[ What a thing to think about as they make their way to the bedroom. It certainly gets Dokja's mind off of other troublesome thoughts, so that helps. ]
I don't know if I do.
[ He's never really shared a bed before, so no one's been able to tell him if he's a kicker?
Anyway, it doesn't take them very long to get to his room since it's literally right there in the hall. It's probably the combination of exhaustion and the allure of lying in a familiar bed (even for just a short while), but Dokja wastes no time in dropping down on the mattress, face first against his pillow. The way every single muscle in his body immediately relaxes could send him into a deep sleep right then and there, but he fights the urges and twists his face to the side, one hand extending to pat the empty spot on the bed next to him. ]
[ Glad someone's ready to drop right into bed out of the two of them.
In contrast, Eustace's movements are far more tentative, as he pauses by the bed even after Dokja invites him in. The seat he takes at the edge of the bed is careful, and the slow drag of all his limbs onto the mattress even moreso, his whole body rigid despite tiredness trying to push his muscles into a state of relaxation. (There is no way he is going to be able to sleep like this but that's okay, because the plan is definitely to get up and go pass out on the couch as soon as Dokja falls asleep.)
For now he will just. Lie there awkwardly, doing his best to roleplay as a wooden board instead of a normal human. It's fine, there's nothing wrong with this. ]
But they can't both have the same exact plan, and there's no way in hell Dokja's going to be able to execute what he'd cooked up at this rate. Not when Eustace looks so uncomfortable and awkward, which is kind of funny in Dokja's delirious state. He huffs out a quiet laugh as he shifts to his side, then yanks the covers over both of them. Seriously, what's with this atmosphere? It's not that awful to share a bed with him.
It's both cute and mildly infuriating when the blanket's pulled over him, as though he's some small child that needs to be tucked in at night. (When was the last time anyone tucked him in like this? Longer ago than he can remember, that's for sure.) He scowls up at the ceiling, offended that he needs to be told how to sleep. ]
I know how to sleep.
[ He's done it every single day of his life up until now? He's great at it, thanks. What he's not so great at is following instructions, and instead of closing his eyes as told, he also turns to his side so he can stare at Dokja. Without saying anything, like a creep.
[ The offense goes right over Dokja's head because he's immune to this sort of thing. He's also very familiar with people not listening to his instructions, so when Eustace defies his suggestion and turns to look at him instead, Dokja meets him with an unimpressed look.
Is this really something that has to get difficult?? Then again, when aren't things difficult with the two of them... ]
I'm not going to kick you, if that's what you're worried about.
[ This is a half-lie. He will most definitely kick Eustace if the other man continues to not listen to him. ]
You just said you weren't sure if you kicked or not.
[ Can Dokja at least pick a consistent story to stick to if he's going to lie like this? Damn. Put some effort in.
But it looks like someone is going to get kicked at the rate things are going, with neither of them succumbing to sleep just yet. Impressive, given how late it is and how tired they both are. ]
Go to sleep. I'll find out that way if you kick or not.
[ Also a half-lie. He will stay five minutes after Dokja falls asleep to test this theory before crawling back out to the couch. ]
[ It's truly unfortunate that both of them have a stubborn streak several miles long because they are going to get absolutely nowhere at this point.
Dokja settles for a frown, his eyebrows drawing together when his push is met with further resistance. This was actually a terrible idea, he's coming to realize, with neither side wanting to give in. It doesn't help at all that Dokja feels the threat of sleep pulling at him now that he's comfortable in a familiar bed with a cozy blanket over him.
Even so, he fights to stay awake. ]
You're so determined to watch me sleep. [ And then, a little more jokingly: ] It's not a pretty sight, you know.
[ If he wanted to see something pretty he wouldn't be here. Just kidding, Dokja is very beautiful and we all know it. ]
I don't care what you look like.
[ Dokja could drool over half the bed and Eustace would consider it nothing more than a mild inconvenience, and also maybe ammo for some light ribbing later down the line.
With a sigh, he rolls back onto his back, returning his gaze up towards the ceiling instead of the muddy outline of Dokja's face in the dark. Easier to talk to unmoving inorganic matter than another person with their own thoughts and feelings. It'd be easier too to just go to sleep as told, but he's always been a chronic overthinker and overworrier and he's still worried now about the mental well-being of the man lying next to him. ]
I just don't want you getting nightmares again.
[ Said quietly, without the usual acerbic front he puts on. Truly exhaustion makes a man so vulnerable. Maybe he should just be tired all the time. ]
[ Ah. The instant stillness in the air between them becomes very apparent, and Dokja finds himself at a loss for words. There's a million ways he could misconstrue this sentiment, and a million more excuses that come to the forefront of his thoughts of why this couldn't possibly be a genuine form of care toward him of all people, but he finds that he's too exhausted to reach for any of them.
And maybe it would be nice to think that Eustace really does worry about him, as vulnerable as that feels. ]
Oh.
