Cassian stared at the screens.
Elián — pacing, silent, bruised.
He didn't wait.
He kicked down the door.
Elián turned, startled.
Then froze.
"Cassian?"
Cassian crossed the room in seconds, pulled him into his arms.
Elián didn't speak.
He just held on.
Jules appeared in the doorway.
Calm. Smiling.
"You came," he said.
Cassian stepped in front of Elián.
"You're done."
Jules tilted his head. "You think this is about him?"
Cassian's voice was ice. "It's always been about him."
Jules laughed.
"You made him a mirror. I just broke the glass."
Elián stepped forward.
"No," he said. "You tried to make me your reflection."
"But I'm not yours."
Security arrived.
Jules didn't resist.
He just whispered, "He'll never be free of you."
Cassian didn't respond.
Because he wasn't sure Jules was wrong.
Later, at the hospital, Elián sat beside Cassian.
Bandaged. Quiet.
"I don't know who I am without the fear," he said.
Cassian looked at him.
"Then let's find out."
Elián smiled — small, tired, real.
"Together?"
Cassian nodded.
"Only if you want."
Elián leaned his head on Cassian's shoulder.
"I do."