GENERAL OPEN POST
° Drop off a starter, texting or leave a prompt of some sort, whether text based, quotes or images. AUs welcomed. Please, make sure to link to all pictures.
° Include the character in the subject line or be surprised!
° This is open to all even if we haven't talked before. Feel free to toss things at me.
[ For Kai, he treasured each and every wayward comment Neve spoke to him, piecing more things about him together. Neve would never be called an open book or easy to get to know bit Kai didn't mind working a little doe it. He found Neve worth it and sometimes he hid behind things too.
He tried to not frown when Neve let go of him, gazing at the bed as if in deep thought.
Right. Yes. They would actually need to get into bed. He would be in bed with Neve. ]
[ neve looked at kai for a moment, but said nothing. it was a comment that was clearly not going to come with an explanation, and he wasn't about to require one. he knew what it was like, to skirt around the truth, to say the relevant parts of things only.
he respected it.
but it made his heart ache a little. ]
Then you can have the side closest to the door. And most of the pillows.
[ he takes a seat on the bed then, watching kai closely. ]
[ one day, Kai would explain and put more out there but he preferred to maintain the illusion he had everything together. it just made sense and everything else could be buried deeply.
watching neve, he felt yet another flutter in his chest. how could one person be so beautiful and alluring? he would never survive this and would likely make a full of himself.
he fought back a yawn as he sat down on the other side of the bed. ]
Any habits I should know? Do you snore, drool, talk in your sleep?
[ neve's lips tugged into a tight smile, and he shook his head as he tugged the comforter to get beneath it. ]
I'm a perfect bed partner.
[ oh. uh. he looked away from kai, pretending to fix a pillow behind him as he spoke. cool, calm and collected was apparently impossible with kai around. ]
For sleep, [ he clarified, acting as non flustered as he possibly could. ]
What did he do to deserve this torment and frustration? Coming over so tired probably wasn't the greatest idea either but he had missed Kai the last couple of days.
Blushing red as anything, Kai ducked his head, to slip under the comforter and shift everything around. Breathe, breathe and don't think about -- ]
M-me too. About sleeping. I mean - sometimes I'm kinda - cuddly but I'll stay on my side.
[ Laying back, he tilted his head to look at Neve. ]
[ neve settled on his back as well, head turned to look at kai. there was plenty of space between them right now, but when his eyes found kai's, it felt like no space at all.
he shook his head. no, he didn't usually have anyone over. and certainly not in his bed. he hadn't shared his sleeping space with anyone in decades. maybe over a century.
he bit his bottom lip, worrying at it with his teeth. ]
It's okay if you... [ he reaches out and tugs at kai's sleeve. he can come closer... if he wants to cuddle, that's okay. ]
[ being surrounded by everything Neve settled over him and made a whole new kind of longing appear to mingle with the one for the sea. With Neve, though, it felt stronger, deeper within his bones.
Looking over at Neve, he could not prevent the fond smile from filling his face. But it turned a little surprised at the tugging.
Really?
Smiling shyly, he scooted over towards Neve on the bed. ]
I haven't -- [ He had never really cuddled with someone he had feelings for. After a few seconds, he curled closer. ] Is this still okay? Am I too close? I might fall asleep.
[ neve had hardly ever cuddled at all. any time he'd spent in the company of a person in his bed tended to be cut short. it was new to have someone here with no goal or intention. it was new to have someone he liked... liked a lot in his bed with him.
and then so close. neve's heart rate picked up as kai settled against him, close and warm and... inviting. it only made neve want to get closer, to get all tangled up.
he didn't move, except to extend his arm so neve could settle there more comfortably. ]
Isn't that why we're here? To sleep? [ it's a bit teasing. it makes it easier to cope with the fact that kai smells like his soap and shampoo. his breath shuddered, and he cleared his throat to disguise it. ]
[ while Kai knew Neve had a softer side, it felt nice to see it directly and to be the cause. A small tendril of hope curled within him that Neve might care on a deeper level than he dared to imagine. That there might be more feelings than just the surface level. A guy could dare to dream.
