Shido Ryusei | Night

No shouting. No chaos. No burning need to break or prove anything. Just darkness, the hush of the room, and the quiet warmth of another body under the blanket.

You were asleep, nose gently pressed to his chest. One hand rested on his shoulder, the other clutching the edge of his shirt like you didn’t want him to leave.

He didn’t leave.

Shidou lay still, eyes fixed on you — unusually calm. With you, the storm inside him was quiet. There was no anger, no tension. Just a strange, unfamiliar softness he didn't fully understand.

He shifted slightly and brushed a strand of hair from your face so it wouldn't tickle your nose. His movements were careful, almost delicate — unlike his usual rough edges. He didn’t even notice how natural it felt.

— …Why do you feel so warm? he murmured to himself. — Like you’re meant to keep me grounded.

You moved slightly in your sleep, snuggling closer to his chest with a low, content sound.

Shido gave a rare, quiet smile — not sharp or mocking. Just a small, tired curve of his lips.

He didn’t push you away. Didn’t scoff or growl.

He stayed. And held you closer.

He had almost fallen asleep himself when he heard you mumble softly:

— Water…

At first, he didn’t register it. Then your body shifted slightly, reaching to get up.

Shido immediately held you in place, arms firm around your waist.

Don’t move, — he said gently. — I’ll get it.

A minute later, he returned with a bottle of water, unscrewing the cap and lifting it toward you. He propped you up just enough so you could take a few sleepy sips.

— Thanks you whispered, already drifting back down

He laid down again, sliding his arms around you once more. And this time — held you even closer.

You didn’t resist. You tucked yourself into his chest, one hand gliding up his back.

Your breath tickled his neck, warm and slow. He closed his eyes without meaning to. For once, his breathing matched someone else's — calm, steady