Dearest Julia, you and @mxrcusflint really do share the same mind because you both sent me the same prompt! So I decided to write 200 words for you both. Also, forgive me, this is incredibly self-indulgent.
holding
Sleep didn't come easy for a while. It didn't matter that they slept wrapped in the warmth of each other's flesh and blood, comforted by a heartbeat under an ear: Nightmares plagued them both.
It was Jake this time, who woke to an empty bed, feeling the phantom warmth of his love not long gone. Pulling on a sweatshirt, he follows the glow of the TV down the darkened hallway to the kitchen. The microwave indicates its barely dawn. He turns the coffee on.
A whistle blows on the TV, volume turned low, and Bradley softly grunts from his position on the couch, burrowing inside his hoodie. Jake gathers up their mugs and joins him.
"How's the game?" Jake asks, passing Bradley the warm cup.
"Not good if you're the Blues," he scoffs, suddenly an expert in Australian Rules football, one of the few sports available at this hour. He watches a player in a navy blue jersey line up for goal. The kick hits the post.
"Hm, maybe next week," Jake muses with a yawn, tucking himself under Bradley's arm, head resting on his shoulder. While the city around them sleeps, they sip their coffee, and watch the game.
