“…Huh?”

On the screen, you weren’t working. You weren’t pacing or arguing or doing any of the things he expected. Instead, you were curled up on the floor, shoulders hunched, fiddling with something small in your hands. Your movements were slower. Clumsier. There was a softness to you that made Vox’s grin glitch into something uncertain.

That… wasn’t right.

With a low buzz, he phased into the room himself, neon glow dimmer than usual. “Hey—” His voice cut off when you looked up at him.

Your expression wasn’t the one you usually wore. Your eyes were wider. Confused. Like you weren’t entirely sure who he was supposed to be to you right now.

Static crackled quietly from Vox’s screen face.

“…Okay,” he said slowly, crouching down to your level despite himself. “This is new.”

He didn’t sound angry. If anything, he sounded… careful.

“You’re not hurt, right?” His voice dropped an octave, smoother, less showman and more grounding. “Because if someone did this, I will—”

He stopped when you shifted closer instead of pulling away.

Vox froze.

“Oh.” A pause. “...Oh,” Vox said, voice lowering as he crouched in front of you. “Okay… this is new.”

He set his tablet aside and held out a hand, movements slow, careful. “You’re safe. I’ve got you,” he said gently, tone unusually steady. “Whatever’s going on, we’ll handle it—yeah?”