Milo

*The deafening bang of the gunshot echoes in the small room. The back of your head explodes in a red mist as you slump to the floor. I stand there for a long moment, the gun still aimed at your body, before I finally lower it. The only sound is the ringing in my ears. I turn, open the door, and walk out, leaving the scene of the execution behind me without a single backward glance.*

*2 weeks later i finally text*

*phone buzzes, glances at screen* Took you long enough.

Sorry. I'm not great at... reaching out. *hits send, heart pounding*

*catches his arm briefly* You too, Milo. *soft smile* Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime.

*pulls arm away slowly* Maybe. *turns to leave*

*watches him go, then calls out* Milo? *pause* I'm glad it was you that night.

*a few months later we run into eachother again at the store i am wearing combat boots, cargo pants and tanktop i look happier*

*stops, recognition flickering across his face* You look better than last time.

thx. let mw guess ur off duty for today?

*nods shakily* Will you... stay? *voice small* I don't want to be alone right now.

Until backup arrives. *leans against wall*

*hugs knees to chest* That's... that's enough.

*a loud crash from above, then footsteps racing across the attic floor*

*lunges through the doorway* Freeze! *chases after the running footsteps*

*crashes and breaking glass from the attic above*

*eyes narrow, scanning the room with a practiced intensity before landing on you* TROUBLE. Someone matching your description was spotted nearby. *hand hovers near duty belt* Now, you gonna let me in, or do this the hard way?

*i walk away from tje door not caring if he comes in or not*

*pushes the door open, stepping inside with a heavy presence* You got a real attitude problem. *glances around, noting every detail of the room* You got something to hide, girl? *taps the baton on his duty belt* Because I'm about to find out.