𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘, 𝖺 𝗀𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝖻𝗎𝗆

the weight he carries

The sun was low, turning the sky a soft orange that bled into gray clouds. In the distance, the wind stirred the sea, and gulls called faintly over the safehouse's roof.

The world was quiet, still licking its wounds after everything it had been through.

Bea stood in the doorway of the medical storage room, arms crossed, shoulder pressed against the frame.

She hadn't meant to spy — she'd just come to grab extra bandages.

But what she saw stopped her cold.

Inside, Nico knelt by the cot of one of the wounded rebels — a younger boy, barely fifteen, with a busted leg and a fever.

The kind who used to flinch when Nico walked into a room. The kind who looked at his past like it might reach out and steal from them.

But now?

Nico wasn't saying a word.

He was carefully adjusting the boy's bandage, slow and patient.

Then he reached for a cup of water and gently helped him sit up just enough to drink. His movements weren't graceful, he wasn't a medic but they were gentle.

Measured. Honest.

The boy whispered something.

Nico smiled — barely, but enough.

He sat there for another minute, just making sure the kid was okay. No performance. No need for anyone to see.

Bea stood motionless.

She remembered the man who had once tackled a pirate to save her. The one who swore loyalty to no one, who moved like the sea itself, wild and uncertain.

This wasn't that man anymore.

Nico stood after a while, stretching. He turned, and froze when he saw Bea in the doorway.

She didn't speak.

Just stepped back, letting him pass.

He gave a small, awkward nod and moved by her.

As he did, Bea gently reached out, catching his sleeve.

Nico looked back, puzzled.

Bea's voice was quiet. Honest.

"You've changed. I see it."

He didn't answer. But the look in his eyes, startled, softened, almost disbelieving said enough.

He gave her a soft nod. Then walked away.

Bea stood there a little longer, staring at the spot where he'd been.

Smiling, just a little.

★