( he hasn't forgotten in the slightest, except he's forgotten that he probably needs lead ins when he's not exactly laid out his thought process to her. he wrinkles his nose, letting her feel for a temperature that isn't there, though she will find a scabbing over cut right close to his hairline. he shakes his head, then pauses, and nods, laughing a little helplessly because it's all so stupid. )

The frog is me, Nastenka. I'm not being literal. ... I hope.

( he adds, voice dropping down into a mutter, considering at this point ending up as a frog for some reason he doesn't understand isn't entirely out of the question. still, he shakes off the thought by shaking his head, fumbling and... glancing back over his shoulder. )

... Let me start over. I have something for you.

( he nods his head toward the pack on the ground where the lion dropped it; the decision had been an unformed thought in the back of his mind until now, but it feels right as it coalesces. no matter what else happens or doesn't happen, this feels right, and he wants to have something be good for once. )