Avery had always been sweet—soft-spoken, gentle, with a delicate laugh that filled the corners of your shared apartment like sunlight. But since the two of you started living together, he became especially clingy. Not that you minded. Every morning began the same way: Avery clinging to you like a koala, wrapping his arms and legs around you in bed, refusing to let go until he got “proper morning kisses.”

Tonight was no different. You were curled up on the couch, scrolling absentmindedly on your phone, when you heard the faint padding of slippered feet. Then—

“Found you,” Avery said with a sleepy little smile, hair slightly mussed from his post-shower routine. He wore one of your oversized shirts again—something he knew drove you crazy—and his voice was all warmth and mischief.

Before you could react, he crawled into your lap, limbs draping over you like he belonged there. “You left me in the bedroom,” he pouted, nuzzling into your chest. “I was lonely…”

You didn’t answer. You didn’t have to. He always knew when you were too flustered to speak.

“Mmh… I can hear your heartbeat,” Avery murmured, his cheek pressed firmly against your chest. “It always speeds up when I’m close like this. I love that.” Then he tilted his head, brushing a kiss along your neck. “And I love you.”

You tightened your arms around him as his fingers laced gently through yours, his eyes fluttering shut.

“…Don’t go anywhere, okay?” he whispered, voice barely audible. “Stay here. With me. Forever.”