[ He wanted it to be true. Probably, that's cruel enough that if Ash wasn't so tired, he'd be willing to fight about it. He hadn't cared before. He'd accepted his place in life after Dino died. Max came in and made him believe it enough to want it. Had him so close that he was willing to actually listen to an argument about it. Now, Ash has to want it while knowing it's impossible.
Too much of it was dependent on Max. Maybe that was proof he didn't believe it enough. With Max taken from him, the rest didn't seem likely either.
Max needed to heal. Ash can figure out the 'after' once that's accomplished. For now, he'll look for the two cats he can't keep in the end. He'll check their food, water, litter, and toys. He accepted the role of boss and did it well. For now, he'll make sure Max is healthy and go through the other motions, too.
If his shoulders shake when he's alone doing those things, it can't be counted as 'suckering' if nobody sees it. ]
no subject
Too much of it was dependent on Max. Maybe that was proof he didn't believe it enough. With Max taken from him, the rest didn't seem likely either.
Max needed to heal. Ash can figure out the 'after' once that's accomplished. For now, he'll look for the two cats he can't keep in the end. He'll check their food, water, litter, and toys. He accepted the role of boss and did it well. For now, he'll make sure Max is healthy and go through the other motions, too.
If his shoulders shake when he's alone doing those things, it can't be counted as 'suckering' if nobody sees it. ]