inspired by this post by @whump-is-a-fabled-thing
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Whumpee has fallen asleep cuddled against Caretaker's chest while Caretaker is still awake
Caretaker notices that Whumpee's body has stiffened against them and Whumpee is slowly, almost imperceptibly, retreating their clenched fists closer to their own body. There's a small frown creasing between Whumpee's eyebrows - they must be having a nightmare. Caretaker gently traces their thumb along their furrowed brow, meaning to comfort them, but Whumpee flinches and their breath hitches and Caretaker realizes they're awake and frightened. Caretaker remembers with a sinking feeling what Whumpee had said about being forced to share a bed with Whumper.
“Shhh, hey…it’s just me. It's okay.”
Whumpee's eyes open cautiously and they peek up at Caretaker beneath their lashes. When they see it really is Caretaker, the tension melts off their face and they sigh gratefully, nuzzling against Caretaker.
“You're safe. You can go back to sleep.” Caretaker murmurs, and Whumpee let their eyes close again. Within a couple minutes, they're asleep again.