(we got another one, pals. enjoy. @sunflowercecil @bitters-enthusiast)
"So I haven't exactly told Sal we're dating yet," Cecil explained. "Not because he'll care or anything; he won't mind at all, I don't think. I just wanted him to meet you first."
"Yeah, I sure hope he does. I've already had to get your parents, Max and your entire gang to like and approve of me," Theo teased. "I sure hope your long-lost brother isn't where my streak ends."
Cecil laughed, wrapping his arms around Theo and pulling the boy into his chest. "I know baby. But everyone loves you. Sal will too. Bring Kana, Sal loves animals. He'll warm right up to you."
Cecil let out a groan. "Theo is gonna be dead of old age by the time we get there, Sal," he joked, eyes glowing with amusement.
"I just- how much does he know about me? Did you talk bad about me?" he asked nervously.
"What would I have said, Sal? 'Yeah, the dumb bitch went and died on me.'"
Sal crossed his arms. "Well you answered that so quickly that I'm suspicious now."
"Either way, you're NOT dead, so it doesn't matter."
Sal beamed in response. It was always incredible remembering his brother wasn't dead. "Yeah." He ran a hand through his hair. "Okay, okay. I'm ready. Actually-"
"We're going!" Cecil grabbed Sal's arm before he could change his mind again, leading him into the building.
Theo was already there, obviously, sitting with what had to be one of the cutest animals Sal had ever seen. A fucking armadillo.
The boy flashed an adorable smile. "Hey! I'm Theodon." He stood up, holding his familiar. "Cecil said you liked animals, so I brought Kana! She likes people, so it works out."
Sal tried to speak, but he was too mesmerized. His brother spoke for him. "This is Salvius. He's forgotten how to speak, the poor fellow, so we may just have to be patient with him," he said sarcastically.
Theo smiled understandingly. "You can hold her, if you want," he offered.
That helped Sal find his voice, even if it came out as more of a squeak. "Really?!"
"Yeah!" Theo handed him the animal gently, and Sal actually looked like he might burst into tears.
"Oh my god, she's so precious," he whispered. "Look! Her little paws!" He pet her carefully, making sure she didn't mind. She was half-curled up in his arms.
Cecil wrapped an arm around Theo. "You know what? I may have overlooked how much Sal like animals," he chuckled. "Slight oversight on my part."
"It's kinda pure," Theo giggled. "She'll walk around if you set her down," he told Sal. "She seems really excited right now! I think she likes you."
Sal let out a choked sound. "I like her too," he managed. He set her gently on the ground, stroking her shell once and sitting next to her. Kana sniffed around, looking around for a moment before walking back over to Sal.
He was actually going to cry.
"I really... should have seen this coming," Cecil admitted. "I'm sorry. I don't think he'll listen to a word we say now." He decided to try anyway, raising his voice. "So, Sal, I actually wanted to tell you—"
"LOOK SHE'S STANDING UP!" Sal gasped. "She's- she's the best girl ever-" Somewhere, Aria got jealous.
Cecil sighed. "Yeah. I don't think this is going to work."
"There's always next time," Theo chuckled.