Shifting a little closer because why not, he nuzzled at Neve's neck. A little bold but he might not get another chance! ]
We said cuddling actually not sleeping but your bed is really comfortable and you're warm.
[ he didn't mean to say the last part but he lacked a filter when he was tired. Another mistake probably. ]
so that's what they should do, and asking him to come closer wasn't weird or strange in that context. that was required, for cuddling. and he'd known that, but he hadn't thought of how warm kai would feel, or how soft, or how he'd think kai smelling like his products was a little hot.
just a little. so was the tthought that kai might find him just as warm against him.
he was about to push that thought away when kai nuzzled at his neck, causing neve's breathing to hitch. it had been a long, long time since he'd let anyone into his bed at all, and the contact at his neck was overwhelming. it was kind of cute, too. he turned his face, just a bit. as if giving kai more room to settle comfortable, or to do that again. ]
[ Normally, he wouldn't be as bold but being so tired opened him up somewhat. Later on, he would probably be mortified and worried he messed things up. Neve's friendship meant a lot and he didn't really have a lot of those to spare with the sort of life he led.
With how close they were, Kai heard or rather felt Neve's breath hitch. His eyes fluttered open to look at him. Oh. The reaction had to mean something, right?
Eyes falling shut again, he let out a little mmm noise, nuzzling again. ]
Always knew you'd be the cuddly type, marshmallow. I'll keep this in mind for the future. I have -- a lot of long days.
[ maybe it was how naturally kai seemed to settle like this with him, sounding content and comfortable, nuzzling at him, that made neve respond in kind. even with his heart beating faster than it had in years, neve folded his arm so his fingers could card through kai's hair. ]
M'not. It's just you. [ it's a little petulant. and a lot to admit. but if kai was going to be so open and say everything on his mind, neve felt inclined to return the favor.
he'd meant it when he said he was working on it. not shutting kai out. letting him in. ]
You can come see me after your long days. I'll take care of you. [ he realised how much he meant that after saying it. how he'd rather kai have someone to come to after a difficult time. how he'd want to hear about anyone giving kai trouble and go find them and give them a piece of his mind.
he curled toward him, a little protectively, and turned his head so that for a moment his nose and mouth were against the top of his head before moving away again. ]
[ With trust issues galore, Kai did not form too deep of bonds with others, maintaining more of an acquaintance level. His shop, contacts and family took up most of his time and he didn't usually care but Neve made him realize a lot of what he had been missing. All the things he secretly longed for. A connection to the world that went beyond just what he offered.
His eyes cracked open, his heart clutching in his chest. Oh. Wow. But the surprise did not end there.
No one took care of HIM. He worried about everyone else and while he's feel like a burden, it seemed more like neve might need someone to take care of. To focus on. It could be nice. He would care for Neve too, of course, how could he not. ]
You make - me more open. A few weeks ago -- I would have never called anyone after dealing - with that.
[ Slowly, he ran his fingertips over Neve's arm. ]
Goes both ways if you have a bad day what do you like?
[ he could echo the same sentiment. he's glad kai did call. that he felt he could come see neve for this, and that neve would make him feel better. it's nice to be trusted like that. ]
I — [ it's a simple question.
what do you like? when you have a bad day, what makes you feel better?
neve doesn't know. he's never had anyone there. he's always been alone on good and bad days. ]
I don't know. [ it makes him sad to realize it, when before it would have only indicated he's been doing things right. he shouldn't rely on anyone else, not when his plan involved high risks. but with kai against him and his hair between his fingers and his nose against his neck, it made him feel sad. ]
[ If the words made Neve sad, they only made Kai even sadder because it really drove home the all alone image. It yanked at Kai's heart and also made him wonder why he became an exception to the rule. Why did Neve let him in? Did it make him different? He sure hoped so.
