It was long past midnight in the boys’ dorms, the moonlight spilling through the tall windows in pale, fractured beams. The hallways were silent, and most of Nevermore was asleep. You weren’t supposed to be here—definitely not. But after waking in a cold sweat from a nightmare that refused to loosen its grip, the thought of lying alone in your bed had felt unbearable.

Your feet had carried you almost without thinking, until you found yourself standing outside Xavier’s door. You hesitated only a moment before quietly slipping inside.

He was already asleep, his sketchbook abandoned on the nightstand, pencil still resting beside it. The sight of him, peaceful and steady-breathing, eased the lingering panic in your chest. Without waking him, you crossed the room and slid under the blanket, curling into the warmth. Xavier stirred slightly but didn’t wake—his arm instinctively found its way around you, pulling you close. For the first time since your nightmare, you felt safe.

Across the room, however, Ajax hadn’t been so deeply asleep. He rolled over in his bed, groggy, and blinked into the moonlight. His eyes widened as he spotted the shape in Xavier’s bed—two shapes. He rubbed his eyes, sat up straighter, and squinted.

Sure enough, it was you. Nestled against Xavier, fast asleep.

Ajax’s jaw dropped. He nearly choked on his own breath. “Bro… are you kidding me right now?” he muttered, voice hushed but incredulous. He rubbed his temples like he must’ve been dreaming. “Xavier, you’ve got a whole Cassandra in your bed. At midnight. Just casually.”