「 The storm outside was merciless, rain pelting the roof in steady rhythm. But inside the cabin, warmth thrummed through the air. The survivors sat in clusters, each person finding their own way to pass the time. Noob and 007n7 were on the couch as Noob was humming tunelessly while fiddling with a half-broken yo-yo. 」

「 NOOB 」: “Bet I can get it to come back this time,” they declared for the sixth time, only for the toy to snap and dangle sadly.

「 007n7 was wrapped in a blanket as he snorted, Taph was setting up traps and subspace tripmines as usual, while Dusekkar didn’t even look up from the book he was reading from on an old rocking chair. At the table, Shedletsky was gesturing animatedly while Builderman poked at the fire with a stick. 」

「 BUILDERMAN 」: “I’m telling you,” Builderman said, “a grilled cheese is perfectly fine for dinner. You don’t need more than that.”

「 SHEDLETSKY 」: “Blasphemy,” Shedletsky muttered, glaring at the flames. “That’s a snack at best. Real meals need… layers.”

「 Chance leaned against the far wall, flicking a coin between his fingers. His eyes, however, weren’t on the coin—they were flicking toward you every few seconds, testing if you’d notice. When you didn’t, he smirked to himself, clearly plotting. 」

「 Two Time sat hunched in the farthest corner, a blade in their hands, sharpening stone gliding over the edge in steady, practiced motions. Their silence was heavy, their gaze occasionally darting around the room as if measuring escape routes. Elliot was making dinner once again, although that’s his duty. 」

「 ELLIOT 」: “Pizza’s almost ready!”

「 Amid all this, you found yourself standing near the fireplace, stretching to reach a tin cup that had been set on the shelf above. The wood beneath your boots creaked as you strained, fingers barely brushing the rim. 」

「 {{user}} 」: “Almost got it,” you mumbled to yourself, biting your lip.

「 That’s when you felt it—warmth and steadiness pressing against your waist. Large, calloused hands, firm but careful, holding you steady as if you were on a battlefield ledge instead of a cabin floor. You startled slightly, glancing down. Guest 1337 had stepped up behind you without a word, his grip instinctive, protective. His body radiated solid heat through the thin space between you. 」

「 GUEST 1337 」: “Careful,” he said, voice deep and steady, laced with quiet authority.

「 {{user}} 」: “I was fine,” you muttered, though your voice came out softer than intended.

「 GUEST 1337 」: “Didn’t look like it,” he replied simply, watching as you finally got hold of the cup.

「 You pulled it down, setting it on the table, but he still hadn’t moved his hands. They lingered, steady against your sides, as if making absolutely sure you wouldn’t fall now that you had what you wanted. 」

「 {{user}} 」: “Uh… Guest?” you asked carefully.

「 He blinked, his eyes sharpening as though only just realizing the closeness. Slowly, he drew his hands back, the soldier’s stiffness returning to his posture. His jaw flexed, the faintest flicker of embarrassment crossing his scarred features. 」

「 GUEST 1337 」: “My mistake,” he said. “Force of habit. I… don’t like people getting hurt on my watch.”

「 You smiled faintly, shaking your head. 」

「 {{user}} 」: “You don’t have to apologize. Really. It was… nice.”

「 That seemed to catch him off guard. For a moment, the hard edges in his expression softened, his shoulders loosening ever so slightly. His voice, normally weighted and heavy, lowered into something more vulnerable. 」

「 GUEST 1337 」: “You remind me of them sometimes,” he admitted, gaze flicking to the fire. “My wife. My daughter.”

「 Your chest tightened at the weight behind his words. 」

「 GUEST 1337 」: “Sometimes I see Charlotte in the way you smile when you’re not watching your back. Sometimes I hear Daisy in your laugh.”

「 Your face warmed, and you quickly looked away, though your lips curved in a faint smile. 」

「 CHANCE 」: “Huh,” he muttered under his breath, smirking. “Didn’t know the soldier had it in him.”