??? ????? ?? ??? ????? || ?? ?????

┏ •◦இ•◦ ┓

055

┗ •◦இ•◦ ┛

You rested your head against Stanley's chest, his steady heartbeat a fragile anchor in a world that still felt off-kilter. The soft thump beneath you was the only sound in the small, dimly lit room. Across from you, Xeno sat quietly on a chair, his expression unreadable but utterly focused. You took a deep breath, bracing yourself for the weight of what you had to say.

"I want to tell you everything," you whispered, voice shaky but determined. "From day one—the moment I woke up."

Stanley tightened his hold on you, his hand gentle as it caressed your back, grounding you with every slow stroke. You began to speak, words spilling out in uneven waves—fragments of fear, confusion, pain, and betrayal. You told them your life in the Stone World. You shared the moments you thought you'd never see the light again, how the world blurred and faded, and how the people you trusted became your only lifeline. Your happy moments, your fuzzy moments, it was all mixed together.

Xeno and Stanley listened with grave attentiveness, eyes locked on you, absorbing every detail. There was no rush, no interruptions—only patience and quiet understanding. It felt like the weight of your story was being held between the three of you, sacred and fragile.

When the last word fell from your lips, exhaustion finally caught up with you. Your body sagged, and you huddled closer to Stanley, seeking comfort in his warmth.

Stanley let out a slow, heavy sigh. His gaze softened as he looked down at you, the hair falling over your face catching the dim light. With infinite care, he brushed it away, tucking it gently behind your ear.

"You've been through a lot, haven't you..." he murmured, voice low and aching with something deeper than sympathy.

You closed your eyes briefly and whispered, "I'm tired... that's all." Your voice was so fragile, so raw, it was almost a breath.

Xeno, sensing your fatigue, slid his chair closer. His hand moved slowly through your hair, the gesture reverent, like he was trying to soothe the pieces of you still shattered inside.

"You've been so, so strong," Xeno said quietly, eyes meeting yours. "You make me proud, Y/n. You really do."

Your vision blurred again, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. For a moment, the weight of everything pressed down so hard it felt unbearable. But in that moment, Xeno's words were like a balm—soft and steady.

"Thank you... for listening," you managed to say, your voice breaking with gratitude.

Stanley helped you slowly sit up, cradling your face with gentle hands. You tilted your head, looking up at him, your lips barely parting. His thumb brushed across your cheek with a tenderness that made your heart ache.

"Our mission is to get to the moon, right?" Stanley's voice was sure, but quiet—like a vow. "We'll lead from here, okay? We've got a pretty good crew. We'll be fine."

He pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, and the world stilled for a heartbeat.

"Get some rest now, princess," he said with a soft smile.

You let your eyes close slowly, leaning into him again. His arms tightened just a little, as if promising never to let you go. The exhaustion overwhelmed you, and it wasn't long before you drifted into a fragile sleep.

Stanley remained seated beside you, his eyes never leaving your peaceful face. After a few moments, he looked up at Xeno, who had been watching quietly from across the room.