#pit;

[✗] - "We should string lights and decorations on Roz~"

(☁) - "Touch me and die."

"Why don't you smile more?"

It was a simple question, but it made the angel tense up all the same. Tucked away in the small cave they called 'home', the two fighters were preparing to rest up before their next battle. Roz hesitated, his eyes shifting away from the boy who sat a few feet away from him.

"Am, I already told you... If I let anyone know what I'm actually thinking...." He trailed off, biting his lip.

"You're afraid, aren't you."

The response was a little startling, coming from Amaranth. The typically cheery, carefree youth was now solemn, his gaze fixated on his friend. Nervously, Roz turned away, shielding himself from the stare with his rosy wings.

"L-look, I don't want to..."

"You're afraid you'll start crying again, and never stop... You're afraid of the pain."

The words struck a chord, and a strange hiccup noise escaped the angel. Amaranth sighed quietly.

"Roz... If you keep going on like this, one day there'll be a time where you can't hide behind a mask. And... I might not be there to help you out. Besides, bottling your emotions like this... That's not good for you. Can you please listen to me for once?"