Chapter: Sleepy Orders
(Keifer's POV)
Dinner somehow ended even more chaotic than it started.
Which honestly wasn't surprising anymore.
Jay was still sitting on my lap at the dining table, leaning against my chest like she had no intention of moving ever again. The oversized hoodie sleeves were still covering her hands, and every few seconds her head would slowly drop like she was about to fall asleep again.
I sighed.
"Jay."
No response.
Cin leaned over the table dramatically.
"Bro… she's shutting down."
Aries smirked from across the table.
"Battery 2%."
Ella laughed quietly.
Keiran and Keigan were still staring at us like they had just discovered a new species.
Jay suddenly mumbled something.
"…Keif."
I looked down.
"What?"
She lifted her head slightly.
Her sleepy eyes looked straight at me.
Then she said it like it was the most normal command in the world.
"Carry me."
Cin immediately slammed the table.
"YES."
Aries laughed.
"Orders from the queen."
Ella shook her head.
"She's fully comfortable now."
I raised an eyebrow at Jay.
"You have legs."
She frowned.
"…too tired."
Keiran whispered to Keigan dramatically.
"She's controlling him."
Keigan nodded.
"Kuya has no freedom."
Jay didn't even look at them.
She simply leaned closer to my ear and mumbled again.
"Carry me to room."
Cin pointed at me like a referee.
"You heard her."
Aries added with a grin.
"Don't keep the lady waiting."
I rolled my eyes.
"You people are enjoying this too much."
Jay tugged lightly on my hoodie.
"…Keif."
"What?"
"Now."
Cin clapped loudly.
"COMMAND RECEIVED."
I sighed again.
Then I stood up.
Jay instantly wrapped her arms around my neck like she had been waiting for this.
Her legs wrapped around my waist as I lifted her easily.
And within two seconds…
Her head dropped onto my shoulder again.
Sleeping.
Just like that.
Cin looked shocked.
"BRO SHE PASSED OUT MID-AIR."
Aries laughed.
"That's talent."
Ella smiled softly.
"She trusts you."
Keiran pointed at us dramatically.
"Look Keigan!"
Keigan nodded seriously.
"Koala mode."
I started walking toward the stairs.
Jay was completely limp in my arms now, breathing softly against my neck.
Halfway up the stairs she mumbled quietly.
"…warm."
I adjusted my hold on her.
"You're impossible."
Behind me Cin shouted from the living room.
"GOODNIGHT LOVE BIRDS."
Aries added loudly.
"Don't wake her!"
Keiran yelled.
"GOODNIGHT HIPANG JAY!"
Keigan followed.
"WE LOVE YOU!"
Jay stirred slightly at the noise.
Then buried her face deeper into my shoulder.
"…too loud."
I chuckled quietly.
"Yeah. They are."
By the time I reached my room she was already fully asleep again.
I gently pushed the door open with my foot and walked inside.
The room was quiet.
Finally.
I walked to the bed and carefully laid her down.
But the moment I tried to pull away—
Her hand grabbed my hoodie.
"…stay."
I sighed softly.
"You're asleep."
But she pulled the hoodie again.
"…Keif."
I sat down beside her.
She immediately curled closer, grabbing my arm like a pillow.
Her head rested against my shoulder again.
Breathing slow.
Peaceful.
Within seconds she was completely asleep.
I looked down at her messy hair spread across the pillow.
And shook my head.
"Barracuda… you're going to be the death of me."
Outside the room I could still hear the idiots downstairs arguing about something.
Cin shouting.
Aries laughing.
The twins probably spying again.
But inside the room…
Everything was calm.
Jay curled against me.
Still wearing my hoodie.
Still holding my arm like I might disappear.
And honestly…
I didn't mind staying like that at all.