[Kel talks more than enough for the both of them. Sometimes, Sunny appreciates that; right now, it's overwhelming. He stays where he is on the couch, nodding about the ramen - realizing too late that it looks like he's nodding about the talking.
[But friends tell each other...what they can...right?]
I got hurt. [Start there.
[He holds out a pale, skinny arm. It's marred with a deep, gnarled scar, curling over almost the entire length - bicep, elbow, forearm, wrist...
[Kel can talk for three, really, and even if he's painfully aware he needs to learn to listen to Sunny more... right now it does't seem the right time. At the nod he's already placing pans on the stove, more than he actually needs, and starting to warm up water. A few years ago he would have made a mess cooking anything, but his big brother responsabilities occasionally got him in the kitchen more than a few times so... he WILL try his best for his friends as well.
He stops, though, at Sunny's words, the prepackaged ramen just sitting on a bowl while the water is still warming up.]
You got- hurt? [Shit. Again. Well, technically not 'again' considerinng this Sunny was never assaulted by Basil, but... he steps back to reach Sunny's side again, looking down at the arm and trying to keep a neutral expression. Shit... he's just a teen who saw gross things in movies at best, sometimes in videogames, and that horrible night. Those scars are just... no, they're part of Sunny now and he will embrace them as much as he can. He knows it's just a matter of getting used to the sight and he will not make Sunny feel weird about them-]
I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you, Sunny. I'm... I spent the entire time running around... next time I promise I will be ready to- I don't know. I want to say 'keep you and Aubrey safe' but this feels all so big. I will at least try my best, it's a promise. [Maybe he should really look into those 'sword training classes'.He can't keep failing his friends over and over.] Does it hurt that much?
[He doesn't need a babysitter. That's what he wants to say. But he walked away from Aubrey, and he got hurt. As much as he wants to be capable of taking care of himself, he clearly isn't; it makes him feel bitter and mean.
[It doesn't show, at least...He's used to burying that sort of thing.]
It doesn't hurt.
It did...[Not anymore. Not since Xie Lian took him to the crystal.] My friend...helped me.
[Kel is just... worried. He doesn't underestimate Sunny, he just feels protetive. And as far as he knows he is the sporty, strong guy, he should be the one doing the fighting and the protecting. Sunny and Hero are the brilliant ones, that's anonther important role, just different.]
Okay... okay. [At least it doesn't hurt anymore, he can put back a smile and be 'himself' once more.] So you're around here making friends? This makes me so happy, man. You're better than me, I only managed to get so many- then again shortly after I arrived that whole mess started.
[Sunny can't imagine Kel having trouble making friends. He has managed to make some of his own, though, Kel's right. Maybe that's something to be proud of, but Sunny just can't get there right now; the shame and sadness are too great.]
I know, I know... I've just been incredibly busy runnning for my life.
[He isn't worried about not being able to make friends, it's just a matter of time. He is just... more focused on two friends over the other people he's currently chatting with. ]
Just know no one is ever going to replace you or Aubrey as my best buddies, mh? Now... Ramen. I think the water is already bubbling.
I am...glad...to see you. [Glad he's here? Not if Kel doesn't want to be, and maybe he doesn't; maybe Sunny doesn't either anymore, and Aubrey probably doesn't...
[He wants to be where his friends are. Is this place awful? He kind of starts to believe that, after the recent events, but he also knows his wish is worth the struggle.]
The feeling is mutual, Sunny. The feeling is mutual. [He sits down on the couch for a moment, almost throwing his arms around his friend but somehow he manages to stop himself, merely opening his arms and inviting him for a hug. No matter what Sunny's choice will be, he'll still get up after a moment to go back to take care of the Ramen.]
[Kel opens his arms, and Sunny scoots closer, leaning against him, allow him to wrap his arms around if he'd like. However long Kel holds on, he'll let him.
[He remembers the look on his friend's face when he opened that door...
[What...is the last thing Kel remembers? Has Sunny asked?
[Does he want to know? He thinks of Basil, and dread chills his shoulders. He's not ready...
[Sunny doesn't want to talk about the "gang" anymore...]
[The hug lasts for a good moment and Kel is glad the other cannot see his face during it. He should feel happy that his friend is accepting his affection, but at the same time he's- the last time he held Sunny the other was dying for all he knew.
And for a moment his expression reflects both the relief he feels and how he still needs to properly process what happened.
Worry not, Sunny, he doesn't wnat you to ask where he was before you arrived there.]
Don't mention it. I mean, it's... you know. Ramen. Not exactly gourmet food.
[But he's happily presenting the other a bowl. No matter if it's the single most basic thing in the world, it's food. Perhaps he should... oh.]
Man... now that I live alone I should learn how to cook on my own, no mom or dad around. May I... make you my test subject for the things I will try out? I cannot guarantee much on the quality, though.
