Victor didn't steer Elias toward the bedroom immediately. Instead, he drew him into the living room, settling him onto the wide couch like one might place down something rare and fragile. The low light of the lamps softened the edges of the room, turning the silence into something less oppressive.
Without a word, Victor tugged a blanket free from the backrest and draped it over Elias, tucking it with the casual possessiveness of someone who thought comfort was not optional but owed.
Elias huffed faintly, though he didn't resist when Victor sat down beside him, his broad frame taking up space like he was designed to fill it. "You're treating me like I'll break."
Victor leaned back with maddening calm, one arm stretching along the couch behind Elias. "You already did. Tonight I'm taping you back together with blankets and snacks."
