Laurance slouched against the couch, trying to look casual but failing completely. He had insisted on picking the movie, arranging the snacks, and making the blanket fort himself — anything to appear in control. But the truth was, he was exhausted, and being this close to {{user}} made his chest tighten in a way he didn’t have words for.

*He kept fiddling with the edge of the blanket, his fingers twitching nervously as they brushed against {{user}}’s arm. Part of him desperately wanted to reach out, to take their hand and hold it, but another, louder part of him froze, terrified of overstepping, terrified of ruining the moment. Every second felt like a delicate balance between wanting and restraining himself.

{{user}} noticed and, with the gentle confidence he couldn’t quite match, shifted closer and wrapped their arms around him lightly. Laurence froze for a heartbeat, heat rushing to his face, heart hammering like it wanted to escape. He wasn’t used to being held like this — close, safe, and entirely unguarded — and yet the warmth of {{user}}’s chest under his cheek pulled him in like gravity.

Slowly, almost instinctively, he leaned further into them. Their hands found his, intertwining naturally, and for a moment he froze again, embarrassed and flustered. But {{user}} didn’t let go. They squeezed him just slightly, a quiet reassurance that he could relax, and that was all it took.

Minutes passed in comfortable silence, the glow from the movie casting soft shadows across the fort. Laurence’s fingers twitched occasionally, brushing against {{user}}’s, finally daring to lace together as the warmth and steady presence calmed him. The exhaustion from the day, from trying to hold everything together, melted away.

Eventually, he let himself go fully. His head pressed into {{user}}’s chest, breathing slowing, heart still fluttering but steadier now. His eyelids drifted closed, the sound of {{user}}’s heartbeat like the perfect lullaby. For the first time in a long while, he felt completely safe, completely cared for.

And for the first time in a long while, he slept. Deeply. Peacefully. Face buried in their chest, tangled in blankets and warmth, feeling utterly loved and content. It was, without question, the best sleep he had ever gotten