[Sunny wonders - suspects, really - if this is just an attempt at getting him to eat more, but...that isn't a bad thing. Kel wants to help. He's always been that way. Sunny eats a few bites of ramen despite not being very hungry. At Kel's request, he nods.]
[An he'd be absolutely right. He can and will be shameless in trying to help both Aubrey and Sunny, they're the two most important people of his life right now.]
That's a deal then! I promise I will do my best not to poison you, buddy! I mean, I at least know chicken and pork have to be fully cooked before eating them-
[Dad taught him well. Even if that's the extent of his meat-related safety knowledge.]
[Time to get a cooking book... and the kitchen ready to function. He's so behind with that.]
Mh? Oh-
[Well, he's not going to let Sunny ask twice. In a blink the bowl is already abandoned on the floor where he was eating and he gets up to wrap his arms around the other's body. If his friend needs hugs, he will deliver all the hugs Sunny needs.]
[No, no no no, this isn't how things should go, not at all. Kel gives the other a big squeeze, feeling even more protective of him even if it may be... a wrong feeling to have, considering they're basically the same age.
He keeps holding onto him for a moment before pushing back and shamelessly cupping the other's face between his hands, trying to be as reassuring as possible.]
Don't. I left you alone for four years, I'm the one who needs to apologize to you. I promise I will not let that happen again, though.
[His shoulders are much larger, he knows he can be there for both Hero and Sunny now. And Aubrey too, even if she's... fierce and independent.]
[Part of him doesn’t really believe that; maybe it’s a larger part than Sunny wants to admit. He did feel alone. In so many ways, he always will - there will only ever be one other person who can truly understand, and he’s…
[He wouldn't even be able to put into words how guilt is now eating him alive, but at the same Kel pushes everything down- he will cry later if he feels like it- but Sunny is the priority.]
Good. I'm determined to be here for you from now on...
[He reaches forward, acting like he does when Sally is upset and trying to press his lips against the other's forehead. It's not a romantic gesture, but he's still trying to give the other all his affection.]
[Kel may be lacking in many departments, at least compared to his brother, but he has plenty of love to share around between his friends.
Part of his 'going overboard' with Sunny may be tied to a feeling of guilt, that's true, but at the same time he also genuinely cares about the other.
Having Sunny return his affection is still a bit alien, it already felt like the high fives required a lot of efforts on the other's part but he can't complain.
Of course! [He grins widely in the other's direction. He would like to say 'I need no help', but at the same time he doesn't want to invalidate Sunny's desire to feel helpful.] I mean, I can't really think of anything I need right now, but I promise I will seek your help should I need it, mh? I'm counting on you.
we can wrap soon or continue if u had more planned!
[The affection is more than a bit alien to Sunny too, but he's been here months now - gone out, made friends, slept beside people...
[It's gotten just a little easier.
[Sunny's not sure if Kel really plans to rely on him; a large part of him doubts that, but he won't push. Kel's always been good at staying positive. He'll probably be fine. Sunny just worries...in a place like this.
[Sunny pulls away, at last. He returns to his ramen.]
I mean, it looks good to me. Buddies being buddies and all.
[He got plenty of practice between his sister and all his other friends, he's a very 'hands on' person... it's just strange receiving it from Sunny, but he can get used to that.
On relying on Sunny... he will try to do his best to make him feel useful and needed without exposing him to deadly risks.
Another big grin before returning to the floor, sitting down and returning to his ramen as well.]
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[But friends tell each other...what they can...right?]
I got hurt. [Start there.
[He holds out a pale, skinny arm. It's marred with a deep, gnarled scar, curling over almost the entire length - bicep, elbow, forearm, wrist...
[He was being eaten...]
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He stops, though, at Sunny's words, the prepackaged ramen just sitting on a bowl while the water is still warming up.]
You got- hurt? [Shit. Again. Well, technically not 'again' considerinng this Sunny was never assaulted by Basil, but... he steps back to reach Sunny's side again, looking down at the arm and trying to keep a neutral expression. Shit... he's just a teen who saw gross things in movies at best, sometimes in videogames,
and that horrible night. Those scars are just... no, they're part of Sunny now and he will embrace them as much as he can. He knows it's just a matter of getting used to the sight and he will not make Sunny feel weird about them-]I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you, Sunny. I'm... I spent the entire time running around... next time I promise I will be ready to- I don't know. I want to say 'keep you and Aubrey safe' but this feels all so big. I will at least try my best, it's a promise. [Maybe he should really look into those 'sword training classes'.He can't keep failing his friends over and over.] Does it hurt that much?
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[He doesn't need a babysitter. That's what he wants to say. But he walked away from Aubrey, and he got hurt. As much as he wants to be capable of taking care of himself, he clearly isn't; it makes him feel bitter and mean.
[It doesn't show, at least...He's used to burying that sort of thing.]
It doesn't hurt.
It did...[Not anymore. Not since Xie Lian took him to the crystal.] My friend...helped me.