[ It slips past his lips before Dokja can think to stop it, and he's suddenly grateful for how dark it is in the room and that Eustace has turned away from him, because he can most definitely feel his face heat up. In a mad scramble to save the situation, Dokja hurries to say more. ]
It wasn't so bad since... [ His voice grows quieter in embarrassment. ] Well, you showed up.
[ It shouldn't make him as happy as it does to hear that his presence had been somewhat relieving, but he can feel a little bit of warmth bloom in his chest regardless. It's still difficult being honest about his feelings at any given time, but the more they're accepted instead of rebuffed the easier it gets.
It's enough to make him smile in any case, a ghost of a smile that's here and then gone in a second. ]
That's what friends are for, isn't it?
[ Just two very normal friends navigating through bad dreams together. And if there was any other meaning to what happened at the very end, well.....they don't have to talk about it. Probably shouldn't talk about it now anyway, when they're both half-dead and on the verge of passing out. ]
Get some sleep. I promise I won't go anywhere.
[ He will promise not to get up and leave like an asshole this time around, and therefore Dokja won't have to kick him for it later. ]
[ There goes his plan. There goes his plan entirely as soon as he hears the word friends, and there's a sudden ache in his chest and a lump in his throat that he can't explain. It's a word that he uses sparingly, if at all, and something that he'd always cowered away from, but in a surprising twist, Dokja's drawn to it now.
He thinks of all the "friends" he's lost along his journey, whether he'd meant to or not, and it's this deeply saddening thought that has him seeking comfort in a way he normally wouldn't.
So he scoots closer, crossing the small gap between them until he's curled up against Eustace's side, where Dokja then proceeds to press his forehead against the other man's shoulder. Just reassurance... Just something to remind him that he's not alone despite the losses, both recent and old. And if the very tips of his fingers also come to rest against Eustace's arm in uncertainty, well, that's to keep another point of contact to make sure he doesn't leave. ]
I'll know if you do.
[ It's a half-hearted attempt at a threat, but really, it comes out sounding more desperate than anything else. There's an obvious reluctance thrumming from underneath his skin, but exhaustion finally wins out, and Dokja finds his eyes slipping closed as sleep starts to overtake him. ]
For now, they can both be reassured that the other isn't going to slip out oF bed any time soon. The weight of the blanket atop him and the warmth of another body next to him are enticing enough to keep him in place, the comfort of both already starting to drag his eyelids down.
It should be terrifying how comfortable he is here in a room that isn't his, lying next to a man he'd disliked for the longest time. Instead he just feels quietly content, with the bulk of his everpresent concerns dragged into the depths by encroaching sleepiness. Tomorrow's him, once again possessed of rational thought, will shove this night into the chest with all the rest of his questionable emotional decisions, but that's a problem for future him.
His free hand creeps up, the tips of his fingers brushing against the hand resting on his arm. Reassurance for him, or Dokja? Both, if he's honest. ]
Good night, Dokja. Sleep well.
[ He will be, against all odds, even if Dokja ends up being a kicker in his sleep. ]
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no subject
I don't know if I do.
[ He's never really shared a bed before, so no one's been able to tell him if he's a kicker?
Anyway, it doesn't take them very long to get to his room since it's literally right there in the hall. It's probably the combination of exhaustion and the allure of lying in a familiar bed (even for just a short while), but Dokja wastes no time in dropping down on the mattress, face first against his pillow. The way every single muscle in his body immediately relaxes could send him into a deep sleep right then and there, but he fights the urges and twists his face to the side, one hand extending to pat the empty spot on the bed next to him. ]
Eustace.
no subject
In contrast, Eustace's movements are far more tentative, as he pauses by the bed even after Dokja invites him in. The seat he takes at the edge of the bed is careful, and the slow drag of all his limbs onto the mattress even moreso, his whole body rigid despite tiredness trying to push his muscles into a state of relaxation. (There is no way he is going to be able to sleep like this but that's okay, because the plan is definitely to get up and go pass out on the couch as soon as Dokja falls asleep.)
For now he will just. Lie there awkwardly, doing his best to roleplay as a wooden board instead of a normal human. It's fine, there's nothing wrong with this. ]
no subject
But they can't both have the same exact plan, and there's no way in hell Dokja's going to be able to execute what he'd cooked up at this rate. Not when Eustace looks so uncomfortable and awkward, which is kind of funny in Dokja's delirious state. He huffs out a quiet laugh as he shifts to his side, then yanks the covers over both of them. Seriously, what's with this atmosphere? It's not that awful to share a bed with him.
God, it pays to be stupid. ]
Try closing your eyes.
no subject
It's both cute and mildly infuriating when the blanket's pulled over him, as though he's some small child that needs to be tucked in at night. (When was the last time anyone tucked him in like this? Longer ago than he can remember, that's for sure.) He scowls up at the ceiling, offended that he needs to be told how to sleep. ]
I know how to sleep.
