[ Super-strong!! Nen's suitably impressed. One day, they wonder if they'll ever be able to do that (the answer is no. no they will not. but this will not stop Nen from trying!).
The updates are nice. Chipp has shown up in fairly short order the last few times he's come over; so naturally Nenonen expects that to be the case this time. The delays are unexpected, but Nen weathers them the same way the weather everything else: they lie on the bed on their stomach, fiddling with their phone. Each update makes the corners of Nenonen's lips twitch. Just a bit.
It's late by the time he knocks, but Nen never sleeps before midnight anyway; they open the door for him and perk up visibly upon seeing him. ]
[Man, even if he wasn't wearing his screen, seeing them perk up like that would get Chipp to smile. As much as he can. But still a smile.]
Ouais. You said you wanna understand me better, right? Got books for that. And snacks, but these're just for fun. Got some stuff I think you'll wanna try.
[He shifts it all on his shoulder a bit, just to make sure its all seated correctly. That and, well.]
... You gotta let me in, by the way, can't just come in by myself. Grim Reaper thing.
[Demon thing, technically, but they're basically cousins.]
[ Nen steps back from the threshold and tugs the door open a little wider. ]
Please come on in.
[ Nen hovers, of course, the need to be in his company just a bit more pronounced today. Tonight. After their talk. Nen doesn't know why that is, but Chipp's here and it's. Fine. ]
You don't gotta say nothin', but doin' that thing with the door works. Physical invitations're just as good as verbal ones.
[Said as he strides on into their apartment, stopping by a table to put down the box of what seems to be nothing but books. And next to that, the grocery bags full of snacks and drinks.
... Though, he stops partway through putting the bag of drinks down in particular.]
You... you said you were nearin' 200 or somethin', right? 'Cause of the resets?
[ Door closed, Nen stops partway to trying to lean over and see what Chipp has brought them (besides just 'books', even though Nen is already quite happy about that). ]
I experienced 188.778 years worth of time before I was brought to Ellipsa. Why?
That means... you ain't a kid? Or do you still count as one? You got those years added onto your consciousness or somethin' like that?
[The expression on his screen makes it clear he is thinking very hard about this. Very hard. There are moral dilemmas going on in that head of his. Moral dilemmas that he never thought would have to include someone who is nearly 200 years old but still stuck in their seventeen year old body.]
I bought some stuff that... I like. Since you wanna understand me better, y'know? But kids can't have none of it. Can't share if you still a kid.
[ Nen's never had to think about it until someone asked how old they were. If time always reset, did it really happen at all? Nenonen's wondered about it a lot. Are their memories enough? This body's never once changed amongst any of the loops. Injuries heal. Their body reset.
The only thing that changed was Essence degradation. ]
Is it biologically unsuitable for a young metabolism? If that is the case, while I have experience a lot of time, it will likely still affect me.
[ Did you bring Nenonen Chickenpox-Shingles or something here Chipp ]
No, it's, uh... it's more like a legal thing? A moral thing. I mean, probably ain't suitable neither, but that goes for everyone. Except me. I'm dead. Don't affect me at all - no toxins do.
[Finally, he puts that bag down fully and moves to go flop onto the sofa.]
When I say "kids can't have none", it means I'm just not supposed to share with kids. You got an adult mind in that body of yours? If the answer's yes, you can have some. If it's no, you can't.
Just how it is, even in the land of the dead. Folks don't age there, not even mentally. If there's a Grim Reaper out there under twenty one, they ain't allowed to drink. Ever.
[That doesn't stop him from buying drinks for the Boss, of course, but no one needs to know about that. It's ok, River's like nineteen, it's fine.]
[His antennae fall back to lay flat against his helmet as he squints at them with a little suspicion in that expression - It's kind of like he's a distrustful parakeet, really. But after a moment he gives a little one shouldered shrug and rifles through that bag, holding a can out to them.]
If you think you can handle it, then here.
[It's probably fine, he started drinking long before he was of legal age anyway.]
