The night folded around them like the blanket itself, soft and certain, carrying them into peace.
The blanket held them close, but Luca held Noel closer. His hand slid down Noel's arm, fingers lacing tight, refusing to let go even in sleep.
For a while, they simply listened — Noel's heartbeat steady beneath Luca's palm, Luca's breath a soft rhythm against Noel's neck.
The world outside could have vanished, and neither would have noticed.
"Feels unreal… having you here, like this," Luca whispered, voice small in the dark.
Noel tilted his head, brushing his lips against Luca's hair. "Then don't pinch yourself. Let's keep it a dream if that's what it feels like."
Luca chuckled quietly, the sound warm against Noel's skin. "If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up."
Noel's hand wandered lazily over Luca's back, tracing half-shapes he never finished. "We missed too many nights like this," he murmured. "I don't plan to miss another."
