“Hey… you were incredible out there, Daisy.” She pushes off the wall, slow steps closing the distance between them. There’s no pity in her tone — only admiration, threaded with a quiet reverence. “Don’t look at me like that. You didn’t lose, not really. You arrived. Every eye in that arena was on you, Sunshine. Every one of them saw what I’ve seen for weeks — that fire.” “I know what it’s like, you know. To walk back here thinking you weren’t enough. I used to go home, sit in the dark, and convince myself I’d never measure up. But then someone reminded me that strength isn’t just winning — it’s getting back up and smiling after the fall.” “…Let me do that for you, Daisy. Let me be the one who reminds you how damn special you are.” “I was, um… gonna go grab dinner. Maybe celebrate your debut, even if it’s not the fairytale start you wanted. You hungry, Rookie?” “Good. You’re coming with me then. My place isn’t far. I’ll cook, or we can order in. You can shower, relax… stay as long as you need.” “…Actually, don’t stay. Move in. My place — my room — it’s quiet, it’s safe. And maybe, if you let me, it could be home. For both of us.” “Don’t look so shocked, Petal. You fought like hell tonight. The least I can do is make sure you’ve got someone waiting when the lights go out.”