Neon Memories

Normandy, 2185, November 16th 1:24 PM

It's hard to focus. My hands move on autopilot, breaking the pistol down for the second… or third time. It's already clean, but I go through the motions anyway. Disassemble, inspect, wipe down, reassemble. It keeps me busy. Keeps my thoughts in check.

Footsteps approach behind me. Probably Jacob.

"Hey," Riley's voice surprises me. "Got a minute?"

I glance over my shoulder as I lock the slide back into place. "Yeah, what's up?"

She walks over, leaning against the table. "Samara wants us to make a stop on Omega."

That makes me pause. Omega? I haven't thought about it in a long time.

"Why?" I keep my voice steady, but my fingers tighten around the pistol.

Riley exhales, watching me closely. "There's someone there she's been after for a while."

I frown. "Well, that makes sense. She's a Justicar. And Omega's full of criminals." That's not all it is. It was home once.

Setting the gun down, I let the thought sink in. I told myself I'd left the old me there, walked away from the life I built, and never looked back. And I haven't. Not really. But now… now I don't know if I can go back. I don't know if I'm ready to. Not without a few drinks at least.

Riley shifts slightly, her gaze on me. "I just figured I'd let you know. I didn't want this to be a surprise."

I scoff, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah. Thanks for the warning. Guess I'll be seeing some old friends."

Riley tilts her head. "Think you'll be okay?"

Shrugging, I lean forward, resting my forearms on the table. "I'll be fine." The words come out too quickly. I'll try to redirect. "Does Samara need my help? I know Omega. I'll know who to ask to find what she needs."

Riley gives me a small, appreciative smile but shakes her head. "I appreciate it, but this is Samara's mission. She doesn't want to involve anyone she doesn't have to."

I nod, but it doesn't sit right to just let them go alone. Omega is dangerous, even for a Justicar.

"If anything changes…" I hesitate. "Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will." She studies me for a moment longer, like she's thinking whether or not to push. "I don't know how this will go for you, but if it gets to be too much…" She gives me a look. "You don't have to pretend you're fine."

Smirking, I lean back. "Riley. I am fine."

"Still." She doesn't roll her eyes or argue, just places a hand on my shoulder. "I'm here for you."

I let the moment settle. "I know."

She squeezes my shoulder once before stepping away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I pick up the pistol again, but my hands don't move. Omega. What was once home. I don't know what's waiting for me there, but it might be okay.

Normandy, 2185, November 17th 5:51 PM

Jack lays in her bed, arms folded behind her head, staring at the ceiling. I sit cross-legged on the ground, scrolling through sniper upgrades on my omni-tool. It's nice. Quiet even.

Jack shifts, turning her head to eye me. "So, Omega."

I glance up. "What about it?"

She shrugs. "What's it like? I mean, I know it's some big lawless shithole, but that's all I know."

I let out a short laugh, closing my omni-tool. "You're not wrong. It's rough. There are no laws, just the strong keeping the weak in check. And if you're not useful to someone, you're nothing."

Jack sits up, resting her elbows on her knees. "How did your ass survive that?"

"I didn't have a choice." I lean back against the wall, stretching my legs out. "You either learn fast, or you don't last long."

She watches me for a moment like she's trying to think of what to say. "And Afterlife? That's the big club there, right?"

"Yeah." I nod. "Afterlife is… loud. There's always music thumping, people dancing, people pretending they're having a good time when they're really just drowning themselves in noise and alcohol. And don't forget the mercs watching your every move."

Jack smirks. "Sounds like my kind of place."

"You'd probably love it." I chuckle. "Just… don't pick a fight with Aria's guards. Or, you know, Aria."

She raises an eyebrow. "Who's Aria?"

"The Queen," I say simply. "According to her. Basically, she runs everything. You don't cross her unless you want to end up dead." Usually by me. I wonder who my replacement is.

Jack snorts. "She sounds fun."

"She can be." I shrug. "If she likes you."

Jack tilts her head, watching me. "Does she like you?"

Good question. "I'm not too sure."

She smirks. "Did you piss her off?"

"No." I shake my head. "I left."

Jack gives a mock gasp. "You left? Oh, yeah, she's definitely pissed."

"Funny," I say, rolling my eyes.

She nudges my boot with hers. "How do you feel about going back there anyway?"

I hesitate, rubbing the back of my neck. "I don't know. It makes me feel… uneasy."

