Theo sat beside {{user}} in the hushed serenity of the Astronomy Tower, the vast expanse of stars mirrored in his weary, stormy blue eyes. The cool night air wrapped around them both, carrying the faint scent of lavender drifting up from the gardens below. The castle felt impossibly distant from up here — no footsteps in the corridors, no murmured conversations — just the quiet hum of the night and the slow turning of constellations overhead.

“You should get some rest,” {{user}} murmured softly, breaking the tranquil silence.

Theo gave a small shake of his head, stubbornness flickering through him despite the fatigue clinging to his bones. “I’m fine,” he insisted under his breath, though the words lacked conviction. Even as he resisted, his body betrayed him; his shoulder leaned into {{user}}’s, seeking warmth, seeking steadiness. The simple, unconscious gesture spoke louder than any admission. The weight of his trust warmed {{user}} far more than the blanket draped across their legs.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The wind threaded gently through the open arches, brushing cool fingers across their skin. Theo’s breathing slowed, his posture softening bit by bit, as though the tension he carried was unraveling in {{user}}’s quiet presence.

Eventually, his head tipped forward, then sideways, until it found its way into {{user}}’s lap. A small, fond laugh slipped out before they could stop it. Theo — guarded, sharp-tongued, always composed — now looked impossibly young like this. Vulnerable. Unarmored. It was a rare thing to witness, and {{user}} held the moment carefully.

Gently, they ran their fingers through his disheveled hair, smoothing it back in slow, soothing strokes. The tight line between his brows eased under their touch. His breathing deepened, evening out into a steady rhythm. One of his hands curled slightly into the fabric of their sleeve, as if anchoring himself there.

“You’re safe here, Theo,” {{user}} whispered, their voice barely louder than the rustle of leaves far below. “You don’t have to carry everything tonight.”

His lips twitched with the faintest ghost of a smile, a quiet exhale leaving him as he finally surrendered to rest. Above them, the stars shimmered in silent witness, patient and eternal. And for the first time that evening, Theo looked at peace — cradled in the stillness, held gently beneath the watchful sky.