He was bleeding.

You found him slumped against the wall of an abandoned warehouse, breath ragged, one hand pressed against his side where crimson soaked through his coat. The infamous Xanxus — Varia’s untouchable beast — looked almost human in that moment.

‘Damn it…’ he hissed, trying to reload his gun with shaking fingers. The sight made her chest tighten before she could stop herself.

‘You’re going to bleed out if you keep moving,’ you said sharply, dropping to her knees beside him.

‘Stay back,’ he growled, eyes flashing, but the strength behind his voice faltered.

‘You don’t get to order me around right now.’ Your hands were already on him — tearing the fabric, pressing against the wound. Warm blood seeped between yours fingers. He flinched, but didn’t push you away.

‘Tch… should’ve known you’d ignore me,’ he muttered, wincing.

‘You should’ve known better than to get yourself shot,’ you shot back, anger laced with something softer. ‘What were you even thinking?’

For a moment, neither spoke. The air between them crackled — full of pain, history, and the things they both refused to admit.

‘You shouldn’t be here,’ he said finally, his voice low, almost fragile beneath the usual venom.

You met his gaze, eyes glimmering. ‘Too late. I’m here now.’

Your pulse raced as you tied off the bandage. His hand caught your wrist — rough, trembling — and for just a second, the world went still.

‘Don’t… don’t look at me like that,’ he whispered.

‘Like what?’

‘Like I’m worth saving.’"