[ does he know, though? does he really? despite everything — snake is still a hero in his eyes. still so much more than a dirty mistake left behind in the world.

raiden's eyes drift, settling onto a stray table as his shoulders stiffen with an exahle. ]

Because Jack is back. And if he loses control, you might have to keep him in check.

[ raiden turns his chin up slightly, his gaze hard with tension as he meets snake's eyes. ]

And I... I guess I don't want to hurt you either. It's a possibility that I can't ignore. A part of me...is still struggling to believe that you're here — that this is... [ he swallows. for a fleeting moment, their surroundings morph into that bland, beige walls of big shell. ] That this is real.