"Oh, I'm sorry," Derlik said softly to Smoke. He wiped his hand off, making sure it was dry this time. "Better?" He cooed. He gently got the wetness off of Smoke. Twili gently put one hand on Nik's, shaking her head a little. This wasn't the battle to fight.
Smoke mewed faintly, calming down and leaning into the touch. Nik's eyes flicked to Twili, and he nodded a little.
Derlik continued to pet Smoke, cooing occasionally. Twili looked a little relieved, glancing at Derlik.
Nik's eyes flickered to Smoke, and he let out a faint breath. Even his cat had abandoned him.
Twili still had her hand on Nik's, giving him an apologetic look. She was on his side, at least. Derlik was tricky. He would isolate you, and then break you.
Smoke squirmed a little bit in Derlik's arms. Nik closed his eyes for a moment.
Derlik set Smoke on his lap, letting him move as he wanted. Twili watched a moment, then turned away.
Smoke rolled onto his back, batting at Derlik's fingers happily. Nik rested his forehead on the heels of his hands, letting out a shaky little breath.
Twili gently put her hand on Nik's shoulder. Derlik smiled a bit as he played with Smoke, cooing lightly. He didn't mind if he got scratched or bit, really. He knew Smoke was just playing.
Nik glanced over at her, giving her a faint, rather forced smile. Smoke purred, still batting at Derlik's fingers.
Twili looked concerned, shaking her head a bit. She didn't want Nik forcing himself to smile. Derlik cooed, bopping Smoke's nose gently.
Nik dropped the smile, looking at her and taking a breath. Smoke mewed softly, nipping at Derlik's fingers.
Twili left her hand on Nik's shoulder, keeping him away from Derlik. Derlik grinned, scratching Smoke's stomach.
Nik closed his eyes. Smoke mewed again, and batted at Derlik's fingers again.
Derlik gently caught Smoke's paws in his fingers, grinning. Twili rubbed at her eyes, curling up a little.
Smoke purred happily, still batting at Derlik's fingers.
Derlik smiled, playing with Smoke a as he looked up at Nik.
"Feeling better now?"
Nik frowned at him, looking away again after a moment.
Derlik bumped Nik lightly with his elbow.
"Well?"
Nik clenched his jaw. "Leave me alone."
Twili looked up, taking Nik's hand gently. Not now. There would be bigger things he would need to convince Derlik not to do.
"Hm? What was that?" Derlik asked, voice taking on a harsh tone. Twili flinched.
Nik bit his lip a little bit. "Nothing." He mumbled, clenching his jaw.
Derlik smiled a little.
"You're learning." He bent down, nuzzling Smoke's stomach with his nose.
Smoke meowed, batting at Derlik's face.
Derlik cooed, looking at Nik. He smirked a bit. Smoke was with him.