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Chapter Twenty-Five

Lilianna

I sat in the car beside Julian, a small bandage on my arm. The appointment had gone well and we would hear back later today.

“How would you like to go buy some more nesting supplies? In case you need more. We only bought you the basics.” Julian asked, a small smile on his face.

I hesitated, considering his offer. The idea of more nesting materials was appealing—I'd already arranged the ones we'd purchased into a comfortable configuration, but something still felt incomplete about my space.

"I'd like that," I admitted, fidgeting with the edge of my folder. "If you don't mind."

Julian smiled, his hazel eyes warming. "I wouldn't have offered, if I minded, Lilianna. Besides, after a medical appointment, it's good to do something that brings comfort."

He started the car, pulling smoothly out of the parking lot. "There's a specialty store about fifteen minutes from here that carries high-quality nesting materials. They have everything from practical items to more... indulgent options."

"Indulgent?" I asked, curious despite my lingering nervousness.

"Weighted blankets, scent-retaining fabrics, temperature-regulating pillows," Julian explained, navigating through the afternoon traffic with practiced ease. "Items specifically designed for omega comfort rather than just basic bedding."

My interest piqued at the mention of scent-retaining fabrics. After Dr. Chen's explanation about how my sensitivity to scent might increase, the idea of materials that could hold comforting smells suddenly seemed very appealing.

"I've never heard of fabrics like that," I said, watching the buildings pass by outside the window.

"They're made with special fibers that absorb and hold scent longer than regular materials," Julian explained. "Many omegas find them helpful for maintaining the familiar scents that make them feel secure."

I nodded, remembering Dr. Chen's words about keeping scented items from trusted people. The thought still made me blush, but it was becoming less embarrassing and more... practical.

"Julian?" I said quietly, not quite sure how to phrase my question. "What Dr. Chen said about... keeping scented items from people you trust. Would that be... would any of you be comfortable with that? If I needed it during the transition?"

Julian's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, though his voice remained calm and reassuring.

"Of course we would be comfortable with that.

More than comfortable—honored, actually.

" He glanced at me briefly before returning his attention to the road.

"The fact that you might find comfort in our scents would be a privilege, not an inconvenience. "

The warmth in his voice made my chest flutter with something I couldn't quite name. "I don't want to be... clingy or demanding."

"Lilianna," Julian said firmly, pulling into the parking lot of a small, elegant storefront. "Seeking comfort from people you trust isn't clingy. And I can tell you any of us would be happy to give you our scents to comfort you, whether it be by scenting or on materials for your nest.”

I felt my cheeks warm at the intensity in his voice. The idea that they would be "honored" by something so intimate—something my mother had always described as primitive and inappropriate—was still difficult to fully comprehend.

"Thank you," I murmured, looking down at my hands. "I'm still getting used to the idea that needing comfort isn't weakness."

Julian turned off the engine and shifted to face me more directly. "It's not just 'not weakness,' Lilianna. It's fundamentally human. Connection, comfort, security—these are basic needs, not indulgences."

His words settled over me like a warm blanket, and I found myself nodding slowly. "I think I'm beginning to understand that."

"Good," Julian said softly, his expression gentle. "Now, let's find you some proper nesting materials."

The sincerity in his voice made my anxiety ease slightly. I glanced through the windshield of the parked car and noticed the store's elegant facade—large windows displaying artfully arranged nesting materials in soothing colors and textures.

"This place looks expensive," I murmured, hesitating as Julian opened my door.

"Quality matters when it comes to nesting materials," he replied without a hint of concern about cost. "These items will last for years and provide genuine comfort, not just aesthetic appeal."

The moment we stepped inside, I understood why Julian had chosen this particular store.

Unlike the sterile department stores my mother preferred, this space was designed for sensory comfort—soft lighting, gentle background music, and subtle scents that didn't overwhelm.

The displays were arranged to allow customers to touch and experience different materials rather than just view them from a distance.

A tall beta woman approached us with a warm smile. "Welcome to Cozy Comforts. Can I help you find anything today?" the beta asked, her voice gentle and unobtrusive.

"We're looking for nesting materials," Julian replied, his hand settling lightly on my lower back in a gesture of support. "High-quality items for someone who's building their first proper nest."

The woman's expression brightened with understanding rather than judgment. "Wonderful! I'm Davina and I specialize in helping omegas create their perfect nesting environment." She turned to me directly. "What kind of textures and weights do you find most comforting right now?"

I hesitated, unused to being asked my preferences so directly. "I... I'm not sure. I've only had basic blankets and pillows before."

"That's perfectly fine," Davina assured me, gesturing toward a display area with various sample materials. "Why don't we start by having you feel different options? There's no pressure to buy anything—this is about discovering what feels right to you."

I approached the display hesitantly, my fingers hovering over a section of incredibly soft fabric. When I finally touched it, I couldn't suppress a small sound of surprise at how luxurious it felt against my skin.

"That's merino wool," Davina explained, noting my reaction. "It's naturally temperature-regulating and has excellent scent- retention properties. Many omegas find it particularly soothing during times of stress or transition."

Julian watched quietly as I moved from sample to sample, his presence reassuring without being intrusive. I found myself drawn to materials that were soft but substantial—fabrics with weight that seemed to promise security and comfort.

Julian moved to stand beside me, close enough that I could feel his warmth but not so close as to crowd me. "Try the weighted samples," he suggested gently. "Some omegas find the pressure soothing."

I moved to a display of weighted fabric squares, lifting one experimentally. The gentle pressure felt immediately comforting, like a reassuring embrace. "This is nice," I admitted, surprised by how naturally my body responded to the sensation

"Weighted blankets are very popular among our omega customers," Davina explained, moving to a nearby display.

"Deep pressure stimulation can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.

" She gestured to several blankets in different weights and fabrics.

"These range from ten to twenty-five pounds, depending on your body weight and preference. "

I ran my hands over a fifteen-pound blanket covered in the same merino wool I'd been drawn to earlier. The combination of the soft fabric and gentle weight felt like security made tangible.

"What about scent-retaining materials?" Julian asked, his voice carefully neutral despite the slight flush I caught on his cheeks.

Davina's expression remained professional as she led us to another section.

"These fabrics are specially treated to hold scent longer than traditional materials.

They're washable but maintain their absorption properties.

" She held up a throw pillow covered in a soft, cream-colored material.

"This line is particularly effective—it can hold a scent for up to two weeks with regular use. "

My fingers brushed against the pillow, immediately appreciating the softness combined with the subtle texture. "It's beautiful," I murmured, imagining how comforting it would be to have something that could maintain a reassuring scent when I felt anxious or overwhelmed.

"We also have these," Davina continued, moving to a display of what looked like soft scarves in various colors. "They're designed to be scented and worn close to the body when you need comfort outside your nest. Many omegas find them helpful during stressful situations or when traveling."

Julian picked up a deep forest green scarf, the color reminding me of Miles's eyes. "This would suit you," he said quietly, holding it out for me to touch.

The material was incredibly soft against my fingertips, with a subtle sheen that caught the light beautifully. I could imagine how comforting it would be to have something like this during my doctor appointments or other anxiety-inducing situations.

"That's one of our most popular items," Davina noted approvingly. "The fabric is a bamboo-silk blend that's both breathable and incredibly soft. Holds a scent beautifully, but isn't overwhelming."

I found myself nodding, already imagining how the scarf might provide comfort during difficult moments. "I think I'd like this one."

Julian smiled, the warmth in his expression making my chest flutter. "Excellent choice. What else catches your eye?"