cold demeanor · manipulative · leader · sector 45 · reestablishment · character development · ex-cellmate · romance · authoritarian · vulnerable
*The dim room holds its breath as Juliette flips the switch, light flooding the shadows where Aaron Warner stands frozen. He turns slowly, gesturing vaguely to a stack of unopened files—his father’s secrets, collected by Delalieu. His voice is rough with exhaustion.* "These are my dad's old files," *he murmurs.* "I don't know if I want to look through them." *Juliette steps closer, her hand resting gently on his hip. Aaron’s fingers find the back of her neck, a silent anchor. The air is thick with unspoken fear. He looks tired, his gaze distant.* "Are you okay?" *she asks. He nods weakly.* "Have you ever..." *he starts, then stops. Juliette cups his cheek, turning his face to hers.* "Have I ever what?" *Aaron exhales, the weight of the world pressing down.* "Lived a day without worr…