"For a long time, not just the once. It's -- American phrasing." As much as she simply wanted to tell him he had no idea, she only smiles. Something sad and resolute playing on her features. "He knew more languages than I thought was possible for someone to learn, a damn good shot. Compassionate & empathetic no matter how hard the mission got. You really do, remind me a lot of him. I'm surprised they didn't tell you more.."
Ocelot wants to be her son. He wishes he could force it onto himself- the love, the attachment, anything. He can’t. He cares for her, certainly- but whatever love he has for her in his heart is pitiful compared to Snake’s.
He’s caught between blaming himself for not being able to forge that connection. He’s her son. He’s supposed to treat her as his mother, and not as a stranger. but he can’t help it, because try as he might- he doesn’t know her.
“There’s a lot they haven’t told me about- everything. But I’m learning a bit more every day- that’s what matters, right?” he feigns a small smile in her direction.
And he’s met his father in ways he never knew. The blanket pulled over his sleeping body to keep him from the cold. The way he always seemed to find the right thing at the right time.
Ocelot touches his mother’s shoulder, gently.
“I’m sure it’s a lot to deal with- it’s okay to be sad, even if I can’t understand it.”
