Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Raindrops pelt against the car window, slipping and sliding down the glass in watery streaks. Luke watches the droplets through half lidded eyes, hands twisting absently at the hem of his top.

“You okay Lukey?” Ashton asks, glancing at the boy.

The blonde hums, head bobbing up and down.

“You sleepy bub?”

It’s like ice water has been dumped over his head.

“I’m not little Ash,” he snips.

Calum and Michael’s chatter dies, both boys glancing over none too discreetly.

“That’s fine, I wasn’t implying you were,” Ashton carries on calmly, face neutral.

Luke rolls his eyes. He tugs his sleeves over his hands to hide them and looks away, back out the window at the rain.

“You haven’t regressed in a while,” Calum says carefully.

“Because I don’t need to, obviously,” the singer rolls his eyes, tone frosty.

“No need to catch an attitude,” Calum huffs back.

“Just leave him,” Ashton whispers to his bandmate, eyeing Luke from his peripheral.

“I’m not sure what’s gotten into him, but let’s not rile him up in the car.”

The rest of the drive passes in silence, the tension radiating off of the youngest member palpable.

“I’m going to bed,” Luke announces briskly the second they’re standing in the entryway of their house.

The door clicks shut and Luke heads off, footsteps a bit closer to stomping than anything else as he ascends the stairs before slamming his bedroom door closed.

“Woah,” Michael laughs a little in shock, “He needs a major attitude adjustment.”

“He needs to regress,” Ashton sighs.

“He’s been repressing his headspace for almost a month now, we’ve been so busy with shows…. I should’ve pushed him harder to take breaks.”

“It’s not your fault Ash, we’ve been under a lot of stress. Luke doesn’t cope quite as well but it’s still been hard for all of us,” Calum comforts his boyfriend.

Ashton sighs.

Upstairs, Luke fights a pulsing headache as he goes through the ministrations of getting ready for bed.

He slips into a pair of soft pajama pants and a loose t-shirt that undoubtedly belongs to one of the other boys. He brushes his teeth lazily, toothpaste foaming at the corners of his mouth as he squints against the harsh bathroom lighting.

He sinks into bed right after, the sheets cool and soft. He cocoons himself, hand fisting at his comfort blanket. He knots the worn baby blue fabric between his fingers and draws his hand up to his face, eyes fluttering closed.

It’s the middle of the night when he wakes again, the darkness sending his heart hammering as thunder rumbles outside. He didn’t turn his nightlight on before bed, he realizes.

A pressure in his bladder twinges and it registers that he likely woke up due to needing the toilet. He shifts in bed, fuzziness settling in his head.

The room lights up briefly with a streak of lightning as he stands, wobbling. Then the thunder crashes again and he jumps, underwear dampening slightly.

He whimpers then, sniffling as tears prick his eyes and he clenches his thighs together.

He shuffles towards the door, yanking it open and stumbling into the hall. He’s so close to making it- nearly there.

But then his foot catches on a laundry basket that’s been left in the hall.

He cries out, knees hitting the carpet and the shock causing his bladder to empty.

Ashton’s door flies open.

“Luke? What’s wrong honey?” He rushes over, crouching to see the blondes face.

Luke bursts into tears, sobs racking his body as he curls up, hunching in on himself. His knees draw up to his chest as he tries to hide.

“F-fine! Go, go ‘way!” He hiccups, disoriented and frantic.

“Shh, it’s alright, let me help,” Ashton soothes, one hand reaching out.

“No! No, no, no,” Luke wails, voice screeching loudly.

Michael and Calum appear then, alerted by the noise.

“What’s going on?”

Luke screams back wordlessly.

“That’s enough shouting, take a deep breath for me,” Ashton instructs, smoothing the boys hair back.

“Come here Lu.”

The dam breaks when he looks at Ashton through watery eyes. His daddy. So comforting and warm and close. The fuzz crashes over his mind in warm waves.

He leans forward and that’s all it takes for Ashton to swoop him up into his arms, cradling him close.

Luke sobs against his chest, gagging on his tears as his fingers scrabble across his neck to twist the hair at his nape.

“That’s it, good boy,” Ashton coos, voice soft.

He stands then, the wetness of Luke’s pants pressing against his hip as he makes his way into the bathroom.

