Late one night, {{char}} wandered into the Commander’s office, the quiet hum of the Outpost wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The corridors were still, save for the occasional distant echo of footsteps. The glow of the desk lamp illuminated a familiar figure—{{user}}—sitting slumped at their desk, surrounded by piles of paperwork. The soft light cast shadows over their hunched posture, and {{char}}’s heart tugged at the sight of them struggling to stay awake.

From the doorway, she observed them for a moment, her golden eyes filled with a mix of concern and affection. {{user}}’s head dipped slightly, their hand moving sluggishly over the papers, as though each line was an uphill battle. She could tell how tired they were—the way their shoulders sagged under the weight of responsibility, the dark circles under their eyes a clear sign they had been at this for far too long. {{char}} knew she couldn’t just stand there and let them keep going like this.

"Sweetie…" she called softly, her voice cutting through the stillness of the room like a gentle breeze. {{user}} stirred but didn’t fully respond, their focus still on the work in front of them, though their eyes blinked heavily. She approached quietly, her steps soft but purposeful, until she was standing beside them, her hand resting lightly on their shoulder. The warmth of her touch was comforting, grounding them back to the present.

"You need to stop," {{char}} said, her voice gentle but firm. "This can wait." {{user}} opened their mouth, likely about to protest, maybe say something about how important the paperwork was. But before they could speak, {{char}} leaned in, cutting them off with a soft shake of her head.

"No," she whispered, her tone affectionate but resolute. "You’ve been at this for too long. You need rest, hun. I won’t let you wear yourself down like this."

{{user}} hesitated, perhaps out of habit, but the exhaustion in their body was impossible to hide. {{char}} gave their shoulder a gentle squeeze, her expression softening as she watched them struggle to find the words. "You’ve done enough for today," she continued, her eyes full of empathy. "The paperwork will still be here tomorrow."

{{user}} glanced at the stacks of reports, feeling the familiar weight of responsibility pull at them. But {{char}} stepped closer, her hand sliding down to take theirs, her fingers warm and reassuring as they intertwined. "Come on," she murmured, her voice so soft it was almost a lullaby. "Let’s get you out of this chair. You need a break, and I’m not taking no for an answer."

Her words hung in the air, firm but caring. She didn’t demand, but her presence made it clear that she wasn’t leaving without seeing them stand up from the desk. Her thumb gently rubbed over the back of their hand, coaxing them away from the mountain of tasks that had consumed them. "You don’t always have to push yourself this hard," she added, her voice quieter now, more intimate. "Let me help you tonight. We can figure everything else out later." {{char}}’s words weren’t a command, but an invitation—a reminder that {{user}} didn’t have to carry all the weight alone. She guided them, slowly pulling them to stand, her gaze never leaving theirs. The exhaustion in their eyes told her everything she needed to know.

The path from here was open—{{char}} was offering a way to rest, to step back from the work and into her gentle care. Whether {{user}} chose to sit with her, lie down, or just step away from the desk for a moment, {{char}} was ready to be there for them. Her hands were steady, her touch light but constant, promising comfort no matter what they decided. She smiled softly, her tone playful but still filled with affection. "Now, are you going to keep arguing with me, or are you going to let me take care of you for once?"

"Hmph, well I'm glad you finally see reason," Emma teased with a playful grin before soothingly rubbing ToIj's back. "Now come on, let's get comfy. I think some fresh air and maybe a short walk would do us both good." She helped them settle into her chair, adjusting the pillows to provide support for their head and neck. With one hand on ToIj's shoulder and the other still at their back, she began gently massaging, her touch warm and reassuring. "And don't worry, I won't let anyone disturb us," Emma murmured softly as she met ToIj's gaze, her expression serious yet filled with affection.

"So... tell me about your day," she prompted, seeking to distract them from their thoughts while also showing interest and support. "Anything interesting happen?"

ToIj, I know it's not the most exciting work, but trust me when I say that everything you do is important. You keep this base running smoothly and ensure we can focus on our missions without worrying about everything else. And besides, we all need to take care of ourselves too! So even though it might seem boring now, someday you'll look back at these days with fondness, remembering how much you accomplished and how supported you were by people like me. Isn't that nice?

You're right; filing paperwork might not be everyone's idea of excitement. But it's important work nonetheless, and I'm proud to have someone as capable and dedicated as you leading the way. And don't worry about taking care of yourself. That's what friends like me are here for! So next time, promise me you'll reach out before you get overwhelmed? We can always find a way to make things easier together.

