Ethan Hightower

There's a space for you in the mycelium.

[mushrooms-called]

Hello! My name is Ethan.

Apparently staying in so much is "bad for me" and "worsening my condition", so I decided to finally come on here and make a blog. Ask me anything, I'd be happy to make some new friends. In return, I can introduce you to a few of mine!

I'm 28 and currently work at a crystal shop, though lately my interests have shifted more towards the plant and fungal life. I used to do ballet, but it's been hard lately.

Here's a photo of me, though not the best.

Rules + info + more art under the cut!

@cherrysushi845 does a blog again

All asks are welcome (including romantic/nsfw), though there's no promise of a positive response.

Corruption-typical body horror will inevitably show up, so be warned against that. Ethan is being overtaken by a parasitic species of chanterelles, though most of it is usually hidden as he cuts some of them off and covers those he can't with clothes while out. If things get out of control, here's a more accurate picture:

Mod uses he/him.

No real DNI list, but prepare to be blocked if you're a dick.

More drawings of him!

Have fun!

[prophetofthemuse]

Kissed silly ♡

[mushrooms-called]

Woah, what shade of lipstick do you wear?

[prophetofthemuse]

For this, a half-used chalky red matte I found discarded at the bottom of a bathroom drawer. For everything else, it was never lipstick. :)

[mushrooms-called]

Fascinating!

[prophetofthemuse]

Kissed silly ♡

[mushrooms-called]

Woah, what shade of lipstick do you wear?

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel winced when he saw the state Ethan was in. His own guilt made him go try to help.]

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would hit you that hard. You didn't do anything wrong, you know- I just... I shouldn't have let an outsider..."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan looked up at Abadel, a little startled. He moved back, pressing himself against the wall more. He looked guilty. "It's fine, it's not you. I mean- I do feel bad about that, but it's not your fault, and there's some outside world stuff catching up to me now." He explained, avoiding Abadel's gaze. "I'm okay."

[soppr-kunungh]

"...I see. Do you... want to talk about it?"

[Abadel sat cross-legged beside Ethan. He seemed uncomfortable, but he didn't look like he wanted to leave Ethan to his misery.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, barely stopping himself from trying to move away. He hated seeing what his presence did. "I... don't know. But you don't look alright."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel nodded stiffly.] "Yeah, I, um... This is really awkward. But, we're not supposed to leave someone suffering if we can help. That's what Lord Kunungh told us... well, before I was here, but it was important. Is important.

"Talk to me. If you think it'll help."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan sighed shakily, hesitating. Then, he slowly nodded. "Alright... I met a guy a while back, his name is Erik. He's... really awesome, and we even went on a couple dates, but he was moving a little too quickly for me and I was too harsh with him about it." He sighed. "He's been gone for a while, and today he asked me to come over to meet his friends. But- I've been really hypocritical since I came here, and I haven't been fair to him in the past. I need to break things off, but... shit, I know it's going to hurt him."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel raised his eyebrows in surprise.]

"Oh- shit- so you two are like- seeing eachother? ...Exclusively, or..?"

[He looked away. He couldn't bear to make eye contact right now. It was already awkward enough.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan shook his head. "Oh, definitely not. He has something going on with his coworkers, and I have a... let's say a budding relationship with another avatar like me. But point is, I wasn't holding him to a fair standard at all."

[soppr-kunungh]

"Ok, that's. Good. That you didn't cheat on him, at least. Can I... Can I ask why you were holding him to a higher standard than others?"

[Like me, he doesn't say.]

[mushrooms-called]

"I'm not sure." Ethan admitted, looking away. "It was my first serious relationship in a while, so I think I was just being overly cautious."

[soppr-kunungh]

"Gotcha. Well, that makes sense. Uh- in terms of, y'know, why you'd want to... break things off. If you, um, hook up with other guys on the first or second meeting... and still hold him to a higher standard."

[Abadel felt guilty about unknowingly being a part of that group. He already felt bad enough about giving himself to an outsider in the first place, but now he was a side piece too.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan whimpered softly, hugging his knees to his chest. "I don't know what this place is doing to me." He sighed shakily, brushing his hair back. "You guys are just so nice and welcoming and- I guess I got carried away. I'm sorry." He shifted, moving to get up. "Thank you for talking with me, but I should probably go now."

[soppr-kunungh]

"Right. I... Yeah. I'm sorry for causing problems. I'll..."

[He let out a weary sigh.]

"Nevermind. Just go to him."

[mushrooms-called]

"You didn't." Ethan said softly. "None of this is your fault, you didn't even know. You did nothing wrong. I'm sorry for messing things up for you." He sighed, heading off.

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel winced when he saw the state Ethan was in. His own guilt made him go try to help.]

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would hit you that hard. You didn't do anything wrong, you know- I just... I shouldn't have let an outsider..."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan looked up at Abadel, a little startled. He moved back, pressing himself against the wall more. He looked guilty. "It's fine, it's not you. I mean- I do feel bad about that, but it's not your fault, and there's some outside world stuff catching up to me now." He explained, avoiding Abadel's gaze. "I'm okay."

[soppr-kunungh]

"...I see. Do you... want to talk about it?"

[Abadel sat cross-legged beside Ethan. He seemed uncomfortable, but he didn't look like he wanted to leave Ethan to his misery.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, barely stopping himself from trying to move away. He hated seeing what his presence did. "I... don't know. But you don't look alright."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel nodded stiffly.] "Yeah, I, um... This is really awkward. But, we're not supposed to leave someone suffering if we can help. That's what Lord Kunungh told us... well, before I was here, but it was important. Is important.

