6:50 AM.
"Hey, Harvey, wake up..." Theo's voice drifted in, way too energetic for this cursed hour.
I groaned and burrowed deeper into my blanket. "I don't want to. The temperature is perfect and we don't have anything to do anyway."
"Well I can relate to that," he said, "but the squad is here."
My brain, operating at maybe 10% capacity, fired one delusional thought. "The squad? The special forces?"
"What the hell are you saying?" Theo grinned, delighted at my misery.
"Shut up, Theo..."
He walked to the window, where the curtains were still mercifully closed.
"Okay okay, chill... ahem. I cast upon you-DIVINE LIGHT!"
"Theo- don't-"
He ripped the curtains open.
White, holy, unforgiving sunlight exploded into the room.
"My eyes!" I hissed, squinting with one eye open as I tried to fix my hair and dignity.
"Hmm, I can see why El-" Theo stopped mid-sentence.
"What? What were you saying?" I asked, suspicious.
"Uh-nothing," he said way too fast. "Just get up already."
Before I could pressure him more, the door cracked open. Sherryl peeked in, her arms already crossed.
"Is he still not awake?"
Theo answered dramatically, "He's resisting consciousness like it's a tax form."
"I heard that," I muttered from under the blanket.
Sherryl stepped inside with deadly purpose. "Well, too bad. We said today we're hanging out, and you're not skipping just because you've merged with your mattress."
"I didn't merge," I mumbled. "We're just... emotionally connected."
Without warning, she yanked the curtains even wider.
The sunlight doubled.
"My retinas-!" I croaked, retreating like a vampire in denial.
Theo clapped. "Praise the Sun. He suffers."
Sherryl ignored the commentary and called into the hallway, "Eli, status update: creature remains in bed."
Soft, calm footsteps approached. Eli entered holding two paper bags-still warm.
"We stopping for breakfast or not?" he asked. "The croissants are getting cold."
I peeked out. "Croissants...?"
Eli lifted the bag. "Chocolate. And butter."
Theo pointed at me. "There it is. Harvey's weakness."
"It's not a weakness," I argued weakly. "It's a lifestyle."
Eli walked over and placed the warm bag right on my lap. The heat seeped into my soul.
"Get up," Eli said simply. "Or Theo will eat yours."
Theo nodded with zero hesitation. "I will."
I sat up instantly like I was resurrecting from the dead.
"TO THE BATHROOM I GO-"
I dramatically tried to stand, tripped over the corner of my own blanket, stumbled two steps, and barely regained balance like a tree trying not to fall.
Sherryl sighed. "Why is he like this?"
"Lack of sleep," Theo said.
"No," Eli corrected. "Lack of motivation."
I threw on a hoodie, my hair still a mess, eyes half-open. "I'm motivated now. I have croissants."
"Good," Sherryl said, finally cracking a smile. "Coffee's on me."
I blinked. "Coffee and croissants? Best day of my life."
"You say that every time you wake up," Theo muttered.
"Because waking up is suffering," I replied, hugging the pastry bag like a newborn child.
And just like that, our lazy day off officially began-me half-conscious, the squad fully awake, and breakfast leading the way.
The moment we stepped outside the apartment building, a cold raindrop hit my forehead.
Then another.
Then the sky just... gave up entirely.
A soft but steady rain began pouring, the kind that made everything feel gray, quiet, and way too comfortable to stay awake in.
I stopped walking. "Nope. I'm going back to bed."
"No, you're not," Sherryl said immediately, grabbing the hood of my sweatshirt before I could retreat.
"But it's raining... this is prime sleeping weather..."
I looked at the sky like it personally betrayed me. "The universe is telling me to rest."
Theo snorted. "The universe is telling you to touch grass once in your life."
"Not in the rain," I shot back.
Eli, already opening his umbrella, raised an eyebrow. "Harvey, you're holding a bag of croissants. You're not sleeping with that."
"...I might," I whispered.
Sherryl groaned and shifted her umbrella so it covered me too. "Come on. We're just heading to the plaza. There's a bookstore and a bakery. It's warm inside."
"Warm..." I repeated, tempted.
"And dry," Eli added.
"And pastries," Theo chimed in.
I clutched my croissant bag tighter. "Fine... but if I melt, it's your fault."
"You're not made of sugar," Sherryl muttered.
"I am emotionally fragile," I corrected.
The rain grew steadier as we walked down the street. The pavement glistened with reflections of shop lights barely awake yet. People hurried past us with umbrellas, coats pulled tight, while I dragged my feet like a medieval prisoner being marched to trial.
Theo nudged me. "You know, you look like a sad cat right now."
