Chapter Text
The morning had started with a little competition that Bobby and Athena started. It wasn’t anything serious, it was just a game to see who could make the other fall asleep first. It only came up because of their hectic schedules this week.
Bobby thought that this was amusing, only because Athena always lost. As independent and strong as she was, she always relaxed when it came to him
They had laid down the rules over breakfast: no forcing it and no sabotaging – just gentle, creative attempts to lull the other one to sleep. The winner? They could do whatever they wanted to the other person.
Bobby teased her about it, promising to cook her his favorite meal if he won or going to the grocery store instead of her because of his strict list. Athena shot back that he’d owe her a full day of housework if she won. It was just these little things that made their marriage thrilling. They smirked at each other once they settled everything.
The day went on like normally, the kids were home today so it was a bit more challenging. Athena had to run errands and finalize cases from the week while Bobby took care of things around the house and checked in with the kids. By mid-day they were back home, the kids had to start packing up because they were going to Micheal’s for the weekend, so they could actually start their little game.
Bobby did the first move, trying to tempt Athena. He knew she could never rest the warmth and comfort when he was around, especially laying in his arms. She would doze off right then and there.
“You wanna watch a movie?” He asked, leaning against the kitchen counter as she packed up the kid’s backpacks.
Athena noticed immediately what he was doing, his tone was light, that little mischief in his eyes. Trying to act all innocent on her.
“Baby, really? First move and this is what you do?” She replied, narrowing her eyes as she handed him the lunchbox to put away. “I’m not falling for that.”
“Falling for what?” Bobby pretended to act confused, his lips quirking into a smile. “I’m just saying we could watch a movie or something, and you know, maybe cuddle a little. I mean I just want to spend time with my wife.”
Athena chuckled, shaking her head. “Not happening. You’re going to have to do better than that baby.”
She kissed him quickly before calling the kids to come down because Micheal was here. The day continued to go by.
Athena had her own tactics. She knew Bobby was a softie when he felt safe and comfortable, and when he had that, he could doze off anywhere, on the couch, the floor, the table. So she used her love, her touch.
While they were sitting on the couch after lunch, she leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. Her fingers moved in slow circles across his chest. She felt him exhale deeply, his body relaxing and going slack beneath her. She smiled to herself, this was too easy.
But Bobby caught on just in time. His eyes snapped open and he gently nudged her hand away. “Oh no, you don’t” He said, sitting up straight. “You almost got me there.”
Athena laughed. “Almost” She said as she leaned back into the couch. “You’re tougher than I thought.”
“You better believe it.” Bobby said, standing, and offering her a hand. “Now come on, let's clean up.”
She smiled and took his hand. Their tactics went by all day long, massages, kisses, hugs, cuddles went by but no one faltered.
It was only until late afternoon, the game was still in full swing. Athena was in the kitchen organizing and putting away dishes. The sink was running as she wiped away the counters. Bobby wandered in, leaning against the wall and watching her. Oh, how beautiful she looked.
But she also looked tired, he could see it, the way her shoulders sagged slightly. The week was long for her, multiple shifts with cases and today errands. He felt a little concerned.
“Hey,” he said. “You okay?”
She glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly. “Yeah, I’m okay. Why?”
“You look tired.” He said gently as he walked over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You want to lay down?”
Athena paused, feeling the exhaustion come in, it sounded inviting. Her mind was heavy but she caught herself and shook her head. “Not a chance.” She said, smirking at him.
Bobby raised his hands in surrender, giving her that boyish smile. “I tried.”
She smiles and places the towel down. She stares at him, and those brown eyes of his give her a peace she cannot fathom. He moved closer and pulled her close by the waist.
Her arms wrapped around his neck. She lets herself melt into him, letting out a sigh. “I love you.” She says.
“I love you too.” He replied, kissing her lips and pulling her into his embrace. Her head falls to his chest as her arms wrapped around his body. This hug felt so good
For a moment, they stayed like that. Her head rested on his chest, they swayed slightly in the quiet of the kitchen. Athena felt her eyelids grow heavy, she felt herself trying to stay awake. Why was this sleepiness hitting her all of the sudden? The week seemed to press down on her all at once, combined with Bobby’s scent, his warmth, his love.
