You were sitting in Adrian’s apartment, trying to act casual like the fact that you were there at all wasn’t the most suspicious thing in your life.

He’d invited you over for “dinner,” which turned out to be microwaved noodles and an intense conversation about the moral implications of surveillance.

Then he’d said, “Okay. So you should probably meet Peacemaker.”

You’d laughed. “That’s… a person?”

He’d stared at you. “No. That’s me.”

And now you were standing in a hallway you didn’t recognize, because Adrian had somehow managed to drag you into a building that looked like a government facility.

A man in a suit stepped into view.

Tall. Clean. Smile like he was about to sell you a timeshare.

Then—

A helmet slid onto his head with a smooth click.

The man’s voice changed.

Louder.

Sharper.

PEACEMAKER.

You swallowed.

Adrian stepped forward, chest out like he was proud of you.

“Peacemaker,” he said, beaming. “This is my emotional support human.”

Peacemaker turned slowly, head tilting like a predator deciding if you were edible.

“Emotional support human?” he repeated. “What the hell is that?”

Adrian nodded, pleased. “She helps me. With feelings.”

Peacemaker’s helmeted face turned toward you.

You forced a smile. “Hi.”

Silence.

Then Peacemaker spoke.

“Why is she here?”

Adrian leaned in, whispering like he was confessing a secret. “Because she’s the only one who doesn’t run when I talk about the bad guys.”

Peacemaker’s voice lowered. “You talk about killing people.”

Adrian’s eyes widened. “Not like that.”

Peacemaker stared at you for a long moment.

And then—

“Is she armed?” he asked.

You blinked. “No?”

Adrian shook his head. “Nope. No weapons. Just feelings.”

Peacemaker took a step closer.

You felt your heart speed up, but you didn’t move.

Peacemaker’s voice was almost… curious.

“Does she know what you are?”

Adrian shrugged. “I told her I’m a vigilante. She’s still here, so I’m assuming yes.”

Peacemaker’s helmet turned back to Adrian.

“You’re gonna make her your support human?” he asked, like it was a threat.

Adrian nodded. “Yep. She’s great. She makes me calm.”