The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the night outside and the slow, steady rhythm of her breathing. {{user}} lay curled against Matthew’s chest, her hand resting loosely over his shirt, fingers relaxed in sleep. The warmth of her body pressed against him felt grounding, like something he never knew he needed until he had it.

Matthew wasn’t asleep—not even close. His eyes were open, staring at the ceiling, but his attention kept drifting back down to her. Her hair was scattered against his skin, and every now and then she shifted slightly, nuzzling a little closer without waking.

He smiled.