Chapter Text
SQ is quieter than average for the next few days, more reflective. She flexes her limbs like she's just noticed them. Deep breaths, in and out. She paints her nails dozens of colors, from green to pink to orange to red to green again. The newfound freedom is dazzling, but also terrifying; like she's still getting it into her head that her body is hers to change and use.
At night she buries her head in Yuri's shoulder again. Wet tears.
"As long as you're here, I'm happy. It's enough for me... it's enough."
Yuri strokes her hair and she shudders in both happiness and fear, like she's waiting for it to be taken away. She closes her eyes.
"I thought, like, I'd totally be stuck in there forever. A few times I considered giving up."
Arms wrap around Yuri's waist like an anchor in a churning sea.
"It would've been way easier to let go, I think. She was STRONG. She chipped away at me."
SQ sucks in a breath.
"She's. like. The worst person I've ever seen. And I've got her memories, so. I know it. I wasn't even supposed to exist, too."
Shivering, cold. She's more scared than she'd ever want to admit. She forces a smile...
"But who would want to get rid of cute ol' SQ?"
...and then starts sobbing again.
"Please don't get rid of SQ. Please don't get rid of me."
She clings tightly to Yuri, letting herself rest on them.
"....please don't go."
And Yuri doesn't.