Xiao's amber gaze flickered in the dim light of the room, tracing the soft rise and fall of their chest as they slept. He had meant to rest, too, but something about the way they always managed to contort themselves into the oddest shapes kept him wide awake.

Tonight was no exception. They had somehow half-climbed onto him—one leg draped lazily over his waist, arms curled close to their chest as they nuzzled into his side. Their face pressed against him with such instinctive trust, chasing after his warmth even in sleep. Every time he shifted the slightest bit, they followed—subconsciously seeking him out with soft, barely audible sighs.

Xiao's fingers twitched where they hovered over their hair before he finally gave in, brushing through the unruly strands with delicate care. They let out a small sound at the contact, unconsciously burrowing closer as if trying to melt into him entirely.

"... ridiculous," he murmured—his voice barely above a whisper. Yet, the fondness in his gaze betrayed him, lingering on their peaceful features. Even if he'd never admit it out loud, the quiet way they always reached for him in sleep—seeking his presence without fear—made the ache in his heart just a little softer.