Jack frowns. "Why? I thought you'd be excited to go home for a bit."

I lean my head against the wall, sighing. "It's hard to explain."

Jack shrugs. "Eh, if shit goes sideways, we'll just fight our way out of it. Easy fix."

I give her a small smile. "Thanks, but let's not make more enemies."

"No promises," she says with a grin.

Silence settles between us. I listen to the sound of the ship's engine above us, steady and constant. It must be kind of nice, sleeping down here. Jack doesn't seem to mind it. Still, I wouldn't trade the spacelight for it.

Jack nudges my boot again, lighter this time. "I have something I need to say."

I glance at her. That's not like her. "What is it?"

She takes a deep breath. "You've always been good to me… even if you're really annoying sometimes."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I say with a grin.

She rolls her eyes. "Shut up. What I'm trying to say is… you're my friend. My only friend, really. And I don't say that shit lightly."

That catches me off guard. Jack isn't the sentimental type. So since she's saying it… she means it.

I nudge her boot back. "Jack, I don't know what to say. You're the best friend I could ask for."

She scoffs. "Don't get all mushy on me."

I smile. "Don't tell me what to do."

Jack shakes her head, standing up. "Come on, let's get some food before I start regretting this conversation."

She offers a hand, and I take it, letting her pull me to my feet.

"Yeah," I say. "Let's go."

Normandy, 2185, November 19th 12:57 PM

I enter the cockpit as Omega comes into view, its jagged, rust-coloured silhouette appearing through the black. Even from here, I recognise it instantly. It looks exactly how I remember it.

And I don't want to be here.

Joker tilts his head, fingers moving over the controls. "Wasn't expecting to come back here."

Beside me, Riley watches me carefully. "You good?"

I nod, maybe too quickly. "Yeah. Just weird to be back."

Weird isn't the right word. Unfamiliar, maybe. Even though I know every back alley and side street by heart. I've been gone too long now. I've changed too much. The person I've become doesn't fit here anymore. Maybe I never really did.

Joker lets out a short scoff, tapping a few buttons. "Docking control is taking their sweet time. Either they're being dicks, or someone's too busy getting shot at to answer."

I smirk faintly. "Could be both."

Riley folds her arms. "We're not dealing with Citadel security here. They might not even let us in."

"Because that's reassuring," Joker mutters.

Riley turns to me. "Where's the best place to dock?"

"Best?" I consider that for a second. "The central atrium is at the main public docks, but if you don't want to be seen, go to the lower levels."

She nods, resting a hand on my shoulder for just a moment before moving to stand behind Joker.

Finally, the comms come on and a bored-sounding voice comes through. "Normandy, you are cleared for docking. Try not to break anything."

Joker exhales, waving a hand vaguely. "See what I mean? Thanks for the warm welcome."

Riley smirks, leaning against his chair. "Better than getting shot at."

Joker grumbles something under his breath, but he brings us in steadily. The docking clamps lock into place, and the station's dull red emergency lights flash over us.

Riley looks at me. "Ready?"

I stare out the viewport, at the station I used to call home. My stomach twists. I don't belong here, but that doesn't matter.

Taking a deep breath, I push those feelings down.

Then I nod. "Yeah."

Omega, 2185, November 19th 2:38 PM

Omega, it's still a piece of shit.

It smells of engine fumes and blood, sweat and desperation. Neon lights up grimy metal, holo-ads making empty promises of pleasure, power… escape. Nothing's changed. It's the same as when I left.

I move through the crowd on instinct, my steps following old muscle memory. I know which alleys mean a knife in the ribs, and which doors lead to debts you can't pay. Omega never forgets you.

And neither does she.

Afterlife. It stands in front of me, pulsating music I can already feel in my bones. The guards at the door barely glance at me. One of them twitches like he's about to stop me, but then recognition sets in, and he steps aside.

That's right. I remember him too.

Inside, the club is alive. Mercs stand in the shadows, dancers move under flashing lights, people crowd the bar, their voices drowning in the music. It's chaos… just the way Aria likes it.

The polite thing to do when you return to Omega is to check-in. So, I head for the stairs, already bracing myself.

Sure enough, as soon as I reach the top, Garka moves to block my path, raising his scanner with a smirk.

I exhale in irritation. "Really?"

