"Um… I might be okay?? I-I mean, on earth, I had a service cat who helped me with it… he's trained and stuff." Cas huddled a little closer to Halm, his heart racing. "Maybe we can get him from the closet? I'm just afraid that something might happen to him…"
Halm immediately set the food down, other arm going around Cas in an attempt to comfort him. He could sense Cas's racing heart, and was troubled by it.
"Okay, we'll go get him right now." He carried Cas out of the kitchen to the living room, stopping outside of the closet.
Cas kept himself mostly pressed against Halm, but tentatively reached out one hand to open the closet door after a few seconds. Once it was open, a fluffy black cat with bright, icy blue eyes stepped out and climbed up Halm's leg to get to Cas. "Nix! Thank goodness you're alright…" Cas sighed in relief and hugged the cat close.
Halm smiled softly as the cat climbed up his leg, closing the door with one hand before bringing it back to hold Cas again.
"Feeling better?" he asked, watching Cas hold Nix. Zia had climbed up onto Halm's shoulder when the other cat showed up.
Cas nodded, resting his head gently on top of Nix's as he held him. He seemed to visibly relax just by the cat being there, and Nix wasn't even doing anything other than being a Good Boi TM.
Halm relaxed as well, glad Cas was doing better. He carried them back to the kitchen, humming a little now as he finished up their food.
Cas seemed quite relaxed in Halm's arms now, all curled up and around Nix while Halm made their lunch. He honestly seemed close to falling asleep.
Halm held the two bowls of salad in his hand, bringing them all over to the table. He sat down, smiling.
"You think you can eat, or would you rather take a nap?" He asked in good humor.
"I can eat." Cas replied, his stomach rumbling angrily. He opened his eyes to look back at the food from Halm's arms.
"Okay then," Halm said, chuckling when he heard Cas's stomach rumble. He repositioned Cas so he was sitting up, allowing Halm the use of his arms again.
Cas sat Nix in his lap and pulled his bowl towards himself, shoving a forkful of salad into his mouth. He didn't remember having salad before, but he wasn't particularly picky.
Halm couldn't help but grin as he ate, occasionally glancing down at Cas and Nix. They were quite adorable together.
Nix just patiently sat in Cas's lap with his eyes closed, purring softly. Cas kept one arm around the cat as he ate, definitely not willing to let him go.
Halm finished quickly, setting his bowl to the side as he waited for Cas. As soon as they were finished here, he was going to head out.
Cas finished soon after Halm did and Nix rubbed against his chin, sensing that he was growing anxious. Cas knew that finishing meant that Halm was going to leave him here.
Halm sighed a little, standing and setting Cas down.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" He asked, looking at him with worry again.
"Hopefully… where can I find you in the case that I need you?" Cas asked, holding Nix closer as he looked up at Halm.
"I'm going to be straight down the path just past the pond. If you really need me, though, just call for me and I'll come to you. Sound good?" Halm had his hand on Cas's shoulder, looking down at him.
Cas nodded, still seeming a little nervous, but determined to get through it anyhow. He hesitated before hugging Halm, needing to be held once more before he was left alone.
(Don't worry Cas, you won't be alone for long >:) mwahaha)
Halm hugged Cas back, wondering if this was such a good idea after all.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, alright?" He assured, not pulling away yet. He'd wait until Cas was ready.
(oof)
"Mhmm…" Cas lingered for a minute or two before he finally pulled away. "I'm sorry, I… I'll be fine. You go ahead."
"Okay then," Halm said, hand on Cas's shoulder. Finally, he pulled it away, stepping out of the kitchen after putting their bowls in the sink. He made his way out of the house, glancing back once just to be safe.
Cas sighed shakily in defeat once Halm left, starting to tremble. He moved himself over to the couch since he knew this was going to be long and painful. He curled up into a little ball with Nix in his arms, whimpering quietly and trying to keep himself calm.
Cas was alone for some time, Halm still gone. Eventually, the sounds of footsteps could be heard plainly from outside, heading towards the house. Halm must be back.
Cas looked up hopefully at the door, but Nix was kneading the couch, seeming uneasy. "Halm?" Cas called out softly.