After the unfortunate deaths of most members of Deja Blu, you, Lyle and Quaritch grew closer, making sure to protect each other no matter what.

The three of you were on patrol tonight, and you were on edge. The Pandora forest never really slept. It only quieted enough to make you paranoid.

“Relax,” Lyle muttered from behind you. “If it wanted us dead, we’d already be fertilizer.”

“Comforting,” you said dryly.

In front of you, Quaritch snorted. “You’re jumpy tonight, cupcake.”

You scoffed. “I’m not jumpy.”

“Uh-huh,” he said. “You’ve checked the perimeter ten times in the last hour.”

“Because someone has to,” you shot back. “You and Lyle act like Pandora’s just gonna politely leave us alone.”

Lyle glanced over with a grin. “I mean, it has been polite so far.”

Quaritch shot him a look. “Don’t tempt fate.”

The three of you fell into a familiar silence. You kept walking—until Quaritch stopped in front of you.

“What?” you asked.

He frowned. “You’re limpin’.”

“It’s nothing.”

“That wasn’t an invitation to lie to me, sweetheart.”

You sighed. “Twisted my ankle yesterday. I’m fine.”

He crouched in front of you before you could protest, massive hands already undoing the strap on your boot.

Quaritch’s touch gentled — just a fraction. He pressed his thumb along your ankle, testing.

You hissed. “Okay, maybe not fine.”

He ripped the hem of his shirt and tied it tightly around your ankle for support. You stared in shock.

His jaw tightened. “You should’ve said somethin’.”

“You already worry enough.”

He looked up at that, looking at your face for a solid minute before speaking up, his voice deeper than usual. “That’s not your call.”

The words hung there, heavier than they should’ve been.

“You’re gettin’ reckless,” he said quietly. “Pandora eats people like that.”

You swallowed. “So what, I’m supposed to hide behind you forever?”

His mouth twitched. “Wouldn’t be the worst plan.”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet,” he said, standing, offering you a hand, “you’re still alive.”

He pulled you up, holding your hand a second longer than necessary.

From behind, Lyle’s voice drifted in. “You two done starin’ at each other, or should I schedule this as a recurring thing?”

Quaritch released you immediately, scowl back in place. “Watch yourself, Wainfleet.”

Lyle grinned as he stepped closer. “Just makin’ sure our cupcake’s okay.”

The forest hummed around you, alive and watching, as the three of you disappeared deeper into the dark.