The Sentinels in the woods somewhere

Before he could muster up any sorrow for his own lack of invite, the younger male admitted that he hadn't been invited anywhere, either. And before he could muster any sympathy for him (and rest assured, sympathy had been coming) he invited him to a new party; one they two would have to attend together or fail to attend at all.

Sockeye had been doing his best not to be a failure.

"Too right," he agreed, gratefully following in the man's wake. "Name's Sockeye, by the way. Yours?"

He guessed it would be something more impressive; Sock couldn't help but gaze appreciatively at the burnished bronze of his pelt.

"I was thinkin' on joining this pack here, but they seemed pretty — y'know. Packed." Oh, but he missed his children! They hated all the dad jokes he so loved. What he wouldn't give to have them scoff at him now. "So I thought then I might try the next one. I'd just as soon try with a friend than alone, though."