair. "I didn't know you had it in ya! Good for you! We'll make a proper orc out of you yet!"

Thinking back to his near-death experience at the hands of Durrot not long ago, Jeremy gulped. "Maybe, I'd better stick to being human. I'm not sure how long I'd survive as an orc!"

-

It was the first day back to school, and Jeremy was wondering where Naz was. They'd ridden the bus together, and while a bunch of the kids had stared, no one had given them any trouble. If anything, a few noteworthy individuals had left him more alone than usual, which suited him just fine. Then Naz had gone off to a day one orientation for the orcs in school, and Jeremy hadn't seen her since.

Jeremy's thoughts were interrupted by a particularly unpleasant voice behind him. "I saw you with your new girlfriend, Germy. She looks about right for you. Big, dumb, and ugly!"

Turning around, Jeremy could see the biggest bully in school, a kid named Thom. He didn't know why Thom had picked on him for so long, and right now, he didn't care. Usually, he'd run or hide from the bigger kid, but after a summer with Naz, Thom didn't look nearly as big as he usually did, and the sneer that used to invoke fear just pissed Jeremy off today.

Jeremy responded with a frown. "She's not my girlfriend, and she's not stupid."

Thom looked surprised, then squinted. "What was that? I didn't hear you...runt."

Jeremy curled his hands into fists. "I said...she's not stupid!"

Thom sneered and leaned in more closely. "Well, I think she is. Dad said all orcs are stupid and should be rounded up and run out of the city!"

Jeremy didn't know what happened or when he decided to do it, but he suddenly found his fist flying forward, right into Thom's fat face. However, a giant green fist caught his mid-flight before it could hit.

He didn't know where she'd come from, but Naz was suddenly by his side, and try as he might, she wouldn't let go of his fist. But rather than looking angry, she just grinned before speaking. "Much as I like you, Jeremy, no fighting in school. You could get in trouble that way!"

Realizing what he was doing and what was happening, Jeremy suddenly felt very ashamed, but Naz just winked. But apparently, Thom didn't like being left out, and he suddenly threw a sucker punch into the side of Naz's head. Rather than react in anger or pain, Naz just threw her head back and laughed before putting one very large and very heavy hand on Thom's shoulder, who was now shaking his hand as if he'd hurt it somehow. "I like you. Back home, that would be a great way to introduce yourself! But we're not there, and you're not strong enough to take me...and you're definitely not smart enough to take him," she nodded toward Jeremy, who wasn't feeling very smart right now, "so why don't we just leave it be for now."

One of the teachers was coming over, pushing their way through the crowd who'd circled around the scene, shouting as they came. "Hey now, hey, no fighting! No fighting!" He seemed to be looking between Naz and Thom as if deciding who to blame.

Realising Naz could get in big trouble if anyone claimed an orc had been fighting a human on her first day of school, Jeremy stepped out in front of everyone to speak to the teacher. "Um, no one was fighting, sir. Naz was just teaching Thom a traditional orc greeting, that's all!"

The teacher narrowed his eyes as if trying to see through the lie but finally sighed as if digging any further wasn't worth the trouble. "Coming from anyone else, I'd have questions, but as long as you say so, Jeremy, I guess I'll let it go." Then, turning to Naz, he continued. "Just make sure you don't teach anyone too hard. You heard what the principal said during orientation."

The orc girl grinned. "I'll behave just like I promised!"

With one final doubtful glare, the teacher turned and walked away from the scene, leaving Jeremy to sigh in relief. Naz ruffled his hair. "See? Smart, just like I said!"

-

Jeremy smiled as he walked into his clinic. He had a feeling today was going to be a good day. However, he hesitated momentarily when he saw the look on his new vet tech's face. She looked positively panicked. With a raised eyebrow, he decided to get to the heart of whatever was going on. "Uh-oh, is something wrong? Don't tell me Mrs. Smith is having more trouble with Max? I told her she can't give him so much table food, no matter how much he begs!"

Looking at him as if it took her a moment to process him, she shook her head as if waking up from a trance. "Um, no, nothing like that... It's just... well, your first patient... uh, Fluffy... is a little more than we can handle..."

