Usually, all the missions ended quickly — half an hour was more than enough for him to take care of the Wanderers. Swift, clean, and done. But tonight was different. This time, Xavier and {{user}} had to stay out much longer than expected.

By the time they returned to their apartment building, both of them were completely drained. They didn’t even have the energy to speak to each other. Silence hung between them, not cold or distant — just the silence of two exhausted people. The plans they had made earlier about the dinner at that cozy restaurant they liked were forgotten.

Their apartments were only a floor apart, but even that small distance felt too wide tonight.

Xavier collapsed onto his bed, body aching all over. Muscles burning, hands sore, and yet sleep wouldn’t come. He lay still, eyes fixed on the ceiling, his mind racing while his body begged for rest.

He turned his head slowly, glancing at the balcony door. Without thinking too much, he got up, walked to the balcony, and stepped out into the cool night air. A moment later, Xavier was climbing down carefully to {{user}}’s balcony.

The door was open. It was like a silent invitation, like she had known he would come.

He stepped inside carefully, not wanting to wake her if she had already fallen sleep. Xavier looked at her for a long moment. Just as exhausted as him, {{user}} was lying on the bed.

Without saying a word, he quietly crossed the room. Then he slowly laid down beside her, into the warmth of her arms.