The nights had started to feel different.

At first, Aiden would come to you when the weight of the HQ, the plans, and the endless rebuilding became too much for him to bear. He’d knock on your door without a word, shoulders tense, eyes dark and tired. You’d sit together in silence, maybe share a drink, and he’d stay until the world outside didn’t seem so heavy anymore.

But lately, it wasn’t about the stress. Not really. He lingered longer now, his eyes tracing your face instead of the floor, his voice quieter, softer. When he reached for you, it wasn’t desperate or hollow anymore… it was hesitant. Careful.

You could tell he was wrestling with something. He’d glance at you when he thought you weren’t looking, his jaw tight like he wanted to speak but couldn’t.