anxiouscat | Labyrinthum IC Inbox

[As soon as she opens the door, Luz ushers Kenma in, shutting the door behind her].

Ok, so I'm sure you can handle your own chest even if a jerk hurt you there-

[Luz attempted a weak smile here, even though she was really feeling awful about it].

-But let's try and rewrap that leg.

[Oh, and let's nevermind Luz's face is a bit swollen, and the remnants of a black eye is still there in spite of Amity's attempt to cover it up. She's still nursing a split lip, her own arm being pretty cut up and she was in general moving pretty slowly].

Ooh, games. Please, sweet distractions.

Mmmh? Ah. It should be fine for a little... I don't really mind either one.

[ He steps through, shoes off and bag slinking off a shoulder as he makes his way in. This is... maybe his first time properly being inside? They meant to hangout before that but things kindof happened.

Those usually anxious eyes flicker her way, and he softens, finding a spot to sit down and smile a tiny bit. ]

Looks like you got it even worse than me.

[ He sets his bag to the side, leaving a space on the sofa for Luz to drop down in once she's ready. Honestly, he gets the sense they both need the comfort right about now. ]

For my sake then. I promise it won't take long.

[The house itself was a hodgepodge of the four inhabitants: books, plants, several painting. stuffed animals, and random items that Hunter liked were all on display. There were also several photos of Luz with her friends here.

Meanwhile, Luz is dabbing her friend with a bit of antiseptic and gingerly wrapping up his leg],

Yup. Toph made quick work of me, and Della got some really good hits with a frying pan. That reminds me: better send her an apology. I could tell she was holding back a little.

[Once that was settled, Luz curled up on the sofa a moment, groaning].

Have I ever mentioned how much I HATE mind control?

Mmmh-

[ He sits still, behaving and just, listening as she helps out. Occasionally looking over Luz and her injuries between light winces. Ah- the wounds sting a bit when dabbed, but it's necessary. He lets out a held back breath. ]

Thanks... It's nice to see you, again. Being yourself. [ Peeeer, those sharp eyes linger. ] I can imagine. Fighting monsters is one thing but... it's worse if it's your friends.

[ Kenma leans, giving her a soft nudge with one arm, a casual invite to rest a bit closer as the two finally settle. ]

So, games first, or a movie?
I kindof... just want to curl up for a bit.

[ It's been hard to sleep, and he's fighting any lingering fear around Luz. ]

[Luz tried not to be too rough. She knew people all had different degrees of pain tolerance, and she wasn't trying to find what her friend's threshold was, especially as she was the cause of some of it recently].

It's good to BE myself again. I keep getting glimpses of what I was like when I was under the thrall, and it's kinda gross.

And yes. That was the worst part about it. Doing things I would never done to my friends.

I'd be fine with a movie. If I did a game, I'd want something cozy, and I doubt that would be fun for you.

What movies have you got?

You're yourself now... so I think that's the most important.

[ He offers a shrug, setting his leg back down once Luz is done rebandaging it. ]

Thanks... I'm not very good with stuff like that.

Cozy games are fine. They tend to be more single player I guess. It's good for wasting time.

What kind of movies do you like?

Yeah. You're right. I just want to be sure that I stay that way.

[She was still puzzled at why she was controlled by the Green Knight in the first place, but there seemed to be no way of finding out the causation. It just made her feel uneasy].

I don't think anyone is really prepared, and then it just happens.

True. Maybe not then. Something a big lighter.

I like fantasy right now, actually. Even still!

[ Kenma has a few theories based on what he's heard and been told but, nothing super concrete, or nothing changeable. ]

Oh- I've got a few fantasy movies. Swords and sorcery style?

[ he rummaged through his bag a bit shifting over to get everything set up. Screen? Check, player, check! And then a few movies they can choose from appear on the screen. Kenma leans a bit so she can see. ]

Which one do you think?

[Luz will want to hear them, but for right now she'll be happy to keep things relatively light].

Heh, yes, actually, but if its really good world building we don't need the swords so much.

[Ooh, nice. Luz got a choice]!

Hmm. That one with all the realistic looking puppets. "The Tainted Jewelry." Interesting title.

Mmmh- they're still fun though.

[ Tap tap tap, click. This one? it does look a bit interesting doesn't it?

The movie's already starting, but he hits the pause button right away, turning to Luz with a more casual smile, a bit more relaxed now. ]

Want to sort snacks and anything else out before we start?

You got that right!

[It looks like Stringbean is deciding to use Kenma's lap as her new bed, and curls up in earnest].

Sorry about her. She's been on alert since I came to again, I haven't seen her this relaxed since before the Green Knight stuff.

[Luz is already getting up].

Yes, but now it my turn to present the snacks! Fresh popcorn, some trail mix and chips ok for now?

[She'd make them a proper meal later].

Oh-...

