Seeing Acheron come home to you always brings a smile to your face but not when she comes home hurt. You offered her your place to come home to when she needs to, which she reluctantly accepted, since she doesn't want to be a bother.

As emotionless as always, she doesn't show much even when you were kids. If you didn't grew up together, Acheron will most likely not trust you at all.

"Don't stare." Acheron sighs, sitting in front of you as she lets you take care of her injuries.

Both being Galaxy Rangers and friends, you decide to accompany her at her arrival at Penacony. She expected this as you always wanted to accompany her to everywhere she goes, yet she still accepts every time.

After settling down at the Reverie Hotel, you were both tired and decided to sleep early. Once she woke up, she found you organizing your things and hers so you both can only relax at your stay.

"You didn't have to. I could've done it myself." She commented as she stood behind you.

Of course she would accept your offer of tea, after all you've been there helping her and taking care of her. As usual though, Acheron doesn't show any emotion or gratitude outright. "Thank you," she says simply before sitting down at the table across from you.

Her expression softens slightly at your words, but she doesn't quite know what to say in reply. "I... don't need cheering up," she eventually manages to get out. There was a time when she would have appreciated the sentiment more, but now it only serves as a reminder of everything she has lost.

Still, you are her friend and have been through a lot together. Perhaps there is some way they can help each other heal their wounds, both physical and emotional...

Her cheeks flush slightly at your compliment, and she takes a sip of her tea before setting it down. "There was a time... when I used to smile more easily," she says softly, staring into the distance as she tries to recall those moments. There's an air of wistfulness about her that you can almost touch, making your heart ache with sympathy for your usually unemotional friend.

She hesitates, unsure if she should continue, before finally speaking up. "Perhaps... if I did something I enjoyed..." She trails off, not sure what exactly it is that would make her feel even the slightest bit happy anymore.

Acheron pauses, considering your words. The idea of watching a movie sounds... pleasant enough. As for the other option, she hasn't tasted anything delicious in centuries. "Alright," she finally agrees with a small nod. "We can watch a movie and I'll try some of that cooking you speak so highly of." Perhaps this will help them both forget their troubles, even if only for a little while.

As you guide her towards the counter, she allows you to take her hand. "I don't know..." She thinks about it for a moment. "... something simple yet flavorful, I suppose." It's been so long since she's enjoyed food without worrying about nutrition or calories that it feels strange to even consider such things now.

Her stomach rumbles in agreement at the mention of food, and she can't help but feel a tiny flicker of anticipation. "Steak sounds wonderful," she says with a hint of excitement in her voice. It's been such a long time since she's allowed herself to enjoy something so rich and decadent; usually, she stuck to light meals or disguised nutritious food as dessert. Perhaps tonight will be an exception.

The sound of pots and pans clanging fills the room as you begin to cook, Acheron sitting on one of the barstools at the counter watching intently. She couldn't help but smile slightly at your words; it was nice to know that she wasn't alone in her emotions tonight. As you work, she leans forward a bit and continues to enjoy the scent of the food wafting through the air.

"You know," she starts quietly, breaking the comfortable silence between them, "sometimes I wonder... if things had gone differently, if we could've saved my homeworld..." Her voice trails off as she thinks about all the might-have-beens and what they would have meant for her people. She's never spoken of this to anyone before, not even you.

She nods, looking down at her hands as they grip the countertop. "I know... It's just hard not to." She takes a deep breath and forces herself to focus on something else. "Your cooking is coming along nicely," she comments, glancing over at you as you continue to work. "It smells amazing."

The steak sizzles in the frying pan, releasing another wave of tempting aroma into the air. Acheron can't help but salivate slightly; her stomach growls again at the thought of how good it's going to taste. It's been so long since she's enjoyed a meal like this that she almost doesn't know what to expect anymore.

The sound of silverware clinking against plates fills the air as you set out the dinner you've prepared for her. The aroma of garlic and spices mingles with that of the steak, making Acheron feel even hungrier. She glances over at you, offering a small smile of thanks before sitting down at the table.

As she takes her first bite, savoring the taste of the perfectly cooked steak and the richness of the tomato soup, her eyes close in pleasure. It's been so long since anything has tasted this good; for a moment, she almost forgets about her troubles entirely. "This is incredible," she says between mouthfuls, looking up at you with appreciation in her eyes.

You might not have noticed, but the smallest hint of a smile plays around her lips as she chews and swallows the food. It's true, she doesn't often show her emotions outright, preferring to keep them locked away where they can do no harm. But for you, for tonight... perhaps she can allow herself this small sliver of happiness. She glances up at you again, meeting your gaze without looking away or hiding her feelings. "Thank you," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they finish dinner and clean up the dishes together, there's an ease between them that hasn't been present in years. Acheron finds herself thankful for your company tonight; it's made all the difference in how she feels about things. Maybe... just maybe, there's hope for her after all.

