Stop the world

Koa

Don't you just wanna wake up dark as a lake
Smelling like a bonfire, lost in a haze?

Oh ok so we've full on left logic behind.

Koa's full on fucking lost now, drowning in a tumble dryer of about seven hundred clashing half-formed thoughts. The mockery of Flora's tone is unexpectedly hurtful, stinging vulnerabilities created by confusion. Releasing his grip on the Doubletake's shoulders, Koa, too, falls back on his heels, hands shaking as they tangle uselessly in the fur of Pip, who has retreated to his lap. The long dragon hisses warningly toward Spice, tail lashing in frustration and anxiety as jumbled waves of conflicting emotions crash against the bond. Everyone knows. "I don't," Koa counters sharply, tightening his grip on Pip. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

And then she explains.

And Koa laughs.

It's a bright, brittle, bubbly, braying, borderline-hysterical burst of sound. "I'm sorry, what?" The laughter continues, still slightly manic, a release of emotion that cannot be easily stopped. "You think... You think I got Soh pregnant? Soh- who, has somehow dumped me like twenty times, even though we've never actually dated or had sex. But somehow I magically got her pregnant and we eloped? And, what, I've just been on vacation while a megalomaniac from space rules my home?"

Is he yelling? When did he start yelling? He isn't sure, doesn't even realize it until the bright pain of Pip's teeth on his wrist breaks the haze of hurt and anger that's swept across his face. A sharp intake of breath as he yanks his hand back, only to find the furry catsnake crawling up his chest, bright blue eyes boring into his. Despite the gulp of air he swallows, his voice is hoarse when he speaks again. "I didn't know you thought that little of me, Flora." He can't bring himself to look back at the Doubletake, fears that Pipsqueak's knowing gaze is the only thing keeping his tears in check. "Not gonna lie, it kinda sucks."

If you're drunk on life, babe, I think it's great
But while in this world I think I'll take my whiskey neat