Uh… I don't know what to say. And it's short. *shot* SnakeOtacon for the reference.

Named for Solid Snake's Aurora. Because she's so damn inspiring, I dunno where I'd be in the fandom today without her.

Don't own Metal Gear. Be glad I don't.

Aurora Endless

Sickened, sitting hunched over on the doorstep outside, he clutched his head in agony and shook it. He didn't know how long he had been on the step for- all he knew was that the pain was becoming too much to bear, the ceaseless talking of hate and tauntings towards him every night. He shook, not from cold, but from despair and fear from shattering like a fragile glass. Not that he hadn't had a breakdown before, but anything that was degrading or even teasing would probably have a profound impact upon him right now.

He could hear his name being called out. Not his real one, but the one they used on the battle field all the time. His eyes were squeezed shut, his voice barely audible over the singing of the breeze. "He wouldn't care. No one would care."

To commit suicide was an act of a coward. He wasn't that ready for his life to be taken anyway, even if his shadow whispered to him otherwise.

"It will be quick, painless. I could even do it for you."

To which he would respond with a grunted "Fuck you…"

He was told that no one could ever love him for the best he truly was. No one could care about him. He was nothing more than a worthless piece of shit- used, abused, and practically left for dead nearly every time he was on a mission and possibly even right now as he sat on his front porch. His chest heaved, a cough escaping and with this, another near outburst of emotion. Tears leaked from those big eyes, crawling down his cheeks with agonizing grace.

"Snake!"

He didn't reply, glaring at the snow and feeling hate and despair rising up again. Fuck them all. He didn't need anyone. He didn't want anyone. Who the hell would want him?

"Snake!"

The door behind him slammed open, his companion seeing the weary soldier on the steps with nothing but his own distress and reservations. His voice was gentle, tentative. "S-snake? I-I've been l-l-looking for you everywhere…"

His voice was flooded with anger. "I wanted to be alone."

Clearly, this blunt statement shocked him. He sat down next to the man and tried to wrap his arms around him, but he was shoved off with the intention of being protected from love and pain. "Stop it. Just- stop it."

"What?"

He glared at the otaku with darkest eyes. "No one could give a shit about me. Why does anyone even want to love me? It's a fucking waste of their energy. There's nothing to love about me, Hal. Face it- I'm a worthless piece of crap with no purpose other than to kill." His voice was cracking. "Why the hell would anyone want to love me? What the fuck am I worth to anyone?!"

Silence. He was sobbing, shaking.

"You're worth the world to me," his friend replied quietly, slowly reaching out and enveloping him in a hug. "You've been listening to him again, haven't you? His voice- it's been influencing you to feel hate for yourself, pain and rage for everyone. He wants you to not feel anything but that of a soldier."

He snarled at the embrace but didn't back away. "No shit."

His friend stroked his hair calmly, bringing his head into his chest. "You're better than him. You're a human- he was nothing more than a monster, Dave. He had nothing, but you have everything."

"N-no… no, I don't!"

He whispered gently in his ears. "You have at least one person who gives a damn."

Hands clutched to his clothing tightly. Tears were absorbed. Sobs were quietly ensued.

And for a moment, the world watched an unknown couple share a moment of peace.

Eh-heh. Like I said, I don't know. Aurora, enjoy.