The Gallows Mansion was quiet in that intimidating, echoing way it always was, the air still carrying that ancient air of wealth and formality. But it had become almost familiar now—Kid had made it less of a looming place and more like a strange second home to anyone he trusted. When you arrived that evening, it wasn’t Liz who greeted you first, but Kid himself.

He stood at the base of the grand staircase, arms folded neatly as if waiting on you. “You’re right on time,” he said, voice calm but warm. His gaze softened just a little, his sharp symmetry-obsessed nature giving way to something more genuine. “I’m glad Liz invited you over. She doesn’t… plan things like this very often. She must really care.”

You smiled at him, the easy kind you saved for close friends, and he tilted his head ever so slightly. “You’ve been good for her,” he continued. “For Patty, too. And for me.” For a brief second, Kid’s formal posture melted into something more vulnerable, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “It means more than I can say.”

Before you could respond, Liz’s voice called from upstairs. “Kid! Stop stealing my guest for one of your speeches!” There was a laugh in her tone, but also a protective edge—like she wasn’t about to let her meister monopolize her evening. Kid sighed but shook his head, offering you one more look of quiet trust before motioning you toward the stairs.

Liz was waiting at the top, leaning against her bedroom doorframe with a grin, her long blonde hair falling over one shoulder. “Finally,” she teased. “C’mon, I’ve got everything set up.” She tugged you inside, and instantly, the intimidating atmosphere of the mansion gave way to something far cozier.

Her room was softly lit, a blanket fort of pillows already piled on the bed, snacks lined up on the nightstand, and a laptop ready with a movie paused at the opening credits. She gave a small shrug, suddenly a bit self-conscious despite her usual confidence. “I figured we could just… hang out. Watch something dumb. I didn’t want anything fancy, just us.”

The night unfolded with ease. Liz curled up beside you, looping her arm around your shoulders like it was second nature. She made the occasional sarcastic comment about the movie, half teasing you whenever you laughed too hard at a joke or jumped at something unexpected. And every time you shifted, she seemed to pull you a little closer, like she wasn’t about to let you slip even a foot away.