Sounding very cheerfully casual and then turning to walk away, possibly forever is also whacking Popp right in the trauma centers, thanks.

"No, don't go!"

If Avan thought Popp was clingy right after meeting him, he's seen nothing yet.

"I- I mean, there could be more of those things! Shouldn't I be in front?!"

Popp tries to push ahead in front and go where Avan is going. He's not doing well; he's had his brain interfered with. He probably would not normally squeeze past his own coils in a way that threatens to tie himself into a knot.

Or maybe he would, he's not exactly used to this body and the particular trials that come with it. Don't make fun of him; he has a headache...