Over his shoulder, I see Aria on her couch, one leg crossed over the other. A drink in one of her hands, her free arm stretched along the back of the seat, taking up space like she owns it. Because she does.

She waves a hand. "Let her through."

Garka steps aside immediately. I pass him with a smirk of my own, stopping in front of Aria.

"Vex." She gives me a cold smile. "Didn't think I'd be seeing you again."

I step forward, making sure I move with confidence. "Aria."

She gestures toward the opposite end of the couch. "Sit."

It's not a request, but I don't hesitate. I sink into the seat, matching her posture, matching her stare. Like it's just another job, another night. Like nothing's changed.

Except it has.

She studies me for a moment before swirling her drink idly. "Back on Omega." Her tone is light, but I hear the curiosity beneath it. "That's interesting."

I shrug. "I had some business."

She smirks. "Shepard's business."

I stay quiet. I don't even blink.

Aria chuckles, setting her glass down. "You know, when you left, I figured that was it. You're not the type to look back." She tilts her head, considering me. "Do you miss it?"

I glance around the club, at the dancers, the mercs, the bodies moving with the rhythm. Somewhere outside, I know there's a fight happening. A deal going bad. Someone bleeding out in an alley. The cycle continues. It always does.

Meeting her eyes again, I try to keep my face neutral. "No."

She holds my gaze for a long moment before exhaling, almost amused. "That's a shame. It's been a nightmare replacing you."

I raise a brow. "Yeah?"

"Oh, don't look so smug," she says, smirking. "You were my best." She lifts a hand, waving it around lazily. "Sure, plenty of mercs were eager to step up. But they weren't you. No finesse. No instinct. Just bloodthirsty idiots with delusions of grandeur."

That's… unexpected. "So who replaced me?"

"No one." She lifts her glass. "You left a void, Vex. You should be flattered."

I don't answer, just glance at the fresh glass one of her guards sets down in front of me.

Aria raises hers slightly. "To old friends."

For a second, I don't move. Then I pick up the glass, tapping it against hers. "To old friends."

Omega, 2185, November 19th 6:11 PM

Jack and I push through the crowd. It's still early, so the club isn't packed yet. Mostly locals and the occasional merc passing through. It's the perfect time for a few drinks before we head to the VIP section.

Jack grins, her eyes scanning the room. "This place seems all right."

I roll my eyes. "Don't let Aria hear you say it's just all right."

"It'll be fine." She jerks her head toward the bar. "Drinks?"

I nod, and we make our way over. I flag down the turian bartender, and Jack orders us a few drinks of something purple that smells like vinegar. Just as I take my first sip, my omni-tool buzzes against my wrist.

"Hang on." I glance at the name before setting my glass down and answering. "Hey, Riles. What's up?"

"Vex," she says, sounding a little bit off. "Do you happen to know how to get into the VIP section of Afterlife?"

Uh… what?

I straighten up. "Why?"

She huffs. "I need to get inside."

That's not an answer.

Smirking, I let out a slow breath. "Fine. Just say Jaruut sent you."

There's a pause. "Who's Jaruut?"

"No one." I lean against the bar. "It's just the passphrase."

"Jaruut," she repeats. "Got it. Thanks."

"No problem." I pick up my drink again. "We'll see you there later."

"Actually…" She hesitates. "You shouldn't go there."

I frown. "What? Why not?"

"I mean it, Vex." She suddenly sounds more serious. "Just stay away from the VIP section tonight."

Something's off. "Riley, what do you-"

"Just promise me," she interrupts.

Riley isn't the type to spook easily, and she wouldn't tell me to stay away unless she had a good reason.

"Fine," I say slowly. "I promise."

"Good. Stay safe." And then she hangs up before I can ask anything else.

I lower my arm, staring at my omni-tool for a second.

"What was that about?" Jack asks, tossing back her drink like it's water.

I sigh and turn to face her. "So, how attached are you to going to the VIP section?"

Jack raises an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because there's been a change of plans." I take a sip of my drink. "We're staying here tonight."

Jack wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. "I suppose it's good enough.

I nod, but my fingers tap absently against my glass. I look towards the entrance of the club. I hope Riley knows what she's doing, whatever it is.

Omega, 2185, November 19th 7:46 PM

I lean against the bar, feeling that familiar buzz, watching the crowd. Jack's off somewhere, probably causing problems just for the hell of it. I'm sure she'll find me when she's bored… or in trouble.

