intro ♚ december

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO POLGAR

We’ve all had those dreams: you wake up on a table, to blurry, ominous images and the certainty that you are absolutely buck-naked in a room full of strangers. This is not quite it.

Instead, you come awake to the sun on your face. The soft burble of water nearby. The hustle and bustle of a busy street and the faint, fortifying smell of bread. You open your eyes and there’s no one there at your bedside, but there is what appears to be the end of the world happening just beyond your window.

There’s a crack in the world across the sky, the “sun” is the totally unnatural light spilling from that crack straight into your eyes, and someone’s left a neatly pressed and folded uniform at the foot of the bed that isn’t yours. Somewhere in the room, there’s a strange clatter like beads, the click of claws on the floor.

Something’s in here with you.

Also, you are naked.

ONE ♟ My Anaconda Don’t

Brace yourselves, Heroes, for Prime Minister Teddy has a special announcement for you today. It’ll be delivered either via carrier or mechanical pigeon.

	Woman? Hello, Heroes! Hmm? Who am I? If I don’t tell you who you are, you’re calling the police? Ahaha, no need to be so hasty!
	Thierry Toussaint It’s me, Teddy! The prime minister. This might be overwhelming for the new arrivals, but we need everyone’s help for this mission. Have you heard of the Alfersa? They’re a proud warrior race that live in Polgar. They’re said to be blessed by the goddess Gladia since they’re naturally strong, sensitive to mana, and skilled in combat. I guess they’re pretty much like our Knights? Without the magical talent, of course. We’re hoping they’ll lend us a hand in protecting Blanc. The Alfersa are distrustful of men, so negotiations have been difficult… Now that the Gladia Games are underway, I’m hoping to meet some beautiful women—I mean, recruits! It’s a recruitment drive, after all! Right, Alex?
	Alexandre Verdoni Prime Minister, I don’t know what possessed you to think your ridiculous ideas will actually work, but please refrain from making a scene at the Games.
	Thierry Toussaint Ah, ah. [ waves a finger at ] It’s not Prime Minister. It’s Zeed Stun, an enigmatic beauty from the East! Alex, come with us!
	Alexandre Verdoni No. Please refrain from making transparent aliases undercover. Heroes, the Alfersans have an extremely matriarchal society. The Prime Minister recommends that you follow his example to fall in their leader’s good graces, but I personally find it unnecessary. Stand tall, be proud, and may Gladia bless you on your journey. Oh, and… dress light. Get some sunscreen.

You’ll be given time to prepare before heading out. This is when you decide if you’ll follow after PM Teddy’s example or not. He has provided a generous number of colorful dresses to choose from. Unsure of how to pull off a good look? Ask your fellow Heroes or the maids and butlers of Hall of Glory for assistance.

Once you’ve made it safely to Polgar, you’ll be greeted with a feast for the eyes. A procession appears to be underway with several nubile women dancing to the beat of drums. For every pause in the drumming, anklets fill the air with a sweet, chiming sound. Leading the parade are scantily-clad shrine maidens. Should you happen to stumble too close, you will be greeted with an icy stare. Waiting at the end of the road is the matriarch of the Alfersans…

	Thierry Toussaint O Gracious One, I am Zeed Stun. Today, I am here to show you the dance of my people—
	??? You have a snake.
	Thierry Toussaint I’m sorry?
	??? You have [ grabs between his legs ] a snake.
	Thierry Toussaint Guh!
	??? [ in one fluid motion, the woman smears Teddy’s makeup off and makes him her personal footrest. for the first time since the Heroes’ arrival, she smiles. ] … Oh, praise Gladia. So these are the Heroes She said I would meet. I am Diana Serpente, Queen of the Alfersa, Lady of the Serpents, and head priestess of Gladia’s temple. Gladia has been telling me all about you. Ever since you put the soul of my ancestor to rest, I’ve been thinking of a way to repay you. After receiving this [ digs her heels into Teddy’s back ] pitiful man’s request, I should have known it all along… Lending you our strength was the answer.
	Thierry Toussaint Thank y—ugh!!
	Diana Serpente [ steps off Teddy… ] However, we don’t help just anyone. What’s friendship… [ lifts the chin of the nearest female Hero ] without a little intimacy? The Gladia Games are underway. I invite you all to join us in the festivities! Before we fight, let us make merry in the name of Gladia!

