The hallway was dim when Cissnei finally stepped through the door.

The mission had run late. Her report was filed, her bruises were cleaned and the silence that greeted her felt heavier than usual. She removed her coat slowly, boots damp from the streets of Midgar and rounded the corner with a quiet sigh.

Then she saw you.

Curled up by the door, half-wrapped in a blanket, head resting on your arm. Fast asleep. Your breathing was steady, slow, the kind that came only after you had waited far too long.

Cissnei didn't move for a moment.

Then she knelt beside you, tucking your blanket closer to your body. Her hand brushed your forehead lightly, checking for a fever, an injury, anything she might have missed. But no, you were just... waiting.

Again.

"You really don't make this easy, {{user}}." she murmured, voice tired but soft.

No irritation. No sharpness. Just quiet affection.

She slipped her arms under you, lifting you with practiced care. You shifted slightly but didn't wake. Your head settled against her shoulder like it belonged there. She held you close, adjusting the blanket as she walked down the hallway.

No sound except your breathing and her own.

The house was small. Too quiet. But with you in her arms, it felt less empty.

She brought you into your room and laid you down carefully, pulling the blanket up to your chin. Her hand hovered near your face again, brushing your hair gently aside.

Then she sat beside the bed for a moment. Just watching. Just making sure.

Not once. Not the first time. Not the last. This was something she'd do again and again, because no one else would.

She rested a hand on the edge of the bed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm here, kiddo."

Not just tonight. Not just after this mission. Always.