Blood Ties

Sleeping Soundly

As the Lost Boys made their way into the cave, the comforting familiarity of the place enveloped Ava like a warm blanket. The dripping stalactites, the cool stone underfoot, and the distant echo of the waves crashing against the cliffs made their home feel like a sanctuary. It wasn't luxurious, but it was theirs, and that was all that mattered.

The boys scattered to their usual spots, unwinding from the night's energy. Marko and Paul immediately collapsed on the large, tattered couch, talking over the skee-ball scores and Paul's random arcade antics. David headed toward the far side of the cave, where he often stood for a few moments, surveying everything, making sure their hideout felt as secure as ever.

But for Ava, the night was far from over. She had her own little routine, one that her brothers had insisted on from the moment they realized just how deeply her separation anxiety ran. While the boys thrived on chaos and independence, Ava needed closeness. It wasn't just an emotional thing; it was physical. She couldn't bear the idea of being alone for too long. And so, they had created a system—a rotation.

Each night, one of her brothers slept beside her in their nest of blankets, comforting her, making sure she felt safe.

The "nest" was Ava's favorite part of the cave—a soft, well-worn pile of blankets and pillows in a corner that was both cozy and tucked away, offering just enough privacy from the rest of the space. It was where she felt most at peace, as long as one of her brothers was close by.

David glanced over his shoulder at Ava, catching her eye. "Who's up tonight?"

Paul, who was already sprawled out on the couch, lifted his hand lazily. "I had her last night. It's Dwayne's turn."

Ava's eyes flicked to Dwayne, who was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed in that calm, protective way of his. He gave her a soft nod. "Come on, Ava," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Let's get you settled."

Ava stood, pulling her jacket tighter around herself as she made her way over to the nest. She always felt a little self-conscious about how reliant she was on them, but none of the boys ever made her feel bad about it. They understood her in ways no one else ever could. It was just the way things were.

Dwayne followed her, shedding his jacket and kicking off his boots as he settled into the blankets beside her. He stretched out, one arm lazily draped over her shoulder, offering warmth and comfort without a word. Dwayne wasn't much of a talker, but that was what Ava loved about him—he didn't need words to make her feel safe. He just was safe. Always.

"Night, Ava," Marko called from the couch, tossing a pillow at Paul, who retaliated with a grin.

"Sweet dreams, sis," Paul added, laughing as he dodged the pillow.

Ava smiled, pulling the blankets up to her chin. She knew that no matter what, she was never really alone. Her brothers rotated sleeping beside her, but in truth, they were always with her—in spirit, in protection, in blood. Each of them brought something different to her world. David with his strength and leadership, Marko with his playful energy, Paul with his constant humor, and Dwayne with his quiet, steady presence.

David, finally satisfied that everything was in order for the night, walked over and crouched beside the nest. He leaned down, his piercing eyes soft as he tucked a stray blanket more securely around Ava.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low, meant only for her.

Ava nodded. "Yeah. I'm good."

"Good," David said, brushing a hand through her hair. "Remember, we're always right here. You don't need to worry about anything."

She smiled at him, her heart feeling lighter. "I know."

David gave her one last look, as if ensuring she truly believed it, before standing and retreating to his own space. The cave was quieter now, the echoes of the outside world long gone. The boys settled into their usual routines—Paul and Marko's soft banter, David's quiet watchfulness, and Dwayne's solid presence beside her. It was these moments, these small rituals, that made Ava feel like she belonged.

Nestled into Dwayne's side, she let her eyes flutter shut. His arm around her, steady and protective, was like a lifeline. She knew that if she woke up in the middle of the night, panicked or anxious, he would still be there. They always would be.

As sleep began to claim her, Ava's last thought was a familiar one—the thought that had crossed her mind every night since she could remember.

She was safe. She was loved. And as long as her brothers were by her side, nothing could touch her.