Chapter Text
There's corpses in front of him and a knife in his hand.
It had been years since he last trembled like this after killing someone. Since last he struggled for breath, choking on air as his heart beat too fast too loud in his chest.
He doesn't recognize the bodies, doesn't have a name to attach to their shining golden hair, but something in the back of his thoughts whispers they love to dance and he collapses to his knees as grief swallows him into its gaping maw.
They feel familiar, but hands touch his face to wipe away his tears and distract him from the memories. Blood-splattered tawny skin is replaced with pastel lavender, his ragged breaths hushed by a comforting voice as Vaati guides him back to himself.
"You only did what you had to, pet. Don't let those worthless memories get the best of you."