Playing House: Settling In

[notthatcrazy]

After the first few days of freedom, life settles down into some kind of rhythm. They've been in touch with the team (mostly variations on 'We're okay, hope you are too.') and Face has been out looking for ways to supplement their cash supply, which has left Murdock at something of a loose end.

He hasn't been sleeping well the past couple of nights, and tonight looks to be no different. It's not long after he drifts off that the nightmares start. They come in a confusing mish-mash of jumbled images, but the overarching theme is always the same.

Boss, it's Face... he's hurt bad...

Don't leave me, baby... I need you...

He wakes with a start, his arm thrown across his partner's chest, and grabs hold of him tightly, taking deep, frantic breaths.

Comments

[notthatcrazy]

"That's what I wanted to hear," he smiles.

"Long as you come home to me, I don't mind."

(Not much, at least.)

[notjustaface]

Curling his body close, Face begins to stroke slow circles over his partner's bare belly - attempting to lull him back to sleep.

"You've got something no gorgeous girl can have."

[notthatcrazy]

He does like a good belly rub.

"Yeah I do."

[notjustaface]

"I didn't mean a penis..." He raises a wry eyebrow, "That's not exactly a deal breaker."

[notthatcrazy]

"I didn't say that," he replies with a quiet laugh. "You're the one bringin' it down to that level."

[notjustaface]

He can't help but grin into Murdock's curls, shaking his head.

"I just wanted to make sure you knew it was my heart."

[notthatcrazy]

"You coulda just said that to begin with."

He rests a hand on his chest.

"But yeah... I know."

[notjustaface]

It's kind of a big thing for him, bigger than wedding rings - bigger even than living together. Of course, the biggest moments always come when you least expect them or know how to address them.

"I'm glad," he smiles reflexively, pulling back just enough to see his face. "I mean it, though. You're stuck with me..."

[notthatcrazy]

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

He's getting sleepy again, but he can sense that Face needs some reassurance as he snuggles close against him.

"We're in this together, baby."

[notjustaface]

"I know we are," he murmurs, snuggling back in against his partner's neck - pressing gentle kisses to his jawline.

"And I meant it when I said I'm here for you. No matter how bad things get - anything you need."

[notthatcrazy]

"Same goes for you too, y'know," he says somberly. "You don't always have to go through stuff on your own."

[notjustaface]

His circles slow, getting a little sleepy himself.

"I know, baby. I know..." he whispers, kissing his ear.

[notthatcrazy]

"I know you do, we take care of each other. But you always got the weight of everything on your shoulders."

The belly rub is doing its job, and he's close to nodding off.

[notjustaface]

He knows it's true, no matter how much he's learned to let go part of him will always carry some things he doesn't know how to say.

"I don't ever want to let you down." He murmurs, partially confession - partially reassurance.

[notthatcrazy]

He opens his eyes and blinks sleepily up at him.

"Hate to tell you this, baby, but you're not superhuman."

He rolls onto his side, snuggling as close as he can.

"You're gonna screw up sometimes, but as long as you keep comin' home to me, we'll deal with it as it comes."

[notjustaface]

He doesn't want to go down that road again, but part of him feels like he will. There'll be other girls and other mistakes and other chances to screw himself over. He's a heartbreaker after all.

Lowering his eyes, he lets the words settle and tries to focus on keeping Murdock comfortable - shifting his free hand to gently stroke through his hair.

"I know." He whispers, licking his lower lip and flashing a hint of a smile. "I know."

[notthatcrazy]

He sees the worried frown and leans up to kiss it away.

"Just go to sleep with me. Things'll be okay."

[notjustaface]

"You know it..." he purrs, offering a slightly deeper kiss before guiding him back down to the mattress.

"Get some more sleep, babe. We'll be beautiful in the morning."

[notthatcrazy]

"You do like your beauty sleep."

When he falls asleep for the second time that night, it's with a smile on his face.