She stifled a yawn, trying to shake off the drowsiness. She couldn’t give in – not just yet. “I’m going to win this.” She pulled away slightly to look at him.
“Sure you are.” Bobby said with a laugh, he kissed her head, his hands tightened around her. “Keep telling yourself that baby.”
Athena was hitting her limit as fought back with him, she wanted to keep playing this game. But it was too strong, maybe she could give up, let herself rest. All she wanted was to sleep to be honest, in the arms of her man.
“You wanna watch a movie?” she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.
He smiled. “Sure baby.” He kisses her again.
They made their way to the living room, where Athena grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and handed it to Bobby. He sat down first and then pulled her close, he lifted her to lay on top of him.
He made sure she was comfortable before reaching for the remote. “What do you want to watch?” He asked, scrolling through the tv.
“Mm, you pick.” She said, her voice softened.
Bobby glanced down to her, noticing that her eyes kept fluttering shut. He smiled to himself, choosing something light and easy — a movie they’d see so many times. As the opening scenes played, he started to rub her back, his hand moving in slow, comforting circles.
Athena was just so hazy at this point, she sank deeper into him. It felt like a cloud, he felt so comforting. The blanket, his breathing, his gentle pressure on her back were all conspiring against her. She was losing the fight but she didn’t care. She wanted him, she wanted to sleep in his arms.
“Baby.” Bobby whispered, leaning down to kiss her temple. “You’re falling asleep on me.”
Athena made a soft sound, somewhere between a hum and a murmur, but didn’t open her eyes. She was too tired.
Bobby chuckled, pulling the blanket around her tighter to keep her warm. “I win.” He said quietly, though there was no gloating in his tone. It was love and a hint of amusement.
Athena was too far gone. Her breathing evened out, her body going limp and still against him. Bobby stayed where he was, holding her close, and brushing a hand over her hair.
The game was over and he’d won. But it didn’t matter, the victory didn't matter, she was tired, more tired than usual because of the week. What mattered to him was that being there for her, taking care of her, and giving her the comfort she needed, was everything to him.
-
Several hours had passed, and the living room was bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun streaming through the curtains. Bobby was still on the couch, his arms still wrapped around his wife as she slept against him.
Her body still relaxed and her head nestled into his chest. She was snoring softly, something she rarely did unless she was utterly exhausted.
It was a small noise, a cute noise and it meant alot of Bobby. She was finally getting the rest, finally catching up on the sleep she needed. He didn’t care how long he had to stay like this.
He’d just spend the last couple of hours watching her, the way her chest rose, the way her lashes fanned out, the way she gripped his shirt. He admired the slope of her nose, her dark glossy skin.
At some point, she had drooled on his shirt, a small wet patch forming where her mouth rested. Bobby smiled. He was so in love with her. Carefully, he wiped away her drool with the tissue on the coffee table. His movements were gentle so she wouldn't wake. She was Athena, soft and dependent on him in her most vulnerable moments…slightly messy too. But she was beautiful as ever.
As the minutes ticked by, Athena began to stir, it started with a small, soft noise, somewhere between a hum and a sigh. Bobby felt her legs tangle deeper with his, her head moving against his chest as she started to wake.
“Take your time, baby.” He murmured, his voice low and soothing.
She didn’t respond immediately, her movements slow and uncoordinated as if she was halfway in her dreams. Her eyes fluttered open eventually. She blinked up at him, her gaze unfocused at first.
He kissed her forehead, his lips warm. A sleep smile spread across her face when she finally did focus. “Hi..” She mumbled.
“Hi there, baby.” Bobby said, his voice filled with affection.
Athena’s eyes fluttered shut again, briefly, but then she shifted up, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. She inhaled deeply, his scent was familiar, she felt so groggy, so light, and just absolutely warm. “Mmm.” She hummed, her voice muffled against his skin. “That was the best nap ever.”
Bobby chuckled, his hand moving to rub circles on her back. “Yeah? You feel good?”