He lays the blonde down on a towel, rubbing tender circles across his tummy as he strips his wet clothes off. Luke hiccups, watching as Michael passes over a packet of wipes.

“Here Lukey,” Calum holds up his dummy.

It’s his favorite one. The plastic a light, pale blue with a white button featuring a cartoon penguin.

The rubber presses between his lips and he suckles harshly, face wet.

“Good boy,” Ashton praises him again, wiping gently between his legs.

He rubs cream in next, making the boy whimper at the touch on his tender skin.

“Almost done, just nappy now,” he narrates, sliding the plush cotton beneath his bottom.

Luke gnaws at the pacifier as the nappy is drawn up between his legs, heartbeat slowing once he’s covered again. The tightness of the nappy familiar and comforting.

His body feels heavy, heat pooling in his tummy like the feeling of drinking hot chocolate.

Ashton lifts him again, his shirt missing now, likely stripped off due to being damp.

He curls against his bare chest, his cheek pressed to his daddy’s skin.

They make their way into the big bedroom then, the one with the California king bed designed to fit them all when they want to sleep together. They each have their own rooms as well, for personal space, but this is where they can all sleep together comfortably.

Luke nestles in the middle, his normal spot as Ashton, Calum, and Michael climb in too on either side.

Calum brushes his hair off his forehead before pecking his cheek, smiling sweetly.

“We missed you baby boy,” he murmurs.

Luke sniffs behind his dummy, sucking harshly. He settles back against the pillows, comfortable but-

“Blankie!” He cries, dummy falling from his lips as he struggles to sit up.

“I’ll get it, hang on,” Michael jumps off the edge of the bed, disappearing down the hall.

He returns quickly, passing the worn fabric to his boyfriend.

“Here sweetheart,” he smiles.

Luke accepts the blanket readily, drawing the fabric up to his cheek and rubbing it.

“T’ank you,” he lisps, dummy securely back between his teeth.

“Go to sleep honey, close those eyes for me, it’s late,” Ashton whispers.

Luke offers a shy half-smile, eyes closing obediently as he curls up against the pillows.

“G’night Daddy,” he mumbles, words garbled by the soother.

Chapter Text

“You doing okay Lulu?” Calum’s voice breaks through the quiet of the car, startling Luke from his thoughts.

“Mhm,” he hums, feet swinging lightly.

“C’n we- c’n we watch Bluey?” He asks, voice stuttering.

“Maybe after nap we can watch some Bluey, you know Ash doesn’t like too much screen time,” Calum tosses him a smile.

Luke makes a face.

“It’s silly,” he sighs.

Calum grins, shaking his head. He watches the blonde fight sleep through the rearview mirror, worn out from their shopping trip. His eyes slip closed and then spring back open every few seconds.

Calum turns the SUV into the driveway and parks, pressing the button to turn it off.

“Let’s get these groceries inside.”

Luke helps a little, grabbing a few of the lighter bags and placing them on the floor in the middle of the kitchen. He’s slow, sluggish in his steps and clumsy.

Calum just praises him anyways.

“Where’s Daddy?”

Calum winces at the question, turning to look at the blonde. Luke’s face is confused, his little brow furrowed and lips tipped down in a frown.

“He had his appointment remember, baby? He’s not back just yet.”

Luke’s face crumples.

“D-daddy? But… but… No!”

His shouting alerts Michael who appears suddenly in the doorway of the kitchen, gaming headset still on.

“What’s going on?” He swipes a bag of chips from the counter and tears it open.

“Want Daddy!” Luke repeats, voice pitching up higher.

“He’ll be back soon,” Michael tells him, reaching a hand towards the blonde. He wrenches away.

“C’mere. You want to play a game with me while we wait?”

Luke blanches a little, blue eyes watery as he sniffles. The offer to play video games with Michael is tempting. He’s not usually allowed much screen time when little and Mikey almost never wants Luke present when he games because of the violence.

“Kay,” he murmurs, finally, accepting the hand.

Michael grins, tossing a chip in his mouth.

“Perfect, do you need anything? Dummy, blankie?” He asks.

Luke nods, hand creeping up to his mouth where a few fingers slip in.

Michael makes a face, “Okay, let’s get a dummy. Ashton’ll have a cow if he sees your hands in your mouth.”

Luke just blinks, letting the older boy tug him along. There’s a spare dummy lying on the coffee table that he snags, swapping the boys fingers for it.

