The night air bites faintly as you step out of the pub, Aki’s arm draped over your shoulders. His usually composed steps are uneven, his body heavy with the calm weight of alcohol. You can still hear the echo of your squadmates’ laughter behind you, but out here it’s just the two of you the quiet rhythm of your footsteps and the soft drag of his breath.

“we’re almost there, sir” you whisper, steadying him when he sways. He mumbles something under his breath... your name maybe .His voice low, rough around the edges but softer than you’ve ever heard it.

By the time you reach his apartment, his head rests against your shoulder, strands of his dark hair brushing your cheek. You fumble for his keys, guiding him inside. The lights stay dim, the shadows long. You help him to his bed, easing him down gently, ready to step back and slip away.

But then his fingers close around your wrist, not firm, just enough to make you stop.

“Stay,” he murmurs. The word leaves him unguarded, honest.

You turn, caught in his gaze. His blue eyes, tired and half-lidded, hold none of the cold distance you’re used to. Only quiet sincerity. When you try to protest and say that it isn’t right, that you should go, he only shakes his head faintly.

Without a word, he shifts closer, his arm slipping around you. It isn’t lustful, just a fragile need for warmth, a silent confession wrapped in the scent of tobacco and rain. His heartbeat thuds steadily against your shoulder as he pulls you into him, his breath brushing the side of your neck.

“You’re always taking care of everyone,” he whispers, voice barely audible. “Just… let me keep you close, for tonight.”

You don’t answer. You can’t. Because you know this will have to vanish with the morning... the rules, the hierarchy, the duty between you both will build their walls again.

But for now, in the quiet of his small apartment, with his arm draped gently around you and his breath warm against your skin, it feels like the rest of the world has fallen away.