Well, that didn't clear things up any. So, with a shrug, Jeremy decided to see for himself. "What room?"

The tech blinked a few times before pointing down the hall. "Ummm, room thirteen. I put them back there so they didn't scare the other patients."

With a shrug, Jeremy walked back to room thirteen. He knocked briefly before opening the door and coming face to face with a full-grown worg.

Only a moment later, the orc who'd brought him pulled the worg back by the 'leash' tied around his neck, laughing as he did so. "Back up, you ball of trouble. Let the doc in the room!"

When the oversized animal backed up as commanded, Jeremy followed him in with a smile. "Well, now. This is a good-looking animal you've got here. Seems pretty healthy at a glance, Mr..."

The orc laughed. "Call me Rall! And he's pretty much healthy. I just wanted to bring him in for a checkup!" Then as if seeing the vet for the first time, the orc squinted a little. "Huh, I thought you'd be an orc... When I was told there was a vet here who would take on my troublemaker, I figured you'd have to be. But when I saw the look on your tech's face this morning, I was starting to worry I'd made a mistake..."

Jeremy smiled and shrugged. "Oh, Jenifer is new here. I'll make sure she's more prepared next time, but don't worry, I'm perfectly capable of taking care of Fluffy here." He started giving Fluffy scritches in that spot all worgs liked right behind the ear. Thankfully, worgs were much safer to work around than they looked. They are noticeably more intelligent than most dogs and are relatively easy to read if you know what to look for.

As Jeremy went about his checkup, the orc looked impressed. "You really do know your way around a worg, don'tcha? They teach you that in Vet school now?"

Jeremy grinned. "Well, yes, but I'm probably a bit more familiar with worgs than most. The wife got one for the kids a few years back, so I've got a lot of first-hand experience with them.

At that, the orc laughed even harder. "Married one of us, eh doc? You're braver than I thought! Or crazier!"

Jeremy grinned, thinking back to how he'd been pulled along on one adventure after another through most of his childhood, sometimes almost against his will...almost. "A little of both, I think."

His smile returned as Jeremy finished the checkup and saw the rest of his patients for the day. Just as he'd thought, today had been a good day. As he was finishing up some of his paperwork for the day, Naz came in, still covered in some of the sawdust that seemed to permeate most of their household, a side effect of the family business she'd inherited. She grinned. "How was another day in the life of Jeremy, the vet?"

Jeremy grinned back. "Not bad, we got a new client today, a worg named 'Fluffy.'"

Naz blinked a few times before breaking out in laughter. "'Fluffy?' Really? You gotta be kidding me!"

Jeremy grinned but shook his head. "Nope, that's really his name. I swear! Just let me finish up some of this paperwork, and I'll be ready to go. Shouldn't be more than a few minutes..."

Naz frowned a little. "Just don't take too long. Thom invited us over for dinner tonight, or did you forget?"

Jeremy looked up from his paperwork with minor panic. "Oh god, I did forget! We were supposed to meet his new girlfriend today, right? I don't know if we'll have enough time to go home and shower!"

Naz nodded, looking suspiciously earnest. "Yup, but don't worry too much. Just clean up as well as you can. Somehow, I doubt Zozen will mind too much."

Jeremy blinked. "Wait, Zozen... don't tell me..."

Naz's grin widened. "Yep, he's dating an orc. You've obviously been a bad influence on your friends!"

As he sat back, Jeremy grinned. "I wonder if he knows how much trouble he's in for..."

This time Naz looked offended, though judging by her grin tugging at the corner of her lips, it was only an act. "Are you saying I'm trouble?"

Jeremy simply rolled his eyes. "Are you trying to say you're not?"

Naz winked. "Wouldn't think of it, just wanted to make sure we were clear on that! Now, you finish up here, and I'll see what 'trouble' I can think up while I wait."

As she walked out the door, Jeremy sighed. He knew Naz wouldn't actually make any trouble with any of the animals undergoing overnight treatments, but he suspected that turn of phrase would come back to haunt him in the coming days. Though, to be fair, after growing up with Naz, he knew what he was getting into when he married her. Besides, it was usually worth it... Usually.