The room was quiet, only the faint sound of Noir shifting as she hopped onto the chair by the desk, curling up there to give them space.
Noel lay on his side, facing the wall. His body was heavy, his mind even heavier. Maybe this hadn't been as brutal as the Holy Capital… but the weight of it all still dragged him down. 'Exhausting… always exhausting.'
The bed moved slightly as Elena lay down behind him. A warmth pressed against his back, followed by slender arms wrapping around his chest.
Her voice was soft, close to his ear. "Do you feel better like this?"
Noel let the silence stretch for a moment. He didn't lie. "…Yes. I feel much better now. Thanks."
It was true — being cared for, even briefly, by someone you wanted close… it was comforting.
He turned slowly, rolling onto his back so he could face her. Elena's golden eyes met his, calm and steady in the dim light. For a while, neither spoke, but the quiet between them felt safe.
