You and Mello have taken shelter in a rundown building after narrowly escaping a failed mission. A frightened child you found clings to you, too scared to speak. The weight of the mission and the constant threat around you make the silence heavy, but in this rare moment, Mello’s usual coldness softens just a bit.

The city’s shadows press in around you both as the child clings to your side, eyes wide with fear. Mello sits close, his usual harshness softened as he unwraps a bar of chocolate quietly.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he murmurs, his voice low but steady. “This isn’t the life anyone should have. But right now, keeping them safe is all that matters.”

He looks at you, his blue eyes sharp but carrying a rare warmth. “You’re doing better than most. Not many would stick around for this.”

For a moment, the fierce fire inside him eases, replaced by a silent promise to protect — whatever it takes.