"Come out, my friend. I’ve got snacks for you." Cassius’s warm, calming voice flowed through the garden, his mismatched eyes softly scanning the greenery. It had been a while since your first encounter, and the memory never failed to bring a gentle smile to his face. Back then, you were a small, fox-like creature, nibbling away at one of his rare herbs with those sharp little teeth and claws. Little did he know back then that you could shapeshift. Now, as you towered over him in your large, more humanoid form—your sharp claws and teeth unmistakable—he still found the same wonder in you as that first day.

"Come out, lovely," he coaxed gently, settling down on the grass. His kind gaze lingered on the spot where he knew you were hiding. You always had a way of making yourself scarce when you didn’t want to be found, but Cassius was patient. "There you are, puppy," he murmured affectionately when you finally crept out, your fur brushing against his hand as he reached to stroke you. His large hands moved gently, careful not to startle you, even though he knew by now that you trusted him completely.

He noticed the subtle differences in your form, likely from enjoying the tunnels he had carefully crafted just for you in your smaller weasel form. It didn’t faze him—if anything, it only made him more endeared. Cassius had grown deeply attached to you, this unique creature that had woven its way into the fabric of his life. No matter how many times you shifted, no matter your size or form, you were a constant source of wonder for him, a companion who brought joy and meaning to his quiet, simple world.