As you walk around Polgar, you’ll lay eyes on the various shops, with those specialized in weapons and armor the most renowned and high quality of them all. Female Heroes are in luck as they will receive discounts. Male Heroes will have to pay the regular price regardless of what they look like. However, those who didn’t decide to look pretty for the occasion will find a much increased price tag. If you’re in desperate need of colle, these shops will let you polish and arrange their merchandise for a decent wage.

TWO ♟ It’s a Jungle Out There

As per tradition, everyone participating in the Gladia Games must hunt down the monsters near the city. It is believed that Gladia herself sends them a different beast each year. This year, giant spiders crawl dangerously close to Polgar’s outskirts. Bring parts of the spider back to the city as proof of your skill and valor. Those who kill fifteen or more spiders win ONE of these fabulous prizes: one high quality weapon or armor, their very own pet anaconda or a night with Teddy!

In the Polgarian jungles, the humid air is thick with blood. Ferns and heavy branches covered in thick moss make the area difficult to navigate. Reedy sunlight filters in through the trees. You have a feeling that you are being watched… In fact, venomous snakes might jump out of the underbrush! Should you get bitten, have another Hero heal or help you suck out the venom. But don’t get distracted; danger looms from above as well. Like in the forests between Caissa and Petrosian, leafy vines are prone to descending and embracing Heroes rather intimately.

Heroes who have paid a visit to Salamanca Temple back in the day might recognize the spider nests once they’ve found them. These arachnids the size of a car will leap very high into the air and scuttle between branches to camouflage themselves during the battle. Some might even spin a cocoon for you until they come back to snack on you later. Avoid getting bitten—their venom can render you numb and unintelligible.

Kill the spiders and take down the nests, but remember: no one wants a forest fire. Safety first!

THREE ♟ Light and Sweet, Hot and Heavy

The Alfersans will welcome you back once you return to Polgar and are happy to take the spider parts off your hands. You didn’t forget to bring them with you, did you?

The festivities are now in full swing! Heroes, hit the streets for the citywide party! Large trays with food are being passed around as Alfersans view the close sharing of food as an act of camaraderie. It is customary for men to feed the women by hand. Yes, with their fingers. Alfersans will also encourage Heroes to join their dances, and some will keep dancing in front of you until you agree. As it turns out, dancing together actually only means holding hands and taking a jovial stroll around the shrines. You should be light on your feet and stay in rhythm, but the ritual isn’t too difficult.

Dancing may be good for the soul but your feet can only carry you so long until you are tired. Why not check into one of the many resorts? Or check out the far more numerous high-class brothels? Or perhaps you’d rather spend a relaxing day at the hot springs, spas or restaurants? The hot springs in particular are quite special here, as they are heated by the kiss of molten hot magma, blessed by Gladia herself. They possess healing properties, yes, but more curiously, if you happen to soak in the warmth for too long, you may start to feel a bit… virile.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's Month intro log! Please remember to read the Arrival Info! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Comments

[encaging]

[ Pfft- Toma grins at Keaton's choice of words and promptly puts on a light, teasing tone. There is no way he's letting this opportunity slip past him and having Shin and her around has given him plenty of opportunities to sharpen his tongue. And Keaton is too much like a pup to not play with for a little bit. ]

I would agree but you happen to have some spider web stuck to your everything. As well as many other things. You do know there is a pincer stuck in your pant leg, don't you?

[ What a mess. It's without even having to think about it that Toma reaches out and begins to brush away the spider web and gunk and pieces from Keaton's shoulders. Not touching the bare chest though. Keaton can clean that up by himself.

Toma is very thorough, however, making sure to tug and pluck at any stray strings. Especially the one stuck to Keaton's jaw. ]

You're right, I'm not used to this but don't worry. With some rest, I should be fine. A snake managed to get the drop on me but it's dead now.

[ Crushed under Toma's heel, in fact. They might be standing in the gory remains. His fingers shakes when he finally lets them drop from Keaton's shoulders but Toma resolutely blames the adrenaline. Not the itching and hurting wound on his arm.

It is awfully hot in the jungle so he's going to focus on that. ] You're part wolf, aren't you? How come you can stand the heat?

[notwagging]

W-wait, hold on! Don't touch anything!

[ But it's too late for Keaton. He's being cleaned, things being taken off of his body that he gathered both on purpose and on accident. Things that he might have rolled around in after using those strong fists and might instead of using the cunning prowess of a wily predator, picked off and gently floating to the jungle floor.

