We Live in a Mad World

Minoru eagerly waved when he saw his other halfs, Katsuki and Izuku, walking away after he saw them give him a soft yet warm smile. The gentle breeze carried a hint of jasmine from the garden, creating a stark contrast with the busy world beyond. This place exuded a sense of tranquility, serving as a refuge where the worries of everyday life seemed far away. As they strolled along, a feeling of excitement grew within him, evoking a yearning for the solace that this sanctuary offered.

They soon arrived at Minoru's quiet place, a hidden nook bathed in soft, shimmering fairy lights. The golden glow flickered gently against the emerald green vines that spiraled around the room, lending an air of enchanting intimacy. A spacious bed, its linen invitingly rumpled, lay against the wall, exuding an aura of restfulness. Minoru felt an innate warmth each time he entered—this was a retreat for his soul.

"Come and sit and get cozy, 'cause you're going to be here for a while," he beckoned with a playful smile as he plopped down onto the bed, retrieving a large stuffed fox, worn from years of affection. As he nestled against the wall, the comforting weight of the toy brought him a sense of tranquility.

Averill's face lit up with a bright smile as he joined Minoru, sliding under the soft covers and getting comfortable. As he settled, his gaze fell upon two figures emerging from the shadows of the room. A fox and a wolf padded in, their presence as soothing as the ambient light.

Minoru noticed the shock flickering across Averill's eyes and chuckled. "These two are my pets. I saved them when they were just a kit and a pup, and they've stuck by my side ever since. This little beauty is Geneviève." The fox, with its silky orange fur and attentive gaze, climbed onto the bed, curling up on Minoru's legs. He gently moved his stuffed fox to its designated mini bed and began petting Geneviève's head, relishing the connection.

"And the wolf is Adlar. He's a boy." Adlar, with his striking silver fur and fierce yet gentle demeanor, ambled over to Averill, laying his head against him in a display of trust that made both Minoru and Averill smile.

Minoru shifted, feeling a sense of belonging wrap around him tighter than any blanket. He handed the book he had selected to Averill before leaning back against the wall once more. "You should start reading before we get interrupted."

Averill opened the book, his brow slightly furrowing as he turned to the beginning. The room fell into a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft sounds of breathing and the occasional rustle of pages.

"You comfortable enough?" Averill asked, his voice a quiet murmur.

Averill's eyes sparkled as he caught Minoru's nod of reassurance. "Good. Then let's begin," he said, letting his voice wrap around the words as he spoke the first lines.

"In these dungeons, the darkness was complete, but Katsa had a map in her mind. One that had so far proven correct, as Oll's maps tended to do..."

As Averill immersed himself in the story, Minoru felt a weight lift from his chest. Averill's deep, soothing voice was a balm, relaxing him further. The narrative unfolded, taking them far beyond their sanctuary as Katsa crept through shadows, navigated danger, and faced adversaries with fierce resolve.

Adlar, warm and peaceful, continued his dreamy slumber, while Geneviève nestled closer, her breathing steady. Minoru's eyelids grew heavy, lulled by the tranquility of both the story and the moment.

Averill read on, weaving the tale of Katsa's daring escapade, but his attention began to stray toward the serene scene in his periphery. He looked down to find Minoru resting against him, a soft expression of contentment on his face. With gentle movements, Averill marked the page to remember where they had left off.

Minoru stirred slightly in his sleep, then curled closer to Geneviève, a soft smile gracing his lips. The sight struck Averill as undeniably cute, warming his heart in a way he hadn't anticipated.

The room was draped in peacefulness as Averill laid back, joining the serene embrace of sleep that enveloped them all. He glanced at Adlar, who lay protectively beside him, and opened a new book from his bag, letting the words drift into the atmosphere, mingling with the magic of the space they occupied.

Time ceased to exist in this sanctuary; the outside world faded away. Both Averill and Minoru found solace in the presence of each other and their sleepy companions. They reveled in the comforting stillness of the moment, knowing that they had created a small haven where nothing else mattered—a space where they could simply be, where friendship and love intertwined in the most perfect harmony.

And as the pages turned quietly under Averill's fingertips, he couldn't help but think that this was more than just a delightful afternoon; it was the foundation of something beautiful, a reminder that amidst life's complexity, there were places and people that made everything right.