"Talk to me. If you think it'll help."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan sighed shakily, hesitating. Then, he slowly nodded. "Alright... I met a guy a while back, his name is Erik. He's... really awesome, and we even went on a couple dates, but he was moving a little too quickly for me and I was too harsh with him about it." He sighed. "He's been gone for a while, and today he asked me to come over to meet his friends. But- I've been really hypocritical since I came here, and I haven't been fair to him in the past. I need to break things off, but... shit, I know it's going to hurt him."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel raised his eyebrows in surprise.]

"Oh- shit- so you two are like- seeing eachother? ...Exclusively, or..?"

[He looked away. He couldn't bear to make eye contact right now. It was already awkward enough.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan shook his head. "Oh, definitely not. He has something going on with his coworkers, and I have a... let's say a budding relationship with another avatar like me. But point is, I wasn't holding him to a fair standard at all."

[soppr-kunungh]

"Ok, that's. Good. That you didn't cheat on him, at least. Can I... Can I ask why you were holding him to a higher standard than others?"

[Like me, he doesn't say.]

[mushrooms-called]

"I'm not sure." Ethan admitted, looking away. "It was my first serious relationship in a while, so I think I was just being overly cautious."

[soppr-kunungh]

"Gotcha. Well, that makes sense. Uh- in terms of, y'know, why you'd want to... break things off. If you, um, hook up with other guys on the first or second meeting... and still hold him to a higher standard."

[Abadel felt guilty about unknowingly being a part of that group. He already felt bad enough about giving himself to an outsider in the first place, but now he was a side piece too.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan whimpered softly, hugging his knees to his chest. "I don't know what this place is doing to me." He sighed shakily, brushing his hair back. "You guys are just so nice and welcoming and- I guess I got carried away. I'm sorry." He shifted, moving to get up. "Thank you for talking with me, but I should probably go now."

[the-flowers-trap]

The summer afternoon was humid, but the shade of the forest thankfully helped with some of the heat. Ethan hummed softly to himself as he walked through the forest, careful to keep the loose material of his clothes from snagging on the branches. His steps were quiet, his lack of shoes and the soft forest floor effectively muffling the footfalls. He stopped before a patch of unfamiliar plants, leaning down to check them out. "...flytraps?" He mumbled to himself, looking up. He startled a little upon spotting a woman a little ways away, giving her a friendly wave. From afar, he looked normal.

- @mushrooms-called

[she looked up from feeding a flytrap somthing, she brushed hair over one of her eyes and gave him a friendly wave back.]

"Hello!"

[She called and smiled softly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan smiled back, relaxing a little at the returned gesture. He came over, careful not to trample the flytraps planted in the ground. "Hi! What are you doing?" He asked curiously.

Up close, it was harder to keep his appearance regular looking. Pale mycelium webbed over his tan skin in patches, and there were a few yellow mushrooms peeking out from between his dark curls.

[the-flowers-trap]

"Im feeding my children."

[She stated simply. She stood up and brushed herself off and took a few moments to look over the other. She noted the mushrooms and held out her hand]

"My name is Sundew."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're really pretty. Do they fare well here? I thought the climate wasn't good in England, but they look so lively..." Ethan looked down to the plants, startling slightly when Sundew's hand came into view. He shook it and smiled brightly, his tooth gap showing. "Lovely name. Ethan Hightower, at your service."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its wonderful to meet you."

[she pulled a small piece of meat from a small purse on her hip and gave it to one of the plants]

"They do fare well, but i spend alot of time out here caring for them."

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, a good caretaker." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, watching the flytrap close. "I sometimes wish I could plant mine somewhere, but... eh, they don't all work like this."

[the-flowers-trap]

"Do you have plants you care for?"

[She looked interested]

"What species?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Well, not really plants." Ethan laughs, pulling up one of his sleeves. Small chanterelles grow in a bunch on his forearm. "They're so cuddly they insisted on growing into my body."

[the-flowers-trap]

[She chuckled lightly and moved her hair to show flytraps growing on the side of her face and over her eye.]

"I have little buddies growing on me too."

[She smiled]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan laughed, looking absolutely delighted. "They suit you." He grinned. "I try to keep mine away from my eyes, I need them... and I can't really look paranormal day to day. It's unprofessional and all." His eyes are mismatched, one green and one brown.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She looked between both of his eyes]

"I just let my children grow wherever they want."

[She paused and tilted her head]

"So you have a job then. Where do you work?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, just at a crystal shop." Ethan shrugged. "Jewelry, tarot readings, crystals, all that good stuff. Gives me some normalcy in all this." He hummed. "I assume you don't? Have a job, that is."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont, its hard to get a job when uhm.."

[She gestured to the plants growing on her]

"I simply can't keep them in check, and most normal people dont like it. The shop you work at does sound interesting though, ill have to pay it a visit."

[She chuckled lightly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan chuckled softly. "Yeah. I don't think I'd be able to keep them contained in your situation either, plants are more fragile than mushrooms." He hummed. He reached into his pocket, rooting around it for a second before pulling out a business card for "Good Energies" and offering it to Sundew with a smile. "I'd be happy to have you anytime."

[the-flowers-trap]

[she took the card and examined it before putting it away in the bag she kept the food for her plants in]

"Thank you. Ill be sure to visit."

[mushrooms-called]

"I'll be waiting." Ethan grinned, looking back to the plants on the ground. "Would you mind if I just hung out here for a bit? I've been walking for a while."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont mind. Would you like to help me feed them?"

[She turned and crouched down to feed another fly trap meat.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan's eyes lit up at the offer. "I'd be happy to." He smiled, kneeling down next to the patch to see the flytraps better. "All the open ones?" He asked, holding out his hand for some meat.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She nodded and gave him a small handful of little bits of meat]

"All the open ones."

[She seemed happy that she had some company]

[mushrooms-called]

"Got it." Ethan grinned, starting to feed the plants. He was careful to get the pieces in fully. "It's so cool when they close. They're such amazing plants..."

