Here again

Spider’s eyes flutter shut, relishing in the comforting familiarity of Strai’s embrace. it’s nice to be around someone completely removed from all the drama, someone outside of the Armada. of course, Strai is quick to inquire about their well-being, and Spider doesn’t even try to feign confusion. they know how they look, the misery clinging to them like an unshakeable burr. “ah.” Spider withdraws a little, sucking in a shaky breath. at least they know Strai would never judge them. “Hazel, um, left. she and Bas…broke up.” their mouth twitches downward, face crumpling briefly in the moment it takes to school their expression. it doesn’t work, in any case; their eyes are over bright and shining wetly. “so i guess we’re both m-motherless again.” they keep waiting for the pain to fade, but it crashes down on them in fresh waves of agony. hadn’t they been trying to comfort Strai mere weeks ago? who are they offer advice, or insight; these days they just feel like the vessel of a broken heart.

"Speech"