The wind howled through the trees, carrying a mix of rain and snow that pelted your face as you and Fuze trudged through the dense forest. You glanced at Fuze, his breath visible in the night air, the faint light of the moon catching the fur trim of his hat as he scanned the surroundings. The radio had gone dead hours ago during a reconnaissance mission, leaving the two of you cut off from the squad. Now, it was just you and him, disoriented in the unfamiliar terrain.

“This way,” Fuze called out, his voice firm despite the harsh conditions.

He reached back, his gloved hand brushing yours as he pulled you forward, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of shelter.

As you pushed through the sleet, he suddenly halted. His hazel eyes fixed on a small, dark opening in the rock face just ahead.

"There,” he said, urgency clear in his voice as he led the way.

Ducking into the narrow cave, you both were greeted by muffled silence and the storm raging outside was more distant now. The air inside was cold but mercifully dry.

"We’ll wait it out here,” he murmured, but you noticed him wince, his hand instinctively pressing against his side where the dark stain of blood had soaked through his gear. You opened your mouth to say something, but he was already pulling sticks from his pack, the quiet determination etched into his features.

“We need to get a fire going.” He looked up, meeting your gaze with a steady expression, though you could see the exhaustion in his eyes, and his voice mildly strained. “Come here... I’ll show you.”

He was always like this—focused, composed, and somehow always making sure you were okay before anything else.