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Successfully escaping the madness in Snaktooth Island and leaving Bugsnax behind, Snorpy and Chandlo moved back to New Grump City. They were adjusting well and managed to find a cozy little living space, notably within walking distance of both the gym and library.
Instead of immediately running to their comfort zones though, the couple agreed to challenge themselves. At least twice a week Snorpy would go to the gym and physically work out while Chandlo would mentally work out at the library.
Before splitting up, Chandlo pecked his partner on the cheek. “See you in a few hours, Snorp dawg!”
“Hm, yes. Soon I’ll be the one lifting the cribs and beating you in races!”
“Haha, I can’t wait!” He called over his shoulder as he jogged off.
Snorpy too, headed off to his completely foreign-to-him destination. He meant what he said, and he was determined to see it through.
~ ~ ~
Except, it would seem, it could not happen overnight.
“Hmm, whuh?” Snorpy blinked awake to harsh lights and strange grumpuses staring down at him.
“Sir, you passed out after tripping on the treadmill.” The gym employee informed him, helping him up. “You look new here, don’t push yourself so hard.”
“But I must-!” He started to protest but stopped when he saw the pitying looks. I will get stronger for you, Chandlo! he thought and marched past the nosy crowd of onlookers. But then he felt a sharp pain in his ankle and stumbled. “Gah!”
“You probably twisted your ankle, my grump.” The employee caught up to him. “I can call medical services-”
“No thanks, I can manage on my own,” Snorpy snapped and hobbled out the door. How embarrassing, I feel utterly exhausted and have nothing to show for it other than an injury. He sighed despondently. How can I face Chandlo now? He made it home but stood aimlessly by the front door. What can I tell him? Maybe I’ll-
Suddenly the door flung open, catching him off guard. “Snorpy, you’re back!” Chandlo gave him a big ol’ bopsicle hug, lifting him in the air. “I was getting worried!”
“Ahh, excellent hugging there, Chandlo! ...ouch.”
Chandlo set him down and peered at him curiously. “What’s wrong, did I hurt you?”
“No no, I erm…” Snorpy winced, keeping the weight off his right foot. “I was already hurt, you see.” He sighed, deciding to tell the truth. Buddy left him with the advice to cease all the secrets, and while he didn’t enjoy worrying Chandlo, he did hate lying to him. And after all the events on Snaktooth, he absolutely trusted Buddy’s judgment.
“Apparently I set the speed too fast on the treadmill,” Snorpy continued, not meeting his eyes. “And that’s when I took a nasty fall. I sprained or twisted or something or the other to my ankle. But no worries, I’ll manage-”
Without another word, Chandlo scooped Snorpy up bridal-style and marched inside. “Say no more bro, I got you.”
“Oh Chandlo! That’s really unnecessary!” Snorpy was flustered but he couldn’t deny how delighted it made him feel.
Setting him down gently on the sofa, he propped his foot up on extra pillows for comfort. “You gotta take it easy Snorp dawg, you can’t get guns like these in one day.”
“Yes well, I was working on my leg muscles at the time but point taken. I just...want to be strong for you Chandlo.”
“Snorpy.” Chandlo perched at the end of the sofa. “We’re a team; stop trying to shoulder everything on your own. I also wanna get smart enough to reach your level, but I know that I can’t read the whole dictionary in one day.”
Snorpy choked out a laugh. “You spent your time at the library reading dictionaries?”
“Well, I started to, until I wanted to see just how many I could stack and lift. They’re actually pretty heavy bro!”
“Pfft hahaha!” Snorpy erupted in laughter. What classic Chandlo behavior, but that’s why he loved him. Perhaps he was right - he was pushing himself too hard, too soon.
“Baby steps bro.” Chandlo leaned over and planted a kiss on his fragile ankle. “You’ll get there, I promise. And so will I, and then we’ll be unstoppable.” He smiled enthusiastically.
“You may be no Eggabell, but you know all the right things to say to make me feel better.” Snorpy smiled back, taking his hand. “Thank you, Chandlo.”