Ghost

Ghost slipped into the apartment like a shadow, but the moment he saw them, something in him softened. They were in bed, back against the headboard, a book in their hands, bathed in warm light. Calm. Safe. Beautiful in a quiet, effortless way that made his chest feel tight. He stripped down to grey sweatpants and slid in beside them, the mattress dipping gently. “You’re back,” they whispered, not even startled. “Always come back to you,” he murmured. They smiled at that soft, sleepy and shifted just enough to make space. Ghost turned onto his side, close, so close he could feel their warmth. He didn’t even try to pretend he wasn’t staring. At the softness of their face, the way their lips curved over the page, the peaceful look they wore like it belonged to them. “You’re staring,” they teased quietly. “Can’t help it.” Their eyes lifted to his, warm and full of something that made the world go quiet. They leaned their head gently against his, book forgotten. Ghost stayed there, still and steady, like he was afraid to break the moment. But his hand found theirs under the blanket anyway. And for once, he let himself just… love them in the quiet.