James smirks, leaning back against the couch. "A disaster zone? Shocking. And here I thought you were Mr. Perfect."

"Perfectly chaotic," I shoot back, grabbing a pillow and tossing it at him.

He catches it effortlessly, chuckling. "Let's see how you handle building this fort then, Mr. Chaos."

Bianca grins and starts dragging out every blanket and pillow she can find. "Alright, boys, let's see some action."

We dive in, tossing blankets over furniture and stacking pillows like we're kids again. The room transforms into a chaotic yet somehow cozy fort. It's ridiculous and perfect.

Liam looks around at our creation, nodding in approval. "Not bad for a disaster zone."

Bianca claps her hands together, clearly pleased with our efforts. "Now this is more like it!"

We all crawl into the fort, the world outside disappearing as we settle into our own little sanctuary of blankets and pillows.

Bianca curls up next to me, her warmth seeping through my shirt. "This was a great idea," she says softly.

I glance around at Liam and James, both looking more relaxed than I've seen them in ages. "Yeah," I agree. "It really was."

James stretches out beside us, a content smile on his face. "Feels like old times."

"Better than old times," Liam adds quietly.

We all fall silent for a moment, the weight of the past lifting off our shoulders just a bit more.

Bianca breaks the silence with a yawn. "I'm beat."

I wrap an arm around her, pulling her close. "Then let's get some sleep," I say softly.

"This seems so ... right," she murmurs.

James stretches out beside her. "Guess we're all tucked in now."

Liam looks at Bianca sandwiched between me and James, and eyes the couch with skepticism. "I'm not spooning one of you guys," he declares, grabbing a throw pillow and settling into his makeshift bed.

"Suit yourself," I say, nudging Bianca playfully. "More room for us."

Liam rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue. Instead, he reaches over and runs his fingers through Bianca's braids. She sighs contentedly, her eyes fluttering shut.

Bianca shifts slightly, turning to look at Liam. "Are you really comfortable on that couch?"

He shrugs. "I've slept in worse places."

She reaches out and touches his arm lightly. "You sure?"

"I'm fine," he assures her, a hint of warmth in his usually cool demeanor.

"Goodnight," I whisper, wrapping my arm around her waist.

She shifts to face me, eyes half-closed with sleepiness but full of contentment. "Goodnight, Alex."

Liam and James murmur their goodnights too as we all settle down into a comfortable silence. For the first time in years, it's as if we're exactly where we belong.

As I drift off to sleep with Bianca nestled between us and Liam's light snores filling the room, I can't help but think that maybe this is just the beginning of something even better than before.

A loud knocking jolts me awake. I rub my eyes and slip out of the blanket fort, careful not to disturb the others. Bianca's curled up against James, her hand gripping Liam's arm like a lifeline. The sight makes me smile.

I head to the door, expecting a neighbor or something. But when I open it, I'm greeted by a woman that looks exactly like Bia, but older.