[one advantage of their momentary misunderstanding is that Tonic has now had quite a bit of time to acclimate to the upstairs world... so while he is still hesitant to raise his eyes much higher than the roofs of houses, he seems to be walking without any difficulty, and he's getting better and better at looking around without any involuntary lurching.]

Well, I think that will be worth it all on its own. It doesn't look how I remember it...

[that's another thought that was following him around earlier. and now that they've opened themselves up to this kind of thing a little, he feels it is an appropriate time to mention his first visit. he snugs himself cutely up against Tek's shoulder, idly eyeing his surroundings as they go.]

But I was maybe... fourteen, fifteen. I guess it shouldn't be surprising.