[ he listens, silent, awaiting his response — he wants to urge him to speak, but he knows better. so patiently, gently does he linger, still present on the other line.

“it doesn’t matter”, he says, and nier feels something weigh heavy in the pit of his stomach, something like sadness. ]

It does.

[ he replies, voice straining against the kindness he projects. ]

And whoever told you that it doesn’t — whoever made you think this way…

I’m going to destroy them.

[ he voice is level in spite of its low register.

the rage simmers beneath, careful to not seep out and explode. ]

I don’t want you to think like this anymore. I’m not going to leave you behind.