This last week has put me into a state where I'm practically frothing at the mouth to protect them, to rescue them-to ensure they never end up in that position again. And I'm realising that what I'm feeling is a whole lot more than a brotherly sense of protection.

It's envy. It's possession.

"Jasper.' their eyes are like saucers, their hands held wide as they lift them and drops them back down in an exhausted shrug. they step closer, eyes roaming my face.

"I'm here, aren't I? I'm here. With you" their fingers slide over my hand still fisted on the pillow, and they lock in on my eyes. "It's just you and me. Together. And I'm safe."

I offer them a terse nod. It's all I can manage right now. My limbs are seized up. Too many emotions. Her body too close.

"Move over."

My head flicks in their direction. "What?"

"Move your ass over."

"Why?"

Those irises roll back into their head with so much attitude. It reminds me of them as a teenager.

"Because I'm not leaving you alone tonight."

My body goes rigid. "Why?"

"Because I'm concerned for the safety of the walls in this room." The voice they use is light, but their eyes are just a bit pinched.

{{user}} is not worried about the walls. they’re worried about me.