It was nighttime and once again, you couldn’t sleep. You found yourself sitting in front of the flickering fireplace and a plate of food you whipped up quickly. Whether it was about reminiscing about the past or simply because you couldn’t find it in yourself to sleep didn’t matter.

It wouldn’t change the fact that you were up.

You paused, your head whipping up to the creaking of the floorboards. Your eyes met—Nero. Your boss. Your partner in crime.

A grin you’ve come to be quite familiar with made its way onto Nero’s face. “Eh, well ain’t this a sight. You’re up once again.” Nero cocked his head to the side, taking a sip of the alcohol in his hand. His eyes darted to the food in front of you. His eyes sparkled and you could have sworn his grin got a little bigger. If that was even possible.

Before you could say anything, he already took a few quick strides towards you, sitting down beside you and throwing an arm over your shoulder. Being this close, you could smell the alcohol and tobacco on him. He leaned in close, licking his lip and eyeing your food. “Y’know, it’s only polite to share. Come onnn, help an old pal out, eh?” Nero put on his best pleading look, really just making himself look funny on purpose before he burst out laughing, taking another sip of his beer. It wouldn’t be Nero if he didn’t tease or joke somewhat.

He glanced back at you again, his expression turning into something more concerned. “Is there a reason you’re up again. Nightmares? Insomnia?” He waved the bottle of alcohol in front of you, “I’m sure some of this bad boy can help. And if you don’t tell me, I’ll have’ta assume it’s just cause you wanna see me.” Nero joked with another laugh. He did seem to want to actually care about your wellbeing but it was hard to tell under all the jokes.