[Taako yelps, Lup clings to his back, and the two collapse to the dirty ground, wrapped up in each other's arms, the rest of the world just fading away. There's only Taako, the familiar feel of his body against hers, the warmth of his palm, the smell of his hair - every single little thing that makes him him, it fills her every sense and reassures Lup that he's real and not just some figment of his place.

He's here. He's back. And she can't ever let him out of her sight again.

Her brother laughs and something in her chest flutters happily, the freeness of that sound something Lup's missed hearing in him. It's been a long time since Taako's felt so relaxed in her arms, like he's lost some of the weight that's been sitting on his shoulders since she first stepped into this place. What could that mean? What happened while he was away?]

You asshole. Don't you ever leave like that again. I swear I'll straight up roast your ass.

[But he shifts, holding her close, and Lup immediately sinks into his embrace, tears soaking through his shirt, her fingers curling into his hair, his clothing, anything she can touch. She needs to feel him solidly against her, that reminder that he's real and she isn't going to have to face this place without him.]

A week. How long were you really gone?

[He knows what she means. How long was he back there?]