[The tenderness contrasts the minutes beforehand; it's befuddling especially after being so long without, but she isn't going to shy away from the comfort his touch gives her. Her fingers reach up in turn, tracing the outline of his beard.]
[It is remarkable, really, how something so many people take for granted— the simple act of human touch— can bring one so much comfort. These quiet moments following their impassioned entanglement are just as important, just as precious, and he turns his head just enough to place a chaste kiss against the inside of her wrist as she runs her fingers along the edge of his beard.]
I should hope not, otherwise my hopes of starting the new year by waking beside you would be dashed.
[There's a mirthful upturn at one corner of his mouth, and he tips his chin upwards just enough to press a kiss against her forehead, followed by the corner of her mouth.]
May you have the sweetest of dreams. I will be here when you wake.
[Sleep, he thinks, will come easily tonight— for the first time in a long, long while.]
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[The tenderness contrasts the minutes beforehand; it's befuddling especially after being so long without, but she isn't going to shy away from the comfort his touch gives her. Her fingers reach up in turn, tracing the outline of his beard.]
Get some sleep, alright?
[After a second, she adds in a hushed voice.]
I'm not going anywhere.
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I should hope not, otherwise my hopes of starting the new year by waking beside you would be dashed.
[There's a mirthful upturn at one corner of his mouth, and he tips his chin upwards just enough to press a kiss against her forehead, followed by the corner of her mouth.]
May you have the sweetest of dreams. I will be here when you wake.
[Sleep, he thinks, will come easily tonight— for the first time in a long, long while.]