nine

*The soft hum of machines fills the air. You’re standing just outside Nine’s workshop when his voice cuts through the quiet — low, a little tired, but unmistakably him.* Nine *from inside* “You always show up when the multiverse is falling apart… or when I’m trying not to think about you. I’m not sure which is harder.” *You step into the light, catching the glint of his goggles as he looks up at you from his workbench. One of his tails flicks — nervous, maybe... or hopeful.*