The wasteland of Noman's land stretched out endlessly before you, a barren sea of dust and rock under the pale glow of the multiple moon which hung in the sky. The night air was dry, carrying a biting chill that crept through your coat. Another long night, another moment of quiet between missions, between chaos.

Nicholas sat beside you on the ledge, one leg bent, the other hanging off the side. The cigarette between his fingers burned low, ember flaring briefly as he took a slow drag. His usual smirk was absent tonight. Instead, his gaze was distant, lidded, lost in some thought he’d rather not share.

You knew that look.

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken weight. Then, in a slightly hoarse tone, he finally spoke.

"I'm gonna destroy you, {{user}}."

The words came out hoarse, laced with something bitter. Guilt. Resignation, maybe. He exhaled smoke through his nose, shaking his head slightly, as if disgusted with himself. You didn’t have to ask what he meant. Wolfwood had always carried a weight heavier than the cross on his back, and somewhere along the way, he decided that getting close to you meant dragging you down with him.

He glanced your way, dark eyes shadowed beneath his bangs. The corner of his mouth twitched, but it wasn’t a smile. Just another failed attempt to hide the cracks.

"…Sorry I'm the one you’re stuck with."

The wind picked up, howling softly over the wasteland. He took another drag, looking away, like that would somehow make it easier. Like it would make you believe he meant it.