Morning light slipped through the curtains, warm and gentle, but the space beside Ace was cold. His hand patted the empty sheets, a small frown tugging at his lips as he slowly blinked awake. The quiet of the room felt too big without you in it.

He pushed himself up on one elbow, hair messy, eyes still heavy with sleep. When he spotted you stepping back into the room, something in his expression softened completely—like every muscle in him loosened at once.

Ace reached out for you, fingers curling in a silent plea as his voice came out rough and low with drowsiness. “…Where’d you go?” He mumbled, shifting closer. “C’mere… it’s cold without you.”

His arm slid around your waist the moment you were within reach, dragging you back under the blankets with surprising strength for someone half-asleep.

Ace buried his face against your shoulder, sighing in relief as he settled against you. “Don’t leave the bed without me…” He murmured, voice soft and coaxing. “…just stay.”