But yeah. I'm immune. Anything that can hurt a livin' human, can't hurt me none. Kinda sucks. Means coffee don't help me at all, can't get wasted at a bar, don't feel spice as much as I used to, nothin' like that. But immunity's still nice to have when I need it.
[ Nen accepts the can and fumbles a little with the tab (it's their first time trying to use one) before they succeed--and promptly startle as it lets out a hiss of air.
They don't drop it, but they do stare at it for several moments, unsure if they should expect more. ]
...I think immunity is better. It means I can't hurt you by accident.
[Sorry, Nen. Just that whole thing is enough to get some wheezing laughter out of him, the helmet beeping over top like usual.]
You fine now, hun, it ain't gonna bite. ... Well - Might burn a little. 'S alcohol, they do that. But you gonna be fine.
[Don't mind as he grabs himself one. With his magic, of course. Just yanks it right out of the bag and into his hand, magically. And he even opens it one-handed like a showoff.
(Give him a moment to remember he's still wearing his helmet.)]
I forgot 'bout that, though... you some kinda hazard, right? Your tears and stuff? Not like I had any plans on makin' you cry, anyway... but I guess it's good you got someone immune to all that.
[ Man, that is fascinating. Is there anything Chipp can't do?? People can do so many things Nen hasn't even thought of before. Opening cans with one hand? What's next?? Cracking an egg the same way?? ]
I'm made up of Essence. It's a toxic substance from my world the researchers were studying. It causes a number of health complications with enough exposure. There were a lot of safety protocols in place to prevent contamination.
[ Nenonen lifts the can of beer and sniffs it, blinking at the very carbonated sensation that fills their nose. It's almost itchy? Nen rubs at it a little, then sniffs again. The beer has a...sour aroma. Yes. ]
[They gotta experience it with all their sense before tasting it, huh. Meanwhile, Chipp lifts his helmet up with his free hand, purely so he can drink. It's staying up for now, but the way he's got it makes it clear he intends to put it back on eventually.]
... Kinda like how I'm made of magic. [Said as he gives them a soft little nudge with his elbow.]
Back where I'm from, pure magic can burn things 'n make'em disintegrate into nothin'. Can even burn right through the ground into the void underneath everything. That's why it all split up into colors. But that includes folks like me. Even I can't handle pure magic like that. Yet, at the same time... We all made of pure magic, too.
I actually got a book on that for ya in that there box. [He nods at it, just to gesture what he means.] Turns out the library here got some kinda enchantment - Books from home started showin' up the more lost I got. Some of the Bossman's tomes started poppin' up on the shelves. Nabbed'em for ya.
[ SORRY BEER, Nen really needs to give Chipp their undivided attention upon hearing that. They perk up, just like they had on his arrival and sit up straighter in their spot.
Nen's already happy he brought them books. But books from his world seems...extra-special, somehow. ]
Thank you, Chipp!
[ There's also that bit about learning that he's not exactly "made of human human stuff" either that makes Nen feel a sort of...closeness to him. They're the same, even if it's just that they're different. Nen doesn't know many people like that yet compared to the general populace, that is. almost every person they've met is Not a Normal Human so far lmfao ]
Uh - Ouais, of course. You said you wanted to understand me better, those're books that'll help you do that.
[This is not the sort of reaction he expected, but he can't say he's unhappy about it. Though it's making him cast a little high level magic over all of that.]
... 'S what all those books are for. [All of them. Even the singular true crime nonfiction hidden in there among them.] But, uhh... some of'em, you gonna need my help with. They ain't all in the same language. Some're in French. Some are in... the language in the land of the dead. So you gonna need my help readin' those.
[ The blessed high-level magic... It's even more interesting, because on Chipp's face it's yellow instead of red. He looks like he's glowing.
There's no way Nen's eyes aren't zeroing in on that, fascinated. ]
You brought me all these books to help...understand you?
[ If Nen looked surprised before that's nothing compared to the awe on their face now. Chipp brought them books just for this? To help them learn, and he doesn't just want Nen to read them, he wants to help.
This, right here? This is the intellectual equivalent of flowers, Chipp.
