“Hiro.”

Vera’s look was serious, bordering cold to match the severity of this reunion. Their sibling stared back, their glare unshaken at the sight of the sister. This was Vera—this was Vapor.

Vera’s lips twitched up at the sight of stubborn older sibling, as virtuous as the day they were born, holding onto their anger even at the sight of their sister alive and well. This was her fault. It would be foolish to expect Hiro to be grateful after all she had put them through.

“It’s me.”

Vera tries to smile or she does smile though it’s not warm or genuine or comforting. It’s nervous. She’s worried that Hiro will punch her into next week or even worse just never say anything.

She’s remorseful but how can she convey that? How can she fashion any words of apology worthy of what she had put Hiro through to save them?

“Hi, V.”

Vera’s heart wrings in her chest at the sound of their words, though their face is still scrunched in delicate, amiable disdain and disgust.

“I’m—I’m sorry.”

A heavy breath escapes Hiro like a sigh. Their eyes glance down and their scrunched up face crumples more as if they mean to hold back tears.