Theodore really hadn’t been expecting anything from the tall stranger after he’d said all that. Except maybe that silence, yes. He didn’t expect much help, because how on earth could anyone help that sort of mess, strange inhuman being or not? He didn’t expect kind words or anything, because what could even be said? It was cathartic enough just to get it off of his chest. Just to get out all his upset feelings, the guilt, frustration, sadness, anger, longing. He needed a moment to breathe after all that.
Then the offer of him inviting Theodore to some sort of cabin piqued his interest. Theodore actually wanted to consider it. Perhaps he wanted to go. It wasn’t like he could go home anyway. It wasn’t like he would want to go home in the first place. Murdered brother or not, the idea of going home every day after school had always been unpleasant regardless. Theodore couldn’t imagine how much more yelling he’d have to endure now that Felix, their most precious, favourite son was dead. And it was his fault.
And maybe he needed the time to think about it all. As much as he didn’t want to. He had to think and breathe. Hot chocolate sounded nice too. If anything, it sounded like paradise compared to the nightmare that was the rest of the Huxley family. What’s the worst that could happen after the day he’d had so far?
“…Yeah, okay.” Theodore looked up with a tired smile. Smiling with barely any light behind his eyes anymore, but he was still happy to accept the stranger’s offer. Maybe anything was better than going back at this point. “I can go. That would be nice, if you could take me there. Thank you. Ummm… Lead the way?”
He stood up to his full height at that, brushing off his pants just a bit. at first, he offered a hand to be held, before seeming to think better of it and bringing his hand to rest at his side. “Of course. stick close, these woods tend to change.” it was a word of caution, though he wouldn’t let the forest ensnare his small companion.
No, young Theodore was not a player in that twisted game. ashe walked, not ever physically looking back, one may notice his gate seemed odd as if he were taking half steps. with such long legs, however, it made sense/ He’d have a hard to keep with long stride if he took full steps.
speaking of the forest shifting... it seemed almost as whiel they walked, the cabin ahad approached them, versus the other way around. he held the door open for Theodore- inside was very simple decor, basic seating, a small kitchen, a hall leading to two bedrooms and a single bathroom... the only oddity was the height of the building. btu in perspective of the owner... the high reaching ceiling simply made sense. “Make yourself comfortable, I shall start the kettle.”