[ el nysa ] tdm carryover(s)

[ofseraphim]

[ some of the best 'na-na'-ing around, friends ]

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[ofseraphim]

Maybe. That would explain a little.

[ He can see Mikleo's point. Still... ]

If we can find out what causes someone to just fall asleep like we did, maybe we can use it to treat those we can't cure yet.

[ But he's going a bit too deep into this for someone who just got back, isn't he? Perhaps picking at a wound that might not yet be healed, too. At the thought, there's a squeeze of their joined hands. ]

But we can work toward that. We've got time, now that we're together again.

[circulets]

[ There's a lingering pause before Mikleo squeezes that hand in return. Perhaps it can't be helped - he feels a little uncertain. After all. They were apart once. Who's to say that they one of them won't fall asleep again? Still, he wants to enjoy what time that they have left together if that is the case.

And so, his hand continues to stay within Sorey's. ]

... That's true. I'm sure that we both have our own ideas on what exactly is going on.

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey notices that pause, but without pointing it out. If he knew Mikleo's thoughts were circling in this way, he'd give his best friend another hug; but even then, that wouldn't fix everything.

In this case, only time can. Time to rebuild trust in the idea that one morning, they won't wake up separated again. Subtle affirmations can only do so much; but will have to suffice in the meantime. ]

Hey, you never know -- I might have a whole new set of ideas after I finish reading your work. [ He comments idly, flipping another page. ]

[circulets]

Just don't read it all at once.

[ He knows how you are, Sorey. Once you start reading, you don't stop.

But, regained trust is right. He'll need a minute before he knows that Sorey won't just fall asleep - and neither will he. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey’s expressions and body language go zero to entirely sheepish in one single sentence. Nice work, Mikleo. ]

I think it’s a little too much for me to read in one night!

[ ...no? Not buying that?

He exhales in defeat before adopting a gentle smile. There's a squeeze his best friend’s hand, just for good measure. ]

I won’t, I promise.

[circulets]

[ Squeezes that hand back, moving forward every so slightly against Sorey. ... He could get used to this, really. ]

Well, I'll be holding you to that.

[ofseraphim]

[ It's amazing, how just that little squeeze manages to make Sorey feel so warm inside... Plus, don't think he missed that slight move toward him, Mikleo. He's on to you. Rather than commenting, however, he'll simply return the gesture, closing a bit of that gap, himself. ]

I'm sure you will.

[ A comment accompanied by a slow, lazy rub over his best friend's knuckles, as if trying to reassure. ]

[circulets]

[ Sorey's touches are subtle and warm - they fit Sorey himself. Still, it's thoughts he keeps to himself. They've always been close, sure - and perhaps that's why their actions now feel so natural. At the same time, everything about all of this is completely new. ]

Are you tired? You should get some rest.

[ofseraphim]

I was just about to ask you the same thing.

[ But that's fitting, isn't it? They're always thinking of the other. ]

I'm fine. [ A wry chuckle and smile interject here. ] ...I've had enough sleep for a while.

And I know you don't need sleep -- not like humans do, at least. [ His eyes glance to the journal, completely filled with his best friend's notes. ] But how long has it been?

Have you slept at all since I left...?

[circulets]

... There were other things that needed to be done.

[ In other words: no. He had no reason to sleep without Sorey here, and he still doesn't need to sleep if he doesn't want to. But, with Sorey here... he wants to. ]

It wouldn't be a good idea to stay up all night.

[ofseraphim]

[ Aaaaand that would be a no. On one hand, it's not cause for alarm or worry; but, on the other... It sounds tiring. Moreover, it sounds lonely.

For those reasons, he gives a gentle, supportive squeeze of their joined hands and offers a smile that reflects the same. ]

Don't worry about me. I'll tire out eventually.

[ A pause, and his expression shifts to something heartfelt and sincere. ]

But you should rest, Mikleo.

[circulets]

I'll sleep if you sleep.

[ Look... He's making a deal with you right now, Sorey. He doesn't need to sleep. You do.

He squeezes that hand in return, shifting all the more closer with a small sigh. ]

This is going to be a never ending argument unless we come to a compromise.

[ofseraphim]

[ While that's true, he also just woke up after six weeks -- the same span of time Mikleo has been awake.

...Wait a second. If he hasn't slept since Sorey fell asleep, could it be that Mikleo doesn't want to rest for fear of waking up to find his best friend gone again...?

He can't ask. Not only will his surly best friend recoil and deny everything regardless of truth to it, but being so direct could ruin the moment entirely. And Sorey really, really likes where and how they are right now, so he'd prefer not to spoil things.

Putting curiosity and theories aside for a moment, then-- ]

Okay, then let's make a deal.

[circulets]

A deal?

