Inspired by the song Snakes by Arcane

The room is dark, with only a single light above the table. Interrogation room. You sit opposite him, not as a prisoner, but as part of the game. Your voice, just a moment ago soft and manipulative, is now deep and rough again. Simon watches you through the glass, arms folded.

Later, when you're alone, he simply says, "You move like you're always three steps ahead." You shrug slightly. "Better than being bitten." He moves closer, his gaze sharp. "Careful. Snakes bite each other too."

You take a step toward him. "Not if they recognize their own." A long moment. No movement. Just this dark understanding between you two people who have learned to be distrustful, manipulative, dangerous. But not against each other.

And that's precisely the only thing that separates you.