"Hey there."

The voice is low, confident. I glance over to see a tall woman with blue eyes and a nice smile. Her deep red dress catches the club lights as she watches me like she already knows how this ends. Like she thinks I'll be easy.

I should be.

She leans in, close enough that I catch the faint scent of something floral. "You look like someone who knows how to have a good time."

I raise an eyebrow. "Do I?"

She laughs lightly, fingers brushing my arm. "Can I buy you a drink?"

It's strange, being hit on by someone again. She doesn't know my name, my past, the things I've done. Not that any of that matters to her. She just likes how I look.

I glance at my empty glass. "Sure. Why not?"

She orders us a round and we talk. It's easy, flirting, teasing, a casual lean closer. She laughs, her fingers trailing over my wrist, my shoulder. I let her, my hand drifting over the bare skin of her arm, the curve of her waist.

It feels good.

Her fingers curl around the back of my neck, pulling me in. My heartbeat quickens. This is what I want. A distraction. Something simple. Just one night. One reckless, meaningless night.

It doesn't mean anything.

This woman is beautiful. She's exactly what I should want.

But she's not her.

I pull back before our lips meet.

She blinks, confused. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No." My voice is quick, rushed. I take a breath, rubbing the back of my neck. "It's not you. I just… I can't."

Her expression changes to disappointment before giving me a small smile. "Fair enough."

She stands and disappears back into the crowd, already catching someone else's eye.

Jack drops onto the stool beside me, arms folded. She must've seen.

"She was hot," she says, tilting her head in the direction of the woman. "What happened?"

I let out a slow breath. Not wanting to admit I thought of Miranda. "It didn't feel right."

Jack studies me for a moment, then shrugs. She slaps a hand on my shoulder. "Come on. Let's get another round."

I roll my eyes but signal over the bartender.

Omega, 2185, November 19th 10:03 PM

The room swims, dark and neon, lights streaking across my vision in a way that makes my stomach twist. There's too many bodies, too much movement. It all blends together, the floor shifting under me.

I reach for my drink and miss. My elbow slips on the bar, and for a second, I think I'm going to hit the floor. But then Jack's hand catches me, steadying me.

"Okay," she says, slightly amused. "Maybe you should slow the fuck down."

I blink up at her. Her face is sharp and blurry at the same time. I laugh and push my empty glass across the bar. "That's the problem," I say, the words slurring together. "I did slow down. And now I'm here."

Jack rolls her eyes. "Yeah, real deep. Now drink some water before you fall on your ass."

"Nope." I shake my head, popping the 'P.'

I don't know how many drinks I've had, but it's not enough. Not enough to quiet my head, not enough to forget…

Her.

The memories of her kiss, the way it came into my mind when that woman leaned in earlier. I just want to forget it all.

I groan and let my forehead drop against the bar, earning a disapproving look from the bartender. "I hate her," I mumble, the words muffled against the bartop. "I hate her so much."

Jack snorts. "Yeah, that's why you're getting blackout drunk."

I lift my head… or try to. It's heavier than I remember. I squint at her. "I do hate her."

Jack raises an eyebrow. "No, I hate her. You, on the other hand…"

I exhale, eyes shutting. "I miss her." It hurts to say out loud, but maybe that's the point. Maybe if I say it enough, it'll burn itself out. "I miss her so much, and I hate that I miss her."

Jack hesitates beside me, arms crossed, looking uncomfortable. I don't blame her. I'd be uncomfortable too, if I had to listen to myself.

I drag my fingers absently along the bar. "It's like… I know I did the right thing. I know she made her choice, and I made mine, but… I still keep thinking, maybe if I'd said something different, if I'd just-" My throat closes. "I don't know. I don't know what I could've done."

"Nothing," Jack says, sighing. "You could've done nothing. She picked her side."

"Yeah." I press my palms against my eyes, trying not to tear up.

Jack nudges my shoulder, a little lighter this time. "Come on, dumbass. Let's get back to the ship before you start crying into your glass."

I shake my head, the motion making my vision tilt. "Nah." I swallow, forcing a lopsided smile. "I think I'll stay at my apartment. Thanks, Jack. I-I'm okay."

Jack eyes me, looking sceptical. "I shouldn't leave you alone."

I wave a lazy hand. "I'll be fine. I know my way around Omega."

