post-snek recoveries

[neonleon]

[You know?

That weird temple wasn't good, but it wasn't the worst. Not by far now that he's back in this dimension. He floats a bit aimlessly, body broken, shell cracked and falling apart, some bones and insides shattered. His head aches in a way that he can't think.

All he can really do is hope Prime doesn't find him immediately right now. The light off his ring catches his eye and he looks at it, not fully registering that it's lit up.

A promise.]

Comments

[neonleon]

I'm more surprised I came out with all my limbs attached and only mild horrors to have nightmare about.

[pyrighteous]

He - he cares, he's just showing that he cares ...

[neonleon]

He does, I can tell.

[But also now Leo knows he'll be killed if he ever hurts Hunter. Scary.]

What's the scoop on this Dell guy? What's he like?

[pyrighteous]

He's a lot gentler! Really patient! Also a lot older. He's Eda's father and - uh -

... Technically my distant descendant?

[neonleon]

[Has no idea who Eda is but - HOLD UP]

Omigosh you're a grandpa.

[pyrighteous]

Not a grandpa!!

... more like a great-great-great-great-great-great - uh - uncle?

[neonleon]

[And Hunter was a cougar. He laughs a little while they keep walking, leaning into Hunter a bit.]

That's super cool though! Ori's the same, then right?

[pyrighteous]

Y-yeah. We're - uh - both clones of Caleb Clawthorne, so.

It's kind of weird!

[neonleon]

A little weird, but easy enough to figure out!

Not used to seeing a big family.

[pyrighteous]

M. Me neither. Honestly. Having ANY blood family at all is ... I didn't expect that at all.

[neonleon]

First time for everything, huh?

[He gives Hunter a little nudge with his elbow.]

So what's next?

[pyrighteous]

Oh. Well -

[ He's drawing up on an ADORABLE cottage in the woods, which is surrounded by small palistrom saplings and built into one large palistrom tree. ]

I have another courting ritual. If you, um. Want to do it.

[neonleon]

I am down for any courting ritual you wanna do.

[But GOSH that cottage is adorable.]

[pyrighteous]

[ It SURE is. Hunter sets his things down, then and turns to Leo. ]

Can I carry you into the house?

[neonleon]

[Leo blinks once. Twice.

Then wide-eyed.]

Yes? Yes. Absolutely.

[pyrighteous]

Okay! Then - put down the basket for a second, I'll do that -

[ Gonna LIFT this TURTLE! ]

[neonleon]

[Gasps. He thought he'd carry everything but!! Even better. He gingerly sets the basket down so he doesn't crush anything and holds his arms out for Hunter.]

Whenever you're ready!

[pyrighteous]

Ready!

[ Mindful of Leo's arm and shell, he puts his arms around Leo and lifts! ... okay this is actually a lot of weight for him but!! Gonna open this door and at least get through!

The room inside is cottagecore to the max. Tons of woodworking tidbits around, with half-finished palismen adorning walls and tables. The whole room is inside of a giant palistrom tree and curve appropriately; winding stares go up to bedrooms while common rooms are down here. ]

W-welcome - home!

[neonleon]

[Leo wraps both arms around his neck to make it easier, feeling a little bad for how heavy he is, but. There's only so much he can do for it.

But the inside is lovely - not really his style, but it's definitely Hunter's and that makes it special. It's exactly what he'd picture for Hunter to live in. His eyes are wide when he sees the half-finished palismen, the stairs up.]

Yeah.... home.

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter gently sets him down. ]

At least - for now. I want my own place eventually but. For now, Dell says you can stay here.

[neonleon]

[Leo smiles a little, still keeping arms around Hunter's neck as he gets steady on his feet again.]

Cool. I'll- make sure I don't make a huge mess.

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter GLADLY lets him. ]

I mean, I hope not. You're in my room so.

[neonleon]

Wait, am I?

[He's so confused for a second, but. He still just keeps close, taking everything in.]

Huh. Neat. Definitely won't mess anything up then.

[pyrighteous]

W-well - I mean if you really don't want to we can clear out the craft room but - since we're engaged -

[neonleon]

[!!! FFFfffff]

Right, yeah no, uh. Whatever's more comfortable for you. I'm good with whatever.