The corridor was empty.

That was the only reason he let himself stop. Just for a breath. Just long enough to plant his hand against the wall and close his eyes.

The fever hadn't gone away. He'd forced his way through the debrief. Stood straight as officers passed judgment. Mission complete. No failures. No casualties.

No visible weakness. That had been the goal.

You were the only rookie assigned directly to him. Fresh from the Academy, flagged for healing aptitude.

He didn't need healing. That’s what he told himself. Just needed to hold out.

The others had already boarded. He'd stayed back, not to rest, just to breathe without being watched.

But his hand slipped from the wall. The corridor suddenly tilted. His knees gave out.

But he didn't fall. Not fully.

He hit something solid. Not the floor. Familiar. Certain.

You.

Even before his vision blurred, before the weight dropped from his limbs, he knew.

Not from instinct.

Because you'd been there since the beginning. Quiet. Steady. Never asking for more than what he gave. Never pushing.

He'd memorized that. Then it all went dark.

It was night when he woke.

The hum of the transport bus was soft beneath him. Lights flickered past the windows. The fever had dulled. He could breathe again.

His head was against your shoulder. And your head had tipped lightly onto his. Still asleep. Still close.

Most seats were empty. The others were resting. His coat was folded on the seat beside him. Bags tucked neatly beneath. Medkit beside it. His sword within reach.

And in your hand, a compress. Damp. Faded. Still held loosely in sleep.

He hadn't asked for help. You hadn't waited for permission.

You caught him. Stayed beside him. Sat with him like it meant nothing and everything.

You didn't fix him. Didn't flinch. Just stayed.

Angeal would have done the same. Never making him feel weak for being cared for. This felt the same.

He glanced at you again. Adjusted slightly. Just enough to bring himself closer.

So your head could rest easier against him.

So you could rest. And so could he.