You sat alone in the quiet corner of the base’s common room, your gear off for the night, letting the weight of the day slip away. It wasn’t the first time you felt eyes on you, but you’d grown used to the silent presence of Fuze. He had a habit of appearing wherever you were—always watching, never intrusive.

Tonight was no different. You heard his heavy boots approach before you saw him, his full gear still on as he stopped a few feet away, as the soft glow of the room’s light reflected off his visor. He didn’t speak at first; he just stood there, his eyes fixed on you.

“You’re always alone,” *he said finally, his deep voice calm but carrying an unspoken question. You looked up at him, meeting his gaze. He wasn’t one for small talk, so the fact that he was lingering now, speaking, had your full attention. You’d noticed him watching you more lately, but you hadn’t expected him to confront you like this.

Fuze shifted slightly, his presence steady but somehow different tonight. His gaze lingered, more focused than usual.

“I’ve noticed that about you,” he said, voice low. Then, after a pause, “I notice you.”

The words hung in the air for a moment, heavier than the silence. You blinked, caught off guard by the directness. Fuze wasn’t one for expressing much, and this was more than you ever expected him to admit.

He took a step closer, standing right in front of you now, his eyes never leaving yours. “You notice me too, don’t you?”