What's That Smell?

Clive And Skuggy Bonding

Skuggy's birthday was coming up in a couple days. Clive was excited to try and make it really happy, but upon speaking with Skuggy about it, he discovered that Skuggy hates his birthday, but wouldn't tell why. Clive, determined to make Skuggy's birthday the best day for him since he moved in, at least, wanted to figure out more what Skuggy liked. He spent more time with Skuggy, and the two ended up becoming quite good friends.

Clive stands beside Skuggy's tank, counting the couple caterpillars and many beetles that were living there. Skuggy stood beside him, observing with a newfound curiosity.

Clive: You like bugs, I take it?

Skuggy: Yeah, a lot. They're underrated and deserve a lot more love then they're given. I don't have a lot of caterpillars.. But they're one of my favorites. I haven't gone out bug hunting in a while.

Clive: Huh.. I'm just always attacked by bugs. They don't like me very much..

Skuggy: Well maybe I can teach you how to handle them one day?

Clive: That'd be fun! Maybe it'll help me not be so despised by them.

Skuggy: Heh.. Hopefully. Do you want to hold one of the beetles?

Clive: Oh, I don't know.. I don't know if they'll like it or not..

Skuggy reached his hand into the tank and a small stag beetle crawls onto his hand.

Skuggy: Here, this one's super nice. Her name is Toaster, she doesn't bite.

Skuggy helped Toaster into Clive's cupped hands and for a few seconds Clive stands there completely still, afraid to move. Eventually, he grows accustomed to Toaster and she starts to grow on him.

Clive: She's really cute.. You take care of all of them?

Skuggy: Mhm. I love them all. They make me happy.

Clive: Oh well that's good! Happy is good.. And they all seem to like you, too..

Skuggy smiled. A small smile, but it was there and that's all Clive cared about. Skuggy and Clive played around with Toaster for a little while longer, sitting on the foot of Skuggys bed. They shared friendly conversation, speaking just between the both of them. They talked about their school years, and their failed dream jobs. Eventually a couple hours went past, Toaster got tired and the sun set. Skuggy let Clive put Toaster back and they shared a few final goodnights before Clive went off to his own room.

Eventually, Skuggy's birthday comes around. Clive hasn't been seen for almost 37 hours. Around 1 pm on Skuggy's birthday, the door swings open and Clive comes stumbling in.

Clive: With almost labored breathing and an exasperated voice Happy birthday, Skuggy... Sorry it took so long...

Skuggy was unable to say anything before Clive collapsed onto the ground. Skuggy got up and quickly got over to him. Clive was covered all around on his hands, arms, ankles and face by caterpillars of all sorts.

Skuggy: Clive?! What did you do??

Clive: I caught them all... I didn't know what kind you liked best so I just caught all the ones I could... Though they're stingy,,

Skuggy: Baby no why did you do that Jesus christ we need to get you to the hospital

Skuggy got most of the caterpillars off of Clive quickly and put them all in his tank. He got Clive up and outside, taking him to the car. Clive went unconscious on the way to the hospital but before was still being his happy positive self through all of the pain. Skuggy didn't know how he did it. There were still a couple caterpillars left on Clive, one of them being a large pandorus sphinx moth caterpillar. While waiting at a stoplight, Skuggy scooped the harmless caterpillar off of Clive and held it in his cupped hands. He knew Clive was just trying to make him happy, and maybe once he knew that Clive was going to be okay he could be.
Cut scene four days past. Clive finally wakes up in a hospital bed just as the sun had gone down. Skuggy was sitting by the window, a beautiful green sphinx moth resting on his cheek fresh out of its cacoon. Skuggy perked up instantly seeing that Clive had woken up.

Skuggy: Clive! You're awake! He gets up and moves beside the bed

Clive: Mm.. Mhm!.. It feels like it's been a while...

Skuggy: It's been four days. You were out for four days,, you almost died. I looked over the caterpillars that you ended up picking up. I really need to teach you which caterpillars to never touch again.

Clive: Oops.. My bad.. Clive is still weak but let's out an attempted innocent laugh Well.. Did you like them anyway?...

Skuggy: they're all beautiful, yes, thank you,,

Clive: And one of them grew up..?

Skuggy: This was one that was left on you. He was harmless, thank God. I named him Leafy.

Clive: He's really pretty..

Skuggy: He really is. But seriously, what were you thinking, Clive?? Never do that again. Next time for the love of God just get me something small on my birthday okay? Don't nearly give me your life. What's wrong with you??

Clive: he laughs I just wanted to get you something special.. I went a little overboard, I'll admit.

Skuggy: A little?

Clive:... A lot.

Skuggy: Yeah. He smiles still and ruffles Clive's hair Next time just catch me a monarch caterpillar or something, okay? One that won't nearly kill you. And only one.

Clive: Aw okay... All that matters is that you liked them.

Skuggy: All that matters is that you're alive, Clive!

Clive: He laughs and swats at Skuggy lightly I know I know.. I'm okay now..

Skuggy: Now shut up and go back to sleep. Get some more rest, you look terrible. Skuggy sounds serious, but the smile on his face says otherwise.

Clive: Clive returns the smile Okay okay... But I expect to see Leafy again soon..

Skuggy: Absolutely, kid. Try not to do anything else stupid to get yourself hurt.

Clive: No promises.