Post by jarahamee on Sept 21, 2022 15:45:48 GMT -6
Cassius gathered Dr. Summers up in his arms, a very different person than he had been a few moments before. He made a soft sound somewhere deep in his chest and stroked her head with his hand. Cassius’ aura of easy violence was smothered by genuine affection and concern, obvious enough for anyone to see, and he leaned his cheek down near her protectively.
The scarred man hoped this was soothing. He was a frightening person, and hardly a comfort to most of the hostages or trafficking victims he had rescued. He murmured rhythmically, rocking her from side to side, as he had his son so many years ago. Was it insulting to do this to a grown woman? He decided now was not the time for an ethical debate, or a dissection of his feelings.
Without hesitation, he dropped his phone into his pocket. It wasn’t important right now. This had all been a great strain on Dr. Summers and Telmore, he was sure, mentally and emotionally. Indeed, was anything they had endured so far easy?
From afar, he could hear Agent Cazadorscuro’s voice, inaudible from this distance, speaking out from within his coat. He felt a twinge of whatever passed as guilt for him, but Sara needed his help, and he needed Agent Cazadorscuro to stay on the line with him to keep them grounded in reality.
And then Agent Telmore, Dr. Mura, and Agent Groves entered. The real Telmore. Well, as close to the real Telmore as could be. They had to destroy this reality with the impossible. Having both of them touch had to be as impossible as things could be. Cassius looked at him with uncharacteristic weariness and affection, cradling Dr. Summers, the cat in his arms.