[ He's done it every single day of his life up until now? He's great at it, thanks. What he's not so great at is following instructions, and instead of closing his eyes as told, he also turns to his side so he can stare at Dokja. Without saying anything, like a creep.
Sleep chicken continues..... ]
no subject
Is this really something that has to get difficult?? Then again, when aren't things difficult with the two of them... ]
I'm not going to kick you, if that's what you're worried about.
[ This is a half-lie. He will most definitely kick Eustace if the other man continues to not listen to him. ]
now i have to make them kiss again before i die
[ Can Dokja at least pick a consistent story to stick to if he's going to lie like this? Damn. Put some effort in.
But it looks like someone is going to get kicked at the rate things are going, with neither of them succumbing to sleep just yet. Impressive, given how late it is and how tired they both are. ]
Go to sleep. I'll find out that way if you kick or not.
[ Also a half-lie. He will stay five minutes after Dokja falls asleep to test this theory before crawling back out to the couch. ]
so that he can be depressed AND confused?!?!
Dokja settles for a frown, his eyebrows drawing together when his push is met with further resistance. This was actually a terrible idea, he's coming to realize, with neither side wanting to give in. It doesn't help at all that Dokja feels the threat of sleep pulling at him now that he's comfortable in a familiar bed with a cozy blanket over him.
Even so, he fights to stay awake. ]
You're so determined to watch me sleep. [ And then, a little more jokingly: ] It's not a pretty sight, you know.
[ There's probably a lot of drool involved. ]
yeah, the best parting gift
I don't care what you look like.
[ Dokja could drool over half the bed and Eustace would consider it nothing more than a mild inconvenience, and also maybe ammo for some light ribbing later down the line.
With a sigh, he rolls back onto his back, returning his gaze up towards the ceiling instead of the muddy outline of Dokja's face in the dark. Easier to talk to unmoving inorganic matter than another person with their own thoughts and feelings. It'd be easier too to just go to sleep as told, but he's always been a chronic overthinker and overworrier and he's still worried now about the mental well-being of the man lying next to him. ]
I just don't want you getting nightmares again.
[ Said quietly, without the usual acerbic front he puts on. Truly exhaustion makes a man so vulnerable. Maybe he should just be tired all the time. ]
sadge
And maybe it would be nice to think that Eustace really does worry about him, as vulnerable as that feels. ]
Oh.
[ It slips past his lips before Dokja can think to stop it, and he's suddenly grateful for how dark it is in the room and that Eustace has turned away from him, because he can most definitely feel his face heat up. In a mad scramble to save the situation, Dokja hurries to say more. ]
It wasn't so bad since... [ His voice grows quieter in embarrassment. ] Well, you showed up.
they won't kiss anyway so it doesn't matter
It's enough to make him smile in any case, a ghost of a smile that's here and then gone in a second. ]
That's what friends are for, isn't it?
[ Just two very normal friends navigating through bad dreams together. And if there was any other meaning to what happened at the very end, well.....they don't have to talk about it. Probably shouldn't talk about it now anyway, when they're both half-dead and on the verge of passing out. ]
Get some sleep. I promise I won't go anywhere.
[ He will promise not to get up and leave like an asshole this time around, and therefore Dokja won't have to kick him for it later. ]
heart breaks
He thinks of all the "friends" he's lost along his journey, whether he'd meant to or not, and it's this deeply saddening thought that has him seeking comfort in a way he normally wouldn't.
So he scoots closer, crossing the small gap between them until he's curled up against Eustace's side, where Dokja then proceeds to press his forehead against the other man's shoulder. Just reassurance... Just something to remind him that he's not alone despite the losses, both recent and old. And if the very tips of his fingers also come to rest against Eustace's arm in uncertainty, well, that's to keep another point of contact to make sure he doesn't leave. ]
I'll know if you do.
[ It's a half-hearted attempt at a threat, but really, it comes out sounding more desperate than anything else. There's an obvious reluctance thrumming from underneath his skin, but exhaustion finally wins out, and Dokja finds his eyes slipping closed as sleep starts to overtake him. ]
i forgot i didn't reply to this
For now, they can both be reassured that the other isn't going to slip out oF bed any time soon. The weight of the blanket atop him and the warmth of another body next to him are enticing enough to keep him in place, the comfort of both already starting to drag his eyelids down.
It should be terrifying how comfortable he is here in a room that isn't his, lying next to a man he'd disliked for the longest time. Instead he just feels quietly content, with the bulk of his everpresent concerns dragged into the depths by encroaching sleepiness. Tomorrow's him, once again possessed of rational thought, will shove this night into the chest with all the rest of his questionable emotional decisions, but that's a problem for future him.
His free hand creeps up, the tips of his fingers brushing against the hand resting on his arm. Reassurance for him, or Dokja? Both, if he's honest. ]
Good night, Dokja. Sleep well.
[ He will be, against all odds, even if Dokja ends up being a kicker in his sleep. ]