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Okay... okay. [At least it doesn't hurt anymore, he can put back a smile and be 'himself' once more.] So you're around here making friends? This makes me so happy, man. You're better than me, I only managed to get so many- then again shortly after I arrived that whole mess started.
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You'll make friends...
Lots...
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[He isn't worried about not being able to make friends, it's just a matter of time. He is just... more focused on two friends over the other people he's currently chatting with. ]
Just know no one is ever going to replace you or Aubrey as my best buddies, mh? Now... Ramen. I think the water is already bubbling.
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I am...glad...to see you. [Glad he's here? Not if Kel doesn't want to be, and maybe he doesn't; maybe Sunny doesn't either anymore, and Aubrey probably doesn't...
[But he's glad to see him. That's the truth.]
I'm glad...you're okay.
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The feeling is mutual, Sunny. The feeling is mutual. [He sits down on the couch for a moment, almost throwing his arms around his friend but somehow he manages to stop himself, merely opening his arms and inviting him for a hug. No matter what Sunny's choice will be, he'll still get up after a moment to go back to take care of the Ramen.]
With half of the gang here, we're unstoppable!
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[He remembers the look on his friend's face when he opened that door...
[What...is the last thing Kel remembers? Has Sunny asked?
[Does he want to know? He thinks of Basil, and dread chills his shoulders. He's not ready...
[Sunny doesn't want to talk about the "gang" anymore...]
Thanks...for the food.
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And for a moment his expression reflects both the relief he feels and how he still needs to properly process what happened.
Worry not, Sunny, he doesn't wnat you to ask where he was before you arrived there.]
Don't mention it. I mean, it's... you know. Ramen. Not exactly gourmet food.
[But he's happily presenting the other a bowl. No matter if it's the single most basic thing in the world, it's food. Perhaps he should... oh.]
Man... now that I live alone I should learn how to cook on my own, no mom or dad around. May I... make you my test subject for the things I will try out? I cannot guarantee much on the quality, though.
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That's a deal then! I promise I will do my best not to poison you, buddy! I mean, I at least know chicken and pork have to be fully cooked before eating them-
[Dad taught him well. Even if that's the extent of his meat-related safety knowledge.]
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Kel...
[Sunny sets his bowl down on the table in front of the couch. He looks at his friend. Just as Kel did before, he holds out his arms.]
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Mh? Oh-
[Well, he's not going to let Sunny ask twice. In a blink the bowl is already abandoned on the floor where he was eating and he gets up to wrap his arms around the other's body. If his friend needs hugs, he will deliver all the hugs Sunny needs.]
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[He holds on tight, thin arms weakly squeezing. He holds on like that for a long time. All at once, he feels terrible shame...]
You...were alone...
I'm sorry...
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He keeps holding onto him for a moment before pushing back and shamelessly cupping the other's face between his hands, trying to be as reassuring as possible.]
Don't. I left you alone for four years, I'm the one who needs to apologize to you. I promise I will not let that happen again, though.
[His shoulders are much larger, he knows he can be there for both Hero and Sunny now. And Aubrey too, even if she's... fierce and independent.]
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I wouldn’t…let you…
[Part of him doesn’t really believe that; maybe it’s a larger part than Sunny wants to admit. He did feel alone. In so many ways, he always will - there will only ever be one other person who can truly understand, and he’s…
[Sunny grips tighter.]
We’ll be…together…now…
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Good. I'm determined to be here for you from now on...
[He reaches forward, acting like he does when Sally is upset and trying to press his lips against the other's forehead. It's not a romantic gesture, but he's still trying to give the other all his affection.]
Let it all out, Sunny.
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["Let it all out," Kel says, but Sunny is tired of crying. He's cried more in the past month than he did in four years. It's exhausting...
[Fingers find the back of Kel's head, idly scratching - Sunny's own brand of affection for his friend.]
Let me help...you too...
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Part of his 'going overboard' with Sunny may be tied to a feeling of guilt, that's true, but at the same time he also genuinely cares about the other.
Having Sunny return his affection is still a bit alien, it already felt like the high fives required a lot of efforts on the other's part but he can't complain.
Of course! [He grins widely in the other's direction. He would like to say 'I need no help', but at the same time he doesn't want to invalidate Sunny's desire to feel helpful.] I mean, I can't really think of anything I need right now, but I promise I will seek your help should I need it, mh? I'm counting on you.
we can wrap soon or continue if u had more planned!
[It's gotten just a little easier.
[Sunny's not sure if Kel really plans to rely on him; a large part of him doubts that, but he won't push. Kel's always been good at staying positive. He'll probably be fine. Sunny just worries...in a place like this.
[Sunny pulls away, at last. He returns to his ramen.]
I mean, it looks good to me. Buddies being buddies and all.
On relying on Sunny... he will try to do his best to make him feel useful and needed without exposing him to deadly risks.
Another big grin before returning to the floor, sitting down and returning to his ramen as well.]