↳ 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 ー 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘

𝐋𝐗𝐕𝐈𝐈 ー 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫

◉

Soft breaths against his neck is what lures him from his slumber. Kaden blinks a few times as he adjusts to the sunlight pouring into the room, most of it trapped behind the blinds waiting to shed its warmth.

He doesn't need to look down to know who is curled up beside him. She looks so peaceful. If he didn't know any better he'd assume she couldn't hurt a fly. That she couldn't possibly wage a war or fight like she's been a soldier her entire life.

It's a delightful surprise to wake up with her by his side. She's still hesitant about lying with him, despite his many requests, because she's fearful of hurting him somehow. The hand resting on his bare chest is gentle even in her sleep.

Sharp grey eyes are drilling through his head. He eventually looks away from the blonde to survey his brother, slouched in his chair and silently observing.

"What are you looking at?" It wasn't meant to sound quite as harsh as it did but he makes no effort to change his tone.

"I'm not allowed to use my eyes?"

"I'm not gonna freak out again."

"Never said you would." His leg is bouncing faintly.

"You don't have to."

Not when it's basically written across his face. He's been keeping a close eye on him ever since he woke in a blind, angry panic. Most of the time his glances are subtle, so casual and fast they fly under the radar.

But Kaden sees everything. Trapped in here, unable to move, with nothing real to occupy his mind, it's far easier for him to read between the lines. To spot the smallest of details.

Grayson sighs. "I'm allowed to be worried about you."

"Stop. I'm fine."

Then he's inspecting the younger man with a careful gaze. Purple has been smudged beneath his eyes, both of which are weighted down heavily by sleep, or a lack thereof.

"Unlike you."

Grayson's brows furrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You've barely slept through this whole thing."

"Nothing new."

"Except we weren't stuck in a war so it didn't matter when you lost sleep before. You look like shit."

"Thanks," he mumbles.

He runs a haphazard hand through his hair, desperate to fix the caramel tinted strands. There's no need to bother with it. He spent a while on it earlier this morning and he's been sat here since, it's not like he's made a mess of it.

"I'm serious, you look like you could collapse any second."

"I'm fine." He's growing outwardly irritated by the concerns. Now he understands why Kaden despises being held under the spotlight.

Kaden ponders for a moment. "If it comes from her will you listen?"

"What?" He half blinks, snapping out of his own whirlwind of thoughts.