[ It's true. Mikleo may have mentally prepared himself for Sorey to leave again - but that doesn't mean that he's ready to wake up and find him gone again - or for Mikleo himself to be gone. He doesn't want to leave Sorey's side. There's too much that has happened for that to happen so suddenly. ]

Go on.

[ofseraphim]

Here.

[ Shifting, Sorey finds a page in the worn, gifted journal -- about a third of the way through -- and folds one edge in, earmarking it. ]

I'll read just to this page. When I get there, I'll roll over and sleep, tired or not. I promise.

[ A tiny inch closer, further closing that gap, accompanies a hopeful look. ] Deal?

[circulets]

... Deal.

[ He'll trust Sorey on this one. After all, it is a compromise for the both of them to make sure that they're both taking care of one another...

Inches closer in return, shoulders now touching. ]

I'll be holding you to that.

[ofseraphim]

[ He's relieved in no small way to hear his offer has been accepted, though not necessarily surprised. It is, after all, a pretty fair trade.

When Mikleo shifts closer afterward, it's amazing how just the touch of their shoulders manages to make Sorey feel so warm. He moves nearer in kind, supportive. ]

You, too.

[ More gentle sweeps of his thumb follow. ]

I know you don't exactly get tired, but six weeks is a long time to be going non-stop...

[circulets]

[ It's because Sorey was the reason he would normally sleep in the first place... Seraphim really don't need to sleep. Rather, the reason why he would sleep besides doing so for Sorey was out of comfort or relaxation. However, when people were in trouble - he wanted invest his time on something more useful.

Though, he's done his fair share of research on humans to know that Sorey needs rest. Even if he's been sleeping for so long, does sleeping in that pod qualify as actually sleeping? ]

... I'm alright. [ Still, it feels nice to sleep next to Sorey again. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Mikleo would say that, wouldn't he? Sorey has no doubt he's being truthful, too. Still... ]

I believe you.

[ He's not going to argue about it; it's not really an item up for debate, anyway. Rather, he'll keep quietly reading, serene smile on his face not fading, gently stroking thumb not stopping. Without losing his place in the text, he makes occasional glances over Mikleo's way, as though discreetly keeping watch over his best friend. ]

[circulets]

[ Mikleo finds those movements soothing - to the point where he feels himself relax against Sorey, hand giving another gentle squeeze as he feels his eyes begin to grow heavier and heavier. Idly, he reads over a little where Sorey is - wanting to know where he is in his journal. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ As he continues reading, Sorey squeezes that hand in kind, a gesture to say all those things he would say verbally, if he knew Mikleo would take comfort in them: I'm here; I'm not leaving; I'll be here when you wake up.

I promise.

Though those violet eyes are still visible for now, he can feel the other sinking into him, slowly letting himself relax. So, to accommodate, Sorey remains quiet, motionless save for that joined hand. ]

[circulets]

[ He appreciates the sentiment - though there's a part of him that still doubts. It's just him being realistic, but... he doesn't want Sorey to worry about him or how it might be affecting him. He wants to be strong for the both of them, as well.

So he squeezes that hand once more, moving all the closer to him. It's a sleepy, half sort of lazy movement - if only because he's slipping further unto sleep. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ That's just like Mikleo, isn't it? Like both of them, really, to think of the other's thoughts and feelings; to try to assure and reassure, even when it might seem unnecessary.

The truth of it is, in the end, only time will tell who is right and who is wrong. But here and now, they're together again, against all odds. This is as close as they've ever been, too.

So, forget the page marker he'd set -- once he sees those eyes close and feels the other's body fully rest against him, he'll gently close the journal for the night and turn in. Sure, it's not exactly what he said he'd do, but he'll still be keeping his promise. ]

[circulets]

[ By the time that Sorey is finished reading, Mikleo is already fast asleep. He turns slightly in his sleep when Sorey moves - further making himself comfortable against the other.

He can't help but feel at peace - comfortable when Sorey's so close to him like this. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey doesn't quite make it to the very last page before he notes the other's breathing evening out, his own sturdy form more fully supporting Mikleo's lighter build.

The first time he's slept in six weeks, huh... Well then, Sorey will do all he can to make sure it's as peaceful as it is restful, whether being awake all this while was by choice or not.

So, he'll close the journal, turning in toward his friend in kind. Gently as possible, an arm loops over him, laced fingers in tow. Legs come up, that larger, warmer body creating a sort of protective shell around his friend while he rests. Lastly, a chin to nestle atop a snowy head; but, before that--...

A kiss. Just one. Chaste, soft, and silent, so as not to disturb, it's a mere note left upon pale hair. As much as he might chide himself for it when morning comes, in this moment, it seems the right thing to do, somehow. Then and only then, Sorey's eyes close as well.

Sleep well, Mikleo. ]