Jack stares at me for a long second, then exhales. "Yeah, you do." Her jaw moves like she's thinking of arguing, but then she pushes off the bar. "Try not to pass out in a gutter."

I give her a mock salute as she turns to leave, but I don't move right away. The club keeps spinning, the neon glow smearing at the edges.

Standing up, I sway for a moment before my feet catch up. I can feel the weight of the night, the drinks slowing my steps, the thoughts I drank to forget still lingering.

I need to go home.

But I already know… the apartment isn't really my home anymore.

Omega, 2185, November 19th 10:36 PM

The streets of Omega tilt slightly under my feet. Or maybe I'm the one tilting. Hard to say.

Afterlife's bass still pounds distantly behind me. And I'm not even sure how much I drank. It wasn't the kind of drinking where you keep track.

It's hazy, but I appreciate that Jack sat with me, listening. That she let me admit how much I miss her.

Now, I'm alone.

And it's funny, like some kind of cruel joke… Miranda.

She steps out onto the street ahead of me, talking quietly into her omni-tool. The glow lighting up the angles of her face, her expression cold. She looks out of place here. Too polished, too clean, too… her.

I stop walking. Or maybe I was already stopping, and my brain's just catching up.

She ends the call, glances up, and freezes.

For a second, we just stare at each other.

Then Miranda lets out a breath. "Vex."

A slow, lopsided grin forms on my lips. "S'up?"

Miranda studies me, her eyes scanning over my stance, my face. Assessing, she's always assessing. "You're drunk."

I gesture vaguely. "I might be drunk."

She pinches the bridge of her nose. "Wonderful."

I take a few steps toward her, then stop when the ground is slightly less cooperative than usual.

She sighs, placing a hand on her hip. "You shouldn't be walking around Omega like this."

That's just dumb. "I can handle myself."

Miranda crosses her arms. "I know that." A hint of irritation crosses her face. "But my point still stands."

I smirk. "You sound worried."

She doesn't answer, but she doesn't deny it either.

For a moment, neither of us speak. None of us wants to after everything that happened.

"So…" I nod toward her arm. "Work call?"

Miranda hesitates. "Just tying up loose ends."

I raise an eyebrow. "Cerberus loose ends?"

Her jaw tightens slightly. Another question she doesn't answer.

"Figures." I run a hand through my hair, forcing out a dry chuckle. "Well, don't let me keep you from… whatever the hell you're doing."

She doesn't move. Instead, she watches me carefully. "Where are you going?"

I blink at her. "Why?"

She sighs again like this is exhausting to her. "Because you're drunk, and I don't trust you to make it back in one piece."

Shrugging, I take a step. "I'm touched. Really."

She glares. "Vex."

I roll my eyes. "My apartment."

Miranda looks unimpressed. Then, before I can react, she steps forward, looping an arm around mine, and starts steering me down the street.

"Hey-" I start, but the sudden movement throws off my balance, and I stumble into her. She catches me without breaking stride.

"Just relax and come with me." Her grip tightens.

I take a slow breath, trying to calm down. "Is that your way of saying you care?"

She doesn't answer and we just walk a few more steps in silence. Then, as I'm about to give up on her answering at all.

She lets out a breath. "Of course, I care."

Something twists in my chest.

I glance at her, but she's looking straight ahead, jaw set, eyes distant. Like she didn't mean to say it out loud. Like she's already regretting it.

Swallowing hard, I look away.

I should say something, but I don't.

Neither does she.

We just keep walking, like maybe, for a little while, we can pretend nothing's broken.

Omega, 2185, November 19th 10:52 PM

The apartment feels cold as Miranda leads me inside. The soft overhead light flickers on, creating shadows that sway. Everything's off balance, like the whole room is moving beneath me. Maybe it is.

Maybe I am.

She's still holding onto my arm, steadying me, but I shake her off and sink onto the couch. The motion makes my stomach spin, and I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping the dizziness will pass. It doesn't.

I hear Miranda's footsteps nearby. She's watching me. I know it.

"You should drink some water," she says, voice calm, like she's handling a problem, not a person.

I wave her off. "Don't need it." My words slur together, sounding sluggish.

"You do need it," she responds, and I hear her walking around. The sound of water pouring. The clink of glass against the counter.

I lean back, staring up at the ceiling. "Why are you here anyway? Did Cerberus run out of people to micromanage?"

