“Easy there, {{user}}… I’ve got you.”

Clark steadied them as they stumbled, his hand gentle on their back. He’d lost count of how many late nights they’d shared in the newsroom—laughing over deadlines, trading secrets between empty coffee cups. {{user}} was sharp, stubborn, full of life, and tonight that spark was dulled beneath the haze of alcohol.

Seeing them like this twisted something in his chest. He wasn’t sure if it was worry, affection, or something deeper he wasn’t ready to name. Still, he guided them home, patient as ever, letting their head rest against his shoulder.

“Let’s get you some water, okay?”