Their laughter filled the cabin, echoing against the wooden walls in a way that seemed almost too loud for the quiet night. It wasn't the laughter of joy or relief—it was sharp, cutting, and filled with an inside joke that only the two of them understood.
As the sound tapered off, David leaned back against the armchair, his smirk still lingering. "You know, Liam," he began, his tone teasing, "if we ever do get bored, maybe we'll just renovate their cabin again. Turn it into a proper palace for them."
Liam snorted, pulling the blanket tighter around himself as he sprawled out on the couch. "Please, you'd hate that. You'd start ripping it apart halfway through just because you could."
David chuckled. "Fair point. Better to keep them... humble."
Liam hummed in agreement, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. "Humble, indebted, and useful. That's the sweet spot."
David glanced at him, his smirk softening for a moment. "You look like you're about to pass out again."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Liam muttered, letting his head rest against the couch's arm. "But at least this time, it's just from good old-fashioned work."
David shook his head, amused, and got up from his chair. He poked at the fire a bit, letting the flames crackle higher, their warmth chasing away the slight chill in the air. When he turned back, Liam was already drifting off, his breathing slow and steady.
For a moment, David just stood there, watching him. With a satisfied sigh, he returned to his chair, letting the fire's warmth lull him into his own quiet thoughts.
And just like that, they spent their quietly.
The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling the forest floor with golden light. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the earthy scent of dew-soaked leaves. David was already up, crouched beside the nearly finished cabin as he secured the final boards of the outer walls. His movements were calm and methodical, the hammer striking with rhythmic precision.
Liam emerged from their own cabin, stretching lazily as he strolled toward the work site. He carried two steaming mugs of coffee, their rich aroma cutting through the brisk morning air. "Thought you might want this," he said, setting one mug down beside David.
David paused, taking a moment to sip from the mug. "Perfect timing," he said with a smirk. "This place is almost done. Just needs a few finishing touches."
Liam leaned against a tree, watching David work. "It's solid," he said, nodding toward the structure. "Not bad for something we threw together in a couple of days."
"Not bad?" David raised an eyebrow, a hint of mock offense in his tone. "It's flawless. Better than they deserve."
Liam chuckled, sipping his coffee. "True. But it's practical, and it'll keep them alive. That's all that matters."
David finished hammering the last nail into place and stood, brushing sawdust off his hands. The cabin stood sturdy and simple, a testament to their efficiency. The wooden walls gleamed faintly in the morning light, and the small windows they'd cut out offered just enough light without compromising security.
"Not much left," David said, stepping back to survey their work. "We'll add the door, seal the windows, and maybe leave them a couple of beds. After that, it's up to them to make it livable."
"Generous," Liam said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "But I guess we wouldn't want them collapsing from exhaustion before their first mission."
David gave a short laugh. "Exactly. Dead tools aren't useful tools."
The two worked in comfortable silence for the next hour, installing a sturdy door and securing it with a heavy lock. Inside, they arranged two simple wooden frames that could serve as beds. David tossed a pair of old blankets onto them, his only concession to comfort.
When it was done, they stepped back to admire their handiwork. The cabin was small but functional, a perfect base for Caleb and Daniel to operate from.
"That'll do," Liam said, brushing his hands together.
David nodded. "Let's head back. They can take it from here."
As they walked back toward their own cabin, Liam glanced at David, his expression amused. "Think they'll appreciate it?"
David's lips curled into a grin, sharp and knowing. "Doesn't matter if they do. They'll use it. That's all that counts."
The day stretched ahead of them, but with the cabin practically done, there was little urgency.