The defensiveness fades as soon as Toma touches his face, a finger possibly grazing his chin, and he goes silent. Something inside of him says to possessively grab that hand, put one of those fingers into his mouth and... no, no. It's the same feeling he felt before. Did he do something like that in a dream? When did he dream about Toma, anyway? Still, the impulse is there, and he desperately looks away to find something to look at so he could escape the growing heat in his cheeks. ]

It's not the heat that gets me. It's the humidity. [ He sniffs. They're both pretty sweaty, aren't they? Hopefully Keaton doesn't offend him with anything, because the last thing he wants to do is drive away his friend.

His eyes linger on Toma's arm. That's blood, where the snake must have bitten, but it looks green. A floating green cloud over it. It reminds him of his weapon, which must mean... ]

Hey. You're not okay. You're sick. We need to take care of it, right now.

[ This is when those noodle arms of Toma's won't help him, as Keaton reaches out and pulls him close for inspection. It'd be hard for him to avoid that chest. ]

[encaging]

[ Sorry, not sorry about your little treasures, Keaton. The color rushing into Keaton's cheeks only makes Toma's smile widen into a grin. It's fun to mess with someone who is so easily embarrassed as Keaton is.

Toma opens his mouth to comment on the humidity, to make light of it because it's almost like this back home in Japan. To make fun of the way Keaton's damp hair curls even more now and how it's making his fuzzy ears look even cuter. High humidity is something Toma is used to and high temperatures as well but the heat is pretty overwhelming--

But the words never make it past his lips.

Instead, he finds himself pulled against Keaton and Toma oomph!s when his chin knocks against Keaton's collarbone. The sudden tug makes his head spin and Toma closes his eyes to inhale sharply through his nose. Something spicy fills his nose, something rich and earth and strong. It grounds him, drains the discomfort from his head and for a few moments, Toma doesn't move. Allows himself to sap from Keaton's solid body and from his mana.

Then he pushes himself away just a bit, voice a resigned but fond grumble. ]

Pushy, pushy! At least let me take off my jacket, we won't get very far otherwise.

[ Noodle arms mean that Toma can also wiggle his wrist out of Keaton's grasp so he can take off his jacket and roll up the sleeve of the undershirt beneath it. The wound definitely isn't a pretty sight. The bleeding stopped a while ago but the skin around it is swollen, blotchy and an angry red color. ]

[notwagging]

That might be the least of your worries. [ He's serious, dead serious! Just as serious as the sad spider webs that have been dislodged from their temporary home, on the tail of the Wolfskin whose eyes are still locked onto the wound. No, it's definitely not bleeding anymore and maybe Keaton is overreacting, but he knows instinctively that whatever did this left some sort of poison behind. ]

Promise me you won't squirm? I don't want to get hit in the face while trying to take care of this, alright?

[ Because a bruised snoot would be painful, but accidentally ingesting any of the poison directly? That's a big nope. Kind of like how he just got tapped by Toma's chin, only it doesn't really faze him in the way as one might expect. No, it's getting a closer look into Toma's eyes and how they shine in an indescribable way. It's getting to take a breath and smile at how oddly comforted he feels from how close he is to Toma--- the sweat must do something about his scent, and he exhales slowly once he looks back at him.

Shaking his head at himself, he pulls Toma's arm up to eye level. Yep. Still poisoned. Still looks pretty bad. His nostrils flare as he takes a whiff--- sweat, Toma, poison. What does poison smell like? Not great, not a thing that Keaton would want to take home with him. ]

Remember. Don't move.

[ He takes one deep breath then presses his lips against the spot, taking one intense and long suck. ]

[encaging]

[ It's when Toma's opening his mouth to reassure Keaton that yes, he is not going to move and no, he won't squirm or accidentally hit Keaton in the face while he is trying to save his life that Keaton presses his mouth to the spot and sucks. Naturally, Toma's first instinct does have him try and tug his arm away but it doesn't get much further than a twitch before he's latching on tightly to his self-control.

If someone has told him a week ago that he would spend one of his days in a jungle with a wolf-man trying to suck poison out of his arm, Toma wouldn't have taken them seriously. But here he is, still pressed close to Keaton's body and his nose filled with Keaton's scent. Toma feels acutely aware of everything that is happening, of Keaton's chapped lips, the colour of his lashes, the way a drop of water (or sweat?) runs down the side of Keaton's throat and then a little further down.

It feels surreal, utterly bizarre and Toma jerks his head to the side so he won't have to watch Keaton suck the poison from the wound anymore. It fills his chest with an uncomfortable feeling, something queasy and unpredictable which makes Toma want to push Keaton away so he can clear his head.