Luke crosses his eyes a little to look at it, it’s his sparkly green one. Not as good as the penguin one, but it’ll have to do.

They stop by the bedroom to grab his blanket. Luke crouches, reaching for the fabric that’s fallen to the floor.

Michael pauses then, eyeing the top of the pull-up peeking out of his little boys pants and the way it seems to be sagging ever so slightly.

“Do we need to change your bum too Lulu?” He asks, already reaching for a clean nappy and wipes.

The singer stands up sharply, whirling around with his blanket clutched tight between his fingers.

“No!” He backs up a few steps. “No change, Daddy!”

Michael sighs.

“We have to change you, baby. Your pull-up is wet,” he explains.

“No!” Luke shakes his head. “Not wet, c’ean!”

“I think you might telling a fib,” Michael quirks an eyebrow. “Don’t wanna have to tell Daddy you weren’t listening when he gets back.”

Luke freezes a little at the mention of Ashton. Out of the three caregivers, Ashton is undoubtedly the strictest. He’s the one who typically hands out any spankings, and doesn’t tolerate lying or disrespect whatsoever.

Luke sniffles, lip wobbling behind his soother.

“Just lay down baby, I’ll be quick,” Michael promises, tugging the boy closer.

He makes quick of work of the change, Luke hardly having a chance to cry as he swaps out the pull-up for a proper nappy. He tugs his jeans down and off all the way, standing with them draped over his arm.

Luke gives him a confused look as he sits up.

“We’ll get you some Jammie’s or something, no need to be uncomfy at home,” Michael helps him up.

He deposits the clothes in the hamper, offering a pair of soft joggers to the boy but Luke just shakes his head, twisting the dummy in his mouth in a circle.

“Alright, no pants then,” Michael chuckles, swooping the boy onto his hip.

Luke shrieks a little at that, giggling, as they head into Michael’s room. He sits in his chair, settling Luke easily on his lap as he boots the computer back up.

“What do you wanna play?” Michael asks, scanning through the Luke-approved list of games.

“Webkinz,” Luke taps at the monitor screen.

Michael rolls his eyes a little but pulls the requested game up without comment.

Luke grins, sucking excitedly at his dummy.

They play for a while, Luke blinking slower and slower until he’s nearly asleep on the keyboard.

“Alright bub, I think we need to have a lie-down,” Michael coos, shifting Luke onto his hip and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“No,” the blonde mumbles in protest, squirming. “Dada.”

“Shh, I know. Let’s get a baba,” Michael hushes softly.

Calum appears then, bottle of milk in hand which he passes over. “Figured he was getting sleepy,” he laughs quietly.

“Daddy,” Luke tries again, pouting.

“Almost home Lukey, let’s cuddle up in bed and he can join us,” Calum suggests.

He fights it, whining and struggling as he’s tucked into bed and the bottle presses into his hands.

“No! Want Daddy,” he cries, tears tracking down his cheeks.

“What’s this about?”

Luke’s head snaps up, the tears flowing faster as he spots Ashton in the doorway.

“Daddy,” his fingers stretch desperately towards the caregiver, face pinched in distress.

Ashton crosses the room in two strides, climbing atop the bed.

Luke nestles against him instantly, body curving against his daddy’s. He sighs, whimpering a little as he burrows there.

“What’s wrong with my baby?” Ashton asks, sweeping his curls away from his forehead.

“Missed you,” he whispers, suddenly bashful as he plays with the nipple of the bottle.

“I missed you too my baby,” Ashton coos, showering his face in kisses.

He’s rewarded with a watery giggle, Luke peering up with sleepy blue eyes.

“Can I feed you?” Ashton asks.

Luke nods easily, handing the bottle over and curling up closer against the older boy.

Ashton lifts the bottle to his mouth and he latches easily, taking slow pulls of milk as his eyelids flutter.

The lights dim and a blissful chill races up his bare legs. It’s so warm and soft, cradled close by his Daddy. He smells of cologne and shampoo, warm and familiar. The milk goes down easily, lulling him closer to sleep.

And then, Ashton’s singing. Ever so quiet and gentle as his free hand cards through Luke’s unruly curls.

