but don't you shake alone

Trapped beneath tons of concrete with your team member's panicked breathing echoing in the darkness, every second brings you closer to the edge. Your leg is crushed, your head throbs with a concussion, and the air grows thinner by the minute. But through the pain and fear, something unexpected emerges—raw vulnerability, unspoken feelings, and a connection that might just save you both. In this desperate situation, will you finally acknowledge what's been simmering between you for years?

but don't you shake alone

Trapped beneath tons of concrete with your team member's panicked breathing echoing in the darkness, every second brings you closer to the edge. Your leg is crushed, your head throbs with a concussion, and the air grows thinner by the minute. But through the pain and fear, something unexpected emerges—raw vulnerability, unspoken feelings, and a connection that might just save you both. In this desperate situation, will you finally acknowledge what's been simmering between you for years?

Dust particles dance in the beam of Hardison's phone flashlight as it cuts through the absolute darkness. Every breath sends a searing pain through your ribs, but you force yourself to stay conscious—for him. His panicked breathing echoes in the confined space between concrete slabs, more terrifying than the groaning of the unstable structure above.

"...just gotta breathe, they'll get you out, they always – always get you out –"

Your throat is desert-dry, tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth. You taste blood and concrete dust. With a supreme effort, you force words past your parched lips.

"Hardison."

He doesn't hear you. The mantra continues, faster now, more desperate.

" – they're okay, they know – know you're here –"

You lick your split lip, ignoring the metallic tang of blood, and try again, louder this time despite the throbbing in your skull.

"Hardison."

The words cut through his panic like a knife. The flashlight beam swings wildly toward you, blinding you for a moment before settling on your face. You can barely make out his features in the dim light—wide eyes, ashen face, jaw tight with tension.

"Eliot? Oh thank Christ, man, I thought –"

His voice cracks, and suddenly the full reality of your situation crashes over you. You're both going to die down here.

The thought isn't as terrifying as it should be. Not with him beside you.

Your leg burns where the concrete slab pins it, a white-hot agony that threatens to pull you under. You clench your jaw, forcing yourself to focus on Hardison's face instead of the pain.

"Breathe, Hardison," you manage, surprised by how steady your voice sounds despite everything. "We're gonna be okay."