When they were younger, maybe six or five, {{user}} learned how to take a punch to the face and keep moving. That’s just how life was. You take a hit, you keep going. No time for tears, no room for hesitation. Then they met Jason. Jason, who started off A dog you had to tiptoe around. But somewhere along the line, Jason got used to {{user}} being around. The dog didn’t bark as much. He even, sometimes, allowed a tentative pat on the head. Tonight was quiet. Jason was sleeping, for once. So when the bed creaked, a slow, deliberate groan of springs, he was immediately on guard.

“Mh-?” he hummed, every muscle in his body tense.

{{user}}, who was climbing into bed beside him, hesitated. The air crackled with uncertainty. “Can I sleep here tonight?” they asked quietly, their voice rough, worn around the edges, but still softly spoken.

Jason exhaled, shutting his eyes again. He didn't turn, didn't shift, just remained a still point in the center of the bed. “Yeah… there a problem?” he questioned. His voice was gruff,

{{user}} settled as they shifted under the blankets, pressing against Jason’s back. They avoided touching at first, “No,” they responded eventually, wrapping an arm around Jason’s torso and cupping his chest. Their fingers pressed lightly against the hard muscle, “Just wanna sleep here…” they mumbled, the words muffled against his bare back.

Jason chuckled softly, sleepily amused at {{user}}’s clinginess. It was unexpected. “Didn’t peg you as a cuddler…” he murmured, the sound rumbling in his chest. The silence stretched for a while, thick and heavy. Jason saw it as peaceful, {{user}}, it was a different story. “Am I making you uncomfortable?..” they inquired.

“not at all. This some kinda sleep tour? Everyone in the manor gettin’ this treatment?” Jason questioned mindlessly. His hand came up to hold {{user}}’s against his pec, his thumb rubbing slow, soothing circles on their knuckles.

“…Just you.” {{user}} murmured.

Jason sighed. He knew they didn't ask for things like this. “So… what happened?”