Pulling back just a little to look into Neve's face, he cupped his cheek, lightly moving his thumb back and forth. An attempt to comfort and maybe to touch. Not as daring as the nuzzling but still yet. ]
You're not alone now. We - can figure it out together what you like, if you want. You - shouldn't be alone when you're sad.
nicer than it should. nicer than it was safe to. but those things he wasn't thinking about now, because kai was touching him, and it felt like he'd gone without touch so long he was melting further and further into it.
and further and further into kai's eyes, as he looked into them while he cupped his cheek. kai was handsome. really, really handsome... ]
Thank you. [ his voice was low and almost a whisper. he turned his cheek into the touch, encouraging it silently. they'd come this far, and it felt so nice. to hear someone say he didn't need to be alone, after convincing himself he had to. ]
[ A turning point of sorts to have Neve turn into the touch and not move away or try to turn the subject on him in some way. Early on, he picked up on the hands off vibe but he never really took it to heart, especially not when it seemed like a show. Now, he knew it had been. A kind of self preservation for some reason or another.
He just wondered why. Continuing to stroke his thumb against Neve's cheek, his own breath hitched and he didn't feel as tired anymore. ]
I'll always be here for you. Okay? I don't - I care about you.
[ wasn't that a sign that something had gone horribly wrong? that he'd let kai in, or shown enough of himself to kai that kai had started to care about him? wasn't that what he'd been avoiding for so long?
yes. kind of. definitely.
was he thinking about that in this moment? absolutely not. ]
You probably shouldn't, [ he said, voice soft. he didn't look away from kai, though, eyes tracing his features in spite of himself, making note of the shape of his eyes and his nose and his mouth.
[ he whispered the words in the same soft tone, feeling his heartbeat picking up again. How could one person make him feel so many different things and all at once? It kept him off kilter and he really didn't know how to right himself.
Did he even actually want to?
Following Neve's eyes, fluttering joined in with the mix and he had a sudden awareness of how close they were.
[ definitely wants to kiss him. absolutely shouldn't, definitely wants to. his hand drops from kai's hair, now at the base of his neck. his fingers shift there, a light brush of fingertips. he shouldn't be touching him more if it makes him feel like this, when he's so close to doing something that will end horribly for both of them.
he breathes out, eyes finally returning to kai's after a moment of silence. ]
Yes. [ he can't lie about that. it'd be stupid. it's obvious he cares; he's even told kai he likes him, told him he makes him feel human, told him he doesn't want to keep him at arm's length.
[ Even if he knew Neve cared, it meant a lot to hear it and to be able to breathe it in. A certain kind oftenderness filled his face and he couldn't stop the shudder from Neve touching his neck. One of his weaknesses along with his hips.
Neve would end him without even trying or attempting to. The latter being a twinge of sadness because he doubted Neve would ever actually want him. As in a long term thing.
As in a for the rest of time thing.
He leaned into the touch, his own hand exploring Neve's hair and down his side. Content to touch and be touched even if he did want to kiss Neve. To press a little closer. ]
Neve - I - I'm glad I'm here.
[ Such a cop out but he couldn't say kiss me. He didn't do things like that. ]
[ neve felt on the edge of something, teetering. he made no effort to pull back, only let things be, only let them happen. it felt liberating to just go with the moment, rather than trying to control every minute of the exchange and get it to go in the direction he felt was best.
he kept touching kai's neck, but now a bit more firm, almost massaging the base of his neck. still idle enough that he could pretend he was doing it without thinking, even though he was very, very focused on the touch. ]
Me too.
[ his eyes fell to kai's lips again, and he wanted to press his own to them so badly it was embarrassing. he usually had more control, but he felt if he didn't stop looking into kai's face he would end up kissing him within the next five minutes, and that... that was too much to entertain. instead he pressed closer, dunking his face against kai's shoulder and winding his arm around his middle.
as if that was any better. his nose was against kai's neck now, and he could smell his soap on him. ]
[ If a heart could flutter from someone's chest, his would have right then and landed in Neve's hand. Maybe he had more feelings than he wanted to admit to or maybe he just didn't really know what they were. Sure, he had crushes before but this felt more fully realized than a fleeting stirring or something.
