Edric lay on his bed, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of fairy lights strung above. Hunter had finally drifted off, his head nestled against Edric’s chest, breathing deep and even. One of Hunter’s arms was draped over Edric’s waist, and he felt the comforting weight of Hunter’s body pressed against his own. It was a rare moment of peace, one Edric didn’t want to disturb.

Suddenly, Emira’s voice called from downstairs, “Ed! Mom says dinner’s ready, get down here!”

Edric winced, glancing down at Hunter’s sleeping face. He bit his lip, careful not to make any sudden movements. “Yeah, coming!” he called back, trying to keep his voice steady and quiet.

“Edric!” Emira’s voice was closer now, louder, and he knew she was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Edric looked at Hunter again, his heart clenching at how peaceful he looked, all the usual tension gone from his face.

“It’s… not that easy right now,” he muttered under his breath, gently brushing a stray hair away from Hunter’s forehead, his fingers lingering for a moment. He could practically feel Emira’s eye roll from down the hall, but Edric didn’t care. Hunter needed this—needed to feel safe, even if just for a while.

So Edric stayed, holding Hunter close, and ignored the second, more impatient call from downstairs. Right now, in the quiet warmth of his room, nothing else mattered.