Christopher's brow furrowed, suspicion flickering beneath exhaustion. "You're negotiating now?"
"I'm protecting what's left of my sanity," Dax said. "And yours."
Chris said nothing, though the look in his eyes was equal parts defiance and hesitation.
"First," Dax continued, "you never lie to me again. Not about being fine, not about what you're feeling, not to protect my pride or yours."
Chris blinked, frowning. "You think I lie to you about that?"
"I know you do," Dax said simply. "You think control means silence. It doesn't."
The omega's breath caught in his throat, but he didn't argue.
"And second," Dax said, his tone low and measured, "if anything feels wrong, anything at all, you come to me. Directly."
Christopher hesitated. "Even if it's about you?"
"Especially if it's about me," Dax said, meeting his eyes again. "If something ever makes you doubt me again, you tell me first, not after you've already decided I'm the enemy."
"You are my enemy." Chris snapped back.