[the-flowers-trap]

"they are arent they?"

[She gave a small bit to the one over her eye]

"Its a shame I only get to feed them every week or so."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're this efficient?" Ethan asked, sounding impressed. "I suppose there's plenty of insects here too..."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its because they digest the meat slowly. The fly traps in my flat need to be fed much more often"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, putting some meat into the leaf of another flytrap. "That makes sense.'

[the-flowers-trap]

"theyre much bigger than these little ones."

[She put a piece of meat into the mouth of a medium sized fly trap]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan smiles. "How big can they get? I alway thought they stayed small forever."

[the-flowers-trap]

[She hummed and held her hand up to about her waist]

"My largest one is about this big. It takes a king time for them to get that big"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan gasped softly. "Oh, that's amazing!" He grinned. "I'd love to see it someday, if that's alright..."

[the-flowers-trap]

The summer afternoon was humid, but the shade of the forest thankfully helped with some of the heat. Ethan hummed softly to himself as he walked through the forest, careful to keep the loose material of his clothes from snagging on the branches. His steps were quiet, his lack of shoes and the soft forest floor effectively muffling the footfalls. He stopped before a patch of unfamiliar plants, leaning down to check them out. "...flytraps?" He mumbled to himself, looking up. He startled a little upon spotting a woman a little ways away, giving her a friendly wave. From afar, he looked normal.

- @mushrooms-called

[she looked up from feeding a flytrap somthing, she brushed hair over one of her eyes and gave him a friendly wave back.]

"Hello!"

[She called and smiled softly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan smiled back, relaxing a little at the returned gesture. He came over, careful not to trample the flytraps planted in the ground. "Hi! What are you doing?" He asked curiously.

Up close, it was harder to keep his appearance regular looking. Pale mycelium webbed over his tan skin in patches, and there were a few yellow mushrooms peeking out from between his dark curls.

[the-flowers-trap]

"Im feeding my children."

[She stated simply. She stood up and brushed herself off and took a few moments to look over the other. She noted the mushrooms and held out her hand]

"My name is Sundew."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're really pretty. Do they fare well here? I thought the climate wasn't good in England, but they look so lively..." Ethan looked down to the plants, startling slightly when Sundew's hand came into view. He shook it and smiled brightly, his tooth gap showing. "Lovely name. Ethan Hightower, at your service."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its wonderful to meet you."

[she pulled a small piece of meat from a small purse on her hip and gave it to one of the plants]

"They do fare well, but i spend alot of time out here caring for them."

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, a good caretaker." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, watching the flytrap close. "I sometimes wish I could plant mine somewhere, but... eh, they don't all work like this."

[the-flowers-trap]

"Do you have plants you care for?"

[She looked interested]

"What species?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Well, not really plants." Ethan laughs, pulling up one of his sleeves. Small chanterelles grow in a bunch on his forearm. "They're so cuddly they insisted on growing into my body."

[the-flowers-trap]

[She chuckled lightly and moved her hair to show flytraps growing on the side of her face and over her eye.]

"I have little buddies growing on me too."

[She smiled]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan laughed, looking absolutely delighted. "They suit you." He grinned. "I try to keep mine away from my eyes, I need them... and I can't really look paranormal day to day. It's unprofessional and all." His eyes are mismatched, one green and one brown.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She looked between both of his eyes]

"I just let my children grow wherever they want."

[She paused and tilted her head]

"So you have a job then. Where do you work?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, just at a crystal shop." Ethan shrugged. "Jewelry, tarot readings, crystals, all that good stuff. Gives me some normalcy in all this." He hummed. "I assume you don't? Have a job, that is."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont, its hard to get a job when uhm.."

[She gestured to the plants growing on her]

"I simply can't keep them in check, and most normal people dont like it. The shop you work at does sound interesting though, ill have to pay it a visit."

[She chuckled lightly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan chuckled softly. "Yeah. I don't think I'd be able to keep them contained in your situation either, plants are more fragile than mushrooms." He hummed. He reached into his pocket, rooting around it for a second before pulling out a business card for "Good Energies" and offering it to Sundew with a smile. "I'd be happy to have you anytime."

[the-flowers-trap]

[she took the card and examined it before putting it away in the bag she kept the food for her plants in]

"Thank you. Ill be sure to visit."

[mushrooms-called]

"I'll be waiting." Ethan grinned, looking back to the plants on the ground. "Would you mind if I just hung out here for a bit? I've been walking for a while."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont mind. Would you like to help me feed them?"

[She turned and crouched down to feed another fly trap meat.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan's eyes lit up at the offer. "I'd be happy to." He smiled, kneeling down next to the patch to see the flytraps better. "All the open ones?" He asked, holding out his hand for some meat.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She nodded and gave him a small handful of little bits of meat]

"All the open ones."

[She seemed happy that she had some company]

[mushrooms-called]

"Got it." Ethan grinned, starting to feed the plants. He was careful to get the pieces in fully. "It's so cool when they close. They're such amazing plants..."

[the-flowers-trap]

"they are arent they?"

[She gave a small bit to the one over her eye]

"Its a shame I only get to feed them every week or so."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're this efficient?" Ethan asked, sounding impressed. "I suppose there's plenty of insects here too..."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its because they digest the meat slowly. The fly traps in my flat need to be fed much more often"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, putting some meat into the leaf of another flytrap. "That makes sense.'

[the-flowers-trap]

"theyre much bigger than these little ones."

[She put a piece of meat into the mouth of a medium sized fly trap]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan smiles. "How big can they get? I alway thought they stayed small forever."

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel winced when he saw the state Ethan was in. His own guilt made him go try to help.]

