ZAAAAANGST-

ZAAAAANGST-

Fractured Fractal, I need the blizzard >:3

HAVE SOME BLIZZARD

Zane had slowly relaxed as time went on. The ice walls stayed, except for a slot Morro had convinced him to open for food. The two were curled in a corner of the icy room, blankets and pillows piled under them at Zane’s request. Morro reclined on their plush throne, Zane quietly curled under his arm.

Zane fidgeted around to look at Morro. His face looked troubled.

“What’s wrong?” Morro asked. “Are you okay?”

Zane held his gaze for a moment before darting away. “I am so sorry.”

Morro’s brows furrowed. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He answered.

Zane’s breath hitched. “I told them. I told them everything.”

Morro held his hand tighter. “Nothing that matters. And even if it did, we wouldn’t care.”

“I care.” Zane quieted with a sniffle. Morro sat with him, running his fingers over the back of his hand.

“We care about you. Not information.”

Zane stiffened. “You should care. I,” His face hardened. “I gave away your secrets. Everyone’s secrets.”

“Zane, what did they do?” Morro sat up. Zane looked up at him from the pile. Morro continued. “You feel so guilty, you’re tearing yourself up, and I know that you wouldn’t do anything like this on your own.” He stared into Zane’s blue LED eyes. “Please, what did they do?”

Zane looked away. “I,” he breathed. “I did not,” He stuttered, tripping over his words. “I c-could not stop,”

Morro rubbed his hand.

“Th-they opened my,”

Morro tensed. Zane’s breathing picked up. “I could not st-top them.” Morro tightened his grip, rubbing his free hand on Zane’s shoulder. “I did not kn-now th-that Father p-put th-that switch th-there.” Zane’s voice broke. “I-I,” He pulled Morro’s hand to his chest.

Morro pulled him in closer. “It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re here, I’ve got you.” Zane leaned into the touch, breath shaky.

“Why would he do that?” Zane whispered; voice rough. “Wh-why, why give me that weak spot?”

Morro was quiet, only holding Zane as the nindroid shook.

“I could n-not even st-stay quiet.” Zane murmured. “All I c-could do, was j-just a-answer.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Morro whispered back. He rubbed circles into Zane’s arms. “We know it wasn’t your fault.”

Zane gripped at the shirt covering his panel. “I could not stop them.” He twisted the fabric in his hand.

“You shouldn’t have had to.” Morro answered.

The room was quiet, only Zane’s whirring fans filling the air.

“You shouldn’t have had to…” Morro repeated. His voice hardened. “And you won’t. Ever again.” He sat up, looking at Zane’s questioning tear-stained face. “I promise you.”

Zane was quiet for a moment, staring up at him. “I was alone.” He whispered. “No one knew where I was. How to find me.” He trembled, the tears threatening to spill again.

Morro’s stare was determined. “You’re not going to be, ever again.” He held Zane close to him again. “I swear it.”