So he can think straight and work some distance between them.

He doesn't.

His pulse is racing underneath his skin.

Toma exhales harshly through his nose and tries to focus on the noise of the jungle around them. On anything which isn't Keaton. ]

[notwagging]

[ Oh, that twitch... it makes Keaton's ears twitch, too. Last thing he needed was for his lips to come undone, his teeth to accidentally draw across such soft skin and tear into it? That would certainly make things worse, but knowing that Toma trusted him to do a good job, to fix the wound and keep his health in a manageable state before taking him somewhere else...

His mana. It's the same as what he smells, what he tastes in Toma's blood and sweat: naturally sweet, but like his earlier feelings on him, a tinge of something darker and bitter that he couldn't or wouldn't want to understand. Or is that the poison, which he feels tingle on his tongue and the inner parts of his lips, where he breathes through his nose and gives another effort to draw it out.

No swallowing.

He uses his teeth to increase the suction, sucking through them. As much as he could draw out, he then pulls back and spits as much of the fluid out of his mouth and onto the ground where it wouldn't do any harm to anyone. The green-ish aura around the spot has diminished, but some still lingers. He has to do it again, pressing his nose against the area above and snuffling there for a moment (perhaps a bit too long) and licks, before doing it again.

With gusto.

More spitting, and it looks a lot less inflamed already. Not exactly healthy, but definitely in a better state. It only takes a second for Keaton to tear his uniform again, producing a long strip for him to bind the wound. Leaving an open area like that is just asking for issues later, even if he's a hero. ]

Okay. That should do it.

[ No doubt that Keaton has basically poisoned himself, but he's a good wolf. He'll be fine. ]

[encaging]

[ The grogginess which has set into Toma's muscles doesn't disappear immediately. It sticks, lingers like the strand of web Toma can see behind Keaton's ear now that they're pressed against each other. However, the unpleasantness and the discomfort fade enough for Toma to become aware of the absence of pain. He allows himself a relieved sigh.

Better, much better.

The snuffle catches him off-guard and Toma's lips thin, pressed together as he watches Keaton through narrowed eyes. Something coils within his chest, informs him of the potential danger Keaton presents. He is still a wolf. What would stop him from taking a bite out of Toma's arm because he likes the taste of blood far too much? What if the venom makes Keaton see Toma as prey?

There is something obscene about the way Keaton is sucking the venom out, obscene in the way Keaton enjoys his task with single-minded glee. It makes Toma's pulse quicken in response as if body is getting ready to tear his arm away after all. Waiting for a bite which never comes.

Toma shouldn't have doubted Keaton, not when he's tearing his own uniform into further strips to wrap one around the wound to keep the blood from getting everywhere and dirt from getting into it.

He takes a step back away from Keaton once the task is done. It's not out of fear, not anymore, it's more with a curious light in his eyes and a need to assess sending his mind into overdrive. For a few seconds, his rough breathing fills the air between them before seems to reach a conclusion and digs into the ouch tied to his belt. A bottle of water is produced and Toma offers it to Keaton. ]

Rinse your mouth with this. Traces of the venom most likely still linger and you don't want to ingest too much of it.

[ A controlled but still shaking exhale which seems to come from the depth of Toma's core leaves him before Toma reaches out to pet Keaton's ears, to ruffle his hair. He can't help it, Keaton is too dog like to not do it. ]

Thank you for your help.

[notwagging]

[ The water is taken quickly and comedically, he pours as much water as he can into his mouth and swishes it around before spewing it all over the place and away from Toma. No way is he going to get himself sick, and water would certainly dilute whatever he may have taken in already. Whatever that doesn't get into him, is haphazardly splashed across his chest, dripping down onto his pants, and soaking some of his clothes. ]

Whew! Thanks, that's pretty smart. [ Instead of wiping the water off, he tries to make sure he gets as much of himself covered as possible. Mostly to wash off sweat, but because he knows it'll feel a little better compared to the stickiness that he's been feeling since stepping into the humidity. Probably doesn't do anything good in terms of keeping any light from glistening off of him, but then again, his current strategy of 'run really hard and stomp the spiders' hasn't required an inch of stealth. ]

So, how's your weapon? You been finding any luck shooting the spiders around here?

[ He's known some pretty good archers, so at least he can recognize how much skill is involved in wielding a bow. Outside of the physical strain of drawing the string back and aiming, he's sure that Toma's gotten a little used to it by now? Maybe? ]

[encaging]

[ Just as Keaton begins to splash his chest with the water, Toma reaches out to take the bottle back. But the only thing left to do is watch in glum acceptance as is runs down Keaton's well toned chest, down the tantalizing hint of abs showing before the drops disappear into the nether world.

