Hypersomnia
Ran lay next to Howl, his head resting next to his ribs. He was warm. If it had been anyone else, he would have assumed he had a fever. That wasn't entirely incorrect. Ran didn't know too much about the virology of his Tox, but he understood enough to know that his body was essentially always in the same state as fighting off infections.
At least that's the he understood it.
There had many times his body heat had been uncomfortable yet he'd been held so tight he could hardly move.
That wasn't uncomfortable.
Now, though, Howl was laying on his back and Ran was cuddled up against him. His fingers rested on his chest, tracing slow circles against the fabric of his shirt. As he took a deep breath, Ran splayed his palm over his chest, feeling his heartbeat. He took in a slow breath, exhaling with Howl's, trying to match it.
His own eyes closed, but he didn't sleep. He'd slept for most of the day, as well as the day before. Howl had been awake for two weeks prior, now he was catching up on rest he'd been deprived of. Ran knew that he could leave, but aside from short trips from the bed he'd stayed the whole time. Howl said it helped with his nightmares, but both of them knew he had no way of knowing that was true. Ran thought he just enjoyed having someone to squeeze.
Ran was shocked as Howl suddenly exhaled, subtly jerking. He thought it may have been another nightmare and he moved his hand down to rub his stomach, an act that would be dangerous to anyone but him. If anything helped his nightmares it would probably be that.
Howl took another deep breath, holding it as his body tensed up. "Hey, pups." Ran was very aware of the signs of him waking up, and even though he couldn't remember where he picked up the nickname it had become his go-to "good morning."
"Mmmmm." The grunt was the only response he got. He continued to stroke his stomach as Howl stretched, his body tensing beneath his hand before relaxing again. "You sleep well?" He asked, earning himself another grunt. "As good as I can get, I guess." There was a hint of sarcasm beneath his deadpan voice, yet as he smirked he added, "A bit better with you clinging to me like a needy kitten."
Ran couldn't help but smile. His abrasive mannerisms always got his heart racing. "Glad I could help." Ran responded, nuzzling into him. The action earned him an amused exhale, and as Howl lifted his arm with all the grace of a zombie he let it fall on Ran, holding his shoulder. "Always better with a warm body next to me." Howl's fingers tightened around him, squeezing him for a moment before his grip loosened. "Hope you didn't get too bored laying here for..." He trailed off. "Two days." Ran finished. "Fuck, no wonder I'm still tired." Ran did have to admit he didn't sleep nearly as long as he'd expected.
"Still...That means I haven't gotten off in two days." Ran couldn't help from smiling. Howl certainly had his priorities. He pushed himself up, resting on his elbow as his gaze moved to Howl's face to see he was smirking. "Two days, huh? Hope you're not feeling blue ball'd." The remark earned him a chuckle from his partner, and as his eye cracked open he met his gaze. "Just a bit...How about you give me a hand with that." Ran's face grew warm, his heart racing just at the thought. "A hand, huh? I can do that...For a start." As his fingers moved down his stomach, Howl shivered as they traced over his belly button. "That's my Purrcious~"
