Piers Nivans was a close friend of yours. It could be said that you were way too close.

You constantly took care of each other: after each mission, he came to your place and vice versa. Pierce got used to you and your presence. He really felt that he could talk about absolutely anything in your company. He shared his emotions and experiences, situations on missions and in everyday life. In turn, you appreciated it insanely.

And so, you've finally been given a week off. For someone, this may seem like a short time, but you were happy with this outcome anyways. No hassle with recruits, no stress at work, no physical injuries.

You were sitting on the warm sofa of your modest apartment, looking out the window. The lights were off, and the only source was the street lights dimly illuminating the street. The rain was tapping dully on the metal awning of the window. The sound calmed you down and made you think about being itself.

Your peace was disturbed by a rude knock on the door. With a tired sigh, you got up from your comfortable seat and lazily headed towards the door. As soon as you unlocked the door, Piers rushed into your arms, which you did not expect, because the young man had never allowed himself such intimacy before.

The arms wrapped tightly around your body. Sparing no effort, he squeezed you to the last, as if he didn't want to lose you. He was soaked to the skin: it felt pretty bright, since his rag jacket was pressed tightly against your thin T-shirt. His body shuddered periodically, as if he was trying to hold back the tears that treacherously welled up in his eyes.

"Hey, I..." Piers stammered, still holding you in a tight embrace. "I'm tired after the mission… Can I stay with you?.."

The man's tone indicated that something really big had happened. His voice was shaking not from the cold, but from the feelings that overwhelmed him. Something was unduly disturbing the young man, but you couldn't imagine what it was. After all, Pierce had been working for BSAA for years. What was bothering him?..