It seems Keaton misunderstood when Toma said Rinse your mouth this this. Clearly, he must have heard Splash yourself with it! and Toma struggles to get mad. It is kind of difficult when Keaton immediately compliments him, guileless and pleased to get rid of the sweat and stickiness. Who can possibly stay mad when a dog runs through ten puddles of mud and dirt to bring you a treat?

Not Toma. ]

You're welcome and thank you for noticing. [ A brief, amused snort. ] I have taken some spiders down and destroyed their nests, yes. This bow is something else. [ Something which seems to possess a will of its own. Sometimes, it almost seems to jerk in Toma's grasp as if denying him just for the sake of being contrary. And he hasn't even attempted to use the ability yet, not when his bow is still willful.

Still, it is a magnificent bow and Toma runs a hand over it. ]

I can tell from your collection- [ And state of cleanliness. ] -that you've been keeping yourself busy. How many have you killed?

[notwagging]

How many? Okay, let's see.

[ He starts to count with his fingers. Five... ten... fifteen... twenty... twenty-five... he stops at thirty. Then, he reaches into his pockets, feeling around inside them while counting silently with his lips. Yep, thirty. How does he know? He pulls out one sticky, oozing eye, and proudly presents it to Toma. ]

I have a bunch of these in my pants. They're the easiest thing to fit in there. Have you tried cramming a giant spider's leg in a pocket? It's pretty difficult!

[ Though it does prevent him from telling a funny joke about being happy to see Toma and something else, but that's not really part of his schtick. ]

Is your bow that special? I want to see! [ Especially if his bow is anything like the one that the Hoshidan prince used? To see something that majestic on the battlefield, Keaton was glad that he wasn't on the other end of an arrow nocked in his weapon. And if on cue, his tail starts to beat against a nearby brush that totally doesn't deserve the abuse of an excited Wolfskin.

He once again closes the distance between the two of them, tongue sticking out of the corner of his lips. No doubt that water might splash a little onto Toma, though most of it has certainly gone lower and lower to where the light doesn't shine as brightly as it might on his musculature. ]

Heck, I could probably go find a spider or two. Or maybe they'll come to us--- they don't seem particularly dumb or smart, after all.

[encaging]

That's impressive. What did you do with the other spider parts?

[ It's a good thing that Toma's patience appears to be endless. Lesser people might have run away screaming at the sight of the spider eyeball or at the abrupt approach but somehow, Toma isn't surprised anymore. Keaton's pockets could be lined with dragon balls and Toma wouldn't question it. The spider eyes do get a long look and Toma's eyes follow the ooze as it drips down.

One drop. Two drops. Is it just his imagination or do the leaves the ooze touch shrivel up a bit?

Hopefully, Keaton will wash his hands after all this. Or wash himself in general, fighting thirty spiders has clearly taken a toll on his personal hygiene.

Not that Toma should be throwing stones. He's sweaty, his upper arm has Wolfskin spit on it and he did fight some spiders of his own.

And now Keaton has gone and splashed some of the water running down his chest on Toma. Who uses the opportunity to ties his jacket around his waist and pull down the sleeve of his shirt. Bandages or no, it'll be better this way. Especially with Keaton crowding into his personal space as if he owns it, Toma feels the need to put up some sort of barrier. ]

It's different from what I am used to. Here-- [ The movement is fluid and lacks any amount of hesitation as Toma lifts the bow to hold it out for Keaton to inspect. It seems plain, wood carved into the correct shape. It's the string nocks which are different, gnarled roots keeping the string in place rather than regular, smooth wood. ]

As for your offer to go and find a spider... Don't you consider it dangerous? Or don't you think you've hunted enough, considering your... collection?

[ There it is, the flickering flame which keeps Toma alert at all times. The need to watch out for those he cares about and to step on their toes when they are about to do something fundamentally stupid. ]

[notwagging]

[ Clearly, the moistness that Keaton has become a little too familiar with has rendered him impervious to the burning fire of 'don't be a dumb', and he shrugs nonchalantly. He'd be more worried about the spiders if they proved to be a challenge, of which Keaton has been easily able to fight repeatedly without any problem. After all, compared to the Faceless or the invisible enemies he had encountered, they're basically fodder. ]

Wait. Are you worried about me? You don't have to be! Don't you remember what I promised you before? [ Though it's clear from his tail and the red on his face that it's something he takes as a sign of friendship. Perhaps, something more, but he tries his best to hide it by raising his arm up and wiping some sweat off of his mouth and chin. The sleeve rolls back, showing off a little more muscle, a little bit of definition. No noodles here! He even flexes a little, just so he can get some of the feeling back into his arm. No one said the poison didn't have an effect on those slightly numbing body parts... ]

Anyway... I mean, I've certainly found enough. If you haven't, I might be able to give you a few if you need them. I hear there are some rewards if you bring enough to the people who want them.

