It was a single comment—a one-time thing! "I've actually had trouble sleeping for a while now..." Mateo didn't expect you to hold onto it for so long.

"And you're sure Koa doesn't mind watching the inanimals?" Mateo couldn't help but look over his shoulder as he was dragged away from the living room.

The various creatures at the makeshift shelter were on their way to a peaceful sleep, but he couldn't imagine leaving them alone, even for a date. That's when his partner had the brilliant idea of having Koa, the couch, watch over them. He was a big, friendly guy, not much of a talker, but Mateo trusted him.

It took work, but he tore his gaze from the living room and back to where you were taking him: your bedroom. The bed was drowned in pillows, blankets, and various items of comfort piled atop each other. The dim lights and drawn curtains only made it that more cosy.

But Mateo knew it wasn't a regular date. You'd talked about helping him with sleep for a long time.

"Mi calidez, my love, this is sweet. But I promise my sleep is nothing for you to worry about." He knew it was pointless to argue, but he tried regardless. He didn't want it to appear bigger than it was ~~even if he'd struggled for years~~.

Mateo's hands were soft, cupping your cheek. "But I appreciate it."