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would hit you that hard. You didn't do anything wrong, you know- I just... I shouldn't have let an outsider..."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan looked up at Abadel, a little startled. He moved back, pressing himself against the wall more. He looked guilty. "It's fine, it's not you. I mean- I do feel bad about that, but it's not your fault, and there's some outside world stuff catching up to me now." He explained, avoiding Abadel's gaze. "I'm okay."

[soppr-kunungh]

"...I see. Do you... want to talk about it?"

[Abadel sat cross-legged beside Ethan. He seemed uncomfortable, but he didn't look like he wanted to leave Ethan to his misery.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, barely stopping himself from trying to move away. He hated seeing what his presence did. "I... don't know. But you don't look alright."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel nodded stiffly.] "Yeah, I, um... This is really awkward. But, we're not supposed to leave someone suffering if we can help. That's what Lord Kunungh told us... well, before I was here, but it was important. Is important.

"Talk to me. If you think it'll help."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan sighed shakily, hesitating. Then, he slowly nodded. "Alright... I met a guy a while back, his name is Erik. He's... really awesome, and we even went on a couple dates, but he was moving a little too quickly for me and I was too harsh with him about it." He sighed. "He's been gone for a while, and today he asked me to come over to meet his friends. But- I've been really hypocritical since I came here, and I haven't been fair to him in the past. I need to break things off, but... shit, I know it's going to hurt him."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel raised his eyebrows in surprise.]

"Oh- shit- so you two are like- seeing eachother? ...Exclusively, or..?"

[He looked away. He couldn't bear to make eye contact right now. It was already awkward enough.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan shook his head. "Oh, definitely not. He has something going on with his coworkers, and I have a... let's say a budding relationship with another avatar like me. But point is, I wasn't holding him to a fair standard at all."

[soppr-kunungh]

"Ok, that's. Good. That you didn't cheat on him, at least. Can I... Can I ask why you were holding him to a higher standard than others?"

[Like me, he doesn't say.]

[mushrooms-called]

"I'm not sure." Ethan admitted, looking away. "It was my first serious relationship in a while, so I think I was just being overly cautious."

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel winced when he saw the state Ethan was in. His own guilt made him go try to help.]

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would hit you that hard. You didn't do anything wrong, you know- I just... I shouldn't have let an outsider..."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan looked up at Abadel, a little startled. He moved back, pressing himself against the wall more. He looked guilty. "It's fine, it's not you. I mean- I do feel bad about that, but it's not your fault, and there's some outside world stuff catching up to me now." He explained, avoiding Abadel's gaze. "I'm okay."

[soppr-kunungh]

"...I see. Do you... want to talk about it?"

[Abadel sat cross-legged beside Ethan. He seemed uncomfortable, but he didn't look like he wanted to leave Ethan to his misery.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, barely stopping himself from trying to move away. He hated seeing what his presence did. "I... don't know. But you don't look alright."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel nodded stiffly.] "Yeah, I, um... This is really awkward. But, we're not supposed to leave someone suffering if we can help. That's what Lord Kunungh told us... well, before I was here, but it was important. Is important.

"Talk to me. If you think it'll help."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan sighed shakily, hesitating. Then, he slowly nodded. "Alright... I met a guy a while back, his name is Erik. He's... really awesome, and we even went on a couple dates, but he was moving a little too quickly for me and I was too harsh with him about it." He sighed. "He's been gone for a while, and today he asked me to come over to meet his friends. But- I've been really hypocritical since I came here, and I haven't been fair to him in the past. I need to break things off, but... shit, I know it's going to hurt him."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel raised his eyebrows in surprise.]

"Oh- shit- so you two are like- seeing eachother? ...Exclusively, or..?"

[He looked away. He couldn't bear to make eye contact right now. It was already awkward enough.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan shook his head. "Oh, definitely not. He has something going on with his coworkers, and I have a... let's say a budding relationship with another avatar like me. But point is, I wasn't holding him to a fair standard at all."

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel winced when he saw the state Ethan was in. His own guilt made him go try to help.]

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would hit you that hard. You didn't do anything wrong, you know- I just... I shouldn't have let an outsider..."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan looked up at Abadel, a little startled. He moved back, pressing himself against the wall more. He looked guilty. "It's fine, it's not you. I mean- I do feel bad about that, but it's not your fault, and there's some outside world stuff catching up to me now." He explained, avoiding Abadel's gaze. "I'm okay."

[soppr-kunungh]

"...I see. Do you... want to talk about it?"

[Abadel sat cross-legged beside Ethan. He seemed uncomfortable, but he didn't look like he wanted to leave Ethan to his misery.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, barely stopping himself from trying to move away. He hated seeing what his presence did. "I... don't know. But you don't look alright."

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel nodded stiffly.] "Yeah, I, um... This is really awkward. But, we're not supposed to leave someone suffering if we can help. That's what Lord Kunungh told us... well, before I was here, but it was important. Is important.

"Talk to me. If you think it'll help."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan sighed shakily, hesitating. Then, he slowly nodded. "Alright... I met a guy a while back, his name is Erik. He's... really awesome, and we even went on a couple dates, but he was moving a little too quickly for me and I was too harsh with him about it." He sighed. "He's been gone for a while, and today he asked me to come over to meet his friends. But- I've been really hypocritical since I came here, and I haven't been fair to him in the past. I need to break things off, but... shit, I know it's going to hurt him."

[the-flowers-trap]

The summer afternoon was humid, but the shade of the forest thankfully helped with some of the heat. Ethan hummed softly to himself as he walked through the forest, careful to keep the loose material of his clothes from snagging on the branches. His steps were quiet, his lack of shoes and the soft forest floor effectively muffling the footfalls. He stopped before a patch of unfamiliar plants, leaning down to check them out. "...flytraps?" He mumbled to himself, looking up. He startled a little upon spotting a woman a little ways away, giving her a friendly wave. From afar, he looked normal.

