He's relieved, at first, that Edwin doesn't seem to want to talk about it beyond pleasantries, and is in the process of racking his mind for a topic change when Edwin speaks again. Fuck. So maybe he does want to talk about it. Had it been that bad, had he really been so pathetic that it inspired Edwin of all people — Mister 'The Case Comes First' — to attempt to make it easier for him? It makes him feel miserable, only it also makes his heart feel light and tender, makes him feel seen in a way he hasn't for quite some time. Edwin has recognised a desire for closeness in him that's nothing to do with his obvious attraction to and frequently fumbled seduction of the ghost.

The mention of Charles, though, makes the Cat King scoff lightly. It had made him ridiculously vulnerable to share this with Edwin, someone he somewhat trusts to not yank on the strings of his heart (at least not purposefully), but Charles? Their relationship is easier now, certainly, but the Cat isn't sure either of them are ready for that kind of new direction. Although, he can't help but wonder if perhaps a little softness between their biting remarks might be the thing that makes it easier.

He grumbles a noise of consideration, purr starting to quieten, and then restructures his smile and directs his golden eyes back at Edwin.

"Does that mean you're not going to hold me to that IOU?"