Confusion fluttered across Cottongrass' features and his tail gave a few curious thumps against the ground behind him. Was he really that scary? He knew that he was on the larger side despite his medium stature but he didn't think he was threatening. He was pretty sure he was only as intimidating as the plant he was named after. But he didn't know what might have been going on in the kid's head so he focused on fixing what he could.
(Which was clearing up whatever misunderstanding that had just happened between them.)
"It's okay." He chirped. They weren't being rude. Cottongrass knew a thing or two about blurting out the most awkward and embarrassing questions in the absolute worst moment. What they said wasn't close to some of the more terrible things he said in the past. Besides — they just gave him a great excuse to ramble about his two best friends and like hell was he going to pass up an opportunity like that. His features softened into something warm and his jaws parted in goofy smile.
"I'm here 'cause of my best friends." Askan and Reyes really were the best in all meanings of the word. From keeping up with his inability to commit and countless mood swings along with his childish and obnoxious antics. "You should meet them." And without missing a beat — "Have you met them? Askan and Reyes."