If Nenonen was a more adjusted person, this is where they would hug him. Instead? They clutch the can of beer in their hands close, like it's the most precious thing--supplanting the desire to express their delight for him into a much closer, more obtainable goal. ]
[That blush of his is getting bigger, as if he's getting more sheepish over the whole thing - But he looks uncertain for a moment, searching their face like he's missing something, like there's some sort of gap in understanding between them. As always, he cannot tell for the life of him how they're feeling about this. Usually intensity like this only lasts a second, and then whoever they're talking to goes back to laughing and joking or whatever else. Understanding this sort of intensity is also a lot easier when there are obvious signs on the others' face, too - A smile if they're excited. A frown if they're upset. Et cetera.
Because he can't parse it, he gives up near immediately and ends up looking away to take a sip from his own drink. ... Oooonly to decide it's not good enough. So he takes the flask off his belt and adds a bit of whatever's in that to his can, too.]
I just, y'know... Means a lot to me that you wanna get to know me better. Most folks don't do that.
[ Chipp gets more yellow, Nenonen gets more charmed, and the two of them completely fail at being standardized people. Which is fine, honestly. Chipp can't read people and Nenonen doesn't react like most people do anyway; they're two odd pieces of a puzzle out.
So while Chipp busies himself with adding more kick to his drink? Nen just stands up, still clutching their can and huffs. ]
Yes! You are amazing. I would like to get to know you better very much!
[ Nen squeezes the can again, just until it clunks a little.
Of course now that they're standing they don't get exactly why, but whatever they're feeling is profound and squishing a can of beer just isn't going to cut it here. ]
[The way Nenonen just... stands up, out of nowhere like that, actually gets Chipp to jump a bit in surprise. He's not sure what he's feeling in the slightest, but whatever it is, it's made him... jumpy.
... You know what? It's helmet time. Back to the helmet. Like a security blanket. (Its expression makes the way he's feeling much, much clearer. Uncertain, unsure. Startled, but trying his best to roll with the punches. He understands 0% of what's happening, but he's trying his best.)]
You want-- well, I mean... okay. But put the can down first, you don't wanna spill that on nothin'. Trust me, smell clings for weeks.
[ Sorry, emotional support beer. Nen needs to put you down now--and does just that, setting it on the coffee table before walking around it just. you know. Stand in front of Chipp all expectant-like as one does when they are a Very Normal Person. ]
I am ready.
[ HUG. Give it.
And by 'give it' I mean Nen sort of awkwardly twitches their arms forward like they mean to initiate it, but don't quite get there because they second-guess themselves and also because Chipp's still sitting down. ]
[And, of course, Chipp watches this entire rigmarole play out like it's some sort of social display. Complete with them having to announce that they're ready. He can't help the way his head tilts in confusion for a moment, but he moves to put his can and flask both down on the table.
And then he waves for them to get closer, to actually, y'know. Hug him??]
Awright, c'mon then. You don't gotta stand around like a mannequin, just go for it. It's a hug, that's how folks do it.
[ Now...most people would have hugged Chipp by now. And when they did it, they probably just would've leaned over and given him a normal hug, since he's tall enough for that. But Nen? Has only ever had the type where you're right up with them; close embraces. If Chipp is down there and Nen is up here, and they need to hug...
Sorry, Chipp.
Nen just crawls right into his lap and plunks themself down so they can lean into him and grab his shirt.
[Chipp is a dangerous man. A deadly man. Someone who's honed his mind and abilities to kill someone without hesitation and without remorse. His heart and his body both have been hardened from the years he's spent taking people out and dodging the law. Some people regard him as little more than a machine made to take lives. A demon, perhaps. Some even go as far as to call him the Devil.
Even those in the land of the dead, the other Grim Reapers that can weather any wound, any death, fear him. Avoid him and his land. Regard him as a myth and a legend, cold-blooded, something woven into stories meant to scare people into behaving - only to be very, very real.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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The updates are nice. Chipp has shown up in fairly short order the last few times he's come over; so naturally Nenonen expects that to be the case this time. The delays are unexpected, but Nen weathers them the same way the weather everything else: they lie on the bed on their stomach, fiddling with their phone. Each update makes the corners of Nenonen's lips twitch. Just a bit.
