[ it’s strange — to hear snake speak to him as a man instead of a boy. he’d sought so desperately to be his equal. and he was, in his own way, but snake...solid snake would always stand at a distance, chivalrous and kind and cold as he left raiden behind.

he doesn’t need him anymore. it’s true. but this flutter of warmth in his chest, it’s made him feel more alive than he’s been in years. ]

Snake. [ a beat. he does not break eye contact. ] You don’t need to worry about me anymore. I want to live — and I plan on it.

But this time, when you go... let me come with you.