I glared. "I am a wet, miserable, pastry-carrying cat."
Eli hid a small smile. "At least the bakery will be warm."
"And full of people," Sherryl added. "So try not to look dead."
"That's impossible," I muttered.
Finally, after what felt like a marathon (it was three blocks), the plaza came into view. Warm lights glowed through the windows of the small bookstore-bakery combo. The smell of fresh bread-warm, sweet, heavenly-escaped every time someone opened the door.
Theo inhaled dramatically. "Ah yes. Civilization."
Sherryl sighed. "Let's just get inside before Harvey dissolves."
"I told you," I said, sniffing the air, "I am made of sugar."
But Eli opened the door first, warm air rushing out toward us, carrying the scent of books and butter.
"Go," he said gently. "You'll wake up once you're warm."
And reluctantly, croissant bag still hugged to my chest, I shuffled inside with the squad.
The rain pattered behind us, but inside felt like a small pocket of safety-quiet, warm, and ridiculously cozy.
Even I, the self-declared Mattress Creature, couldn't complain.
Much.
The warm bakery smelled like heaven: fresh bread, sweet pastries, and the faint, comforting aroma of coffee. Outside, the rain tapped a steady rhythm against the windows.
I slumped into a chair, still clutching my croissant bag, letting the warmth sink into my bones. The chair felt too good, too soft, and the rain outside too hypnotic. Before anyone could notice, my head lolled forward onto the table.
"Mmm... maybe just five minutes," I murmured, eyes closing.
Theo snorted from across the table. "He's already out. What a champion."
Sherryl rolled her eyes. "Don't wake him. Let him melt."
But Eli... Eli didn't say anything. He simply pulled a chair close, leaned back slightly, and watched me. His calm gaze followed every tiny movement I made-the way my fingers twitched in my sleep, the slight rise and fall of my shoulders. He didn't tease, didn't comment. Just... stayed there. Quiet.
I shifted a little, burrowing my cheek against the table. "Ohoh... rain... warmth... croissant... ultimate combo..." I mumbled sleepily, curling in a little more.
Eli's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. A warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the bakery's heat.
Theo leaned over, whispering conspiratorially: "He's so soft right now."
Eli shot him a look sharp enough to make Theo duck. "Don't disturb him."
"Wow... protective already?" Theo teased, grinning.
"Shut up," Eli muttered, though his tone was gentler than it sounded.
I shifted again, half-awake, and mumbled, "Eli... you're... warm too... why are you watching me... ohoh please..."
Eli's cheeks warmed. He didn't answer, just reached over, tucking a stray strand of my hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered lightly, brushing against my skin as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I let out a tiny, content sigh. "Safe... warm..." My words were barely audible, swallowed by the soft patter of rain.
Eli stayed like that, silent but attentive. No jokes, no teasing, just him and the quiet protection of his presence. I felt it-an unspoken promise that no one would disturb me while I rested.
And maybe... just maybe... I wanted to stay like that forever.
I was drifting further into blissful sleep, the warmth of the bakery and Eli's quiet presence making the world feel impossibly soft. My hand twitched lazily on the table, half-reaching for my croissant, half-just... existing.
And then-
"Hmm... what if we add a little... chaos?"
Theo's voice whispered, though his grin was louder than thunder. Before I could open an eye, a steaming cup of coffee appeared right next to my hand.
I flinched. "H-hey! Hot! Hot! Don't-"
Too late. The aroma hit me, rich and bitter, waking my senses like a slap in the face. My warm, sleepy cocoon shattered instantly.
I jerked upright, panicked. "Theo! Why would you-why-"
Theo just leaned back, eyes sparkling with evil delight. "I think it's perfect timing. Nothing says 'wake up' like almost spilling third-degree burns on your hand."
Sherryl groaned loudly, facepalming. "You're terrible."
Eli's calm gaze didn't falter, but his lips twitched. "Theo..." His voice was low, almost warning, but there was amusement there too.
I swatted at the cup, nearly tipping it, flailing like a fish out of water. "I-my hand! My cozy! My nap! THIS WAS PERFECT!"
Theo laughed, a ridiculous, triumphant laugh that echoed through the cozy bakery. "Aw, come on, Harvey! You were being way too soft and romantic. I had to intervene."
I shot him a glare, sleepy eyes narrowing into slits. "You... you ruined it. My moment!"
Eli, still leaning quietly nearby, sighed softly but didn't move the cup. "He's right, Theo. You did ruin it."
Theo grinned wider. "Worth it."
I groaned, laying my head back on the table, muttering to myself. "Ruined... ruined... ultimate soft moment destroyed..."
Eli's hand brushed mine accidentally-or maybe on purpose-as I leaned down. I felt a warmth that wasn't coffee, and for a fleeting moment, I didn't care that Theo was evil incarnate.
"Next time," I muttered under my breath, "I'm napping on your lap, Eli. And no one's allowed to touch me."
Theo, of course, only laughed again.
I had just begun to settle back into my little cocoon of warmth, letting the rain and Eli's quiet presence lull me toward sleep again. The coffee incident had broken my perfect nap, but I was slowly forgiving the world...
And then-
Sherryl, bustling past with a plate of pastries, bumped into someone walking behind her.
"Whoa-!"
A tiny splash of hot coffee leapt from her cup. I didn't even have time to flinch properly. One drop landed squarely on the bare skin of my forearm-exposed just enough from my rolled-up sleeve.
"Ahhh-!!" I yelped in a mix of pain and surprise, jerking upright with my eyes half-closed.
Theo immediately burst into laughter. "Ohhh! Look at that reaction! Classic Harvey!"
I glared at him, half-asleep and full-on offended. "I-my arm... it burned a little! Why-why is everyone so mean today?"
Sherryl froze, horrified. "Oh my gosh, Harvey! I'm so sorry! It was an accident-"
Eli was instantly there, hand brushing my arm, careful not to push the cup or my pastry bag. "It's okay... I've got it," he murmured, his tone calm but firm. His fingers lightly pressed near the drop, as if to soothe it, not even thinking about the fact that my skin was still warm from the splash.
I melted a little into his touch despite myself. "Eli..." My voice was small, half-sleep, half-complain. "...too warm... pain... hug?"
Eli's eyes softened. "You're okay. Just stay still, I've got you."
Theo, meanwhile, continued to snicker quietly, shaking his head. "I can't even... I ruined it, then Sherryl ruined it, and now Eli's going all protective. This is too much chaos for one cozy moment."
I leaned a little closer to Eli without thinking, still half-asleep, my cheek resting on the table, my arm almost curling into his. "Rain... warm... Eli... please..."
Eli stayed still, careful not to wake me fully, his hand lightly brushing over the small spot where the coffee had touched. His warmth seeped through, a silent apology and comfort all at once.
Sherryl peeked over the counter nervously. "I-I didn't mean to! Are you okay?"
I muttered, eyes closed again, "Accidents... fine... don't move Theo..."
Theo only grinned, whispering, "I declare this the ultimate ruined moment. And yet... somehow... perfect."
And somehow, despite the chaos, the spilled coffee, and Theo's relentless teasing, I felt... safe. Warm. Content.
Even if my nap had been violently interrupted.
I'd managed to drift back into the warm, rain-lulled haze, my head resting on the table, arm half-curled toward Eli. The world was soft, slow, and infinitely comfortable...
...until Eli nudged me gently.
"Harvey," he murmured softly, leaning close. "It's been ten minutes. The croissants are getting cold."
I groaned, muffled into the table. "Ten minutes...? That's... not enough time... for optimal nap efficiency..."
Eli ignored the protest, carefully picking up my half-eaten croissant and holding it close to the warmth of the coffee still steaming nearby. "It's a hot + cold combo now," he said quietly, almost teasing. "Even better."
I blinked slowly, squinting at him from under my bangs. "...hot... and cold...? Oh... that's... genius..."
"You need to eat," Eli continued, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. His touch was light, careful-protective without being overbearing. "Before it gets cold... and before Theo grabs it."
I stretched lazily, arm dragging across the table. "But... the warmth... the rain... the nap..." My voice trailed off, half asleep, half whining.
Eli's eyes softened. "I know... but come on. You can have the warm croissant first, then the cold one. I'll even hold the coffee for you."
My stomach rumbled loudly in agreement. My hand twitched toward the croissant and the coffee, still foggy in my sleepy haze. "...hot... cold... ultimate combo... Eli... you're... a genius..."
He chuckled softly, letting me lean against him slightly as I took a small bite. The warmth of the croissant mixed with the cold drizzle still clinging to the window outside, and I sighed contentedly.
Theo's voice piped up from across the table. "Hah! Look at him-so soft, so out of it, and Eli's actually babysitting him. This is golden."
I glared half-heartedly, croissant in hand. "...shut up, Theo... it's... science..."
Eli just smiled quietly, watching me eat, his presence steady and calming. Somehow, even with the ruined nap, spilled coffee, and Theo's chaos, it felt... perfect.
Warm, soft, and utterly mine-just like this little stolen morning.
