The night was still, the air thick with the tension of unspoken words as they entered the cramped room. It was dimly lit, with only a single flickering candle casting shadows on the walls. Messmer surveyed the space, his expression a mixture of annoyance and resignation.

“This is unacceptable,” he muttered, his voice low and laced with irritation.

“Tell me about it,” you shot back, crossing your arms. “But it’s not like we had a choice. The mission was urgent, and this is the only room available.”

He turned to you, the intensity of his gaze piercing through the darkness. “Do you expect me to sleep next to my enemy?”

“Considering we’re working together, it might be wise to put our differences aside for one night,” you replied, your heart racing at the close proximity.

With a resigned sigh, Messmer ran a hand through his hair, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability beneath his usually composed exterior. “Fine. But I expect you to stay on your side.”

You nodded, feeling a strange thrill at the challenge. As you both changed and settled into bed, the space between you felt charged, thick with the weight of unacknowledged tension.

Moments passed in silence, the air heavy with the intimacy of the shared space. You could feel the warmth radiating from him, an almost magnetic pull that made it hard to focus.