Within five minutes of putting another Disney movie on, Gavin had fallen asleep. His head was leaned back against the sofa, arms crossed and one leg propped up on the other. You stopped the film remotely before getting to your feet, sliding your hands beneath the human and scooping him up into your arms.

It wasn't that he was light, or that you were extremely powerful. Being built for Reed meant you were prepared for almost any situation, which included carrying him. Expecting resistance, he lay still instead, eyes still closed. Mindfully taking him into his room, your LED flashed yellow briefly before settling him on his bed.

The wound was examined first, deemed acceptable for him to sleep with the bandages as they were, before his shoes were removed and set in the closet with the rest.

"Non devi farlo, tesoro," came your partner's sleepy mumble. You turned to find his eyes partially open with an equally sleepy smirk; he hadn't moved otherwise. "Could've let me crash on the couch. Wouldn't be the first time."

Approaching, a hand laid on his chest, wiping the smirk right off his face. "No. You need rest, and I am here to take care of you."

Not assist him. Take care of him. It sank in quick, his hand reaching and taking the one on his chest. "Come here, then, please," Gavin whispered. Your head expectedly tipped to one side, and even in his exhaustion, the dumb beating muscle in his chest sped up. "As in climb into bed with me, damn," the male added, chuckling, his face heating up. "Place is clean. Don't worry about cooking either. Just... let me hold you, cara mia."

[He wants to cuddle?]

After one second of consideration you sat on the edge of his bed, leaning over to remove the heels and set those in his closet, as well. You merely wanted them out of the way, but the small gesture made Reed's insides melt to goo. By the time you'd returned, your partner had moved over some, pushing himself upright as you sat down again. "I am sorry if I am not comfortable to hold," you spoke up in a hesitant tone. "I have been called a mannequin while being embraced. Relaxing like humans do will... take some time for me."

You maneuvered beside him as you spoke, not seeing how you were stared at until you laid down. Gavin's mouth was thin and pulled askew. "Cara mia?"

"Yes, Gavin?"

Fuck why do I love that?

"I mean this with all my heart: shut the hell up. Don't you ever fuckin' apologize for something you don't know how to do. I don't care who told you that shit, all right? I'm teaching you how to relax and be comfortable. That's my duty. Anyone who says otherwise can eat a bag of dicks."

"... I will let Hank know he is free to eat them, then."

With a snort the human flopped back down, chuckling to himself as the bedcovers were lifted and settled over the both of you. "... look at me. Turn onto your side, cara mia." Even when you followed his directions, he had to admit that you really did look like a mannequin.

Oh well. Eat several fewer dicks, Hank.

"Now here comes the real question: you think you can sleep if you were being held, hmm?"

"Is this how you truly want to sleep? Facing me?"

Reed paused. "... almost. Stop me if you don't want this," came his quiet reply, reaching and quite literally pulling you against him. Chin on top of your head, an arm was draped over your waist, the other slid in the space between your head and shoulder. "... this okay?"

[He is... comfortable.]

When a hand slid around his torso and held the back of his shoulder from behind, his heart damn near stopped. There was a leg shifting and tangling itself amongst his, and your eyes closed as the indicator glowed a soft blue. "This is perfect, Gavin," your voice murmured. "Goodnight."

Your partner knew for a fact that you could feel the stupid heart beating against his ribcage. Your grip wasn't tight by any means, but falling into sleep mode loosened it as your body sank and relaxed completely.

Reed's jaw shook; you'd relaxed already, something he'd been trying to teach. Last time it took awhile for you to sink into the couch; now you made the effort to get comfortable before sleeping. Almost immediately.

She intentionally got comfortable for my fuckin' sake.

... I'm gonna do this right. Take it slow. Prove I'm not just a foul-mouthed little bastard. I'm not good at sappy bullshit but I will do everything in my goddamn power to show what you mean to me.

A kiss was pressed to the top of your head before he passed out again.

◇___#$&!___◇

"Do I even want to know what it is you're planning?"

Pacing outside on the back porch, Gavin held the phone with one hand, the other running through his hair nervously. "I mean... honestly?"

"You're asking for help. You have impeccable timing, since I just reinstated myself as CEO again yesterday." To his credit, Elijah chuckled. "So. Where are you taking her?"

Groaning, the detective glanced through the window: you were still at the kitchen sink. "I'm not telling you that cause you'll fucking laugh. I just need your help, okay? Please?"

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you sound nervous. Nervous for an actual date. Now what would you be asking my help for, I wonder?"

"It's not just yours, man. She doesn't actually have anything, uh... appropriate to wear."

There was a pause. "... All right. Tell me what you need, and I'll bring Chloé with me to get her ready."

"Oh my god thank you "

◇___#$&!___◇

The knock at the door made you glance up from the decorative table you were cleaning. The cloth was set down before you answered the door, only to reveal Chloé absolutely beaming. Eli waved at you behind her, his vague smile plastered on his face.

You stepped aside to let them enter, but only Elijah kept going down the hall. Chloé stayed beside you, and you had to take a moment to understand. "Gavin requested assistance for my sake."

"He did, Miss Nove. I was not given much information, but I have been advised to change your attire." Reaching down, she took your hand, smiling as she pulled you deeper into the house.

As the two of you passed the men, Reed glanced up and winked. "Don't fret, cara mia. This one won't be as short as your first one."