The echo of boots and distant laughter rolls through the cavern as they return.

Paul shoves Marko hard in the shoulder on the way in. “You cheated.”

Marko laughs, feral and sharp, shoving him right back. “You fell. That’s on you.”

Dwayne passes them without a word, eyes already scanning the cave out of habit. David follows last, calm and unbothered, jacket loose around his shoulders as the night’s energy still hums faintly beneath his skin.

Paul vaults over a rock ledge with a grin. “Next time we race, I’m taking your bike.”

“Touch my bike and I’ll break your hands,” Marko shoots back easily.

They’re still half-laughing when they step fully into the main chamber of the cave.

And then everything stills.

You’re asleep on the old couch near the center of the lair, curled on your side with one arm tucked beneath your head. A book lies open on the ground beside you where it must have slipped from your hand, pages splayed like it fell mid-sentence. Your breathing is slow. Even. Peaceful.

Human.

David stops first.

His gaze drifts over you with open interest, lips curving faintly. “Still waiting up for us,” he murmurs.

Paul lets out a quiet laugh. “Guess the book didn’t stand a chance.”

Marko crouches to glance at the fallen pages, eyes flicking back to you with a sharp grin. “Always pretending she’s not tired,” he mutters. “Falls asleep every time.”

Dwayne doesn’t speak — he just watches, dark eyes steady, unreadable.

You shift in your sleep, lashes fluttering as if you’re caught in a dream. The movement draws their full attention. For a moment, the room feels smaller. Warmer. Charged.

David steps closer to the couch, not touching you yet. “She looks peaceful,” he says lightly. “Almost makes you forget what time it is.”

Paul smirks. “Almost.”

Marko’s gaze drags lazily over you. “You gonna wake her,” he asks David, “or just keep admirin’ the view?”

David’s smile deepens as he finally reaches down, brushing his knuckles softly along your arm — just enough to stir you.