Hughes had not been expecting Uromon to show up for dinner, but he was thrilled at what his boyfriend was wearing.
" You look great babe." He laughed, kissing his significant other.
" I look like Hot Topic threw up." Uromon chuckled and spun around in his shiny tank top reading ' Secret Lover', long black skirt, and combat boots.
" This is what Charity's first impression of you is gonna be."
As if on cue, Charity walked in and froze.
Ta'lali was behind her, and gulped.
" Hi." Uromon said.
Hughes chuckled awkwardly.
" Charity... this is my boyfriend."
Charity's jaw dropped.
Uromon broke the silence.
" Ta'lali is that you? What the hell happened to you?"
Ta'lali awkwardly pointed at Charity.
Uromon scowled.
" What happened."
Ta'lali whimpered and pulled Uromon into the other room to show him the extent of her injuries.
Hughes frowned.
" Charity what have you done?"
Charity looked shocked.
" Me? What about you?"
" Maybe I love him. Did you consider that? Or were you too busy torturing that poor woman?"
Charity's mouth opened and closed.
" What?"
" You heard me Charity. I get that you're mad at the world because of what happened to our parents, but you can't hurt others to make up for how badly you miss them. They knew what they were doing when they went to that house-"
" STOP TALKING!" Charity wailed, slamming her fist into the wall by Hughes's head.
Hughes pushed Charity's fist away.
Uromon came back into the room, Ta'lali trailing behind.
" Ta'lali's been hurt bad. Her antlers are gone, she's been starved, there are cuts all over her body, she's been battered... I could go on, but I won't."
Hughes frowned and turned to Ta'lali.
" I'm very sorry for what my sister has done to you. Is there any way I can help?"
Ta'lali shook her head.
" I'm ok... she didn't hurt me that badly, honest."
Uromon and Hughes stared at Ta'lali.
Uromon was the first to say something.
" She still hurt you. That isn't ok."
Ta'lali looked away.
Hughes sighed.
" This is awkward."
Everyone except Charity nodded.