- @mushrooms-called

[she looked up from feeding a flytrap somthing, she brushed hair over one of her eyes and gave him a friendly wave back.]

"Hello!"

[She called and smiled softly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan smiled back, relaxing a little at the returned gesture. He came over, careful not to trample the flytraps planted in the ground. "Hi! What are you doing?" He asked curiously.

Up close, it was harder to keep his appearance regular looking. Pale mycelium webbed over his tan skin in patches, and there were a few yellow mushrooms peeking out from between his dark curls.

[the-flowers-trap]

"Im feeding my children."

[She stated simply. She stood up and brushed herself off and took a few moments to look over the other. She noted the mushrooms and held out her hand]

"My name is Sundew."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're really pretty. Do they fare well here? I thought the climate wasn't good in England, but they look so lively..." Ethan looked down to the plants, startling slightly when Sundew's hand came into view. He shook it and smiled brightly, his tooth gap showing. "Lovely name. Ethan Hightower, at your service."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its wonderful to meet you."

[she pulled a small piece of meat from a small purse on her hip and gave it to one of the plants]

"They do fare well, but i spend alot of time out here caring for them."

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, a good caretaker." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, watching the flytrap close. "I sometimes wish I could plant mine somewhere, but... eh, they don't all work like this."

[the-flowers-trap]

"Do you have plants you care for?"

[She looked interested]

"What species?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Well, not really plants." Ethan laughs, pulling up one of his sleeves. Small chanterelles grow in a bunch on his forearm. "They're so cuddly they insisted on growing into my body."

[the-flowers-trap]

[She chuckled lightly and moved her hair to show flytraps growing on the side of her face and over her eye.]

"I have little buddies growing on me too."

[She smiled]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan laughed, looking absolutely delighted. "They suit you." He grinned. "I try to keep mine away from my eyes, I need them... and I can't really look paranormal day to day. It's unprofessional and all." His eyes are mismatched, one green and one brown.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She looked between both of his eyes]

"I just let my children grow wherever they want."

[She paused and tilted her head]

"So you have a job then. Where do you work?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, just at a crystal shop." Ethan shrugged. "Jewelry, tarot readings, crystals, all that good stuff. Gives me some normalcy in all this." He hummed. "I assume you don't? Have a job, that is."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont, its hard to get a job when uhm.."

[She gestured to the plants growing on her]

"I simply can't keep them in check, and most normal people dont like it. The shop you work at does sound interesting though, ill have to pay it a visit."

[She chuckled lightly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan chuckled softly. "Yeah. I don't think I'd be able to keep them contained in your situation either, plants are more fragile than mushrooms." He hummed. He reached into his pocket, rooting around it for a second before pulling out a business card for "Good Energies" and offering it to Sundew with a smile. "I'd be happy to have you anytime."

[the-flowers-trap]

[she took the card and examined it before putting it away in the bag she kept the food for her plants in]

"Thank you. Ill be sure to visit."

[mushrooms-called]

"I'll be waiting." Ethan grinned, looking back to the plants on the ground. "Would you mind if I just hung out here for a bit? I've been walking for a while."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont mind. Would you like to help me feed them?"

[She turned and crouched down to feed another fly trap meat.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan's eyes lit up at the offer. "I'd be happy to." He smiled, kneeling down next to the patch to see the flytraps better. "All the open ones?" He asked, holding out his hand for some meat.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She nodded and gave him a small handful of little bits of meat]

"All the open ones."

[She seemed happy that she had some company]

[mushrooms-called]

"Got it." Ethan grinned, starting to feed the plants. He was careful to get the pieces in fully. "It's so cool when they close. They're such amazing plants..."

[the-flowers-trap]

"they are arent they?"

[She gave a small bit to the one over her eye]

"Its a shame I only get to feed them every week or so."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're this efficient?" Ethan asked, sounding impressed. "I suppose there's plenty of insects here too..."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its because they digest the meat slowly. The fly traps in my flat need to be fed much more often"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, putting some meat into the leaf of another flytrap. "That makes sense.'

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel winced when he saw the state Ethan was in. His own guilt made him go try to help.]

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would hit you that hard. You didn't do anything wrong, you know- I just... I shouldn't have let an outsider..."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan looked up at Abadel, a little startled. He moved back, pressing himself against the wall more. He looked guilty. "It's fine, it's not you. I mean- I do feel bad about that, but it's not your fault, and there's some outside world stuff catching up to me now." He explained, avoiding Abadel's gaze. "I'm okay."

[soppr-kunungh]

"...I see. Do you... want to talk about it?"

[Abadel sat cross-legged beside Ethan. He seemed uncomfortable, but he didn't look like he wanted to leave Ethan to his misery.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, barely stopping himself from trying to move away. He hated seeing what his presence did. "I... don't know. But you don't look alright."

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel winced when he saw the state Ethan was in. His own guilt made him go try to help.]

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't know that would hit you that hard. You didn't do anything wrong, you know- I just... I shouldn't have let an outsider..."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan looked up at Abadel, a little startled. He moved back, pressing himself against the wall more. He looked guilty. "It's fine, it's not you. I mean- I do feel bad about that, but it's not your fault, and there's some outside world stuff catching up to me now." He explained, avoiding Abadel's gaze. "I'm okay."

[mushrooms-called]

— @soppr-kunungh

[Once they were back inside, Abadel sat down on his bed and patted for Ethan to join him. A shy smile and creased eyebrows adorned his face.]

"Uhm, if you wouldn't mind... Now would be a good time to fix up my hair before bed."

Ethan didn't have to be asked twice. He happily sat down next to Abadel, lightly running his hand over the damp strands. "Of course. Ah- what should I do?"