[ He reaches down and offers his hand for a pat if she's comfy there. Looks like he's trapped. He was about to get up and go help get snacks but-... Stuck forever. ]

Ah, it's fine, yeah. I figured... you might have wanted to get comfy like we did when we were playing games. Stringbean too-

[ It's probably for the best that he rests his leg and doesn't strain too much, so this kindof works out. The cat-like setter's just waiting patiently for her when she gets back. ]

[Sorry Kenma. Stringbean is going to get all nice and cozy now, which Luz knows all too well about so she'll get the snacks and drinks for them, which she does after a few minutes and then sets them down].

Aw, she's comfortable! Sorry you're not able to move. Uh, I guess she's been feeling anxious until now.

Oh trust me, I do. I needed this.

[ Trapped... He can't move. This is how he perishes at last it seems.

He peers between the two, giving a slow nod before responding. ]

I get that... I get pretty anxious too, often.

[ Not as big a secret as he thinks it is, it's usually pretty obvious. Eyes track the snacks, waiting patiently as one hand pats along the cat-noodle creature. The other arm's up and relaxed, just in case Luz ends up leaning into him. ]

Anything else you need to do?

[Ah well. It was a good life, right?

Stringbean is snoozing peacefully, and Luz can't help chuckling a little].

This is helping, actually. I feel a lot less...horrible about everything. Not about hurting you of course, but I think I'm actually getting a clearer head about this.

Maybe we should play some video games and see if I can't get even better?

[ It was a good life, sans the broken ribs and the wolves trying to eat him a few months ago. Mostly good.

Right now it's pretty nice. ]

Oh, yeah. We can watch the movie later if you want. Do you know how to set up the games?

[ He's trapped, you see. By a catsnake. ]

[Those wolves had been awful, but considering Luz could set traps for them and also turn into a bear and wreck their business, she had actually been less terrorized].

Mo-ugh, right, we are watching a movie! I got...distracted.

[By the idea of doing something that kept her brain and reflexes busy, which was a little more demanding of her].

And we should absolutely watch it!

[ The wolves had been less kind to Kenma, something about a cat seemed to make them even hungrier!

Pfft, he stifles a small laugh, giving her a soft nudge. ]

Yeah. I don't really mind though, I could just watch you game too.

Uh... the remotes a bit out of my reach now. You can hit play when you're ready.

[That's messed up, wolves. Now Luz felt a little less bad about the beat down she and Aubrey had rained down on them.

Luz chuckled].

I think as long as I'm occupying my mind, it'll be nice to drift off a little.

Ok, video game first, THEN movie. You'll have to forgive my ADD addled brain, but we'll get there. Promise!

Mmmh, it's fine. I get it.

[ He has to be very careful changing over to the game. Lest he disturb the coiled Stringbean in his lap.

Tap tap, swapping over, he hands the controller to Luz and then leans back. ]

I'll just watch for a little... All the travel kindof wore me out.

[ Give him like, 30-60 mins and some snacks? He'll be fine. ]

Thanks. I'm sure I can be pretty annoying to some people at times.

[Luz thought, funnily enough, of Aubrey here. She was sure that she probably drove the girl a little crazy when they first met, and how Luz wouldn't let her dismiss her when they first met and she made her angry. It reminded Luz that no matter how much she thought she improved, she was still not exempt from being too much].

Get comfy and grab a few pillows! Although I have more stuffed animals than pillows per say.

They're just as good as pillows though!

I think... Everyone can be a little annoying to someone, sometimes. As long as you're interesting to be around... I'll like you.

[ He gives a little shrug. His definition of interesting specifically? Who knows... but hopefully she gets his jist.

Kenma settles back into pillows and stuffed animals alive, comfy and idly smiling while she gets started on gaming. Oh, and snacks, with Stringbean on him! ]

They are... Sunny's got more plushes than floor space, I think. It's really comfy.

In that case, I sure hope I'm interesting!

[Luz was fairly certain she WAS, but that could be a purely subjective thing, right?

Luz made a space for a few of her stuffed animals to prop her up, and she started the game right off].

Oh right! How did you two wind up an item anyway?

I think you are, for now.

[ There's a hint of teasing in his voice, settling back and bundling a few more plushes into his side. Maximum comfy achieved. ]

Oh... when I arrived... There were these flower crowns the locals wanted us to make.

[ He hums along, glancing away with a hint of blush. ]

We both made rose crowns and happened to see each other...
At first it was the magic, but we got along so well it kindof just... stayed?

I'll take it!

[Luz is just taking things slow for right now. And slow was starting to work].

Oh right, I remember that! That was how I met my friend Aubrey again! I think they were torturing her with that stuff!

AW! That's cute! I'm glad you guys found each other! I haven't spoken to Sunny in a while, and every time I do, I see...well. Something strange, I think.

[Like another person, somehow].

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

<-has never played a comfort game save for Dreamlight Valley

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject