The carriage slowed.
The wheels creaked as it rolled over the final stretch of stone road.
Then—
It stopped.
I slowly opened my eyes, blinking away the last traces of sleep. The familiar sight of our town gates stood ahead, lanterns already lit as evening approached.
"We're here," Dravic said softly.
I quickly sat up from his lap, slightly embarrassed, and stepped down from the carriage once it fully halted.
The merchant climbed down as well and approached us with a satisfied smile.
"Thank you for your hard work," he said sincerely.
"W-we just stayed inside the whole time," I replied awkwardly. "There was no attack… so there's no need to praise us."
The merchant shook his head.
"No, that's part of the job. Even if monsters or bandits didn't appear, you still guarded me safely to my destination and back. That peace of mind alone is worth the pay."
He reached into a pouch and handed me a small cloth bag.
"Here is your payment. One gold and three silver coins, as promised."
The weight of it felt solid in my palm.
"Then we'll accept it. Thank you," I said politely. "We'll get going now. Please be safe on your way back, sir."
I bowed my head slightly.
He laughed warmly. "You're too kind. Alright, you two take care as well."
He climbed back onto the driver's seat and gave us a wave before guiding the carriage away.
I watched until he disappeared down the road.
"Easy gold," Dravic commented lightly beside me.
He glanced at me, amused.
The evening breeze passed through the streets as townspeople moved about, finishing their day.
"So," he said casually, slipping his hands into his pockets, "back to the guild to report… or straight to the lodgings?"
I looked up at the sky, now painted in deep blue.
Another day finished safely.
"L-let's report first," I said.
Dravic nodded.
"Lead the way, Renji."
The Adventurers' Guild was calmer than usual when we entered.
The large wooden doors closed behind us with a dull thud. Inside, the usual loud laughter and clanking mugs were softer tonight. Only a few adventurers remained at the tables, speaking in low voices under the warm glow of hanging lanterns.
The smell of stew and ale lingered in the air.
I adjusted the pouch of coins at my belt and walked toward the counter.
"We've completed the merchant escort quest," I said, placing the quest slip down.
The receptionist looked up and offered a small smile. "Welcome back. Any trouble on the road?"
"None," I answered. "It was smooth the entire trip."
"That's good to hear." She stamped the parchment with a firm press. "Successful completion recorded."
Dravic stood beside me quietly, hands in his pockets, observing the hall with a calm expression.
"You'll receive your rank contribution tomorrow morning," the receptionist added. "Good work."
"Thank you."
With that settled, we stepped away from the counter.
Since the lodgings were upstairs within the guild itself, we didn't need to leave the building. The staircase was at the side of the hall, partially lit by wall lanterns.
As we began climbing, my legs felt heavier than I expected.
Behind me, Dravic's voice came softly.
"Still sore?"
I didn't look back. "Just tired."
He hummed in response.
I unlocked ours and pushed it open.
I stepped inside first.
Dravic followed and closed the door behind us.
Dravic sat on the edge of the bed first while I removed my robe and carefully placed my sword, pouch, and other items on the small wooden table.
I could feel his eyes on me the entire time.
When I finally turned around, our eyes met.
He smiled.
Then he lightly tapped the space beside him, silently telling me to sit.
My chest tightened.
"I—I need to rest," I said quickly. "We already… earlier. I'm too tired."
Instead of answering, he stood up.
Slowly.
Step by step, he walked toward me.
"Dravic…" I muttered nervously.
Without warning, he wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the ground.
"N-no, wait! I said I'm still tired—"
He didn't respond. He simply carried me to the bed and gently laid me down beside him.
Before I could move away, he lay down too, pulling me into his chest.
We stayed like that.
His arms wrapped securely around my waist.
I tensed at first, expecting more.
But he only held me.
"Don't worry," he whispered near my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "I'll let you rest… but in this position, okay?"
He pressed a soft kiss against my ear.
Then I heard him inhale quietly.
"Haa…" he breathed out softly, almost content.
"You smell nice, Renji," he murmured lazily. "It makes me want to stick closer… like this."
He nuzzled slightly against my hair, tightening his arms just a little — not enough to hurt, just enough to keep me there.
My body slowly relaxed.
The tension I was holding began to fade.
His breathing became steady.
The room was quiet except for the faint sound of voices downstairs in the guild hall.
I couldn't sleep.
Dravic's arms were locked around me like warm iron bands, his broad chest pressed flush to my back, every slow rise and fall of his breathing rocking me gently. His thigh slotted between mine, solid muscle brushing sensitive skin with every tiny shift, and the heat of him seeped through the thin fabric until I felt feverish, hyper-aware of every point where we touched. My heart kept thudding too loud, too fast, and no matter how I tried to slow my breathing, it wouldn't settle.
"Hmm… why aren't you sleeping, Renji?" His voice was low, sleepy, teasing, lips grazing the shell of my ear. "Don't tell me you want to do it again already?"
"N-no! I didn't say that!" I squeaked, face burning. "I just… I can't sleep, that's all."
He let out a soft, amused hum that vibrated through his chest into mine.
"I see." His hold loosened just enough for him to shift, tucking my head more securely under his chin. "Then I'll sing you to sleep, okay? No tricks. Promise."
Before I could protest, his voice dropped even lower—rough velvet, quiet enough that it felt like the words were only for me.
"Close your eyes, little Renji, let the night take the weight…
Shadows are gentle tonight, they won't steal you away.
I've got you wrapped in my arms, safe from the storm and the fray…
Sleep now, my Renji, just drift, I won't let go till day."
He finished the last line on a barely-there breath, then pressed the slowest, softest kiss to the nape of my neck.
"Better?" he murmured, already nuzzling back into my hair like he planned to stay there forever.
I didn't answer. I couldn't. My eyelids were suddenly so heavy, his heartbeat steady against my spine like a second lullaby.
And somewhere between one slow exhale and the next… I finally slipped under.