Page 58 of Controlled Burn
God.
But she already knew she would. Because he'd see it anyway. He always did.
A vibration against her hip: a text from Kennedy. You okay? I saw Jake being weird. I'm here if you need anything. Also… banana bread in the kitchen. Don't let Watts take it all.
Talia's throat tightened, a flash of gratitude and guilt cutting through the haze. Sweet Kennedy. Too good for this place.
She didn't reply.
Maddox
He saw it before she even spoke a word.
She was different tonight—lips tight, shoulders rigid, every move too stiff, too careful. She'd barely said a word at roll call. During drills, she moved like a ghost—flawless, mechanical. And she hadn't touched her dinner.
Now she was on the rig, restocking trauma supplies that didn't need restocking, back turned to the bay.
Dean crossed the floor quietly.
"Talia," he said.
She flinched—just a twitch—but it turned his stomach anyway.
"You okay?"
"Fine," she said, eyes still on the cabinet.
"You're lying."
She slammed the door shut and spun around. Her jaw was locked tight. "I said I'm fine, Captain."
That word. Captain. Cold and formal, the shield she used when she didn't want anyone close.
His eyes narrowed. "Did someone say something?"
"I said I'm fine."
"Was it Jake?"
Her silence answered for her.
Something in him cracked wide open.
Scene: The Confrontation
He found Jake near the apparatus bay, cracking jokes with Kennedy like nothing was wrong. Loud, charming, playing the same easygoing mask he always wore. Brooks caught Dean's eye and looked away—cowardly, complicit.
Dean didn't say a word.
He just grabbed Jake by the front of his duty shirt and slammed him into the gear rack. Harnesses clattered. Helmets shook loose and thudded to the floor. Watts watched, lips curled in a cruel, satisfied line.
The bay went dead silent.
Jake's eyes went wide. "Cap — what the hell —"
"What's your deal with Cross?" Dean snarled.
Jake tried to laugh, the smile faltering at the edges. "Whoa, whoa, I was just being friendly. She's hot, right? Why should you be the only —"
