Summary: Hordak navigates a new social setting with all the grace he can muster. (He’s trying.)

Content Warning: Mermista is trying (but not very hard), Horde Prime’s ableism and clone abuse, unhealthy mindsets, mild PTSD, references to chronic pain/disability.

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Hordak hung back while Entrapta flitted about the clearing. He leaned against a tree, slipping into the metaphorical shadows. Scorpia was at Entrapta’s side and Sea Hawk trailed them both. Entrapta’s smile was big and broad as she turned in a circle, oohing over the newly decorated clearing. “This is really for me?” she asked.

Scorpia turned, looking at Mermista. She sighed and stepped forward. “Yeah, well….” She crossed her arms and looked away. “We, uh….” Adora cleared her throat, while Catra glared, tail twitching. “I felt bad. For making you feel like I didn’t want you here. We all did.”

Entrapta paused during her circuit of the clearing. Her hair pulled her toward Mermista in one long step, and now, spider-like, she loomed over her. “Really?” she asked, cocking her head. She pulled her mask down, cycling through the mask’s settings. “Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

Mermista sighed. “No! Geeze, Geek Princess—of course we want you here.” She eyed Hordak with a sigh, but before she could say something she might regret, Sea Hawk looped his arms around her waist and grinned up at Entrapta.

“I for one am happy you’re both here!” he exclaimed.

Mermista grumbled a bit, but when Entrapta dropped to the ground in front of her, she offered a reserved smile. “Yeah, yeah,” she said, “I guess I’d rather keep an eye on him anyway…. So—sorry or whatever.” It was the closest approximation to an apology they could expect from her.

Perfuma approached from behind, offering a flower crown. “I’m sorry for any misunderstanding,” she said, holding out the flower crown. Entrapta took it in hand, but didn’t put it on. “I want this trip to be peaceful and relaxing for everyone.” She cast a nervous glance at Hordak. “If he’s your…chosen companion, then I’m happy to host him.” The vines in the trees slithered and their leaves rustled. “I’m sure he’ll be a good guest,” she said, still smiling.

Hordak cocked his head, not sure how to interpret the leaves’ fluttering. Entrapta just smiled hesitantly. “Of course! I told you; he’s very well mannered.”

The princess of Plumeria cast him an odd look. “If you say so.”

The young queen sidled up to Entrapta from the other side, smiling. “We’re glad you’re here.” The archer made an encouraging gesture, as if urging her on. “And we…want to get to know Hordak better too. Now that we’re not fighting or arguing over a treaty.” She actually offered him a smile, making him raise a brow-ridge.

Entrapta smiled, looking at all of them. “Thanks, guys. I’m really glad you’re giving him a chance. It means a lot.”

A rope of hair reached out, settling the flower crown on his head. He looked up at it and readjusted it so it was seated more comfortably on his head, then offered the staring Etherians a nod. The She-Ra pressed the back of her hand to her mouth, like she was trying to hide her smile, while the queen gave him a considering look. Perfuma seemed somewhat put-out that her carefully crafted crown had been passed on to him, and Mermista looked like she’d swallowed something sour. He ignored the doe-eyed looks he was getting from the archer, Scorpia, and Sea Hawk.

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