The rain outside hadn't let up. Theo and Sherryl, undeterred by the drizzle, were still chatting excitedly about where to go next-some park, some bookstore, some idea that involved dragging Harvey along.
I yawned, stretching and burying my face into Eli's shoulder. "I... don't think I can go anymore... my nap... my warmth... it's essential..."
Eli's eyes softened as he looked at me. "Yeah... you've had a long morning. Let's call it a day for you."
"What? Really?" I blinked, suspicious. "You're not... abandoning me for coffee and chaos?"
He smiled faintly. "Not today. Come on."
Before I knew it, Eli had gently guided me out of the bakery, away from Theo's loud laughter and Sherryl's relentless energy. The rain still fell, but under his umbrella, the world felt private-small, safe, and soft.
"You're sending me back to the dorm?" I asked, voice half-protesting, half-relieved. "Just to sleep?"
"You need it," he said simply, tugging me along. "You've been running on fumes since morning."
I sighed, letting my head lean against his shoulder as we walked. "...Damn, Eli... you're smart. Too smart... when it comes to sleeping."
He chuckled quietly. "Someone has to be."
By the time we reached the dorm, my body felt like it was melting into puddles of exhaustion. Eli helped me inside, brushing off my hoodie and settling me onto my bed. The room smelled faintly of warm sheets and rain, perfect for napping.
I blinked up at him, half-asleep. "...Eli... human body... needs... sleep..." My words were lazy, soft, almost a whisper. "...so... you... sleep... with me..."
Eli froze for a fraction of a second, surprised, before a small, warm smile curved his lips. "...You really are a smart ass, Harvey."
"Smart ass... or... genius," I muttered, already pulling the blanket over myself and patting the space next to me. "...your choice..."
Eli sighed softly, sliding in beside me. The warmth of his body pressed against mine, steady and comforting. The rain drummed softly against the window, and I felt my eyes droop.
"...See? Human body... approves..." I murmured.
Eli's hand found mine, fingers intertwining lightly. "Yeah... I see. Very persuasive," he whispered.
And just like that, the world outside-the rain, the chaos, the rest of the squad-faded away. All that mattered was the warmth, the quiet, and the soft, slow rhythm of falling asleep... together.
It was just past 9 AM when Theo and Sherryl returned to the dorm. The rain had eased into a gentle drizzle outside, but inside... the scene that greeted them made both pause.
There we were: me, Harvey, sprawled comfortably on my bed, head half-buried in the pillow, blanket tangled around us, and Eli-calm, warm, impossibly protective-curled beside me. I was murmuring incoherently in my sleep, a tiny hand brushing against Eli's, and Eli's face soft, watching me like I was the most precious thing in the world.
Theo's grin spread slowly, dangerously.
"Ohhhhhh," he said softly, tiptoeing toward the bed. "This... this is too good."
Sherryl froze beside him, eyes widening. "...Oh my... they're actually... sleeping together?"
Theo didn't answer, only slowly raised his phone. He knew Eli would die if he took a picture, but he also knew Eli wouldn't stop him either. The thought made him smirk.
Sherryl, meanwhile, was acting like the exact opposite of subtle. She looped her arms around Theo's waist, pressing close, head tilting up at him. "Damn... how are you... more sexy than me?" she whispered, mock-whining.
Theo chuckled, shrugging casually. "Mama genes, duh."
Sherryl froze mid-hug, giving him a side-eye. "...Mama genes? Really?"
Theo shrugged again, eyes flicking back to the bed where Eli and I were still asleep. "...But seriously. Why say that when someone like you... a beautiful, gentle, kind, respectful person... is way more preferred than a seductive figure?"
Sherryl blinked. "...Excuse me?"
"Think about it," Theo said, smirking, leaning slightly into her embrace. "Beauty isn't just someone seeking pleasure. It's calm, it's respect, it's warmth. Someone like... well... Eli. Or you. Both. Very different, but... way more..." He gestured subtly toward the sleeping pair. "...effective."
Sherryl blinked, caught off guard, and then burst into a giggle. "Ugh, you're insufferable. But... fine, I get it."
Theo, meanwhile, finally lowered his phone, looking utterly satisfied. He knew Eli would never admit it-but he also knew Eli wanted that picture, even if just to treasure it quietly later.
I stirred slightly, mumbling in my half-sleep haze: "...Theo... don't... take... pictures..."
Theo grinned wider. "...Too late, Harvey."
Eli's hand twitched in my sleep, maybe ready to swat Theo, maybe just protective, but he stayed silent. Quiet. Warm. Steady.
And in that moment, I realized... maybe chaos, teasing, and mischief were tolerable. As long as Eli stayed close.