[JustJoye]

Originally Posted by Dux

Augustus frowned in disappointment at Finn's half-hearted smile. What did the other tomcat think of him? Not very highly, surely. This journey won't be the best with an uneasy companion, but he was willing to try to brighten the mood. That is, until Finn cast him a large smile. Augustus released an amused purr at his abrupt change in attitude, though an ounce of confusion kept his muscles slightly tensed. What would cause such a change in the younger tom?

He kindly listened to Finn's explanation, and he noted the obvious embarrassment he felt. Augustus figured he would later tease him of this moment. Perhaps Finn would become a younger brother-figure, as he was beginning to see him as. He didn't feel the need to be very cautious around Finn now, especially after experiencing his anxious side.

``That's understandable, Finneous,`` Augustus meowed, using the tomcat's complete name with a cocky smirk. ``Change is difficult.`` He'd know. His brother disappeared, leaving him alone in the Syndicate with cats he barely knew. The only cat he's really conversed with in the Syndicate was a hot-headed molly named Ocean, and she had also vanished. With Renn gone, he didn't even know why he was still residing at the Dusk Syndicate. He had nothing there, and maybe that was why he was so eager to explore different territories. ``Don't worry, though. We'll become good friends, and then you'll have a friend outside the Syndicate.`` Augustus took a wide step over a clump of twigs.

``Hey, know what? This territory resembles our own. Pretend it's the Syndicate.`` He flicked his ear at a low-lying branch that dangled decaying leaves at his head. He raised his nose to the sky, opening his mouth slightly to taste the air. ``Where are going again?``

Though Finn was usual unaware of social cues, he noticed and understood why Augustus would not feel too great about the fake smile. He thought about apologizing but thought that perhaps his genuine smile made up for that already. He was glad, too, the his partner felt comfortable around him. Most people did, he was a friendly and easy-going cat, but it was important that he and Augustus got along. After all, Finn had no idea how long they would be in ShadowClan territory, away from home. He didn't know, either, if they would ever return home. Meet up with Rook and the other, perhaps, but go back to the swamp? He wasn't so sure.

His blue-grey tail twitched and he nodded, looking at the skinny tomcat as he spoke reassuring words. Finn smiled and bumped shoulders with his companion as they walked, glad to see that Augustus was someone who could help him out. He felt so lucky to have an amiable cat around in his weak time and couldn't hold back a smile of gratitude towards him.

"I'm sure we will," Finn said in a tone suggesting the prospective future. He felt safer and more homely in the territory of the Clan after Augustus's comment about the similar surroundings. "And you're right," Finn noticed a woodpecker, a marsh, and a croaking toad. "The Syndicate isn't the only place I can feel at home."

The Russian Blue weaved out of the way of a large-trunked spruce, avoided a thick root of an oak. The trees here were everywhere, the forest was comically dense and Finneous thought that perhaps every fifth step was made to avoid some type of growth. He walked on, now noticing some things unseen before. A twite called with it's partners with a shrill squawk, a mouse hid behind a dying oak leaf. Finn stopped moving and hung back from Augustus. He lowered his front half and pounced, rolling onto his back and gripping the rodent in his claws. He looked, belly up, at the Oriental and grinned. "Want a snack?"