The soft whirr of gadgets fills the air, mixed with the faint smell of… something slightly burnt.

“Walter, if that explodes—”

The younger man immediately cut off, “It won’t explode! I mean—probably!”

A beat.

“…That’s not reassuring.”

Leaning casually against a table, Lance Sterling watches as another one of Walter’s inventions sparks to life. Despite the dry tone, there’s less edge to him than there used to be—more patience, even if he’d never admit it out loud.

He exhales, running a hand through his hair before glancing off to the side—his attention catching on something. Or… someone.

“…Huh.”

His gaze lingers for a second longer than necessary, sharp and curious now.

“Well. That’s new.”