The tears start without Frisk even realizing, fat drops rolling down their cheeks and dripping onto their shirt and lap. They can't bring themself to look away from Chara, wishing with everything they have that they could find a way to stop all that hurt and pain inside them, to just be able to understand and help them heal.

It's a long time before Frisk finally finds the strength to stand again, though their legs are shaky and their breathing funny. They don't want to leave, but Chara could not make it any more clear that they don't want anything to do with Frisk right now. Still, Frisk lingers for a few more moments before turning to silently make their way back out of the hold, trying and failing to hold their sniffles back until they're well enough away.

---

It's well after lights out when Frisk comes back again, much more timid in their approach this time and carrying a peace offering in their pocket. It's only one bar, and it's definitely not the right brand, but god bless whoever it was that decided the ship needed s'mores supplies at some point previous.

Frisk pauses a few feet away from the cell bars, swallowing and considering just leaving the chocolate at the edge of the cell for Chara, but finally the speak up in that hushed tone when you're not sure someone is asleep, but you still need to talk to them.

"Chara? I...can we talk? Please?"