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Lioe was stuck silent, unable to meet his mother's eyes. He truly didn't know how to answer that; and that fact alone had caught him off guard. This was unknown territory! Did he really? Could he really..? "I'm not chasing anyone," he meekly argued, briefly wondering if it was possible for someone's face to get hot enough to cook something.

When the reveal came, Lioe's eyes widened and he stared. Aldabuk ears? Had he heard that correctly? He raised his hand to his chin contemplatively. Dad had.. animal ears? Others had changed? Including Zadia?! "Marcella and I are the same as always," he assured softly. Would that be a comfort, or would it be more disappointment? Everyone else had changed. How had this all happened?

"Actually, yes. There was a big fuss when it happened back home." It hadn't affected him, so he'd forgotten about it. One of his coworkers had a slight change of eye color, but that was about it in his direct contact group. To think that it had also affected his sister... Despite the concerns, a small smile naturally rose with a small nod. He was looking forward to seeing the rest of his family as well. Especially his dad's ears...

He couldn't help his brow knitting at the request for help, again reminded that his mother wasn't invincible. She'd been hurt badly, and would take time to heal. He pushed himself up without question and held out his arms. If he could be even a small part of that healing.. maybe he'd feel like he did alight by her. "Just let me know whatever way is easiest for you."

Both hands gently but firmly gripped Maritza's arm to help her up. So light. It made his stomach do a slight flip. Fragile...

The joke took a second to register, and his brow rose with surprise. Another moment later, he couldn't stop himself from laughing. For a few seconds, that was all he could do. A relief of knowing his family was alive, and that they would survive, and of being there for them, all came out in that laugh. "Perfect now, but it will be far less perfect later when you're feeling well enough to kick me all the way back to Belrea in return."