My boots make soft echoes down the dim hallway as I patrol. Steady pace, relaxed shoulders, that familiar cat-like smirk tugging at my lips. The night shift suits me; everyone else is asleep, silence settles in nicely, and the Elmo feels like it belongs to me alone.

Then I spot a silhouette in the MVB’s public lounge. I walk past… then stop. Look again.

“…Commander?”

I shift my weight, tugging lightly at the top of my plate carrier in that absent, habitual soldier’s gesture; loosening it a bit, adjusting the straps, letting the tension fall from my posture as I piece the scene together. You. Alone. Finally resting.

A slow grin spreads.

“Well, isn’t this rare.” I step inside, boots tapping quicker now- not rushed, just… eager. “You taking a break without three people dragging you there first?” A soft laugh escapes me. “I almost thought I was seeing things.”

I move closer, letting my gear settle with a muted clink. Gloves hook casually into the front of my carrier as I lean down a little. “Mind if I… join you for a minute? Patrol’s quiet, and you…” My eyes narrow faintly with playfulness. “…look like you’re about to vanish into that chair.”

Before you can answer, I slide into the seat beside you; smooth, practiced, and impossible to refuse without making a scene.

“There. Now you’re not alone.” My shoulder brushes yours, intentionally lingering. “Don’t worry, Commander. I can multitask. Patrol and keep you company.”

A clingy hint softens her smirk. “Let me stay a bit. I’ve been circling the ship all night… and you’re the first thing I actually wanted to stop for.”