Felix stirred slowly from sleep. A drowsy smile tugged at the corners of his lips even before his eyes fully opened. He turned his head and looked down at the small, warm bodies curled up beside him—Nathan had his arms loosely wrapped around Maya, and Maya was nestled halfway into Felix's side, her cheek pressed against his chest.
His heart gave a gentle squeeze at the sight.
He had already prepared a room just for them last night—airy, with soft nightlights, storybooks, plush toys, even a little tent. But the moment they saw it, their little faces scrunched up in uncertainty.
"It's too big," Maya had said.
"And dark," Nathan added, gripping his sister's hand.
"Can we sleep with you, Uncle Felix?"
And so, of course, they'd all ended up in his bed. Felix hadn't hesitated. Having them close, knowing they felt safe enough with him—that alone made his chest swell with something warm and protective. The best kind of weight.