It's late by the time he knocks, but Nen never sleeps before midnight anyway; they open the door for him and perk up visibly upon seeing him. ]
Hello, Chipp. You brought a lot of stuff.
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As much as he can. But still a smile.]
Ouais. You said you wanna understand me better, right?
Got books for that.
And snacks, but these're just for fun. Got some stuff I think you'll wanna try.
[He shifts it all on his shoulder a bit, just to make sure its all seated correctly.
That and, well.]
... You gotta let me in, by the way, can't just come in by myself. Grim Reaper thing.
[Demon thing, technically, but they're basically cousins.]
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[ Nen steps back from the threshold and tugs the door open a little wider. ]
Please come on in.
[ Nen hovers, of course, the need to be in his company just a bit more pronounced today. Tonight. After their talk. Nen doesn't know why that is, but Chipp's here and it's. Fine. ]
Do I have to tell you every time?
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Physical invitations're just as good as verbal ones.
[Said as he strides on into their apartment, stopping by a table to put down the box of what seems to be nothing but books.
And next to that, the grocery bags full of snacks and drinks.
... Though, he stops partway through putting the bag of drinks down in particular.]
You... you said you were nearin' 200 or somethin', right? 'Cause of the resets?
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[ Door closed, Nen stops partway to trying to lean over and see what Chipp has brought them (besides just 'books', even though Nen is already quite happy about that). ]
I experienced 188.778 years worth of time before I was brought to Ellipsa. Why?
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You got those years added onto your consciousness or somethin' like that?
[The expression on his screen makes it clear he is thinking very hard about this.
Very hard. There are moral dilemmas going on in that head of his.
Moral dilemmas that he never thought would have to include someone who is nearly 200 years old but still stuck in their seventeen year old body.]
I bought some stuff that... I like. Since you wanna understand me better, y'know?
But kids can't have none of it. Can't share if you still a kid.
[Booze. He bought booze.]
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[ Nen's never had to think about it until someone asked how old they were. If time always reset, did it really happen at all? Nenonen's wondered about it a lot. Are their memories enough? This body's never once changed amongst any of the loops. Injuries heal. Their body reset.
The only thing that changed was Essence degradation. ]
Is it biologically unsuitable for a young metabolism? If that is the case, while I have experience a lot of time, it will likely still affect me.
[ Did you bring Nenonen Chickenpox-Shingles or something here Chipp ]
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I mean, probably ain't suitable neither, but that goes for everyone.
Except me. I'm dead. Don't affect me at all - no toxins do.
[Finally, he puts that bag down fully and moves to go flop onto the sofa.]
When I say "kids can't have none", it means I'm just not supposed to share with kids.
You got an adult mind in that body of yours?
If the answer's yes, you can have some. If it's no, you can't.
Just how it is, even in the land of the dead. Folks don't age there, not even mentally.
If there's a Grim Reaper out there under twenty one, they ain't allowed to drink. Ever.
[That doesn't stop him from buying drinks for the Boss, of course, but no one needs to know about that. It's ok, River's like nineteen, it's fine.]
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In that case, it should be fine. I don't understand morals or legals anyway.
[ Just going to drop that fun bit of information...because yes. Someone did ask Nen if their world has laws, and they had to ask was a 'law' was. So.
Nen moves over the the couch and plops themself down. ]
My mind has 188 years of memories. That should be sufficient.
Toxins really don't hurt you?
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[His antennae fall back to lay flat against his helmet as he squints at them with a little suspicion in that expression -
It's kind of like he's a distrustful parakeet, really.
But after a moment he gives a little one shouldered shrug and rifles through that bag, holding a can out to them.]
If you think you can handle it, then here.
[It's probably fine, he started drinking long before he was of legal age anyway.]
But yeah. I'm immune. Anything that can hurt a livin' human, can't hurt me none.
