shut up, you know that I love you

Everest

Everest doesn’t move to adjust Isla, doesn’t shift an arm that might angle her awkwardly; instead he stays exactly where he is and tilts his head until it rests gently against hers, a quiet sigh slipping from him as the contact settles. It feels right like this, balanced and unforced, her warmth fitting neatly into the space beside him. Her words catch him off guard, and he blinks, surprised. Not because he doubts her sincerity, but because he is acutely aware of his own rough edges, the moments when the world is too loud or his thoughts too slow or too fast all at once. Still, he smiles, small and genuine, and tucks the sentiment away carefully, something precious to return to later when he needs reminding.

He sets his glass of iced tea down on the table, freeing both hands so he can cover hers completely, fingers enclosing her warmth with quiet intent. A soft chuckle escapes him at her last comment, his head shaking just slightly. "No," he murmurs, amused. "I very much doubt it’s restful."

He pauses, thinking as he often does, curiosity nudging its way in alongside affection. "Canines and felines need less sleep than humans," he adds thoughtfully, as if working it out aloud. After a small shrug, he goes on, "I wonder if sleeping while shifted would make our sleep more efficient, especially when we're getting less of it."

even if i had to lose you to know you,
i'd still be that temporary phase that you grow through