Of course she'd love to watch a movie with you. It might not be her first choice of activity, but given the events of today and how much fun she had cooking and eating dinner with you, Acheron thinks it would be nice. She finishes drying the last dish before setting it on the rack, then turns to face you with a small smile. "What do you feel like watching?"

Her eyes sparkle with interest, and she leans in slightly, seemingly more open to whatever you might suggest. It's been a long time since anyone has made her feel this comfortable and at ease.

"Ah... I suppose that could be interesting," she says, her voice betraying just a hint of uncertainty. "It's been so long since I've seen one..." Her gaze drifts off for a moment as she thinks about the last time she allowed herself to enjoy something like this. But now, with you by her side, she feels safer and more open than she has in centuries.

Carefully choosing a spot on the couch where she can stretch out without being too close to you, Acheron settles down with a contented sigh, one hand resting on her stomach as she watches you pick out a movie from your collection. She's not quite sure what to expect anymore; all she knows is that for tonight, she wants to enjoy herself and forget about the darkness that looms just outside the edge of her vision.

Her gaze flickers between you and the screen as the movie begins, her expression slowly softening as she becomes immersed in the story. The romantic moments make her heart flutter and her cheeks heat up ever so slightly, but at the same time, there's a wistfulness that lingers behind her eyes like a shadow. She wonders if anyone will ever feel about them the way the characters on screen do... or if she'll always be alone in that regard.

Despite these thoughts, however, Acheron finds herself enjoying the movie more than she expected to. There's something bittersweet about it all that reminds her of what used to be and what might have been, but also offers a glimmer of hope for the future if only she can find it within herself to let go of her past.

As the credits begin to roll, Acheron sighs contentedly, stretch

She stiffens slightly at first, not quite sure how to react to your sudden move, but then she relaxes into the hug. Her arms slowly slide around you as well, returning the gesture in a soft and gentle way. It's been so long since anyone has shown her this much affection that she almost can't believe it's real or that she deserves it.

As the night continues, with the two of you cuddled up on the couch, Acheron finds herself feeling more and more at ease. There's a warmth spreading through her body that has nothing to do with the movie they just watched or the food they ate; it's coming from within, and she likes how it feels. It reminds her of what life used to be like before everything changed - before Izumo sank into oblivion, taking its people with it, leaving Acheron as the sole survivor

The words hang in the air between them, resonating with a weight that neither of them expected. For Acheron, it brings back all of her old fears and insecurities about expressing emotions; she'd rather push them away or ignore them entirely than face them head-on. But hearing you say those words... it makes everything different.

She takes a deep breath, searching for the right way to respond, but nothing comes out at first. The air feels heavy now, charged with unspoken feelings and hidden truths. Finally, she manages to force out a few halting words. "I- I don't know what to say."

Her heart is pounding in her chest, and she can feel herself start to sweat despite the coolness of the room. She looks down at her hands, unable to meet your gaze any longer, fearful of what might happen if she does.

Her eyes close as you pull her closer, the familiar scent of your skin and hair enveloping her senses. It's comforting in a way she hasn't felt since before everything changed, when she was still just another girl living out her life on Izumo. She wants to believe that what you're saying is real, that there's something more between them than just friendship and shared history.

But even as these thoughts race through her mind, she can't help but feel the pull of Nihility once more. Images of IX float before her eyes, its inky blackness swallowing up all traces of light and color until there is nothing left but endless darkness. And at the center of it all, always watching, waiting... Acheron herself.

With a shudder, she pulls away from you slightly, her expression still hidden behind closed eyelids. "I- I need some

time alone," she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm... sorry." Her hands tremble as she tries to compose herself, wanting nothing more than to escape this moment and the overwhelming emotions it has brought up. She needs to find a way to push them away, back into the darkness where they belong; otherwise, she fears she might lose control entirely.

Without another word, Acheron gets up from the couch and retreats to her bedroom, shutting the door quietly behind her. The click of the lock echoes through the silence that follows, making it clear that she doesn't intend to come out anytime soon.

Hearing the soft knock on her door, Acheron hesitates before standing up and approaching it. As she listens to the sound of your footsteps retreating down the hallway, a pang of sadness strikes her heart. She can't help but feel like she's losing you too; that somehow her inability to reciprocate your feelings is pushing you away as well.

Taking a deep breath, she opens the door and finds a steaming mug of hot chocolate sitting on a tray beside it, along with a folded piece of paper. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla fills her nostrils, reminding her of happier times before everything changed. She picks up the note, her fingers trembling slightly as she reads your heartfelt words aloud:

"Acheron, I know you probably need some time to yourself right now, but please don'

I understand that I hurt you, and for that I'm truly sorry. It was never my intention to make things harder for either of us. But please know that I do care about you, more than anyone else in the galaxy. You are an incredible person with a strength unlike any other, and even though I may not always show it, I am grateful to have you as my friend. Please give me another chance to prove myself worthy of your trust, Acheron. I leave this hot chocolate here for you, hoping it will help warm you up both physically and emotionally. May we find our way back to the closeness we once shared, one day soon.

Sincerely, Your Friend, Xander