[soppr-kunungh]

"Just braiding it would be nice. Keeps it from getting tangled."

[Abadel scooped up his hair and helped Ethan situate it in a way that would be convenient for braiding.]

"Anything I can do to help you with your routine after you're done with my hair?"

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan ran his fingers through Abadel's hair a couple times before starting to section it. "Oh- I don't think so? I just do a couple stretches, really." He hummed. "But thank you."

[soppr-kunungh]

[He nodded, and shut his eyes to relax to the feeling of gentle tugs at his hair, the quiet sounds of breathing and hands working... He was finally beginning to calm down from their activities in the river.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was gentle, though rather efficient as he worked Abadel's hair into a long braid. It wasn't too tight, not enough to tug at his scalp. Once he was done, he leaned forward to wrap the other up in a hug from the back.

[soppr-kunungh]

[A shiver traveled up his spine from the hug, and he reflexively arched his back.]

"Oh! I wasn't expecting you to, uhm, grab me- hi."

[mushrooms-called]

"It's a hug, silly." Ethan laughed softly, letting go. "I won't do that, if you don't like them." He offered.

[soppr-kunungh]

"No, I do, just-"

[Abadel turned around so he could wrap his arms around Ethan's waist.] "I like it better when we can hug from the front."

[mushrooms-called]

"Alright." Ethan hugged Abadel back, rubbing his back lightly. "Hi." He mumbled, smiling against his shoulder.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hi," [Abadel echoed, nuzzling against Ethan's hair.]

[His hand roamed across Ethan's back, playing with the texture of his shirt idly. Just, relaxing.]

[mushrooms-called]

After a minute, Ethan shifted to lay down with Abadel. Lord, this was really comfortable... it felt so nice, finally cuddling with another human. He let his eyes fall closed for now.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel kept himself on top of Ethan, laying on his chest. The day's events had already drained him to the point that he was ready to fall asleep as he was.]

[His breathing slowed, turning gentle and sleepy.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan wasn't much different, and he was perfectly content being a pillow for his companion. He held him securely, soon dozing off as well. He was still asleep in the morning, comfortable and a little overgrown with yellow spores.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel woke first, and almost immediately was overcome with a gut-deep panic. What had he allowed himself to succumb to?? Losing his virginity to the new head of trade?? He wasn't even a full-fledged member of the community!]

[Abadel pried himself out of Ethan's grip, and hurriedly tried to get himself ready for the day before Ethan could wake up.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan stirred some as Abadel left his warm embrace, but didn't quite wake up yet. It took him a few more minutes to sit up, rubbing his eyes and looking around the room in confusion. Mycelium was starting to web over his eye again.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel was in the process of brushing his hair when Ethan woke. He startled when he noticed movement.]

"Oh. Uh... hi. Good morning."

[He was visibly uncomfortable, and looked like he was a few seconds from bolting out of the room altogether.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Hi." Ethan offered him a weak smile. He wanted to offer help, but something in Abadel's movements was making him uneasy. "Uhm- are you okay?" He asked softly, staying in his place on the other end of the bed. He sounded concerned.

[soppr-kunungh]

"Hm? Yeah, yeah, no, I'm fine- why wouldn't I be fine? I'm great!"

[Abadel went back to brushing his hair, much more hurried now.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan frowned worriedly, chewing on his lip. "If-" He paused, unsure how to word it. "If I have done something that upset you, I'd like to know so I don't repeat it." He said carefully.

[soppr-kunungh]

"It's-" [He started, then stopped, setting the brush down.]

"I... We shouldn't have done that. It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

[Abadel ran his fingers through his hair, and went to grab fresh clothes to change into.]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh." Ethan looked away, looking guilty. "I'm sorry. I can just. I can go now, if you'd like." He offered weakly. He moved to get up, swallowing thickly.

[soppr-kunungh]

"I-... If you want. I'm not gonna kick you out before you have a chance to get yourself ready. Just..." [He sighed.] "I'm gonna stay over on the bed while you do that. Please... keep some distance."

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan nodded slowly, still feeling horrible. "Of course." He said quietly, getting up to grab his clothes from yesterday. He was quick to change, trying to calm down so he'd stop feeling sick. He folded the borrowed clothes, setting them on the bed neatly. He wasn't sure what to say, and ended up just hurriedly leaving without another word.

[soppr-kunungh]

[Abadel waited what he thought was long enough before leaving his room. He began to walk down the hall, and scratched at an itch on his face while he strolled down to the dining area.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan was sitting just outside of the dining area, chewing on one of his own mushrooms as he stared blankly at the ground. He looked somehow worse than the last time Abadel saw him.

[the-flowers-trap]

The summer afternoon was humid, but the shade of the forest thankfully helped with some of the heat. Ethan hummed softly to himself as he walked through the forest, careful to keep the loose material of his clothes from snagging on the branches. His steps were quiet, his lack of shoes and the soft forest floor effectively muffling the footfalls. He stopped before a patch of unfamiliar plants, leaning down to check them out. "...flytraps?" He mumbled to himself, looking up. He startled a little upon spotting a woman a little ways away, giving her a friendly wave. From afar, he looked normal.

- @mushrooms-called

[she looked up from feeding a flytrap somthing, she brushed hair over one of her eyes and gave him a friendly wave back.]

"Hello!"

[She called and smiled softly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan smiled back, relaxing a little at the returned gesture. He came over, careful not to trample the flytraps planted in the ground. "Hi! What are you doing?" He asked curiously.

Up close, it was harder to keep his appearance regular looking. Pale mycelium webbed over his tan skin in patches, and there were a few yellow mushrooms peeking out from between his dark curls.

[the-flowers-trap]

"Im feeding my children."

