Author's Note:
Even warriors have brothers who send food and mothers who write guilt-tripped post-its.
But behind the warmth of pizza and banter lies a growing awareness:
This wasn't just violence.
It was a message.
And someone very dangerous—someone used to controlling outcomes—is now asking questions.
📱 [SageLine]
Ishaan:
Cleanup's done. Media wiped. Sniper taken alive, just like you said.
Also, Mom's pissed. Dad too. Something about "you finally dating and some idiot thinks they can interrupt?"
Niv (typing back):
They're overreacting.
Ishaan:
They're reacting like parents. Rare moment.
Also, they think dating Sera is a good sign. You're no longer just gaming with Ethan or reading stupid journals on AI.
Niv:
I like journals.
Ishaan:
We know.
(Pause. Another ping.)
Ishaan:
You want me to handle the sniper?
Niv:
Start breaking him but don't ask any questions. Right now, I'm going to sleep.
Ishaan:
You sure?
Niv:
Yeah. If I need something, I'll tell you. Let them know that.
(Typed, dryly)
"Tell Mom I've still got both kidneys."
Ishaan (through the line, amused):
"She's not worried about your kidneys. She's worried about your bones. And your calorie intake."
Niv:
"I handled it."
Ishaan:
"No. You burned through reserves, killed a small army, and skipped dinner. So I handled it."
Niv:
"…What did you do?"
Ishaan:
"You'll see. Just open the door in ten."
Niv:
"Please don't say it's dal and rice."
Ishaan:
"It's pizza. You're welcome. But if she calls, pretend it was your idea."
Niv (half-smiling):
"She still thinks I have an eating disorder?"
Ishaan:
"She still thinks I'm a negligent older brother and that you are thirteen."
Niv:
"Fair."
[Scene: Sera's Apartment – Night]
The rain had softened to a mist against the glass.
The storm inside had passed, but it left behind a stillness that didn't feel like peace—just the echo of motion paused.
Sera had fallen asleep on the couch, curled into Niv's side. One hand rested lightly on his chest, like she didn't trust the world to let her hold him again.
Niv slipped out gently. She didn't stir.
He walked to the window, phone to his ear.
The call was wrapping up.
Click.
[Scene: Entryway – Minutes Later]
Jaime stood near the kitchen, nursing a bruised rib. He hadn't left since the rooftop. Hadn't said much either.
Then—a knock at the door.
Not loud. Just two sharp raps.
Jaime straightened. Subtle, but noticeable. One hand drifted toward his belt—not paranoia, but calculation.
Niv walked past him calmly, bare feet silent on hardwood.
Jaime (tense):
"You expecting someone?"
Niv:
"Yeah. My brother."
Jaime:
"He's here?"
Niv:
"In spirit."
Door unlocks. Swings open.
Just a delivery guy, holding two boxes and a drink carrier. Slightly confused at the tension in the air.
Delivery guy:
"Uh… one large—pepper paneer, extra jalapeño. One thin crust—mushroom, onion. And uh—this fell off the top."
He hands over a folded post-it note, slightly grease-stained.
Niv reads it silently:
"You're not invincible. Eat something. – Mom."
"Also, I made the call. She was gonna send dal and rice. You're welcome. – Ishaan"
He smirks. Takes the boxes. Closes the door.
Turns to see Jaime still watching him—more confused now than cautious.
Niv (deadpan):
"Relax. It's just carbs."
Jaime (after a beat):
"…I thought we were under siege again."
Niv (sets pizza on counter):
"Not tonight. Just familial guilt."
He opens a box. The steam rises.
Jaime stares. Then walks over slowly.
[Scene: Sera's apartment. Dim light. Rain ticking faintly on glass.]
Niv opens the door. It's pizza. Jaime tenses—then eases when it's just a delivery guy.
He shuts the door.
Niv takes the box to the kitchen.
Jaime follows, still quiet.
Jaime (after a beat):
"Your family always micromanage your diet?"
Niv (without looking up):
"Only when I commit violence on an empty stomach."
Jaime blinks. Then huffs. Not quite a laugh. Not quite disbelief.
They sit at the counter.
Two slices in, no words. Just chewing.
Then—
Jaime (quietly):
"You scared me."
Niv doesn't look up. Doesn't answer. Just keeps eating.
Jaime:
"I've fought monsters. Seen what happens when people snap. This wasn't that."
He looks over. Not angry. Not afraid anymore. Just... unsettled.
"You moved like it was art. Like it was familiar."
Niv finally replies, voice low:
Niv:
"I was hungry."
Jaime shakes his head, leans back. That line should've annoyed him. But instead—
Jaime (mutters):
"Your whole damn family is okay with this?"
Niv (still calm):
"Mom's upset I lost weight. Dad thinks it's good I'm finally 'getting out more.' Ishaan just wishes I shot faster."
Jaime stares.
Jaime:
"Jesus."
Niv:
"They're supportive."
Silence.
Then a mutual nod.
A strange, quiet respect.