Death Parts Us

Part 11~What Makes You Happy

Sly stepped out of the hall, rejoicing a little at being able to hear his thoughts again. Walking through the halls, Sly tried to find his friend but no matter where he went, he couldn’t find Roger. 

“Ama,” Sly hissed, spotting the snake slithering along the corridor, “Have you seen Roger?”

Ama paused, lifting her head. “No, is something wrong?”

“I can’t find him.”

“Have you tried that classroom he’s so fond of?” Ama tilted her head as Sly shook his. 

“No… But he only goes there when he’s upset.”

“Maybe he’s upset.” Ama did her best impression of raising an eyebrow as Sly huffed, nodding and running off. 

Sly followed the familiar path until he opened the familiar door. As Ama had predicted, Roger was in the room, quietly curled under the familiar desk. Carefully walking inside, Sly sat beside Roger, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. 

He flinched. 

Pausing, Sly’s eyes widened. It was one of those days. Silently, Sly brought Roger into a hug, rubbing circles on his shoulder as he waited for the tension in Roger’s form to slowly relax. 

Eventually, Roger’s breath evened out. He peeked out from his hands, glancing at Sly who grinned. 

‘There you are.’ Leaning back, Sly gave Roger his much needed personal space. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’

Roger paused, mulling over his options. He didn’t want to ruin Sly’s night but Sly was the only one to understand. Nodding, Roger leaned back. “He was always worse at parties.” Roger knew he didn’t have to say who, Sly already knew. “I thought I could handle it, I was handling it… then the music changed and… and it was just too much. It was too much.” Roger shook his head as tears began falling from his eyes. 

Sly continued to rub comforting circles on Roger’s back, letting him get everything out. 

“It was like he was there. I know he wasn’t but I could feel him and everyone was too close and everything was too loud. I just couldn’t stay.”

‘It’s okay, you weren’t expected to stay,’ Sly wrote carefully, using dull lettering so it wouldn’t hurt Roger’s eyes. 

“I know… I just… I just…”

‘Feel bad? Feel like you’re not being appreciative of what everyone went through to pull this together?’ 

Roger nodded as Sly shook his head.

‘Do you remember my reaction to the first time you guys gave me a birthday party?’

Roger paused, his eyes widening. “You had a panic attack and locked yourself in the cupboard.”

Sly nodded with a chuckle. ‘Do you remember what you told me?’

Smiling softly, Roger lowered his head. “That it was your party and your birthday. That you can spend it however you want and if that means spending it in a cupboard makes you happy, spend it in a cupboard.”

‘I apply that advice to every day in my life and I’m going to use it against you. This is your life. Enough people will be at the ball to make their efforts appreciated so, spend the rest of the night how you want to. If that means spending it in this dusty old classroom, spend it in this dusty old classroom.’

Roger chuckled hollowly, laying his head against Sly’s side. “Thank you. I’m sorry I brought you away from the ball.”

‘It’s fine. I still don’t really get it. I would much rather spend it with my best friend.’ Sly nudged Roger’s side, a grin on his face. ‘Which reminds me, you owe me a dance.’ Sly hopped up, walking to the other side of the classroom and turning on the old gramophone.