As the sound of Cass’ voice filled the quiet room, Vince listened intently to his friend’s schedule. They shared most of the same classes with one notable exception: Vince had decided to take Arithmancy again this year. He teased the big blonde about Potions, as was their way, knowing full well just because Cassian was a Valenduris did not mean he was any good at all, and they laughed together in a way that almost made things feel normal again. Almost.

As they settled into an easy silence, sleep finally beckoned. Vince felt green hues slide closed and he listened half-heartedly to see if Cass would say anything more. He was quite ready for bed now, thank you, and he endeavored to say nothing else unless Cass did first. He was just settling into the grasp of slumber when Cass did finally break the silence, and it was with sleep heavy on his lids that green eyes reopened.

Vince was silent as Cass’ apology lingered between them. He… wasn’t sure what to do with it really. On the one hand, it would be blatantly disingenuine to say something banal like “it’s alright.” Both of them knew it wasn’t and he wouldn’t insult Cassian - or himself - by pretending. On the other hand, bringing everything up again seemed counterintuitive to their efforts at normalcy. Deciding to nudge Cass in the shoulder with his toe, Vince offered his friend a sleepy little smile. Part of him wanted to curl up and snuggle into the crook between Cass’ shoulder and neck, burying his face there. The more keenly self-preservative part of him knew better than to try. Instead, Vince decided to meet halfway.

Shifting from his place by Cass’ feet, the Slytherin squirmed so that he could lay with his head on Cass’ stomach over the blanket. He didn’t have a pillow down at the other end of the bed, and this was not an unfamiliar position for one or both of them to adopt occasionally. Especially when they’d read things together on the grounds at Hogwarts. Vince let out a content little sigh. “Good night Cass,” he whispered into the quiet room. He hoped after all this, that it finally would be.

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