Kinda sucks. Means coffee don't help me at all, can't get wasted at a bar, don't feel spice as much as I used to, nothin' like that.
But immunity's still nice to have when I need it.
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They don't drop it, but they do stare at it for several moments, unsure if they should expect more. ]
...I think immunity is better. It means I can't hurt you by accident.
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You fine now, hun, it ain't gonna bite. ... Well -
Might burn a little. 'S alcohol, they do that. But you gonna be fine.
[Don't mind as he grabs himself one. With his magic, of course. Just yanks it right out of the bag and into his hand, magically.
And he even opens it one-handed like a showoff.
(Give him a moment to remember he's still wearing his helmet.)]
I forgot 'bout that, though... you some kinda hazard, right? Your tears and stuff?
Not like I had any plans on makin' you cry, anyway... but I guess it's good you got someone immune to all that.
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[ Man, that is fascinating. Is there anything Chipp can't do?? People can do so many things Nen hasn't even thought of before. Opening cans with one hand? What's next?? Cracking an egg the same way?? ]
I'm made up of Essence. It's a toxic substance from my world the researchers were studying. It causes a number of health complications with enough exposure. There were a lot of safety protocols in place to prevent contamination.
[ Nenonen lifts the can of beer and sniffs it, blinking at the very carbonated sensation that fills their nose. It's almost itchy? Nen rubs at it a little, then sniffs again. The beer has a...sour aroma. Yes. ]
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Meanwhile, Chipp lifts his helmet up with his free hand, purely so he can drink.
It's staying up for now, but the way he's got it makes it clear he intends to put it back on eventually.]
... Kinda like how I'm made of magic. [Said as he gives them a soft little nudge with his elbow.]
Back where I'm from, pure magic can burn things 'n make'em disintegrate into nothin'. Can even burn right through the ground into the void underneath everything. That's why it all split up into colors.
But that includes folks like me. Even I can't handle pure magic like that. Yet, at the same time...
We all made of pure magic, too.
I actually got a book on that for ya in that there box. [He nods at it, just to gesture what he means.] Turns out the library here got some kinda enchantment -
Books from home started showin' up the more lost I got. Some of the Bossman's tomes started poppin' up on the shelves.
Nabbed'em for ya.
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[ SORRY BEER, Nen really needs to give Chipp their undivided attention upon hearing that. They perk up, just like they had on his arrival and sit up straighter in their spot.
Nen's already happy he brought them books. But books from his world seems...extra-special, somehow. ]
Thank you, Chipp!
[ There's also that bit about learning that he's not exactly "made of human human stuff" either that makes Nen feel a sort of...closeness to him. They're the same, even if it's just that they're different. Nen doesn't know many people like that yet
compared to the general populace, that is. almost every person they've met is Not a Normal Human so far lmfao]no subject
Ouais, of course. You said you wanted to understand me better, those're books that'll help you do that.
[This is not the sort of reaction he expected, but he can't say he's unhappy about it.
Though it's making him cast a little high level magic over all of that.]
... 'S what all those books are for. [All of them. Even the singular true crime nonfiction hidden in there among them.] But, uhh... some of'em, you gonna need my help with.
They ain't all in the same language. Some're in French.
Some are in... the language in the land of the dead.
So you gonna need my help readin' those.
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There's no way Nen's eyes aren't zeroing in on that, fascinated. ]
You brought me all these books to help...understand you?
[ If Nen looked surprised before that's nothing compared to the awe on their face now. Chipp brought them books just for this? To help them learn, and he doesn't just want Nen to read them, he wants to help.
This, right here? This is the intellectual equivalent of flowers, Chipp.
If Nenonen was a more adjusted person, this is where they would hug him. Instead? They clutch the can of beer in their hands close, like it's the most precious thing--supplanting the desire to express their delight for him into a much closer, more obtainable goal. ]
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[That blush of his is getting bigger, as if he's getting more sheepish over the whole thing -
But he looks uncertain for a moment, searching their face like he's missing something, like there's some sort of gap in understanding between them.
