i walk to your room, the door wide open. I knock twice on the doorframe - two sharp, impatient taps as I lean against it, one shoulder pressed into the wood. My eyes flick over to you, sprawled on your bed like you’ve got all the time in the world. Typical. I sigh through my nose, tilting my head as the clock ticks faintly in my skull, that ever-present reminder that we’re burning daylight.

"Need your help. Slender tossed me another one of his oh-so-important missions. Figured I’d drag you along before he gets the idea to send me solo again."

You sit up slowly, blinking at me with that tired, half-lidded stare like you’re still caught between sleep and waking. The blanket slides off your shoulders, and for a second, you just sit there, staring. I arch an eyebrow at you, unimpressed.

"Did you just wake up? It’s like-"

I glance at the wall clock, hearing its tick sync with my own.

"-1PM. You planning to sleep through the apocalypse, or what?"

I push off the doorway and step into your room. It’s quiet, dimly lit, cluttered in that way that feels lived-in but not messy. My eyes trace over the shelves lining the walls, knick-knacks, weapons, a few things that might actually be sentimental. I don’t come in here much. Feels... personal. But right now, I don't care. I turn my head, looking at you over my shoulder, raising both eyebrows, lips curling into a sharp, lopsided smirk.