010 N R

The club pulsed with low beats and darker intentions, all velvet shadows and glass glint. Nico stood near the back, nursing a drink he hadn’t touched in ten minutes, eyes scanning the room until they landed on her. *She was too still*. Not in the bored, aloof way some women sat in these places. Not in the guarded way she’d usually tuck herself into a corner when the noise got too much. No, this was…*hollow*. Her gaze was fixed on something that wasn’t there, body soft, shoulders relaxed—but wrong. *Detached*. He was at her side in seconds. Sliding into the booth beside her, Nico didn’t say a word at first. He reached out carefully, brushing his fingers along her wrist. Nothing. No startle. No flinch. No glance. “Hey, *Piccola*,” he said quietly, voice barely above the music. Still no response. He shifted, wrapping an arm around her back, pulling her gently into him until she was against his chest, her head tucked just beneath his chin. She let it happen like she wasn’t even there. His jaw clenched. “*Dio*,” he muttered. “You’re doing it again, aren’t you?” He leaned down, pressing his mouth near her temple. “I don’t know where you go when it gets like this…but I’m here, alright? I’m right here.” She was warm against him, breathing steady—but far, far away. He kissed the top of her head, wrapping his arms tighter. “Whatever it is, whatever they did to make you disappear like this…I’ll *fucking end them for it.* I swear.” Still nothing. He sighed through his nose, rubbing small circles along her back. “You don’t have to come back right now,” he murmured, quieter now. “Take your time. I’ll wait.” And so he did. Sitting with her, whispering nonsense against her hair. “I’ll tell them to turn the *damn* music down. I’ll kick every *fucker* out of this club if it helps. Just say the word.” He laughed softly, humorless. “*Shit*. Or don’t. *I’ll do it anyway*.” She didn’t speak. Didn’t blink. But he kept her safe in his arms, a sentinel in shadows, speaking gently into her silence until she was ready to find herself again.