messy | catch-all: nero.

[imagine being strong enough to write real starters on memshare week.

wherever they were before, they are now abruptly getting sucked into a rift where both of them will witness this memory.]

[ There is. So much to take in. A lot to think about.

Nero looks so distinctly uncomfortable after it ends. ]

Sorry.

[ That somebody else saw a moment like that. It's the type of thing he'd much rather keep to himself if he ever had a choice. It feels like a vulnerability most people wouldn't want to show. ]

[she seems more disgruntled than anything in any case, glaring a the void before she clicks her tongue. tch.]

Ugh, it's whatever. This ain't the first time I've taken a walk through all my embarrassing memories with someone. Though it usually involves more butt clenching and dealin' with misogynist assholes who have a podcast...

[ And why was there a guy dressed up as a bat? ]

What's a podcast?

Audio recordings of people who think they're interesting enough to have their own talk show. Spoilers: 99.9% of the time they're really, really not.

There's that many of 'em going around, huh... Yikes.

Yikes is right. It's a whole thing.

[You walk into your boss's quarters. The warm space in a cave, cozy and safe in the middle of the biting cold of the north. It's not the first time you've been here, and it's not going to be the last. He's sitting in the middle of the room, going over maps and plans. It's familiar.

You start saying something and he cuts you off, sharp, familiar grin on his features, "Don't be so distant now, Nero. I only got this far because of you. How many times do you think your advice saved me from a close call with death? I would have turned into stone a long time ago without you. Our enemies and allies both know that you're number two. Just call me Brad. Go on, try saying it." He reaches out, gently takes your chin in his hand and lightly shakes you by it. It's embarrassing, but you don't pull away.

Slowly you respond back, "Br... Brad..."

He laughs at you, familiar and comforting, ruffling your hair, "What are you getting embarrassed for!". It's a honey sweet memory, and you really do adore him.

Your face is going red, the heat is obvious. There's a warmth in your chest, an intense feeling of affection and belonging. You desperately want to be worthy of him.

The Nero of right now is suffering through this. ]