[She stated simply. She stood up and brushed herself off and took a few moments to look over the other. She noted the mushrooms and held out her hand]

"My name is Sundew."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're really pretty. Do they fare well here? I thought the climate wasn't good in England, but they look so lively..." Ethan looked down to the plants, startling slightly when Sundew's hand came into view. He shook it and smiled brightly, his tooth gap showing. "Lovely name. Ethan Hightower, at your service."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its wonderful to meet you."

[she pulled a small piece of meat from a small purse on her hip and gave it to one of the plants]

"They do fare well, but i spend alot of time out here caring for them."

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, a good caretaker." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, watching the flytrap close. "I sometimes wish I could plant mine somewhere, but... eh, they don't all work like this."

[the-flowers-trap]

"Do you have plants you care for?"

[She looked interested]

"What species?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Well, not really plants." Ethan laughs, pulling up one of his sleeves. Small chanterelles grow in a bunch on his forearm. "They're so cuddly they insisted on growing into my body."

[the-flowers-trap]

[She chuckled lightly and moved her hair to show flytraps growing on the side of her face and over her eye.]

"I have little buddies growing on me too."

[She smiled]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan laughed, looking absolutely delighted. "They suit you." He grinned. "I try to keep mine away from my eyes, I need them... and I can't really look paranormal day to day. It's unprofessional and all." His eyes are mismatched, one green and one brown.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She looked between both of his eyes]

"I just let my children grow wherever they want."

[She paused and tilted her head]

"So you have a job then. Where do you work?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, just at a crystal shop." Ethan shrugged. "Jewelry, tarot readings, crystals, all that good stuff. Gives me some normalcy in all this." He hummed. "I assume you don't? Have a job, that is."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont, its hard to get a job when uhm.."

[She gestured to the plants growing on her]

"I simply can't keep them in check, and most normal people dont like it. The shop you work at does sound interesting though, ill have to pay it a visit."

[She chuckled lightly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan chuckled softly. "Yeah. I don't think I'd be able to keep them contained in your situation either, plants are more fragile than mushrooms." He hummed. He reached into his pocket, rooting around it for a second before pulling out a business card for "Good Energies" and offering it to Sundew with a smile. "I'd be happy to have you anytime."

[the-flowers-trap]

[she took the card and examined it before putting it away in the bag she kept the food for her plants in]

"Thank you. Ill be sure to visit."

[mushrooms-called]

"I'll be waiting." Ethan grinned, looking back to the plants on the ground. "Would you mind if I just hung out here for a bit? I've been walking for a while."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont mind. Would you like to help me feed them?"

[She turned and crouched down to feed another fly trap meat.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan's eyes lit up at the offer. "I'd be happy to." He smiled, kneeling down next to the patch to see the flytraps better. "All the open ones?" He asked, holding out his hand for some meat.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She nodded and gave him a small handful of little bits of meat]

"All the open ones."

[She seemed happy that she had some company]

[mushrooms-called]

"Got it." Ethan grinned, starting to feed the plants. He was careful to get the pieces in fully. "It's so cool when they close. They're such amazing plants..."

[the-flowers-trap]

"they are arent they?"

[She gave a small bit to the one over her eye]

"Its a shame I only get to feed them every week or so."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're this efficient?" Ethan asked, sounding impressed. "I suppose there's plenty of insects here too..."

[the-flowers-trap]

The summer afternoon was humid, but the shade of the forest thankfully helped with some of the heat. Ethan hummed softly to himself as he walked through the forest, careful to keep the loose material of his clothes from snagging on the branches. His steps were quiet, his lack of shoes and the soft forest floor effectively muffling the footfalls. He stopped before a patch of unfamiliar plants, leaning down to check them out. "...flytraps?" He mumbled to himself, looking up. He startled a little upon spotting a woman a little ways away, giving her a friendly wave. From afar, he looked normal.

- @mushrooms-called

[she looked up from feeding a flytrap somthing, she brushed hair over one of her eyes and gave him a friendly wave back.]

"Hello!"

[She called and smiled softly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan smiled back, relaxing a little at the returned gesture. He came over, careful not to trample the flytraps planted in the ground. "Hi! What are you doing?" He asked curiously.

Up close, it was harder to keep his appearance regular looking. Pale mycelium webbed over his tan skin in patches, and there were a few yellow mushrooms peeking out from between his dark curls.

[the-flowers-trap]

"Im feeding my children."

[She stated simply. She stood up and brushed herself off and took a few moments to look over the other. She noted the mushrooms and held out her hand]

"My name is Sundew."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're really pretty. Do they fare well here? I thought the climate wasn't good in England, but they look so lively..." Ethan looked down to the plants, startling slightly when Sundew's hand came into view. He shook it and smiled brightly, his tooth gap showing. "Lovely name. Ethan Hightower, at your service."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its wonderful to meet you."

[she pulled a small piece of meat from a small purse on her hip and gave it to one of the plants]

"They do fare well, but i spend alot of time out here caring for them."

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, a good caretaker." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, watching the flytrap close. "I sometimes wish I could plant mine somewhere, but... eh, they don't all work like this."

[the-flowers-trap]

"Do you have plants you care for?"

[She looked interested]

"What species?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Well, not really plants." Ethan laughs, pulling up one of his sleeves. Small chanterelles grow in a bunch on his forearm. "They're so cuddly they insisted on growing into my body."

[the-flowers-trap]

[She chuckled lightly and moved her hair to show flytraps growing on the side of her face and over her eye.]

"I have little buddies growing on me too."

[She smiled]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan laughed, looking absolutely delighted. "They suit you." He grinned. "I try to keep mine away from my eyes, I need them... and I can't really look paranormal day to day. It's unprofessional and all." His eyes are mismatched, one green and one brown.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She looked between both of his eyes]

"I just let my children grow wherever they want."

