We need to talk

Spider stares, uncomprehending, scarcely able to think over the blood roaring through their ears. Bas’ scar stands out stark against his dark face, a parting gift from the woman he’d spent so much of his life with. “n-no, i…i don’t want…” how could he think this of them? that they’d want to inflict the same kind of pain? that it’d comfort them to tear his face open? Spider squeezes their eyes shut, wishing they could will the world away. their chest hurts so much, and nausea roils in their stomach. they really might be sick this time. “how can you even a-ask me that?” Spider chokes out. their legs sway, and they lean forward to rest their forehead against Bas’ chest, shuddering through the sobs. still no tears. not a drop. “d-don’t you know that’d be like hurting m-myself?” he’s their dad, the person they love most in the world; his pain is theirs.

"Speech"