In fact, he turned to Neve at a low moment, which meant a lot when he tended to keep to himself. It terrified him a little because what if Neve decided to pull away from him? It wouldn't just break his heart, it would shatter him.
Letting out a breath, he could stop the little moan that escaped his parted lips. He had a sensitive neck but why oh why. A crimson blush stained his cheeks and he was glad when Neve ducked his head. ]
I must smell like you.
[ smooth.
He moved his hand to run along Neve's back, fingers tangling in his shirt. ]
[ he hadn't expected kai would flat out say something like that. again, there's no sense in denying it. that'd be stupid, and obvious that he's pretending like it's not true for a reason. and while he doesn't quite yet know why or how he feels so intensely about kai smelling like him...
he does. ]
Yeah. You do. [ he sighs, which makes him take a deep breath first. when he lets out a breath, he adds: ] Kind of nice.
[ kind of really nice, in fact. he doesn't know where this streak of... possessiveness comes from, but that's essentially what this feeling boils down to. he wants to hold kai closer.
his hand goes back to kai's hair, and the one around his middle flattens in the small of his back. they're really pressed together like that, and neve shifts his legs so they can get more comfortable. ]
[ Officially, he would not survive the nap at the rate they were going. First, it seemed like Neve might kiss him and now the kind of nice comment. Neve liked if he smelled like him? What did it mean? It had to mean something even if he didn't know what exactly.
When they shifted closer, he tangled their legs together to make it more comfortable for both of them, pointedly not picturing a lot of choice images. Now would not be the time but he felt so hyperaware of their proximity and the line of heat rushing over him.
He tucked his face against Neve's neck, slowly winding down again. ]
Don't - leave, okay? [ a hint of pleading filled his voice with the rords and if he wasn't so tired he would be mortified by it. ]
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He tried to not frown when Neve let go of him, gazing at the bed as if in deep thought.
Right. Yes. They would actually need to get into bed. He would be in bed with Neve. ]
Usually, the closest to a window or a door.
[ For reasons he didn't usually talk about. ]
I really love pillows and fuzzy blankets.
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he respected it.
but it made his heart ache a little. ]
Then you can have the side closest to the door. And most of the pillows.
[ he takes a seat on the bed then, watching kai closely. ]
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watching neve, he felt yet another flutter in his chest. how could one person be so beautiful and alluring? he would never survive this and would likely make a full of himself.
he fought back a yawn as he sat down on the other side of the bed. ]
Any habits I should know? Do you snore, drool, talk in your sleep?
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I'm a perfect bed partner.
[ oh. uh. he looked away from kai, pretending to fix a pillow behind him as he spoke. cool, calm and collected was apparently impossible with kai around. ]
For sleep, [ he clarified, acting as non flustered as he possibly could. ]
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What did he do to deserve this torment and frustration? Coming over so tired probably wasn't the greatest idea either but he had missed Kai the last couple of days.
Blushing red as anything, Kai ducked his head, to slip under the comforter and shift everything around. Breathe, breathe and don't think about -- ]
M-me too. About sleeping. I mean - sometimes I'm kinda - cuddly but I'll stay on my side.
[ Laying back, he tilted his head to look at Neve. ]
You don't usually have anyone over, do you?
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he shook his head. no, he didn't usually have anyone over. and certainly not in his bed. he hadn't shared his sleeping space with anyone in decades. maybe over a century.
he bit his bottom lip, worrying at it with his teeth. ]
It's okay if you... [ he reaches out and tugs at kai's sleeve. he can come closer... if he wants to cuddle, that's okay. ]
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Looking over at Neve, he could not prevent the fond smile from filling his face. But it turned a little surprised at the tugging.
Really?
