Archive of Our Own ^beta

The air had gotten colder in the past few weeks, bringing a soft chill in the almost endless autumn that took hold of the lands. You were used to it, of course, having traveled for quite some time in search of...Well, that part was lost on you. Something meaningful, probably. Something better?

Now definitely wasn’t the time to think about it as you tucked yourself closer to the warmth you had cuddled into earlier. A pair of arms met just under your own, squeezing you just a little tighter with a chuckle. In return, your hands buried themselves into the fluff that you weren’t entirely sure was fur, part of the jacket your friend wore, or something else entirely. It mattered not, as running your fingers through it elicited the same response either way from the large ant. You supposed it was akin to petting a dog or cat-- just a simple social thing, really, you reacted the same when you felt something run through your own hair.

Weren’t ants known for being rather physical to communicate anyways? ...That was an awkward question best left to yourself, rather than announced plainly out-loud. It didn’t matter much, it was a nice gesture and way to pass time in these lands that often seemed harsher and harsher by the day. Being a traveler not drawn to a cult, constantly evading and avoiding any bishop you could, it made it harder to settle down and stay with any friends you may have made. That’s why you felt lucky to be able to visit the grotto often, hidden away from anything else and without pressure to stay apart of this place. It was almost like a small safety net in a world of danger, though it felt ironic to call it such with its...mushrooms. You knew they held an air of danger, as your friend and the leader of this place told you such. Sozo often warned you not to mess with them too much, not wanting his little friend to become ‘brain washed’ or any other negative effects.

...This often made you wonder why he himself was so obsessed with the menticides, if they were truly that deadly to others. Those types of thoughts never lasted too long, simply being replaced with the knowledge that Sozo knew what he was doing, after all he had been here for many years. Instead, with a simple sigh you gently sunk your head into the ant’s fluff, crinkling your nose at the slightly musty scent when you did such. A second pair of arms wound their way around you, ruffling your hair affectionately with a comfortable sigh.

“Sozo does not understand why you do not bring a jacket when visiting!” He huffed playfully, “You always seem so cold.”

You laughed softly, nuzzled further against Sozo, “It’s not that cold out. ‘Specially like this.”

“Well! That is because you leech off Sozo’s warmth! Cruel to do such a thing!”

Your brow quirked with a snort, pushing off the ant and tilting your head, “Leeching? You must really hate this, huh?”

Sozo squinted down at you in amusement, leaning to headbutt you affectionately before responding in a sarcastic manner, “Oh certainly! Sozo clearly cannot stand you.”

You snorted, lifting a hand to pet along the red markings adorning the ant’s cheek, watching his eyes close fully as he relaxed into your touch with a gentle smile. Even if half the time in the world it felt more like you were only surviving instead of living, it was worth it for the small moments like this. Worth it to keep fighting and hiding from the bishops and their sacrifices, even though at times it seemed near impossible to do for long. You’d keep trying and surviving.

“Hmm...What are you thinking about?” Sozo hummed after a moment, squinting an eye open to curiously stare at you, “Sozo can tell something’s on your mind.”

“Uh? Oh-- oh, nothing terrible,” You responded, quieter than you had spoken before, “I’m just-- glad, to not be caught by the bishops. To have my freedom like this, y’know?”

“Ah ha ha! Yes, yes, Sozo has to agree with that! Far better to be free than to be anywhere near those nasty old creatures!” Sozo chirped back, pulling you back closer with his bottom most limbs, “Sozo is so glad you visit! It can get so boring...”

“I’m glad I visit too...This is nice. I wouldn’t want to miss out on the small things like this. It’s more of a…wonder how long it’ll last, I guess. When it’ll end...”

A pair of hands lifted your head up, squishing your face affectionately, “No! Don’t worry about such things, silly! You’re mourning for something that’s still here right now! It lasts as long as it lasts! Sozo doesn’t worry about it, you shouldn’t either!”

You smiled lightly, giving a gentle nod of agreement, “I guess you’re right. I should enjoy things while they’re here...”

“Of course! See? The sun is out right now, and things are still growing! There is nothing to worry about!”

You glanced out, noting the still light blue sky outside of the cave, noting it was around midday about now. Right. The sun was still out and you were still safe, there was no use thinking about such things.
After all, for all you know, things could always change with the bishops. It wasn’t up to you to worry about them so much. You had better things to think about, like this moment now. The few moments of warmth and kindness in this strange, strange world.

It made things just a bit more worthwhile.