the-snake-and-the-statue

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

…

“Okay…take care. Of yourself. Please.”

*The words "I will" get caught on Vaga's tongue, for him to only nod ever so slightly and turn down at the snake.*

Slyn, do you want to come with me..? I'm going to get a pretzel.

*Slyn hesitates, thinking of his options. He looks back and forth between Anzen and Vaga before nodding, letting himself be carefully picked up by the boy.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

”Don’t be. Please.”

Still, I... I think I should just go, I'm sorry...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

The skeptical look she makes may be nonexistent, but it’s still quite palpable.

Whatever.... I'll be fine, I'm sorry....

*He starts stepping backwards towards the door, avoiding looking at Anzen.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

”Personally. I think that’s just. Factually wrong. Especially considering. There are children here.”

I'm more emotional than the adults, then. Children get a pass, they're children... I'm a fully grown 21 year old.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

”I am. Not the best. With these things. But from what. I can tell. You have. Plenty of reasons. To be upset. Nor are you any more emotional. Than some others here.”

*Vaga forces a laugh that doesn't sound real.*

I'm absolutely more emotional than everyone here... and worse at hiding it.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

”Then. You aren’t. Either. By your own logic.”

...

*He looks down, crossing his arms like a child.*

It's different, he's never like that... and I shouldn't be like this, still...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

She thinks for a few moments.

“…if if were. Your brother. In your place. Would you call him. Too emotional?”

-....

.... no....

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

“…no. I’m sorry.”

She shrinks back a bit.

Its not your fault, I'm just- stupid and I hate crying like this, it was years ago, and I hate being so fucking emotional-

*The bitterness doesn't leave Vaga's voice, but it's not directed at Anzen... if anything, it's at himself.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

She tilts her head. If she could express surprise and concern, she would, but instead she just makes a confused mrrrp noise.

Just... never mind....

*He slowly stands up, face red. It's evident he doesn't feel much better at all after that.*

I'm sorry again...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

“Bottling it. Wouldn’t help. Though.”

Another shrug.

“You are. Allowed. To grieve.”

I grieve too fucking much.

*The words are full of a bitter kind of silent anger that Anzen doesn't remember him ever having.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

”It is. What I was. Made for.”

She shrugs.

“I see. Little to be. embarrassed about. In having. Sadness.”

I have too much of it, I don't like it..

*Vaga tucks his head away, wiping his eyes with his sleeve.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

She lets him take as much time as he needs, humming a bit.

*After a short period, he speaks up again.*

... this is embarrassing, I'm sorry...

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

“I’m sorry, Vaga.”

She hugs him close, guarding him as much as comforting him. It’s not quite motherly and it’s not quite human, but it’s genuine and kind.

*Its not ode, is what it's not.*

*He doesn't respond, just trying to keep himself together rather than fall apart even more.*

*After a few minutes, the hushed sobs seem to ebb away, with slow, ragged breathing in its place.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

She casts aside her polite hesitation and hugs him tight, worried sick over his sudden reaction.

“Oh…”

*Vaga holds onto her tightly, unable to help himself from crying... Anzen has seen him upset like this before, or at least heard of it from the others. It's another thing to experience it directly like this. Through the tears and stifled sobs, she hears the same thing repeated in shattered whispers.*

We were only twelve... we were only twelve...

*Slyn slowly crawls over as well, resting by Vaga's foot but not daring to try and comfort him too. He was part of the problem, after all...*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

Anzen gently wraps her arms around him in response. It’s pretty clear that despite her porcelain form, Yume designed her to be very huggable.

*The reaction is almost instant- the boy's body starts to tremble as he grips Anzen's sleeve tightly, burying his watery eyes into her arm as a sob leaves his body and he curls up in her embrace.*

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

”But do you. Want. A hug?”

*.... He kind of shrugs, looking down.*

.... somewhat.

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

“…do you. Want. A hug?”

If you hug me, I'm just going to start crying.

*... that didn't answer the question.*