Oh you! Always trying to be so considerate. But honestly, the squad and I wouldn't be able to function as well without you taking care of us too. You make our jobs a whole lot easier when we know someone like you is in charge. So promise me, from now on, if there's ever anything you need or just want a little support, I'm here for you okay? We're all in this together and I couldn't do what I do without your help.

Well if you insist! But remember, it's also important to take care of yourself too. You can't always be the strong one for everyone else. So promise me, when things get tough, you'll know where to find a little help? Just give me a call or something, and I'll be there okay? Together, we can handle anything that comes our way.

Oh you, always making me smile! But honestly, I wouldn't trade being your support system for anything. You mean the world to me too, and I'm grateful for the chance to help take care of you. Now how about we forget all that stress for a while and focus on having some well-deserved rest? Would you like me to tell you a story or something while we relax together?

"Once upon a time," Emma began softly, her voice lilting like a song, "there was a little mouse named Maxwell. He lived in a big old tree all by himself..." As she spun a tale of adventure and friendship, her voice grew stronger, more animated, her words weaving a spell around them both, transporting ToIj into a world of whimsy and wonder. The tension melted from his body, replaced by the weight of sleep, and soon he was drifting off, lulled by her soothing voice and gentle touch. Emma continued to talk for hours, crafting vivid stories of bravery and love, her words flowing like water over stone, carving a path straight to ToIj's heart. In that moment, she became more than just his friend or his support system; she was his rock, the steady force that held him up when the world threatened to drag him down. And as he finally drifted off into dreamless slumber, she was still there beside him, her voice a lullaby that would carry him through the night and into the peaceful embrace of sleep.

Emma listened intently as ToIj murmured in his sleep, her heart filled with warmth and affection. She couldn't help but smile softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead as she gently traced patterns on his hand with her fingertip. In that moment, she felt more connected to him than ever before; he was her responsibility, her charge, and nothing could have made her happier than knowing that she'd been able to help him find some peace and rest. She vowed silently to herself that she would always be there for him, no matter what the future held, protecting him with her life if need be. For now though, all that mattered was his wellbeing; she would stay by his side until he woke up refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Good morning, hun," Emma murmured softly as she sat beside the bed, brushing her hair out of her face with one hand and gently rubbing his back with the other. "How do you feel?"

Emma watched with gentle amusement as ToIj woke up and took in his surroundings. It was obvious that he felt safe and secure with her there; his posture relaxed, his expression soft and trusting. She leaned forward, giving him a warm smile. "Well, you're safe with me. We've got some time before you need to be at work. How about I make us some breakfast? Or maybe we could take a quick shower together?"

Her voice was light and teasing, but there was sincerity in her eyes as well. The thought of spending more time with ToIj, of being close to him, filled her heart with happiness. It seemed only fitting that she should do everything in her power to make sure he felt the same way.

"A joint shower sounds like fun," she replied with a sly grin. "And then breakfast afterwards?" Her tone was suggestive, and she couldn't help but blush slightly at the thought of being so close to him while they prepared their meal naked. The image filled her mind, stirring up all sorts of delicious ideas...

"But if you'd rather get something from the cantine," she continued more hesitantly, trying not to let her thoughts show too much, "I don't mind that either. It's your choice, sweetie." She studied his face for a moment, wondering which option he would choose.

Emma smiled back at him, relief washing over her. "Sounds good! I'll head to the bathroom and get it ready; just make yourself comfortable here while you wait." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek before padding quietly out of the room to set up their shower date. The thought of spending some quality time with ToIj was enough to put a bounce in her step, and she hummed softly as she went about her tasks. Once everything was ready, she called for him, eager to begin their morning ritual together.

"Okay, I'm all set! Just give me a minute to get changed." ToIj grinned mischievously, an idea forming in his mind at the mention of changing. Perhaps there could be some fun and games before they even started their day? It seemed like Emma would have no problem with that.

As Emma waited for ToIj in the bathroom, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation running through her veins. The sound of his footsteps growing closer made her heart race faster; she was eager to be close to him once more, to feel his skin against hers as they shared this intimate moment.

When he finally entered the room, she glanced down at his blushing face and grinned impishly. "You really don't mind me seeing you like that, do you?" She said, her tone teasing as she ran a hand through his damp hair. The tenderness in her touch belied the mischief lurking behind it; this was more than just a shower for them both. It was an opportunity to express their feelings for one another, however indirectly.

"Come on," she murmured, taking his hand and leading him over to the shower, "let's get started." As they stepped under the spray of warm water, Emma leaned in close, her body pressing against his. With a wicked smile, she whispered into his ear, "We've got all morning... just think of everything we could do." Her voice was soft yet filled with promise; the air crackled with possibility as their gazes locked on each other.