Mountain Man

um…

If it’s rent you’re concerned about…

Not that I’m saying you can’t take care of yourselves, honestly, it’s obvious you’re more than capable of supporting yourself, and Hans has his clothing store job, but, uh…

I wouldn't mind a group house. Well, I'd mind if it were other people, not a good people person, but the two of you and Hans? Wouldn't mind it.

Why did he have to be so tall? She had to physically reach up, place both hands on either side of his face, and pull him down to her level so that she could give him a good long, chaste kiss. Right on his lips. Guess the whole ‘planned first kiss’ moment was never going to happen.

She let him out of it and slowly dropped her hands, looking up at him and ignoring the shaking in her voice as best she could.]

Kris didn't expect that, but it was better than the kisses he'd been giving her to avoid awkward requests. That whole consent imperative he had with other people.

He stayed leaned down and took in a deep breath while staring at her. Have another smile. A larger genuine one.]

cuddles 

Which is why you are so important. We need you. We need you so much, to stay sane and alive and healthy and happy and not falling over dead tired all the time, and then you come home to three messes. A broken little boy, a beautiful but anxious woman, and then uh. Just me. So, we need you, and we love you, and that’s why you need my help.

I am happy.

[Bone dead tired and three royal messes and he was happy.]

All I need is you lot to stay together with me and smile and laugh and cry and yell and love each other. All that corny shit.

If that means working hard until the money boat is floating decently again then I'm more than strong enough to keep doing it.

[He leaned back with a speculative sort of squint and scrunch to his nose. Looking off to the side.]

I mean. I've never been kidnapped.

Or sprouted scales.

[She looked up at him and smiled right away.]

I mean it, though. This is manual labor. You can't get more repetitive and lackluster.

Think you'd be happier a fast-food joint or anything else really.

Hm, yeah…but, hey, I got myself a job too so maybe you won’t have to work so much.

[He mumbled and stared back. Calm and tired and warm and friendly.]

About as helpful as Sitron right now.

Of course, Kris. Of course. I really want to, I’ve - really wanted to for a while. I think before I even knew I wanted to, I wanted to. Does that make sense? …Even if it does, it sounds awful, so ignore it.

[Aughrhghh awkwardness returning. She just presses herself into him a little tighter.]

I could totally go with you and help you at your work you know. I can do it.

[Offered a half-grin back. He pretended to ignore the first part, but ears might have given him away a little for being red. Whoops. Oh well.]

Yeah, I’m okay. Kinda. I dunno, I’m okay right now, and I haven’t turned again, or hurt anyone, so I guess that’s ‘okay’, right?

[She really didn’t know what to do either.]

…But seriously. You’re- you’re not useless. I know you’re not around a whole lot because of work and exhaustion, but, you’ve never ever let me down, not even once, and we all know you’re the best thing for Hans. 

[Said with a squeeze in said hug.]

…how’s work?

[Kris came out of his little revere to answer.]

Just

we need money right now so I

need to work.

Well. The other day, I got into a tiny tussle with Hans, and he turned into a dragon, and to protect myself, I guess- I guess I turned into a harpy? The bird-lady things. 

[She shrugged a shoulder.]

Uh. Hm.

[He didn't have anything productive to say about that, but that sounded fairly traumatizing. Much as she was brushing it off. So he moved hands off in favor of hugging her a little.

He can't hold all these royal messes, but he'd try.]

Hush, you. You’re the only one of us who actually has to /work/. Maybe you need a vacation.

But I just took one. A couple.

or an explanation.

Put her hands up on his arms and look up at him.]