neonleon | post-snek recoveries

[ Hunter just stares at that cracked and open back. He shifts forward to put the shell pieces down for the healers to use, then gets out of their way again. Back under Raine's hand on his shoulder. ]

What do I do now? Just - just wait?

[The healers see them and nod; they'll grab them when they know for sur they have a way to seal them back with the cracks.

Raine looks from Hunter, to Darius, back to Hunter.]

"Let's work on getting you fed. That portal probably took a lot out of you. And we can fix something for him to eat too."

"I'm sure he'll be starving by the time the healers are done."

-- Right! I can make sure he has the best the Boiling Isles food available! A-anything he wants!

[ totally skipping over the part where HE is exhausted from portalling and HE needs food too. ]

[Raine smiles gently, figuring that's what would happen. They start guiding Hunter to the cafeteria. Darius gives a few instructions to the healers to message them when the turtle's at a less critical point.

It's okay though. The food is like... It's all the same food Hunter knows and remembers and loves, and Darius makes sure Hunter actually gets a plate for himself while Raine takes the things Hunter told them and considers it when putting together a plate for the turtle. Simple things, ease him into the Boiling Isles.]

"He's... a bit more spindly than I thought he'd be."

[ No fairy pies YET. Twitching tentacles though, that's probably fine.

Hunter reluctantly allows himself to sit and eat once that's all been compiled for Leo. Nothing to do but ache with worry over his fiancé. ]

... Yeah. I think ... I think he's been in there a long time. Longer than I realized. Maybe longer than he knew about in that temple place.

[Raine and Darius exchange looks before Raine settles with their tea.]

"That temple place... I'm certainly glad you aren't there anymore. How long did he think he was there?"

[ Sorry Raine and Darius. Hunter was probably a sight when he got home for the first time - new scars, babbling about saving a turtle demon. ]

... I thought it was just a day or two. But you can't get that thin in just a day, right?

"...No. Not unless that dimension runs differently than ours or Luz's dimension."

[Sip sip... Raine's just... Thinking. Darius watches Hunter carefully; he would never admit to being openly worried about the boy when he showed up, scarred and taller and going on about this snake god and a turtle and other dimensions.

But Hunter had such conviction in it, and now to see it's all true.]

"We'll get him back on his feet in no time. Don't worry."

[ Hunter nods at that, staring down at his plate. ]

Yeah. He - he can tell me for sure. When he wakes up.

[Both mentors nod and sip at their respective drinks. Eat a little of their own food but far more focused on making sure Hunter eats well. Waiting really is the worst part. But eventually, Darius does get a message. He looks at his scroll to read it.]

"Ah. They've done what they can for now. Let's see if he can stomach down some simple soup."

[ Hunter is reluctant but famished; he winds up finishing everything with some encouragement.

Well. Almost everything. He drops his own bowl of soup with a clatter. ]

-- I'll help him! He'll eat better if I feed him!

[Both blink at the reaction a little, seeing the soup that spilled a little. Darius smiles because wow. Subtle much?

He pushes a tray of soup, whatever amounts to crackers and water to Hunter.]

"Of course. He'll be happy to see you, I'm sure."

[ Hunter nods and takes up the tray. Gee someone might be a LITTLE over enthusiastic about a "special friend." ]

Yeah! So - I'll go do that, and.

[ He bobbles the tray a little. ]

Thank you for your help.

"Of course. Good luck~"

[Raine is of no help here. It's cute. They certainly aren't blind, either of them, seeing the matching rings on both their hands.

Leo is mostly upright. Mostly leaning back against a huge pile of pillows and staring out the window, whatever the healer's couldn't get this session is wrapped and bandaged up, his right arm wrapped from fingers to shoulder as they tried to treat the acid burns long scarred over.

But he looks at Hunter wide eyed and in disbelief when he gets there.]

Hunter?

Leo!

[ Only the tray keeps him from throwing himself at Leo. There's still a dangerous moment where he rushes forward and the soup nearly spills; he forces himself to go slowly after that, bringing it over to rest on a desk next to Leo.

Hunter looks Leo up and down, taking in the sight of all those bandages. And how thin he is ... nothing good, but at least he's alive. and awake. And talking. ]

It's - it's me, yeah. Hunter. I'm here.

[ He manages a watery smile. ]

You're safe.

[He almost reaches when it looks like Hunter's going to drop the tray, but it aches and Hunter catches himself anyway.

Instead, Leo ends up watching Hunter's face shift and reaches to just... touch at his shirt.]

You're real. And. And I'm here.

[ Hunter shifts closer so Leo can reach his face if he likes. ]

You're in the Boiling Isles. Yeah. Just like we planned.

[OH his eyes get big. And glassy wet as tears form. He takes a second to watch Hunter's face before shifting his arm to wrap around him and tug him in closer for a weak hug, burying his face into Hunter's chest. He'll get to Hunter's face in a second, just right now... He needs this.

[ Oh Leo. Hunter puts an arm around him, EVER so gentle and mindful of his injuries. He keeps his arm close to his waist and away from the broken shell. ]

Hunter rests his forehead against Leo's and lets out a soft chirp: safe. ]

You made it, Leo. It's all done.

[He can't really hug any tighter, he's too tired. But the chirp Hunter gives him tightens something in his chest.]

Yeah. Y-yeah, it's all done. I'm here.

You - you have to rest now. And eat, and get your strength back.

[ Hunter's voice wobbles. ]

You were ... you were so badly hurt in there. I wasn't sure if you'd make it.

...Yeah, he. Uh. He didn't really pull any punches.

[He starts to relax a little, still holding Hunter with his good arm.]

...Thanks. For getting me.

[ Hunter leans as much as he dares. ]

Of course. I wasn't going to just leave you, I just -

[ Another voice wobble. ]

How long were you in there?

[Leo leans back against him.]

I... don't know? I dunno, couldn't tell time in there. Felt like a long time.

[ Hunter goes quiet a moment as guilt just. Shivers through him. ]

I - took a day to get everything set up. B-because I knew you'd need a healer right away, I -

[ he looks down at Leo. ]

You're so skinny.

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