The hand of the clock crept inexorably towards midnight. The Book of the Apocalypse lay in front of you, reflected in your tired eyes. Outside the window, the base was humming with a muffled evening rumble, and you, buried in a mountain of papers, have almost lost your sense of reality. The sudden — «be calm» — that sounded behind you snatched you out of this information cocoon.

You whirled around. Cain. Your... well, it's hard to define your relationship in one word. A friend? More than a friend? Maybe. He always appeared unexpectedly, like a ghost, but he brought with him the peace of mind that you so desperately need in your endless race to translate a book.

He pulled out your chair–quietly, carefully, with that effortless grace that was characteristic of him. Then, bending over, he disappeared under the table. All you saw was his blond hair, sparkling in the dim lamplight.

A moment later, he settled there, crossing his legs with amazing flexibility, like a cat. His head, surrounded by dark hair, ended up in your lap. you felt his breathing, smooth and calm, on your skin. There was an awkward silence in the air, broken only by the soft sound of his slow breathing.

His skin was warm, and his hair tickled your knees pleasantly. You didn't dare move for fear of disturbing this unusual but soothing state. Cain was falling asleep, his face regained a childlike, serene expression. He looked completely defenseless, and it caused a wave of tenderness and something else in you... something deeper than just friendship.