Marco's Heart

[peccatore]

You find yourself in a bright white, circular room. It's nearly empty; too bare, almost clinically so. But the bareness of it means that what is visible here stands out:

A podium in the center, where a familiar figure sits, head buried in his hands. Three paths running from the podium to three different spots near the edges of the room - not corners; circles don't have corners - where three doors leading seemingly nowhere stand with no regard for their complete lack of structural support.

It doesn't take you long to figure out where you are, does it? You only have to decide where to start.

Comments

[peccatore]

"... Are you sure?"

[reddenedgalaxy]

...No... but it's what I want to do right now. So... I'm doing it.

[peccatore]

Marco stands up. His eyes aren't even remotely wet, but something about his expression makes him look like he's on the verge of tears.

[reddenedgalaxy]

We don't... have to do anymor... if you want to stop.

[peccatore]

"I... I don't know. I'm sorry..."

He still isn't crying. He just... looks like he wants to.

[reddenedgalaxy]

...

[Mordi approaches him slowly, and if he lets her, she gently hugs him.]

[peccatore]

Hesitantly, fearfully, he returns the hug. A sniffle finally escapes him.

[reddenedgalaxy]

Sometimes... you think you're doing the right thing... but people get hurt because of it...

[there's a slight weariness in her voice, like she's speaking from personal experience]

...you aren't bad, Marco...

[peccatore]

"You... You don't have to reassure me. But... Thank you."

[reddenedgalaxy]

Even if I don't have to... I want to. Because we're friends...

[peccatore]

"I'm... glad you still think so." Another sniffle. "And-- And I'll do everything in my power to make sure your trust isn't misplaced."

[reddenedgalaxy]

...Thank you.

[she lets go and takes a step back.]

...Is there... any mor to see...?

[peccatore]

"There is another door, but... It was just going to lead you to this conclusion. I think. If I hadn't just... told you everything."

[reddenedgalaxy]

Thank you... for telling me. For... trusting me.

[peccatore]

"... You have nothing to thank me for." His gaze falls on the floor. "After what you've seen here."

[reddenedgalaxy]

I still want to. Because we're friends...

[peccatore]

"... Thank you. Again."

[reddenedgalaxy]

...You're welcome.