Smiling shyly, he scooted over towards Neve on the bed. ]
I haven't -- [ He had never really cuddled with someone he had feelings for. After a few seconds, he curled closer. ] Is this still okay? Am I too close? I might fall asleep.
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and then so close. neve's heart rate picked up as kai settled against him, close and warm and... inviting. it only made neve want to get closer, to get all tangled up.
he didn't move, except to extend his arm so neve could settle there more comfortably. ]
Isn't that why we're here? To sleep? [ it's a bit teasing. it makes it easier to cope with the fact that kai smells like his soap and shampoo. his breath shuddered, and he cleared his throat to disguise it. ]
You're tired. It's okay.
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Shifting a little closer because why not, he nuzzled at Neve's neck. A little bold but he might not get another chance! ]
We said cuddling actually not sleeping but your bed is really comfortable and you're warm.
[ he didn't mean to say the last part but he lacked a filter when he was tired. Another mistake probably. ]
I'm sorry if you're not tired.
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so that's what they should do, and asking him to come closer wasn't weird or strange in that context. that was required, for cuddling. and he'd known that, but he hadn't thought of how warm kai would feel, or how soft, or how he'd think kai smelling like his products was a little hot.
just a little. so was the tthought that kai might find him just as warm against him.
he was about to push that thought away when kai nuzzled at his neck, causing neve's breathing to hitch. it had been a long, long time since he'd let anyone into his bed at all, and the contact at his neck was overwhelming. it was kind of cute, too. he turned his face, just a bit. as if giving kai more room to settle comfortable, or to do that again. ]
It's fine. I'll probably fall asleep too.
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With how close they were, Kai heard or rather felt Neve's breath hitch. His eyes fluttered open to look at him. Oh. The reaction had to mean something, right?
Eyes falling shut again, he let out a little mmm noise, nuzzling again. ]
Always knew you'd be the cuddly type, marshmallow. I'll keep this in mind for the future. I have -- a lot of long days.
[ It felt so nice. ]
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M'not. It's just you. [ it's a little petulant. and a lot to admit. but if kai was going to be so open and say everything on his mind, neve felt inclined to return the favor.
he'd meant it when he said he was working on it. not shutting kai out. letting him in. ]
You can come see me after your long days. I'll take care of you. [ he realised how much he meant that after saying it. how he'd rather kai have someone to come to after a difficult time. how he'd want to hear about anyone giving kai trouble and go find them and give them a piece of his mind.
he curled toward him, a little protectively, and turned his head so that for a moment his nose and mouth were against the top of his head before moving away again. ]
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His eyes cracked open, his heart clutching in his chest. Oh. Wow. But the surprise did not end there.
No one took care of HIM. He worried about everyone else and while he's feel like a burden, it seemed more like neve might need someone to take care of. To focus on. It could be nice. He would care for Neve too, of course, how could he not. ]
You make - me more open. A few weeks ago -- I would have never called anyone after dealing - with that.
[ Slowly, he ran his fingertips over Neve's arm. ]
Goes both ways if you have a bad day what do you like?
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I — [ it's a simple question.
what do you like? when you have a bad day, what makes you feel better?
neve doesn't know. he's never had anyone there. he's always been alone on good and bad days. ]
I don't know. [ it makes him sad to realize it, when before it would have only indicated he's been doing things right. he shouldn't rely on anyone else, not when his plan involved high risks. but with kai against him and his hair between his fingers and his nose against his neck, it made him feel sad. ]
Usually I'm alone.
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Pulling back just a little to look into Neve's face, he cupped his cheek, lightly moving his thumb back and forth. An attempt to comfort and maybe to touch. Not as daring as the nuzzling but still yet. ]
You're not alone now. We - can figure it out together what you like, if you want. You - shouldn't be alone when you're sad.
