if i don't get old ... then you can't reach things without using a stool for everything forever .

[he crosses his arms.]

[slowly nodding his head up at @breadmondsycamore.bsky.social - he tried to communicate he was fine.

he didn't want to worry @profhartleylayton.bsky.social anymore than he already has.]

[his posture is one of guilt, as he glances over Desmond to respond with a small nod. half of his body is already covered, and his face is barely visible, save for his remaining eye.]

sure ..

[staying nearby her, the boy wants to make certain that he's seen. he doesn't want to make Teddy feel worse, even as he continues to be enveloped by the ink.]

mm .. okay .

[he furrows his brows, albeit the wrinkle is harder to make out at this stage of his face being overtaken.]

... only because it's not safe right now .

[he tries carrying Teddy in his arms, making a leave with the others. it's a bit of a struggle, but nothing he wasn't used to.]

[he gently pets the top of her head, hardly having an answer to that.]

m'sorry ..

i'll be okay ..
it's happened before
with the kitten ...

[it climbs down his neck and onto his shoulders, clear that it is here to stay. he nuzzles Teddy for a moment, before trying to calculate how he's going to get the girl off.]

...
i should go ..

ah !

[the boy harshly flinched, knocking his head to Teddy's shoulder. he shudders as his head is almost completely engulfed save for a patch over his right eye.]

i-it's okay .. ! it wasn't a real bite ... it was a warning .. i think ..

' think i'm making the Hound very mad ...

i-it's okay Teddy .. it doesn't hurt .. i promise ...

[he leans over to hug her with one arm. while it hasn't stopped entirely, the spread has slowed down significantly.]

[the bandage covering his eye slowly peels off, the inky substance itself expanding and spreading over half of his face in seconds.]

pl-please wake up—

[he still attempted to pet the hound.]

i-i want to help— i want to—

[he hisses sharply, though he's still trying to calm it down.]

Teddy come back ..

[he continues to pet at the tendrils gently, with the same motion as he had done before, ignoring the nipping.]

s'okay .. just having a bad dream .. right ?

[he tries to go against Desirée to hold the hound, extending his arm out as far as he can.]

i-i don't .. remember the last time i ate ... i think my body is trying to remember .. but it doesn't like the answer .

[her voice made him aware again. his grip gets tighter as he scarfs down the sandwich, hardly leaving a crumb.

at least he's eating?]

ss'okay .. you were just ... h-helping ..

[the food almost came up his throat, but he was able to settle, coughing slightly.]

[after a few minutes spent trying to catch his breath, he finishes his sandwich, albeit nauseous.

he remains quiet, his body shaking.]

[taking the sandwich delicately, he unwraps it from the napkin and takes slow, cautious bites. his body trembles as he does so, as if it finally became active.

his body temperature rises. his heart races. even his breathing picks up as he dry heaves suddenly, clawing at the end of his food.]

mm .

[he's really dreading that food.]

okay .

[he lets out a soft giggle, as he continues to smooth out the Hound with his petting.]

[he'd been petting the top of the Hound's head when she interrupted, perking up with a slight smile.]

oh ...
right .

i promised i would eat it didn't i ?

...

[he doesn't really believe Desmond on the whole happiness bit, but he'll let it go.]

sure .

Teddy ? should we let them be for a while ?

...

fine .

[the boy notes his behavior, raising an eyebrow.]

you ? you seem happy .

so are you .

[he ruffles her hair for a brief moment, trying not to mess it up too much.]

silly teddy .

almost there .. !

[the boy patiently waits for her, holding her hand when needed.]

you're doing a good job Teddy !

of course .

[he gingerly takes Teddy's hand, making sure it isn't in an uncomfortable grip.]

i-spy is a good idea ...

.. i don't really see what the surprise is for .

you probably wouldn't listen to your younger self either .

[the boy smirks at Desmond, letting Teddy lead him along.]

[he glances at Hershel, furrowing his brows. then, his gaze meets Teddy again. the puppy eyes are working their magic, and the boy expresses a proper grimace.]

okay okay ..
just a little bit ..

[Teddy's face pierced far more guilt in him than his older self could've. he turns his head slightly.]

i'm going to feel sick if i do .