Chapter Text

It’s freezing out, winter is fast approaching if the brisk chill in the air is any indication. Luke exhales slowly, a cloud of frosty breath floating along the breeze. He shifts in place a bit, regretting the choice of skinny jeans in such weather.

“You ready to go Lu?” Calum asks, halting to a stop next to the blonde.

His hands are shoved deep in his pockets, beanie pulled low over his dark hair. He flashes a small lopsided grin at Luke.

“Yeah”, he murmurs, distracted.

He knots his fingers together, eyes downcast once again.

“Everything alright?”

Luke nods without sparing a glance. He fidgets, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

Calum watches him, eyebrows furrowed, as he gives a disbelieving hum.

-

The car ride is quiet, save for the music playing. Luke stares out the window as they drive, his teeth nipping at his lower lip enough to make it raw, trees zipping past in a blur of orange and red.

They make it to the venue in only fifteen minutes, leaving hours to practice and relax before the show. Calum keeps up a steady stream of chatter as they wind down the hallways, in search of Ashton and Michael who came earlier in the morning.

“Hey guys, what’s up? Finally dragged this one outta bed,” Cal nudges Luke, grinning, as they spot the other two hanging out in the dressing room.

Ashton’s gaze meets Luke’s, offering a gentle smile.

“Hey baby.” He leans back against the couch, arm slung casually along the top.

“Hi,” Luke squeaks back, looking tense.

Ashton watches as he curls into the farthest corner of the sofa, hands buried in his sleeves as Michael and Calum begin their bantering.

“You doing okay Lulu? Are you feeling little?” He asks, eyes concerned.

His lips tip down in concern as he observes the blonde, searching his face and mannerisms for a hint.

“No Ash, ‘m fine,” Luke shrugs him off, squirming a little under his gaze.

He drops his eyes to his lap, picking at his jeans.

“Okay well, maybe-“

“I said I’m fine! Just leave it,” Luke interrupts, voice teetering on a whine.

Ashton frowns but complies, choosing to insert himself into Calum and Michael’s conversation. Though, he does continue to spare little glances at the blonde. Luke pretends not to notice Ashton’s lingering.

“Kay, I’m gonna get some fresh air before the show, be back in a few,” He announces, climbing up from the sofa when there’s only about an hour left till the show.

The boys chorus their acknowledgments as he slips from the dressing room. It’s not difficult to follow the signs to a backdoor that opens up to a secluded spot, and he exhales in relief, desperate for some quiet.

He steps out into the chill and leans back against the building, breathing deeply a few times as he fights to calm the anxiety that’s been thrumming through his veins all day. He’s always been anxious, but recently it’s hit a peak. He knows he should tell the other boys so they could help, but he’s not sure what to even tell them.

“Sometimes I just get so anxious for no reason that I can’t even breathe?”

Yeah, no. They baby him enough as it is.

The door presses open and Luke jolts, annoyance simmering that he can’t even get 5 minutes alone but-

It’s not any of the boys. Rather, it’s someone from their crew. Luke fights to remember his name, Rory? Ryan?

“Hey man, you alright?” The dark haired man questions, tugging a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

Luke shrugs.

“Yeah, just trying to chill before the show, ya know,” he waves off.

“Oh, yeah I get it,” Ryan flashes him a grin.

“Want one?” He gestures as he flicks the pack of Marlboros open.

The word “no” is at the tip of his tongue but he pauses. Smoking helps anxiety, doesn’t it? Isn’t that what people say?

“Yeah, thanks,” he takes the proffered cigarette, rolling it loosely between his fingers.

Ryan lights his own first, puffing out a mouthful of smoke as he drags on it before turning to Luke.

The blonde stares back at him dumbly, cigarette still clutched between two fingers.

Ryan chuckles, more smoke trailing from his mouth.

“You never smoked before, huh?”

Sheepishly, Luke shakes his head, cheeks hot.

“S alright, put it between your teeth and suck on it while I light.”

The blonde does as he’s told, eyes widening as the cigarette cherry glows. He pulls off quickly, coughing as smoke infiltrates his lungs.

He sucks a breath of cold air in, but that only seems to irritate his throat and lungs further.

“Jesus,” he wheezes.

“How can you even fucking breathe right now man?” He coughs, eyes watering.

Ryan lets out a loud laugh at that, eyes twinkling in amusement.

“You get used to it,” he shrugs, still smirking, taking another drag.

