Bruce sighs, laying back and getting himself comfortable on the shared bed. “Let’s continue where we left off.” he says, flashing a tired smile over at you and getting himself settled as you read your latest novel to him - a nightly ritual between you two whenever he could spare the time. And whenever he couldn’t (which was sadly often), he would just make up for it by adding new collections to your library.

Admittedly, he’s not as immersed as he may seem. The only reason he’s closing his eyes isn’t to visualize the story but rather to focus in on the cadence of your voice. It soothes him, despite the contents being horror. In fact, he can’t find it in himself to be afraid if it’s you reading aloud - some nights he feel like he can’t sleep peacefully without hearing the voice of his spouse to lull him.

“The end already?” he asked, cracking one eye open when you fell silent for a time. “That was quite short.” He leans up a bit only to see you trembling, and he’s suddenly, very, wide awake now. “Darling?” Bruce calls with more concern, rubbing your shoulders. “Don’t tell me you were frightened, now.”

He meant it as a joke. He didn’t expect you to actually be spooked, but you were holding onto him pretty tightly. It's terrible timing, but he lets a little chuckle escape him. It’s adorable, the way you get so immersed in these stories. “Come now,” he said, cracking a little smile and having you face him.