scorched;

[ He keeps his gaze away, scratching the back of his neck. ]

Are you serious? You don't even have mouthwash?

[ As great as it’d be to cuss Fire out right now, he’s in too much pain from VOMIT INSIDE OF HIS OPEN WOUND to deal right now. ]

I———mmmgoing to the bathroom….

[ He covered his mouth with his hand, flickering his eyes away. ]

Ugh.. I'm sorry.

       I was just … angry.  And I made a mistake.       [ A  pause.  ]    I’m  sorry,  Fire,  I  really am.

       I don’t know what I want.

Damn. What does he even say to that? He does look apologetic. ]

You look sorry. We all mistakes, but this was a grave one.

[ He gives a small, frustrated sigh, forcing his gaze away from her. An awkward atmosphere easily set over them, not sure of whether he should break it by saying something comedic or just setting it take over the situation.

After a moment of silence, he finally opened his mouth to speak the thoughts that were hanging in his mind for the past couple of minutes. ]

[ He forces out a laugh, trying to discount her story. ]

[ That couldn't be, right? ]

     [ Ah— Probably shouldn’t have told him that, but it was already out there. ]

Wait, you almost killed Aqua? Why's that?

     [  He didn’t meant to raise his voice  at  him,  but  the  frustration  was         real.  As many times as he’d  try  to  explain  to  Leaf  that  it  wasn’t         intentional—it was almost like Aqua was attempting to speak  to her          again, only to have her shut him out in fear.  ]

        I don’t even get where this bullshit   is  coming  from  that  we  were         close in the first place!  I was a fucking dick to her!  To both of you!          We didn’t even start  speaking  again  until  recently!  I  don’t  even         know why she calls me her best friend, it’s  not  like I  was  there  to         even form some sort of bond with her——-!

     [  He stops himself.  ]  I guess…  I  guess  that’s  why  I’m  so  mad  to         begin with, huh?  

        I thought I was in love with her—I really did—but… but there’s  really         no basis for it.

After a few moments of listening, he decided that it would be okay to speak. ]

Well, from the way she talked about you, it seemed like you were close. We may not have had the best past, but you're still a fucking friend. Don't you see that you've changed, Aqua? The past is the past and this is now.

Do you still want to be friends with her even now?

I just... I don't know what I want to do.

[ He let out a frustrated sigh, finally sliding his hand away from his eyes. His brown eyes instantly found the ground, not wanting to look at Aqua just yet. ]

I'm so conflicted because you're my friend, but she's my sister.

[ His attitude changes right away, a grin growing on his face. ]

Nice to meet you too.

[ Actually quite confused. ]

[ He let out a sigh, crossing his arms over his chest as well. ]

[ His eyebrows furrow, not amused by her. ]