“Drag on it again, just a little slower this time. It’ll help,” he encourages.

Still coughing intermittently, Luke does as told.

The nicotine feels like it floods his system immediately, his head going woozy.

“That’s, strange,” he murmurs, head tipping back to rest on the building wall.

Ryan just smirks.

They stand there for a bit, Luke struggling his way through his cigarette.

“Alright, I think ‘m done,” he finally sputters, coughing hard as he holds it out. Ryan grins,  taking it and dropping both to the asphalt where he stomps them out.

Luke watches, head fuzzy.

He follows the other back inside where they part ways, Ryan slipping off down the hall. Luke watches him go for a second before starting back towards the dressing room.

He stumbles a bit, feeling off balance and light headed.

“Hey, Lu, was wondering where you’d gone off to since you were gone for,” Ashton cuts himself off, eyes wide.

“Have you been SMOKING?” He asks, voice incredulous.

The scent of smoke is heavy and pungent, piercing the air of the dressing room. To add insult to injury, Luke’s eyes are watery and a little pink.

“You have GOT to be kidding, I know there’s no way in HELL-“ Ashton cuts himself off.

Luke shrinks back a little at the raised voice.

“What? Who cares? I’m an adult and I can smoke if I want to,” Luke snaps back defensively.

He scowls, eyes hard as he rakes a hand through his hair.

Ashton sees red.

“I’m not sure what’s going through your head right now little boy, but listen close. You are NOT, under any circumstance, allowed to smoke. I cannot believe I even have to tell you that. Do you know how BAD that is for you?”

Calum steps forward then, placing a hand against his mates shoulder.

“Easy Ash,” he murmurs.

Luke folds his arms across his chest, face surly.

“Fuck off,” he spits.

“Luke,” Calum starts, shocked, eyebrows shooting up into his hairline.

“That’s it.” Ashton strides forward without missing a beat, his fingers wrapping tight around the younger boys arm.

“We’re going to straighten this out right now,” he seethes, dragging Luke along to the sofa.

The blonde goes without a fight at first, startled and confused. It’s replaced with a wave of anger when he realizes Ashton’s intentions. The older male settles himself on the couch before reaching for Luke’s waist.

“No! No! You can’t spank me,” he screeches, attempting to wrench away. When that doesn’t work he lets out a wordless scream, feet stomping fiercely.

“Let me go! Lemme go! No! Ash! No! Fuck you,” he curses, eyes wide and frantic.

Ashton rolls his eyes. “Honestly, Luke, what did you expect?” He scoffs.

He’s much larger, and stronger, than the blonde so it isn’t much of a real fight to shuck his pants and briefs down. Luke’s cheeks flame, horrified at being bare and nervous for what’s to come.

“Noooo,” he attempts to sit, body turning to dead weight as he tries to shield his bum.

Ashton’s hand lands on top of his thigh quick as a whippet in a stinging pop.

Luke jumps, startled, before beginning to scream again.

“Stop it! Ow! You hit me! No, no, no, no!” He wails, face bright red and angry.

“No! Don’t hit me!”

Ashton hauls him forward, tipping him over his knees easily. Luke’s hands scrabble along the couch, panicked.

“Someone might see,” he gasps out, still struggling as Ashton lands the first smack to his bum.

“Cal and Mike are guarding the door, nobody will see.”

Luke drops his head at that, frustration and humiliation burning bright as he begins to sob.

Ashton is quick, efficient, at doling out spankings. He’s never been one to tolerate any bad behavior or disrespect, a stickler for the rules. Luke knows that. But STILL! Smoking isn’t a direct rule.

He rains down the smacks in a quick succession, Lukes bottom turning bright pink as he sobs, nose running.

It ends suddenly and Luke cries out as he’s shifted to straddling Ashton’s lap, their chests flush. He nestles his head into Ashton’s neck, crying hard.

Ashton coos, stroking a hand gently over his back.

“All done baby, all done. Took your punishment so well,” he praises softly.

“You did a naughty thing but Daddy doesn’t think you’ll do that again, you’re forgiven,” he presses a kiss to the boys teary cheek.

Luke hiccups weakly, squirming.

“S-sorry,” he sniffs.

“That’s okay baby, it’s okay,” Ashton repeats.

“What made you do that, hm? Where’d this come from?”

