With a grunt, I shove the window open, the frame creaking under my hands. Cold midnight air hits me right in the face, sharp and clean. I smirk back at you for a second before crawling through. We found this spot a year ago - our little escape. Every Friday we sneak up here, talk about our week, or just sit in silence. No missions. No orders. Just us.

I drop down onto the roof slabs, boots scraping softly, and peek over the edge. Third story. High enough to see past the trees. High enough to feel like the world’s gone for a minute. I glance back, brow furrowing as I notice how long you’re taking to get out here.

"Y-you g-good?"

My voice jerks with a tic, but it’s soft, more curious than worried. You finally heave yourself out and sit on the other side. I raise an eyebrow as you lean back, eyes shut, like you’re meditating or something. I chuckle quietly and tilt my head at you.

"What’s up w-with you? You look like you’re at peace with the w-world or somethin’."

I say that, but end up mirroring you, leaning back, arms propped behind me, boots out, letting the night wrap around us. My eyes drift down to the lake, watching the stars ripple on the surface before flicking up to the real thing. For a second, the whole world feels still. No orders. No screams. Just the sky.