Page 74 of Wisteria and Cloves
"You've already started," Miles observed with approval, noting the careful arrangement of what I'd had to work with. "This shows good instincts."
Julian set his bags down near the window, his gaze taking in the room with what seemed like professional assessment. "The positioning is excellent—you've created a sense of enclosure while maintaining clear sightlines to the door and windows. Very practical."
I felt heat rise in my cheeks at their praise. "I just arranged things the way that felt... safe."
"Safety is the foundation of any good nest," Miles said, beginning to unpack the weighted blanket. "Everything else builds from that basic need."
As we began removing items from their packaging, I marveled again at the quality of what Julian had helped me select. The merino wool blanket was even softer than I remembered, and the scent-retaining pillowcases felt luxurious against my fingertips. Julian carefully removed the protective wrapping from the salt lamp, placing it on my bedside table where it cast a warm, rosy glow across the room.
"Where would you like to begin?" Julian asked, standing back to give me space to direct the process.
I hesitated, suddenly overwhelmed by the options before me. "I'm not sure. I've never had this many choices before."
Miles smiled encouragingly. "There's no wrong way to do this. Some omegas prefer to start with the base layer and build up, while others arrange the outer boundaries first."
"Base layer," I decided after a moment's thought. "I want to get the foundation right."
Julian nodded approvingly. "Good instinct. The temperature-regulating sheets would make an excellent starting point."
We worked together to strip the bed and replace the standard sheets with the sage green set I'd selected. The fabric felt impossibly smooth against my skin as we tucked the corners and adjusted the fit. Julian showed me how to create hospital corners that would keep the sheets secure even during restless nights, his movements precise and efficient.
"These are beautiful," Miles commented, running his hand appreciatively over the material.
Next came the weighted blanket, which Julian helped me position just so—centered on the bed with enough overhang tocreate a sense of security without restricting movement. The weight settled over me as I tested it, immediately bringing a sense of calm that made my shoulders relax.
"How does that feel?" Julian asked, watching my reaction closely.
"Wonderful," I admitted, reluctant to move from beneath its comforting pressure. "Like being hugged by the blanket itself."
Miles smiled, already unwrapping the scent-retaining pillows. "That's exactly how it should feel. The pressure activates your parasympathetic nervous system—it's why many omegas find weighted items so calming."
I reluctantly emerged from beneath the blanket to help arrange the pillows. The scent-retaining fabric felt different from ordinary pillowcases—slightly denser but still incredibly soft. As I positioned them against the headboard, I found myself wondering how they might feel infused with the scents of the men helping me build this nest.
"These go around the perimeter," Julian explained, helping me arrange the soft throws in a semicircle that created a subtle boundary. "They define the space without closing it off completely."
Miles added the decorative pillows, his eye for arrangement evident in how he balanced colors and textures. "What do you think of this?" he asked.
I stepped back to survey what we'd created, my breath catching slightly at the transformation. The bed had become something entirely different—a cocoon of comfort that seemed to beckon me forward. The sage green sheets provided a calming foundation, while the weighted blanket created an inviting centerpiece. The scent-retaining pillows were arranged in a way that would allow me to surround myself with comfort, and the soft throws created boundaries that felt protective rather than confining.
"It's perfect," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion I hadn't expected. "It actually looks like... like it belongs to me."
Julian's expression softened by my words. "It does belong to you. Every choice, every arrangement—this is yours, Lilianna."
Miles moved to adjust one of the throws slightly, his green eyes warm with satisfaction. "And it's not finished. Nests are living spaces—they evolve over time on how you are feeling.”
I ran my fingers along the edge of the weighted blanket, marveling at how right it all felt. "I never thought I could have something like this," I admitted softly. "My mother always said elaborate bedding was frivolous and encouraged inappropriate behavior."
Julian's jaw tightened at the mention of my mother, but his voice remained gentle. "Your mother was wrong about many things. Creating a space that brings you comfort isn't frivolous—it's essential for your wellbeing."
Miles picked up the bamboo-silk scarf, the deep green fabric catching the warm light from the salt lamp. "This is beautiful," he said, holding it up admiringly. "The color suits you perfectly."
"Julian chose it," I said, glancing at him with gratitude. "He said it would suit me."
"I was right," Julian replied, his hazel eyes warm. "Would you like us to scent anything for you?” My heart fluttered at his words, heat going to my cheeks as I felt the blush come full force.
The direct offer made my stomach flutter with nervous anticipation. Dr. Chen had explained that scent comfort was natural and healthy, but the reality of asking for something so intimate still felt overwhelming.
"I... yes," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "If you wouldn't mind."
