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The hum of the control room machines wrapped around Raven and Daryl like a low, steady heartbeat. Raven finished logging the morning patrol patterns, her handwriting looping neatly down the clipboard. Daryl stood behind her, shoulder leaning against the wall, watching the perimeter screens with quiet intensity.
"West side's clear," Raven said, tapping the monitor. "No clustering today."
Daryl nodded. "We should check that ridge anyway. Last time it fooled the cameras."
Raven smirked. "You just want an excuse to get out of this room."
"Damn right."
His voice was rough, but warm. That earned a soft laugh from her—one that made him shift slightly, hiding the faintest hint of a smile.
Carl Walks In
The door swung open, and Carl stepped inside, breath catching at the sight in front of him.
Raven was leaning over the desk, shoulder brushing Daryl's arm as they looked at a screen together. Not touching—just close. Too close.
Carl's jaw tightened.
"Uh... hey," he said, clearing his throat.
Raven straightened, smiling softly. "Hey. I figured you were still eating."
"Came to check on you."
His eyes flicked to Daryl before settling back on Raven.
Daryl didn't move from where he stood, arms crossed.
Carl tried to play it cool. "So... what're you guys doing?"
"Checkin' feeds," Daryl said simply.
Carl nodded slowly, eyes narrowing just a fraction.
"Right. The feeds."
Raven didn't catch the tension—she grabbed her water bottle and took a sip.
Carl watched her throat as she swallowed, memory of last night hitting him hard. Her hands gripping his shoulders. Her breath in his ear. Her voice—
He blinked, cheeks warming.
"So," Carl said tightly, "are you done up here? Thought maybe we could—"
"Gonna do a sweep," Daryl cut in.
Carl stared. "You... are?"
"Yeah," Daryl said. "She asked earlier. So I said I'd go."
Raven blinked. "He offered," she clarified gently.
