Or you can make a game of it. Tie it's tail to a branch and watch her try to break it off, maybe bury it in the dirt and see if she can sniff it out. Things like that.

[ Michael smiles at Tate, warm and friendly, offering him the same expression he might use if he was complimenting Tate's outfit or welcoming him to the pet store. The snake lunges at the little mouse Tate offers her, striking with a surprising amount of speed the second it drops into the dirt, but Michael doesn't even react. Just keeps smiling, shyly scratching the back of his neck and hiding a laugh. ]

But, um, it's okay. I really liked helping you out today, actually. This is the best day I've had since porting in. [ He laughs, like even he's aware that that sounds kind of crazy, and he gets to his feet, dusting his legs down. ]

I mean - I like helping people? I lived with my grandma back home, and I helped her out around the house all the time. She's not here, so... I guess it was nice to feel needed again.