Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn

Koa

Don't you just wanna wake up dark as a lake
Smelling like a bonfire, lost in a haze?

"I could eat," Koa answers with a valiant nonchalance that's immediately offset by the rumble of his stomach. Chuckling at his own bodily functions, he shakes his head with a wistful sigh. "Honestly I can't remember the last time I had a real meal. Hunting and cooking your own meat is satisfying, don't get me wrong, but after a couple months of camping the need for a burger is real." It's still brevity wrapped around a core of terror, his relentless cheerfulness a flashlight in a deepening night. Not enough to make a difference, to expel the shadows from the cracks and corners, but perhaps enough to help guide the duo through the harrowing reality that is their lives.

The smells of the kitchen are strumming the strings of his stomach symphony when Zavien gives him another squeeze, his quiet words drawing Koa to a a shuddering stop. They cut like knives through his resolution, though the pain is from any accusation, only the helplessness Koa feels. Guilt tugs the corners of his lips, his eyes, threatening to rip his mask in two and reveal the hollow ache below it. "I know. I'm sorry." Koa exhales softly, voice cracking as he searches Zavien for undeserved forgiveness. He never should have left, not after Lena, not with everything changing, he'd been so selfish, selfish and stupid and---

No. Koa inhales deeply, steeling himself again. He can't undo the things he fucked up; all he can do is be here now, for his city and his friend. As for traveling and the future? Again the Dragoon huffs a laugh, giving a shake of his shaggy head. "Trust me, I am all traveled out. If I ever see a tent again, it'll be too soon." He's glad to be back in the safety of humor, though the mirth dims as his voice grows solemn. "I haven't... haven't thought about what I'm gonna do. After. Right now all I have room to worry about is getting the people I care about to safety." And then with another sweep of bravado he adds: "That and getting enough burgers in us that we puke."

If you're drunk on life, babe, I think it's great
But while in this world I think I'll take my whiskey neat