[ Just the thought made him frown. ]
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nicer than it should. nicer than it was safe to. but those things he wasn't thinking about now, because kai was touching him, and it felt like he'd gone without touch so long he was melting further and further into it.
and further and further into kai's eyes, as he looked into them while he cupped his cheek. kai was handsome. really, really handsome... ]
Thank you. [ his voice was low and almost a whisper. he turned his cheek into the touch, encouraging it silently. they'd come this far, and it felt so nice. to hear someone say he didn't need to be alone, after convincing himself he had to. ]
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He just wondered why. Continuing to stroke his thumb against Neve's cheek, his own breath hitched and he didn't feel as tired anymore. ]
I'll always be here for you. Okay? I don't - I care about you.
[ A somewhat confession of sorts. ]
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yes. kind of. definitely.
was he thinking about that in this moment? absolutely not. ]
You probably shouldn't, [ he said, voice soft. he didn't look away from kai, though, eyes tracing his features in spite of himself, making note of the shape of his eyes and his nose and his mouth.
he has a very nice mouth. ]
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[ he whispered the words in the same soft tone, feeling his heartbeat picking up again. How could one person make him feel so many different things and all at once? It kept him off kilter and he really didn't know how to right himself.
Did he even actually want to?
Following Neve's eyes, fluttering joined in with the mix and he had a sudden awareness of how close they were.
Did Neve want to kiss him? ]
You - care about me, don't you?
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he breathes out, eyes finally returning to kai's after a moment of silence. ]
Yes. [ he can't lie about that. it'd be stupid. it's obvious he cares; he's even told kai he likes him, told him he makes him feel human, told him he doesn't want to keep him at arm's length.
kai's right. it's kind of too late. ]
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Neve would end him without even trying or attempting to. The latter being a twinge of sadness because he doubted Neve would ever actually want him. As in a long term thing.
As in a for the rest of time thing.
He leaned into the touch, his own hand exploring Neve's hair and down his side. Content to touch and be touched even if he did want to kiss Neve. To press a little closer. ]
Neve - I - I'm glad I'm here.
[ Such a cop out but he couldn't say kiss me. He didn't do things like that. ]
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he kept touching kai's neck, but now a bit more firm, almost massaging the base of his neck. still idle enough that he could pretend he was doing it without thinking, even though he was very, very focused on the touch. ]
Me too.
[ his eyes fell to kai's lips again, and he wanted to press his own to them so badly it was embarrassing. he usually had more control, but he felt if he didn't stop looking into kai's face he would end up kissing him within the next five minutes, and that... that was too much to entertain. instead he pressed closer, dunking his face against kai's shoulder and winding his arm around his middle.
as if that was any better. his nose was against kai's neck now, and he could smell his soap on him. ]
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In fact, he turned to Neve at a low moment, which meant a lot when he tended to keep to himself. It terrified him a little because what if Neve decided to pull away from him? It wouldn't just break his heart, it would shatter him.
Letting out a breath, he could stop the little moan that escaped his parted lips. He had a sensitive neck but why oh why. A crimson blush stained his cheeks and he was glad when Neve ducked his head. ]
I must smell like you.
[ smooth.
He moved his hand to run along Neve's back, fingers tangling in his shirt. ]
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he does. ]
Yeah. You do. [ he sighs, which makes him take a deep breath first. when he lets out a breath, he adds: ] Kind of nice.
[ kind of really nice, in fact. he doesn't know where this streak of... possessiveness comes from, but that's essentially what this feeling boils down to. he wants to hold kai closer.
his hand goes back to kai's hair, and the one around his middle flattens in the small of his back. they're really pressed together like that, and neve shifts his legs so they can get more comfortable. ]
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When they shifted closer, he tangled their legs together to make it more comfortable for both of them, pointedly not picturing a lot of choice images. Now would not be the time but he felt so hyperaware of their proximity and the line of heat rushing over him.
He tucked his face against Neve's neck, slowly winding down again. ]
Don't - leave, okay? [ a hint of pleading filled his voice with the rords and if he wasn't so tired he would be mortified by it. ]
If - just wake me up if you want -
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