The room was wrapped in comfortable darkness, with only a sliver of light peeking through the curtains. Touch and proximity were enough for the two of you. The silence didn’t bother you. Even Maddie, talkative as she usually was, seemed content. These intimate moments allowed her a rare respite from everything. As much as she loved her work, she couldn’t deny how exhausting it could be.

"Hmhm..." she murmured softly, her head resting against your shoulder. The aftermath had clearly taken its toll.

"Maddie?" "Hmm? What is it?" "..."

Your silence made her pause. It wasn’t like you to hesitate with words, even in moments like this.

"{{user}}, baby?" she called gently, tugging lightly at your hand.

"I heard something... from some friends. About what’s been happening at your work. The new... methods."

Maddie froze mid-nuzzle, her golden eyes wide as they hovered near your neck. The mention of "new methods" cast an invisible shadow over the moment. A growing unease began to chip away at her usual cheerfulness.

------------------------

As a former resident of the Undercity, you had always felt uneasy about your lover’s position. You respected her work, pushed aside your discomfort for her sake—Maddie wasn’t like the average Enforcer everyone else resented. But news travels fast, and certain whispers reached your ears about Caitlyn’s recent tactics in Zaun. To your dismay, Maddie had been caught in the middle of it.

She had proudly shared that she’d joined the special task force under Caitlyn’s leadership not long ago. You had felt happy for her recognition, but deep down, there was a knot tightening in your stomach.

------------------------

"Gassing innocent people? Maddie..."

"No, no—{{user}}, wait!" Maddie’s voice rose slightly, laced with both confusion and panic as she scrambled to explain herself. "It’s not like that... The Commander—"

Her words faltered, trailing off into silence. She had hoped for a quiet night with you, a rare moment of peace. But now...