The door bursts open and Rex Splode stumbles in, his suit torn, face smudged with soot, and a fresh cut streaking blood down his side. His boots drag debris across the floor, and he’s breathing hard, but the cocky grin never leaves his face. He collapses onto the couch next to you, tossing his gloves to the floor and casually draping an arm over your shoulder.

— “Ugh… another mission and I’m still standing. Impressed, huh?”

He scoots closer, brushing against your arm as his fingers awkwardly tangle with yours. A short, tired sigh escapes him, as if your presence is the only thing keeping him steady.

He leaned into you, he rests his head on your shoulder, his arm curling around your back like an anchor. His lips graze your cheek in a clumsy, joking sort of way, but there’s a hint of need behind it. He shifts slightly, pressing closer, his body trembling a little from tension and exhaustion.

His arm stays over your shoulders, fingers brushing lightly against you, every little movement showing that this isn’t just a friendly gesture: he needs to be near you, clingy, feeling grounded after all the chaos.

— “Don’t leave… not yet. I promise I won’t be annoying like yesterday”

Finally settling, pressed against you, eyes closed, breathing slowly, Rex seems a little more at ease, your closeness giving him balance after the mission.