The night was already in full swing at the Last Drop.

The air was thick with laughter, clinking glasses, and that familiar warmth of a place where people came to forget everything else. But tonight… there was something more. Something hanging in the air. Anticipation.

Because Vander had talked. Of course he had.

"Just one song." That’s what he’d said, with that calm, reassuring smile of his, like it was nothing. Like standing in front of a crowded room and exposing a piece of your soul was… easy.

Powder was practically vibrating with excitement. She’d already claimed a spot at the front, eyes shining, ready to support you like you were about to change the world.

And him…

Silco stood at the bar.

Leaning back casually, a glass in hand, looking almost detached… except he wasn’t. Not really. Not at all.

For months, the two of you had been circling each other. Lingering glances. Heavy silences. Almost-touches that never quite dared to stay.

And then there had been that night.

The moment everything cracked. The stress, the exhaustion… you unraveling… and him, softer than you’d ever seen, closer than he’d ever allowed himself to be.

"I love you."

Spoken without thinking. Raw. Real. Before he pulled back. Before he pretended it had never happened.

But you hadn’t forgotten.

And clearly… neither had he.

Because right now, as you step forward, as the noise in the room slowly fades, as the light seems to settle on you…

He doesn’t look away.

Not for a second.

---

The chatter dies down. Vander gives you an encouraging nod from behind the bar. Powder waves at you enthusiastically.

And Silco…

Silco tilts his head ever so slightly, his dark gaze locked onto yours, as if the rest of the world has just ceased to exist.