Her head moved from his neck back to his chest, she rubbed it lazily against it, like a cat seeking affection. “Mhmm, so good.” She murmured, her words slurred with drowsiness. “Drowsy, groggy, but good. So, so good.”
Her tone was dreamy, and Bobby just laughed again. “You look like you feel good.” He teased, running his fingers through her hair.
She shifted slightly, her eyes still closed, but she lifted her head just enough to meet his gaze again. He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. “I won, baby.” He said, after pulling back. “The competition.”
Athena blinked slowly as if the memory was coming back. “Mmm?” She hummed, her words barely coherent. “You want?”
Bobby grinned at how out of it she sounded, his heart swelled at the pureness, unguarded version of his wife. “I just want to love you.” He said softly, the motions on her back still going. “And give you kisses.”
“Mmm.” She murmured again, her voice filled with warmth. “That’s good.”
He smiled and gave her another kiss, but to her temple.
She let out another soft noise. “That nap was really good, really really, good.” Her words slow as though she was still half asleep. She paused for a moment, then added dreamily, “Can I?”
Bobby titled his head. “Can you what?” He asked gently.
Athena let out a soft huff, her head sinking back into the curve of his shoulder. “Sweep?” She slurred. “Wanna sleep more…”
Bobby laughed. “You want to sleep more.” He asked, his tone soft and teasing.
She nodded lazily against him, her head slowly bobbing up and down. His heart clenched at how adorable she was. “Mhm.” She did once more as her voice trailed off as if halfway back to sleep.
He said. “You can sleep for as long as you want, darling.” He tightened his hold around her. “Go ahead.”
Athena smiled and her hand gripped his shirt. WIthin moments, she was out like a light. He smiled as he felt her drift off for the second time that afternoon.
The competition might have been over, but in Bobby’s mind, they both had won.
- -
Another few hours went by and Athena stirred again, she blinked a couple of times, her eyes fluttering before letting out a soft groan. She felt so good, and she nuzzled deeper into her husband once again, inhaling his scent. “Mmm.” She murmured. “I keep falling asleep.”
Bobby smiled, his hand gently stroking her back. “Because you need it, baby.” He said.
Athena tilted her head up, her eyes barely open as she gazed at him. “It’s your fault.” She said, a playful pout tugging at her lips.
“Oh really?” He replied, raising an eyebrow as he grinned.
She nodded, her head lolling against his chest. “Mhm. you’re just so warm..and all this rubbing.” She trailed off, struggling to find her words. “It…it’s the best. I feel really…slweeepy.” Her voice slurred at the end. Bobby just couldn't help but chuckle.
“Get some more then.” He said softly.
Athena frowned slightly. “Don’t wanna sleep all day.” She mumbled but she leaned into him even more.
“You’ve been running around all week.” His hand never stopped the soothing movements along her back.
The motion caused her to scrunch her nose, her lips pressing into a pout. “You’re not playing fair.” She muttered, her voice drowsily irritated.
He smiled. “I know.” He admitted.
Athena sighed. “Then maybe just a bit more?” She asked, her voice small and hesitant, as if she needed permission. “You let me? Mmm…”
She was so adorably confused in her sleepy state that Bobby just wanted to kiss her over and over again. He brushed a hand over her hair, his lips gazing at her temple. “Yes, baby.” He murmured reassuringly. “Get all the sleep you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
That was all she needed to go back to sleep once more. Bobby just kept rubbing her back, her breathing evened out for the third time. He was sure this was her last time she would spend sleeping before she asks for food.
He didn’t mind. She just easily gave in when she was in his arms. It was something he’d noticed early in their relationship – Athena, fierce and independent to the rest of the world but with him always open and at ease. He loved it, loved that he could offer her a comfort no one else could.
It had become a special little special quirk of theirs. No matter how tired or stressed she was, all he had to do was pull her close, hold her tight, and rub her back. It didn’t matter if they were on the couch, in bed, or even sitting in the car — she would fall asleep every single time.
He chuckled softly to himself, adjusting the blanket around her. It was his special thing, his special trick he could do to her. And he loved it
He loved her, loved the way she trusted him completely and he would stay for as long as she needed.