Reaching Salvation: Post-Acer Part 5

"I have my gloves and turtleneck." Simon replied with a smile.

"Howdy Simon," Tom piped up, grinning broadly. He had missed the place, though at the back of his mind he couldn't help but wonder how Benji would like it.

-----

Luke nibbled on an apple, still looking jumpy and nervous like a cornered animal. He had really begun to settle in the forest until that.

"Hiya!" Kaylee said to Benji, popping up next to him.

"Tom." Simon said with a smile, reaching a hand out to the man to give his arm a squeeze.

Erika was walking with Elena towards the gates.

Tom jumped slightly, since he couldn't track anyone beyond their footsteps, but relaxed as soon as he realised.

"Good t'be back," he announced in his usual quiet tone, albeit more happy.

Benji jumped back, hearing the voice as he neared the village gates. "H-Hello...?" he frowned, a bit uneasy.

Heidi frowned at this. "For the love of god, Simon, you're gonna have a heat stroke someday!"

---

Kira continued smiling, keeping one arm wrapped around Luke. She'd have to figure out how to get away from him and talk to Nathan without him freaking out.

---

Elena wasn't really awake yet, just following Erika, unsure of what was going on.

Kaylee appeared fully visible, grinning. "Who're you?"
OOC: She has her clothes on.

"I get cold easily..." Simon muttered. "And it's not summer yet." The black haired boy looked over at Benji with surprise. "...Uh, hello?"

"Who's the kid?" Adeline asked, looking over at Benji.

"Look familiar?" Tom asked wryly.

---

Luke calmed slightly at her touch.

OOC: Benji's not really a people person anyway. XP

Benji shifted uneasily. "My name's Benji, Benji Armistead..."

Hearing Simon address him, Benji pointed to Heidi, not really sure how to explain things.

"Armistead?" Simon said aloud, but he noticed that the boy and Heidi shared similar features...

Did... Heidi find him when she was gone?

"This... this is your brother, Heidi?" Simon asked, unsure how to feel about this.

Joey walked alongside his wife as they approached the small group.

The villagers were currently staring at Heidi, with frowns on most of their faces. Heidi was already on thin ice, before she pulled this little stunt without telling anyone. The fact that she had gone off with Nathan, who had already caused the village some trouble already, hadn't helped matters. In the end, after a few moments, they just continued on with their work, ignoring the group.

"I'm Kaylee, nice to meet you," she said perkily, "I'd shake hands, but I'm not sure if I can touch you."

"Yeah, we found him on the way back," Heidi smiled.

---

Kira stood up, setting the basket next to Luke. "I'll b-be right back..."

"O-okay," Luke replied, a frightened look in his eyes.

"Really? That's- that's amazing." Simon said with a smile.

Erika gave Joey's hand a squeeze then Elena's as well before stepping up closer to Heidi. "...Hey."

Kira sighed, leaning over and kissing Luke's cheek. "It'll be okay..."

---

Heidi smiled at Erika, though it quickly turned to a scowl when she noticed Joey, though she said nothing.

"...Can I have a hug or do I have to beg for one?" Erika said with a playful scowl on her lips.

"Hello Heidi." Joey said, doing his best to be friendly.

...What a bitch.

Luke's cheeks went red at the kiss, and he turned his head to look at her, looking like he was in less of a state.

-------

Tom decided to let the scene play out.

Heidi faked a sigh, pushing herself to her feet and hugging Erika.

Benji stood by awkwardly, wishing he could find a corner to retreat to.

---

Kira swallowed back the pink on her face, smiling at Luke. "I'll b-be right back..."

Adeline frowned, staring at Benji. "...Nice to meet you," she said softly. "I'm Adeline."

The Illuminati were surrounding Nathan who was smiling.

"Have any trouble?" Eithne asked questionably.

"Nah not too much," Nathan responded. "Got Empathy." He noted as he grinned.

Erika wrapped her arms around Heidi's middle, hugging her friend tightly.

Simon looked over to Benji, not sure how to react or what to do.