#dadocato

He pauses ; words stopping at his lips. Something seemed off. Gears churn in his golden crown before it clicks. A snap of his fingers while a subtle chuckle bubbles in his chest (  a reflex. play it cool, gary  ).

     ❝    Hey, whoa, hey, dude. Take it easy.    ❞

His words, they ooze with concern, dripping from his lips like warm honey. His eyes catch drift of the expression that paints his feline friend  :  guilt. Wrists instantly flicker upward, fingertips find home around his arms. It had not even been a mere five minutes since the two have reunited once more after the release of the Titan, and he could already see the regret glistening behind vivid, yellow eyes. 

     ❝     Avocato, this wasn’t your fault. Invictus had control over you and there was no way of shaking it off. I know damn well you would never mean anything you said to me or Lil’ Cato or the things you did.    ❞ 

( don’t speak for him ! he’s his own person ! but, he needs to hear it because he knows it’s true ). A smile curls at the corners, slow ; comfort is provided for the two. It was needed  —- not just for Avocato, but for him as well ( you were gone ! then found ! then lost once more ! please, dont leave ). A step was made, distance closed, limbs curled around the figure  :   an embrace. 

     ❝     You’re a good friend, Avocato —- I mean, really, great, if not, one of the best, but you told me I’m good last time so I’m sticking with it. It’s alright. We’re alright.    ❞

     ❝    I wish, for once, good news would come out of all of this. Cause, you best believe I could go for some street meat right about now.    ❞

With a heavy sigh, fingers run through blond locks ; a reflex to calm himself. 

     ❝    But, at least I’ve got you by my side to help me out. We’ll get out of this. We always do.    ❞