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

[pyrighteous]

[ Oh. Right. Because ...

Hunter squeezes back gently and gives him a gentle chirp. Here. ]

I'm okay. It really was just a game, I promise.

[neonleon]

[The chirp nearly bowls him over, every time. He's still glad they worked on that with him as he squeezes his hand one more time.]

All right. Sorry, just- Worried.

[pyrighteous]

No, I get it. I'm half expecting to - I don't know. Grow horns or something.

[neonleon]

Or you not be able to tell a lie or something.

[He thumbs against the palm of Hunter's hand starting to walk them again.]

...What all did you tell them about the temple anyway? [How much is he safe to say without shocking them?]

[pyrighteous]

I - uh -

[ He returns the gesture gently. ]

Not much. Darius knows the most now. My friends ... I think I want to take it slow. They don't know about Ori yet.

[neonleon]

[He'll follow Hunter's lead then. Hunter's tree isn't too far at least. He'll get the door open for Hunter.]

Do... you think they'd take some of it well?

[pyrighteous]

...

I think Luz would charge off to rescue Ori. Even though he's very happy with Viktor right now.

[neonleon]

...She does seem the really eager type.

[JUST... Gonna close the door behind them.]

So I'll follow your lead on what's safe to talk about and hope none of it comes up at all.

[pyrighteous]

Y-yeah uh. I think that's safest.

[ He leans lightly against Leo's shoulder once the door is closed. ]

I'm not ready to talk about about a lot of it.

[neonleon]

[There's an uncomfortable stab in his shoulder where Hunter leans, like he pressed against some new muscle or something that hadn't grown in yet. Which is... such a weird feeling.]

Nah, I- I get that. Some of it's... Most of it- A-aaaanyway. [Just! Setting that topic aside!]

Should get cleaned up so we can go right?

[pyrighteous]

[ Sorry Leo. he keeps leaning a moment. ]

Yeah, uh. That's the idea. Want me to call Darius?

[neonleon]

[He does the mental calculus of that real quick-]

Might be better yeah, he'll want to help you more.

[pyrighteous]

Yeah ...

[ Sorry Leo, it's true. Anyway he steps away to go do that real quick.

At least it's gonna be a real nice dinner overall, right? ]

[neonleon]

[It sure is. Darius even gives him a stylish long sleeve to cover the bandages so no one's as worried about it. Really great outfit. And the food was perfect. Tamales are always good. And he only stuck his foot in his mouth once or twice! Not bad for being out of practice of Normal TM conversations.]

I think that went well.

[pyrighteous]

[ At least Camila is used to teenagers and awkwardness; she's beaming by the end of the night, waving to Leo and Hunter as they start the walk back to the Gravesfield cemetery to take the portal home. Hunter's friends are also all increasingly convinced, as well; even Willow is more quiet than actively jealous for now.

He drifts a little closer to take Leo's hand as they approach the pond. ]

I think so too, yeah. At least - I had a lot of fun? And her food is always so good...

[neonleon]

[Poor Willow. Even Leo feels a little bad.

But then again, Willow hadn't gone through the same things they had. He takes Hunter's hand to squeeze it gently while they walk. It's nice being sort of back home. Familiar skies, even if he'd never really seen the constellations before; all the light pollution in Manhattan. But he still hasn't felt his family's ninpo here. Maybe he'll feel it when they get closer to New York in a few weeks.]

Ohmigosh the food was amaziiiiing, as good as Mikey's. Don't tell him I said that. But we are definitely coming back again, right?

[pyrighteous]

[ The plans are all set for that: Camila will help them take the train once Leo secures an illusion brooch from the Demon Realm. From there they should be able to at least get in the city and figure it out. ]

Of course we are. We have those dinners at least once a month for everyone. And Luz and I usually go once a week.

[neonleon]

Cool. She's a good sister, I'm glad she's around. [He bumps shoulders with Hunter while they walk.]

They're all great.

[pyrighteous]

They ... they really are.

[ He tears up a bit at that bump, and also the sight of the arch coming up? this is the place where he died... ]

I can't believe how many people I have in my life now.

[neonleon]

You have so many, and you deserve everyone. Even the ones in other universes that I know still care about and love you. You're awesome. Who wouldn't wanna be in your life?

[pyrighteous]

I - well - it seemed like a lot when I was the Guard.

[neonleon]

Yeah? And now you have even more.

[Just leaning in to kiss his cheek as they step up to the arch.]

Ready to go back?

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter goes red and clings a little harder with his hand. ]

Yeah. Let's go home.

[neonleon]

[It's cute every time he does it. Leo smiles at that and goes for one more kiss before tugging Hunter along.]

I think your friends like me better now too.

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter gently heads through the portal then - back to nighttime in the Isles, which generally has more background screaming. ]

I think so too. Though - uh, sorry for all of Gus's questions.