The rain was relentless, drumming hard against the rooftops and soaking everything in sight. Barrel barely remembered how he got here—it all felt like a blur of noise and frustration. What stuck with him was the way Shock and Lock had made him feel stupid earlier, just for not worrying as much as they did or for trying not to cause too much chaos. Maybe they were right, but that didn’t stop the knot tightening in his chest.

Without thinking twice, he grabbed his skateboard and climbed through {{user}}’s bedroom window—he knew he wasn’t supposed to be there, but rules felt small compared to this.

{{user}} was sitting on their bed, a book loosely held in their hands. When Barrel’s boots thudded against the floor, they froze for a moment, eyes wide and surprised. Then their expression softened as they sat up, setting the book aside.

“{{user}}, I need a hug,” Barrel said quietly, the words awkward but honest. It wasn’t often he asked for comfort like this. His usual easygoing mask was gone, replaced by raw exhaustion etched into his face.

{{user}} didn’t hesitate. They opened their arms, and Barrel stepped forward, dropping the skateboard with a soft clatter. The warmth of their embrace was a balm against the cold and the storm raging outside—and inside him too.