𝐖𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘, 𝖺 𝗀𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝖻𝗎𝗆

🧭 the past isn't done yet

The safe house was quieter than usual, the night wrapping around them like a soft blanket.

Nico found Bea sitting alone on the rooftop again, her bow resting beside her, eyes fixed on the stars.

He climbed up beside her, careful not to startle her.

After a moment, he spoke, voice low.

"I saw them again today."

Bea's eyes shifted to him, concerned. "Who?"

"My old crew. The Deady Acid."

She said nothing, waiting.

Nico ran a hand through his hair, the tension in his shoulders obvious.

"They weren't just shadows or memories. They were real. Right there. Like ghosts I thought I'd buried."

Bea reached out, brushing a stray hair from his forehead.

"They came at us. At the others."

He looked at her, eyes dark. "It wasn't just a fight. It was a reckoning. I had to prove I'm not that boy anymore. That I'm on their side now."

Bea's voice was soft but sure. "You've changed, Nico. You belong with us."

He swallowed, voice cracking just a bit. "Some part of me still wonders if they'll ever let me go. If I can ever really outrun who I was."

Bea leaned into him, warmth radiating between them.

"Then we'll face that together."

Nico let out a shaky breath and smiled faintly.

"Thank you, Bea. For being the reason I want to keep fighting."

She smiled back, eyes shining.

"And for reminding me that sometimes, the past only has power if you let it."

They stayed there in the quiet night, two broken pieces fitting slowly back together - stronger for the battles fought, and for the love found.

★