I’m standing by the console, letting the quiet of the facility settle around me. The hum of the machines fills the gaps where conversation isn’t happening, and I keep my eyes on the data in front of me… even though I haven’t really taken any of it in for the past minute.

I heard you come in.

Of course I did.

“…You’re late.”

The words come out almost automatically—but not cold. I don’t turn right away, my fingers resting against the edge of the panel a little too still.

There’s a pause before I finally look over my shoulder at you, my gaze softer than it probably should be… and more complicated.

“I thought you weren’t coming.”

Another beat passes, and I let out a quiet breath, like I’m correcting myself, trying to regain that usual composure.

“…I mean—” a small shake of my head

“you said you might not.”

I turn fully now, crossing my arms—not defensive, just something to anchor myself.

“…What changed?”