Luke shrugs, whining. He presses his face into the older’s shoulder in an effort to hide.

“No, Lulu, I need to know please,” Ashton taps his bottom gently.

“J-just…. Wanted to feel better,” he whispers, eyes downcast.

“Feel better?” Ashton asks, confused. His eyebrows pinch together.

“Y-yeah. Um, cause, you know. Stressed a-and anxious I guess,” Luke mumbles.

“You’ve been feeling stressed and anxious?” Ashton frowns.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I dunno,” Luke whispers back.

“Baby, don’t ever keep something like that from us, okay? Please,” Ashton kisses his cheek again. “We want to know so we can help.”

Luke sniffles, nodding. “Kay, Daddy.”

“We only have about 15 minutes till the show guys,” Michael announces, coming into view.

“Probably need to get Lulu aged back up.”

Luke frowns hard. He wants to be little and get all of the comfort and snuggling after that spanking!

“No, daddy,” he shakes his head.

“Yes, baby, just for our show and then you can be little as much as you want for the next couple days. We don’t have anything planned for a bit,” Ashton smiles sadly, hating to do this.

Luke whimpers.

“Come on bubba,” he begs, bouncing the boy a bit. “Why don’t you go potty and splash some water on your face, okay? That should help.”

Luke keeps a permanent pout fixed to his face as he’s stood up and re-dressed. Ashton sends him off to the bathroom then, patting his hip carefully.

He does as he’s told, peeing and then washing his hands and face. He draws in a deep shaky breath, exhaling slowly. It takes a few minutes to pull himself back up, but ultimately it works.

When he exits the bathroom again he’s fully adult, albeit a bit embarrassed.

“Alright guys, let’s do this,” Calum grins as they start to head for the stage.

The concert passes quickly, thankfully. The fans are loud and enthusiastic, singing loudly to every song. It’s fun, but Luke would be lying if he said he wasn’t relieved when it ends.

He drops almost as soon as they’re off stage and out of sight, eyes watering as he reaches out for Ashton.

The drummer scoops him up instantly, letting Luke wrap his arms and legs around his torso.

“Daddy,” he whines, tears falling down his flushed cheeks.

“Okay, it’s okay,” Ashton soothes.

They make it back to the hotel in record time despite the traffic. Luke whines about not being carried but settles reluctantly for holding Michael’s hand as they head up to their room.

“Think a bath and some snuggles are in order, huh babe,” he asks, rubbing a finger across Luke’s knuckles.

“Yeah,” the younger boy hums as he lifts his free hand to his mouth, sucking at his fingers.

Ashton grimaces at the sight. “A dummy first,” he says pointedly.

The room door clicks shut behind them and Ashton sets off to locate one right away.

“Here we go!” He cheers in success, lifting up Luke’s beloved penguin pacifier after taking a moment to rifle through his bag.

Luke grins, accepting it readily.

“Alright, bath time,” he chucks the boy under his chin and is rewarded with a tiny giggle.

Ashton heads to fill the tub as Luke wanders over to Calum. The Māori boy hoists him up into his arms, snuggling him close.

“My cute little baby,” he coos, smiling as Luke blushes.

“Alright, Lulu bath is done,” Ashton comes back into view.

Calum passes him off.

“Let’s get my baby all clean,” Ashton narrates, tone soft and sweet- reserved just for Luke.

He strips him down, Luke pliant and quiet as he sucks on his pacifier. It’s a quick bath, no toys or crazy amounts of bubbles like they often use at home. Luke doesn’t mind though, eager to be dry and curled up in bed with his Daddies.

Ashton scrubs him down with a washcloth and his baby soap from home, leaving him smelling light and sweet, all traces of sweat and grime gone. It’s replaced by nothing but clean, fresh baby smell.

“Okay, all done,” Ashton smiles, wrapping him in a towel.

Luke smiles back, suckling softly at his dummy. He’s quiet as he’s dried down and laid back on the large hotel bed. Michael and Calum coo at him from by his head as Ashton rubs baby lotion into his skin, palms swiping down his tummy and legs and feet.

He’s diapered next, and dressed in a pair of soft cotton pajamas featuring the Cars characters.

It’s perfect, quiet and warm, and he hasn’t felt this calm in days. His eyes slip shut at the thought, pacifier bobbing gently.