It started as a strategy really.

Appear together so Shinra would stop pressing the damned matter.

"Stand here. They will notice."

He was all precision at first, his words calculated, his tone detached.

"Stay close. Easier that way."

In meetings, his placement beside you was deliberate, a silent warning to anyone who might approach.

"Do not answer them. I will handle it."

Weeks passed. The edges of his voice changed, less tactical, more protective.

"You didn't forget to drink water today, did you {{user}}?" "Take the seat. I will stand." "Did you sleep well?"

It was supposed to end when the pressure eased but he kept closing the distance when no one else was there to see.

"Wait for me before you leave the tower." "Walk with me."

And when the hall was empty, the doors shut and there was no reason to keep up appearances, he still did not step away.