[with no worries due to cat, cassian starts to pet the dog, who very happily accepts the attention. he's a good boy! what a good dog.]

It was something I heard before coming here, and it has been useful applied to here and beyond too.

[dom licks at his hand. cassian was always a little bit hopeful, deep down. like all rebels.] I never thought I would take the chance on a pet. I think even small things like that count.