As always, he cannot tell for the life of him how they're feeling about this.
Usually intensity like this only lasts a second, and then whoever they're talking to goes back to laughing and joking or whatever else. Understanding this sort of intensity is also a lot easier when there are obvious signs on the others' face, too -
A smile if they're excited. A frown if they're upset. Et cetera.
Because he can't parse it, he gives up near immediately and ends up looking away to take a sip from his own drink. ... Oooonly to decide it's not good enough.
So he takes the flask off his belt and adds a bit of whatever's in that to his can, too.]
I just, y'know...
Means a lot to me that you wanna get to know me better. Most folks don't do that.
1/2
So while Chipp busies himself with adding more kick to his drink? Nen just stands up, still clutching their can and huffs. ]
Yes! You are amazing. I would like to get to know you better very much!
[ Nen squeezes the can again, just until it clunks a little.
Of course now that they're standing they don't get exactly why, but whatever they're feeling is profound and squishing a can of beer just isn't going to cut it here. ]
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Is that what should go here? (Doesn't matter, that's what's going here.) ]
Chipp! I want to hug.
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He's not sure what he's feeling in the slightest, but whatever it is, it's made him... jumpy.
... You know what? It's helmet time. Back to the helmet. Like a security blanket.
(Its expression makes the way he's feeling much, much clearer. Uncertain, unsure. Startled, but trying his best to roll with the punches.
He understands 0% of what's happening, but he's trying his best.)]
You want-- well, I mean... okay. But put the can down first, you don't wanna spill that on nothin'.
Trust me, smell clings for weeks.
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[ Sorry, emotional support beer. Nen needs to put you down now--and does just that, setting it on the coffee table before walking around it just. you know. Stand in front of Chipp all expectant-like as one does when they are a Very Normal Person. ]
I am ready.
[ HUG. Give it.
And by 'give it' I mean Nen sort of awkwardly twitches their arms forward like they mean to initiate it, but don't quite get there because they second-guess themselves and also because Chipp's still sitting down. ]
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Complete with them having to announce that they're ready.
He can't help the way his head tilts in confusion for a moment, but he moves to put his can and flask both down on the table.
And then he waves for them to get closer, to actually, y'know. Hug him??]
Awright, c'mon then. You don't gotta stand around like a mannequin, just go for it.
It's a hug, that's how folks do it.
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Sorry, Chipp.
Nen just crawls right into his lap and plunks themself down so they can lean into him and grab his shirt.
#hugging ]
1/2;
His heart and his body both have been hardened from the years he's spent taking people out and dodging the law.
Some people regard him as little more than a machine made to take lives. A demon, perhaps. Some even go as far as to call him the Devil.
Even those in the land of the dead, the other Grim Reapers that can weather any wound, any death, fear him. Avoid him and his land.
Regard him as a myth and a legend, cold-blooded, something woven into stories meant to scare people into behaving - only to be very, very real.]
2/2;
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CATHOLIC GUILT ICAN'T
listen he's SUFFERING ok
HE SURE IS
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YOURE KILLIN ME SMALLS
FLEXES
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WII????
wii...oui......sobs in french
NO DW I KNOW im just screaming because WII... theyre trying so hard
NEN TRIES SO HARD ;w;
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wao lookin at nen's legs there huh i see i see
i almost had him actually go and feel for muscle but that wouldve meant letting their hands go 😔
OH WEH that would have been cute....maybe even ticklish lmfao
1/2; note to self: tickle punishment for face squishing
2/2;
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im sorry he's so awkward
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why did spell check tell me "inferrance" is correct
spellcheck trolling you this early in the morning is rude
taking advantage of my dyslexia, knowing id shrug like "ok sure that looks correct"
pats u :'c
pats nen so much more???
jdkf ;u;/// also **nod, not now gd hamhands
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eyyy camping psl becomes canon B)
no no, sweet & tender first time first, THEN the camping psl
oh weh....precious
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cw: mention of euthanasia/suicide...of a sort? choosing death over going home basically
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