Andre stared at Kai.
Kai stared back.
Neither of them spoke.
"..."
"..."
"..."
Both of them slowly looked down.
Andre was still carrying Kai in a princess carry.
"..."
"..."
Andre immediately dropped him.
THUD.
"Ow!"
Kai rubbed the back of his head.
"The hell?!"
Andre pointed a finger at him.
"That's some gay shit."
"You were the one carrying me!"
"I know."
"And I fixed it."
Kai stared blankly.
"...You're unbelievable."
Andre laughed.
"Damn."
"You really are alive."
He stepped forward.
This time...
He held out his hand.
"Took you long enough to find me."
Kai looked at the offered hand.
"...Took me?"
"Where the heck have you been?"
He grabbed Andre's hand.
Andre pulled him to his feet with ease.
"It's..."
Andre scratched the back of his head.
"...A long story."
He glanced toward the open doorway.
"Come on."
"We'll talk inside."
---
The three entered the treehouse.
Kai immediately looked around.
"..."
It was...
Clean.
Spotless.
Books rested neatly on shelves.
The floor had been swept.
Weapons were hung perfectly against the wall.