the hideout was dim, lit only by a single lantern flickering on the table beside isha as she hunched over a half-finished project. her fingers worked tirelessly, twisting wires together, her face creased in a frown of concentration. scraps of metal and broken gadgets littered the floor around her, evidence of the hours she’d already spent trying to make sense of the battered device.

you leaned against the wall nearby, arms folded, watching her in silence. she’d barely looked up since you’d returned, so focused she probably hadn’t even realized you were there. her movements were precise, quick, though every now and then you caught her rubbing her tired eyes with the back of her hand.

a soft sigh escaped her lips, and she glanced up, finally meeting your gaze. her expression softened, just slightly, and a faint smile tugged at her mouth.