[She paused and tilted her head]

"So you have a job then. Where do you work?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, just at a crystal shop." Ethan shrugged. "Jewelry, tarot readings, crystals, all that good stuff. Gives me some normalcy in all this." He hummed. "I assume you don't? Have a job, that is."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont, its hard to get a job when uhm.."

[She gestured to the plants growing on her]

"I simply can't keep them in check, and most normal people dont like it. The shop you work at does sound interesting though, ill have to pay it a visit."

[She chuckled lightly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan chuckled softly. "Yeah. I don't think I'd be able to keep them contained in your situation either, plants are more fragile than mushrooms." He hummed. He reached into his pocket, rooting around it for a second before pulling out a business card for "Good Energies" and offering it to Sundew with a smile. "I'd be happy to have you anytime."

[the-flowers-trap]

[she took the card and examined it before putting it away in the bag she kept the food for her plants in]

"Thank you. Ill be sure to visit."

[mushrooms-called]

"I'll be waiting." Ethan grinned, looking back to the plants on the ground. "Would you mind if I just hung out here for a bit? I've been walking for a while."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont mind. Would you like to help me feed them?"

[She turned and crouched down to feed another fly trap meat.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan's eyes lit up at the offer. "I'd be happy to." He smiled, kneeling down next to the patch to see the flytraps better. "All the open ones?" He asked, holding out his hand for some meat.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She nodded and gave him a small handful of little bits of meat]

"All the open ones."

[She seemed happy that she had some company]

[mushrooms-called]

"Got it." Ethan grinned, starting to feed the plants. He was careful to get the pieces in fully. "It's so cool when they close. They're such amazing plants..."

[the-flowers-trap]

The summer afternoon was humid, but the shade of the forest thankfully helped with some of the heat. Ethan hummed softly to himself as he walked through the forest, careful to keep the loose material of his clothes from snagging on the branches. His steps were quiet, his lack of shoes and the soft forest floor effectively muffling the footfalls. He stopped before a patch of unfamiliar plants, leaning down to check them out. "...flytraps?" He mumbled to himself, looking up. He startled a little upon spotting a woman a little ways away, giving her a friendly wave. From afar, he looked normal.

- @mushrooms-called

[she looked up from feeding a flytrap somthing, she brushed hair over one of her eyes and gave him a friendly wave back.]

"Hello!"

[She called and smiled softly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan smiled back, relaxing a little at the returned gesture. He came over, careful not to trample the flytraps planted in the ground. "Hi! What are you doing?" He asked curiously.

Up close, it was harder to keep his appearance regular looking. Pale mycelium webbed over his tan skin in patches, and there were a few yellow mushrooms peeking out from between his dark curls.

[the-flowers-trap]

"Im feeding my children."

[She stated simply. She stood up and brushed herself off and took a few moments to look over the other. She noted the mushrooms and held out her hand]

"My name is Sundew."

[mushrooms-called]

"They're really pretty. Do they fare well here? I thought the climate wasn't good in England, but they look so lively..." Ethan looked down to the plants, startling slightly when Sundew's hand came into view. He shook it and smiled brightly, his tooth gap showing. "Lovely name. Ethan Hightower, at your service."

[the-flowers-trap]

"its wonderful to meet you."

[she pulled a small piece of meat from a small purse on her hip and gave it to one of the plants]

"They do fare well, but i spend alot of time out here caring for them."

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, a good caretaker." Ethan nodded thoughtfully, watching the flytrap close. "I sometimes wish I could plant mine somewhere, but... eh, they don't all work like this."

[the-flowers-trap]

"Do you have plants you care for?"

[She looked interested]

"What species?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Well, not really plants." Ethan laughs, pulling up one of his sleeves. Small chanterelles grow in a bunch on his forearm. "They're so cuddly they insisted on growing into my body."

[the-flowers-trap]

[She chuckled lightly and moved her hair to show flytraps growing on the side of her face and over her eye.]

"I have little buddies growing on me too."

[She smiled]

[mushrooms-called]

"Oh!" Ethan laughed, looking absolutely delighted. "They suit you." He grinned. "I try to keep mine away from my eyes, I need them... and I can't really look paranormal day to day. It's unprofessional and all." His eyes are mismatched, one green and one brown.

[the-flowers-trap]

[She looked between both of his eyes]

"I just let my children grow wherever they want."

[She paused and tilted her head]

"So you have a job then. Where do you work?"

[mushrooms-called]

"Ah, just at a crystal shop." Ethan shrugged. "Jewelry, tarot readings, crystals, all that good stuff. Gives me some normalcy in all this." He hummed. "I assume you don't? Have a job, that is."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont, its hard to get a job when uhm.."

[She gestured to the plants growing on her]

"I simply can't keep them in check, and most normal people dont like it. The shop you work at does sound interesting though, ill have to pay it a visit."

[She chuckled lightly]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan chuckled softly. "Yeah. I don't think I'd be able to keep them contained in your situation either, plants are more fragile than mushrooms." He hummed. He reached into his pocket, rooting around it for a second before pulling out a business card for "Good Energies" and offering it to Sundew with a smile. "I'd be happy to have you anytime."

[the-flowers-trap]

[she took the card and examined it before putting it away in the bag she kept the food for her plants in]

"Thank you. Ill be sure to visit."

[mushrooms-called]

"I'll be waiting." Ethan grinned, looking back to the plants on the ground. "Would you mind if I just hung out here for a bit? I've been walking for a while."

[the-flowers-trap]

"I dont mind. Would you like to help me feed them?"

[She turned and crouched down to feed another fly trap meat.]

[mushrooms-called]

Ethan's eyes lit up at the offer. "I'd be happy to." He smiled, kneeling down next to the patch to see the flytraps better. "All the open ones?" He asked, holding out his hand for some meat.