[ Whatever they are, he's excited! Maybe he'll have so many spider parts, they'll just give him a basket of other parts so he can try to build his own spider back in his room. ]

That being said, I could always stay here with you, if you want the company. I'd hate to see you get bitten again by a strange animal.

[encaging]

I don't know if spiders this big are common where you are from but they aren't for me. Of course I'm worried.

[ The you dummy goes unsaid but the expression on Toma's face should convey it easily enough. It's the kind of fondness that comes with growing friendship, hidden behind a thin veil of of exasperation. Even if Keaton has proven his mettle by killing a solid amount of spiders, it won't stop Toma from reining him in. Just so Keaton won't end up face first in a brand new kind of trouble.

Especially when he seems to insist on showing off even his body. It's noticeable, the way sleeve rolls back to reveal more dense muscle moving beneath Keaton's skin. Whatever he did before coming here, it wasn't collecting bottle caps.

Toma tears his gaze away and meets Keaton's eyes instead, smiling when he notices the blush. And the furiously wagging tail. Too much like a dog sometimes, really. ]

Thanks but I think I have enough spider parts to work with. [ Not enough for the special reward but Toma isn't going to reach for the stars when he can barely reach the branch above him. He doesn't have any reason to show-off.

There is a pause before Toma's voice turns slightly sullen through his usual calm cheer. ]

...Do I really seem so unreliable that I wouldn't be able to take on another spider?

[notwagging]

[ Whatever humor that there was between them suddenly vanishes with the change of tone, unmistakable to Keaton's ears as... disappointment? Uncertainty? A lack of confidence, something that he could distinctly tell as he quietly tilts his head, raises an eyebrow, and frowns. He clearly made a mistake of some sort, though he didn't mean to, and that sudden lack of energy and charm from Toma sets his fur in unease. ]

H-hey. Of course not. I just, well. [ His heart is pounding. Why does he suddenly feel this way? Even in the face of friends and comrades, nothing ever matched the sudden anxiety that crept along his nerves and made him want to hide. Even looking into Toma's crestfallen eyes and hearing his disappointed voice causes him a kind of suffering--- guilt, perhaps, a stronger weapon than any claw or bow. ]

Look. [ He has to be honest, right? Everyone appreciates honesty. ] You and I haven't known each other for a long time. If you were ever hurt... it'd hurt me, okay? Whenever one of my pack mates have gotten injured, it feels just as bad.

[ He reaches out to gently pat Toma's shoulder, then gives it a tender squeeze. ]

You're reliable for sure!

[encaging]

[ That was way more of a reaction Toma could have anticipated and his eyes widen for a few heartbeats before he laughs quietly and encircles Keaton's wrist with his fingers. He doesn't push the hand away nor is the touch affectionate. It carries a small warning, a message unsaid. Do not cross this line.

They haven't known each other for that long as while Toma has known affectionate people, this is pushing it. Even if the hand feels warm through the cloth, a reassuring weight which fills Toma's bones with an odd reassurance. Even if Keaton's first instinct was to comfort Toma, even if he looks like he genuinely means to cheer him up, even if--

Toma lets his hand drop from Keaton's wrist and offers up an amicable smile instead. He can't be mad. Not when Keaton is blundering ahead so earnestly. He didn't mean to offend. Not when he helped Toma before, when he sucked the venom from the wound.

Keaton only wants to help.

You can't be mad at a dog when it looks at you with a pair of alluring eyes like Keaton's. ]

Are you regretting what you said? Don't, my ego can take a blow or two. It's not that fragile. [ It's just that being called unreliable is a personal affront. But now that Keaton has cleared things up, there is no reason to remain sullen.

Instead, Toma reaches out to ruffle Keaton's hair, to pet the ears in appreciation. The expression on his face is tender, more natural than the professional and warm smiles he is used to giving costumers or strangers. ]

Come on. Let's hunt some spiders. You can have the eyeballs!