Story Content: Fluff and comfort, 'That's my girl' used once
Story Summary: You were supposed to be sleeping, but your current writer's block was keeping you awake.
Word Count: 940
A03 Link
A/N: This is probably one of the most self-indulgent pieces I have ever written, and I did so when I was actually in the same position (sans Sylus) as Reader. I decided I would share it here for funsies. Enjoy. 🍷
At this hour you were usually tucked deeply under silk sheets, mind lost in the realm of dreams. So when Sylus found you on the couch in his office, legs crossed, glasses on your head, and glaring at the screen of your laptop, honest shock appeared on his face.
"Kitten, you're usually asleep at this hour. Is something wrong?"
"I can't think."
Grey brows furrowed as he crossed the room in a few long strides, taking a seat next to you, arm stretching along the top of the back of the couch. Your body bounced briefly from the additional weight, but you didn't uncurl from your position.
Peeking at the laptop screen, he recognizes the site you typically used to write, the memory of a previous conversation surfacing. "Ah, the writing challenge you and your friends are doing."
A single nod.
"And it starts…tomorrow?" He glanced at the clock at the bottom of the screen. "Today," he corrected.
"Yes - and I have ten left and I can't think."
He could hear the frustration in your voice, could see how your body tensed like a pulled bowstring. As much as he wanted to reach out and touch you, he had learned in moments like these it could be accidentally overstimulating. "Do you have the one for today and tomorrow done?"
"Yes."
"Then why not take a break and work on them later after you get some sleep?"
"Because when the challenge starts I get busy with hosting things, and then there's real work, and the other story I'm working on…" You voice trailed off as you pinched the bridge of your nose in frustration.
"Sweetie, if it's too much, then just drop this part of it -"
"I am the host, Sy. I have to lead by example."
"If no one actually knows you're the host, then do you?"
The angry glare sent his way had him sighing, although he couldn't help being a little amused at the way your cheeks seem to puff out at him.
"Alright, I apologize - you have ten left, and you need to clear your mind so you can finish these last prompts." He stood, dusting invisible lint from his shirt as you returned your anger toward the laptop refusing to create stories in front of you.
Long fingers trailed over multiple records on the shelves before hovering over one particular title. Pulling it free from its sleeve, Sylus walked over to the record player, set it up to play, and then he rejoined you on the couch.
Unphased by the start of the music, you continued your stare down of the prompts in front of you, mind still swirling with too many thoughts. Sylus eventually leaned over and stole the laptop from you, finally breaking you from your trance with an angry, "Hey!"
When you reached across him to snatch it back, he easily pulled you against him, pinning your arms down.
"Relax. Take a minute to just listen."
With a huff you did - but then a few seconds later you said, "You better not be trying to get me to sleep."
A low chuckle reached your ears and shook your body. "I wouldn't dream of it. Besides, I figured this would be a better alternative than sending you taking a walk in the N109 Zone at three in the morning. I do have a preference of you being alive."
"I can handle myself," you huffed.
"Yes, but I've seen how you get when your mind is lost somewhere else - absolutely no preservation of self."
With a harumph, you conceded, moving so you could rest against him more comfortably. "I hate it when you're right."
That just earned you a contented hum - one that reminded you of a purring cat. Gently, a hand began to stroke your hair, and slowly your body began to relax. You let the music wash over you in soothing waves, allowing the melody to quiet your racing mind.
Fifteen minutes in was when you squirmed once. Another couple minutes later you were squirming again, and above you carmine eyes watched in amusement.
Sylus knew this squirming - a story or a scene was forming in your mind, and your body was itching to type it out.
The third time it was his turn to concede, and he reached over to pick up your laptop, holding it out in front of you.
You snatched with a startling speed, opening the lid and bouncing impatiently as the screen loaded. As soon as it did, your fingers flew across the keys, mouthing out the dialogue as your typed.
Bemused, Sylus watched you work for another minute before a notification pulled his attention to his phone. He stood, leaning down long enough to place a tender kiss on the crown of your head before heading toward the door. "I have a meeting, but do try to get some sleep, kitten."
"Uh huh."
Sylus left after one more glance, but you were lost in the world of your creation. For some reason, it brought a smile to his face. He'd make sure to check on you upon his return.
You weren't in the bed when he returned three hours later. In fact, he found you in a similar position from before, except now you were slumped over, curled around a pillow, laptop glowing dimly from the coffee table.
Curious, Sylus scrolled the document to see every prompt section filled. A gentle hand reached back and stroked your cheek. "That's my girl."
You had kept a blanket on the back of the couch, and he unfurled it now, draping it over you. "Sleep well, my beautiful creator."
