Sometimes Sweetheart “sleep walks.”
Though, that was a stretch. They were conscious, just very disoriented. Normally, they say some nonsense and then go back to sleep. Other times, well…
Milo woke up to shuffling sounds, followed by a thud and a muffled curse. He could only guess what had caused it by the lack of warmth at his side. When he finally sat up, his Sweetheart was just getting to the door, the light from the hall being flicked on.
Milo shielded his eyes while they adjusted. "You okay Sweetheart?"
Milo wasn't sure if it was because his mind was still laggy from sleep, or just the fact that they answered with 'grilled cheese', but he immediately broke into giggles at the absurdity of it all. "What?"
"I'm not grilling you a cheese," Milo said, it being muffled by his chuckles.
Sweetheart sniffed, as if they were tearing up. “Hungry.”
Milo tried to stifle the laughs, climbing out of bed to get to them. “Sweetheart, it’s the middle of the night.”
“I’m hungry,” they said again, their voice nearly a whine.
Now closer to them, Milo could see that his Sweetheart was still mostly asleep. They’ve had a tough week, and when this happens the unconsciously seek out comfort. Usually, this was an increase in physical contact with him, or taking an evening to curl up with their favourite blanket and book, or even ordering from their favourite restaurant. Apparently, tonight, at nearly three in the morning, they were looking for their comfort food: Grilled Cheese. Even if they were barely awake.
“You,” Milo said, gently grabbing their arms once they were close enough, “are going to come back to bed.”
“But grilled cheese,” Sweetheart said, and this time they were full on pouting. In the light from the hallway coming through the door, Milo could see that his Sweethearts eyes were shinning slightly.
“Are you about to cry?!” Milo asked, another chuckle bubbling up.
“I want grilled cheese,” Sweetheart repeated.
“You need sleep,” Milo countered, “you’re so tired.”
“No, I’m not-“ The sentence was interrupted by a huge yawn.
Milo chuckled, leaning in to kiss their forehead. “Tell you what,” He said when he leaned back. “Why don’t you try going back to sleep, and if you’re still hungry in an hour I’ll make you grilled cheese.”
Sweetheart physically perked up after that. “Promise?”
“Yes, I promise,” Milo said, knowing they won’t last half an hour in this state.
Sweetheart grabbed his hand, tugging him back toward the bed. He had just enough time to reach around the door frame and flip off the hall light and close the door again before he was dragged back to bed.
It didn’t take long for them to get settled cuddled into his side again, eyes fighting to stay open. Milo had been drawing random shapes on their arm, humming gently. It’s hadn’t been more than ten minutes, and he was sure if he kept this up they’d be back asleep in no time.
“I know what you’re doing,” they slurred after a bit.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Milo lied.
“You’re trying to put me to sleep.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Milo lied again. “I would never.”
“I’m getting that grilled cheese,” Sweetheart threatened, but it being lost in the way they could barley open their eyes.
“Oh, I’m sure you will,” Milo said, a quiet chuckle following it. He leaned toward them to kiss their forehead again, Sweetheart sighing at the action. “Do you want to hear about my day?”
Sweetheart hummed in response, already forgoing words. They loved it when he talked about his day in a hushed tone. They were interested to hear about it, but listening was one of the things that could easily put them to sleep. Sometimes they’d get him to ramble to them when they were having trouble falling asleep.
So, that’s what he did now. It didn’t take long before their breathing evened out next to him. It was adorable how his Sweetheart slept. They looked so at peace, something he couldn’t say he saw often.
He leaned in again, pressing a kiss to their nose, then their forehead once more, before finally settling down and closing his eyes himself.
He’d do anything to protect their peace.