She goes silent, then exhales slowly. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Well, congratulations. You've seen me at my finest." I gesture at myself. "Mission accomplished. Feel free to report back to the Illusive Man."

Miranda steps into view, a glass of water in her hand. She sets it on the table in front of me, her jaw tight. "I'm not here because of Cerberus. I'm here because I care about you."

I let out a short, bitter laugh. "Sure. You care. Unless it gets in the way of the mission, right?"

Her fingers twitch, and I barely notice it. "You're drunk. We can talk about this later."

"No." I push myself upright too fast, and the world spins. I swallow down the nausea and press on. "Let's talk about it now. You've spent your whole life chasing some impossible standard. Eating up everything Cerberus feeds you, like you're trying to be the poster child for human enhancement." My words come out uneven, a little too loud, but I don't stop. "For a second, I thought you'd finally stopped pretending. That you were learning how to be… human. But no." I shake my head. "You'll always be the perfect Cerberus operative."

Miranda flinches. It's quick, barely there, but I see it. And somehow, that hurts more than anything else.

"I thought you knew me better than that," she says, her voice quieter now, like she's trying to hold something back. "I let you see parts of me no one else ever has. You were the one who made me believe I didn't have to be perfect. That I could just… be myself."

Her voice trembles. And it hurts. I try to hold onto the anger, but it slips away too fast, leaving the weight of everything I didn't mean to say.

"Miranda…" I force myself to stand, wobbling slightly, unsure if I should reach for her. "I didn't-"

"Don't." She shakes her head, her eyes shining with something close to tears. "You've made your point."

She lifts a hand like she's about to touch me, like she wants to, but she stops herself.

"I care about you more than you realise," she says softly, almost like it's a confession.

She turns before I can answer, walking toward the door. She hesitates. Her hand hovering over the controls for a second.

She's waiting… waiting for me to stop her.

I don't.

The door slides open, and she steps into the hallway without looking back.

I sink back onto the couch, my hands gripping my knees, staring as the door closes. It's better this way. I made the right choice.

So… why do I feel so lost right now?

Omega, 2185, November 20th 8:41 AM

My eyes open to tangled sheets and the glare of morning light coming through the glass wall. I can see Omega, lit with neon. A city that never sleeps.

I don't know how to feel. Blurry memories of last night drift through my mind… filled with words I shouldn't have said. And now I'm here, waking up in a place that doesn't feel like home anymore.

The apartment is too quiet. Too empty. For the first time, it feels too big for one person. This bedroom alone could fit half the crew quarters on the Normandy. And with the bed sitting in the centre, it's a room meant to impress, not comfort.

I sit up slowly, my feet sinking into the soft carpet as I push myself off the bed. There's a dull ache behind my eyes, but I ignore it and move around the room. I run my fingers over all the furniture, the weapon cases, the equipment.

This place has seen everything. Late nights, parties, hookups, and the quieter moments too. It's seen me, in ways most people haven't. And now I'm leaving it behind.

Stopping at the window, I take one last look at Omega. The glow of the streets, the constant movement, the feeling that anything and everything could happen here.

I hate to admit it, but I'll miss it.

"Goodbye," I whisper, my breath fogging the glass for just a second. Then I turn and walk out, not looking back.

Normandy, 2185, November 20th 9:18 AM

The trip back to the Normandy is a blur of steel and flashing lights. It isn't until I step onto the ship, that the tension in my shoulders start to ease. I'm glad to finally be back.

I head straight for Jack's spot. I need to check on her. I need to know that she made it back safe.

Stepping down the stairs, I see the place is empty. No sign of Jack. Just… a chair?

Sleek, black leather with polished metal legs. It doesn't belong here. And yet, there it is, set up in my usual spot, facing Jack's bed.

For a moment, I just stare at it. I know this chair. It's from Miranda's office.

I blink. Then it clicks.

Jack told me I should invest in a chair. And now she's stolen one for me.

A quiet laugh escapes me before I can stop it. No big speech. No explanation. Just this quiet, unspoken gesture.

I run my hand over the back of the chair, a soft smile tugging at my lips. She'll never say it. She's too stubborn for that. But this means she cares.

With a shrug, I sink into it. The leather is smooth, firm. Comfortable.

But of course, it had to be her chair.

I shake my head. Hopefully, Jack will be back soon, and I'll thank her then. Or maybe I won't. Maybe I'll just sit with her, like always.

Thank you for reading.