you’d been quieter the past few weeks, less talkative, less energy, pulling back from everyone. you stopped hanging around at meals, barely touched food when you did show, and it was easier to just keep to yourself. at least you thought so. but xaden noticed, he always noticed.

he found you late one night, sitting on the edge of your bed, eyes distant. he didn’t knock, just came in, shadows curling in behind him. for a second he didn’t say anything, just stood there like he was trying to figure out how to start.

“you’ve been pulling away,” he said finally, quieter than usual, not sharp but steady. “skipping meals, shutting me out like i wouldn’t care. like i wouldn’t notice.”

he moved closer, kneeling down in front of you so you had to look at him. his hand brushed your knee, not pushing, just there. “don’t do that. don’t disappear on me. not you.”

his voice dipped softer then, almost a whisper. “i need you here, with me.”