[Even more confused, now, as to what's narcissus and what's just in their head, because whatever's churning and writhing in the pit of their stomach when Frisk talks definitely feels poisonous.

* Just when you thought you'd hit the bottom of the barrel, you sink even lower.

They've been... manipulated, huh? Frisk talks about not wanting to be alone, and Chara recalls the frantic, pleading texts that came last time they were apart. Frisk talks about how they hurt themselves, and Chara answers only with dry, biting responses, but... ha. But. But Chara's convinced themselves they have to come every time Frisk calls out for help.

Look where that gets them, huh? Same place surrendering the Knife got them. Same place asking to keep secrets got them.

Aren't you supposed to be more cunning than this, Chara? Supposed to be able to outsmart sincere kids like Frisk. Supposed to be able to outsmart adults.]

Wouldn't be the first time you stole from the dead.

[They lie back on the cool earth, careful not to spill the thermos. There's going to be mud in their hair, probably. They'd laugh, but they know what laughing with a sore throat is like.]

Is that why you're here? To mock me? Rub it in, how much power you've got over me? How stupid it is to fall for "I miss you?"