Chapter Text
Ryan hadn’t slept in days. He’d been dealing with insomnia for years and it had never really been a problem. He settled for three to four hours of sleep a night instead of the typical eight, but the past three days he’d slept for maybe two hours tops. Ryan just couldn't fall asleep. In bed by ten at the latest, he would lay there for hours trying to get his brain to stop cycling through everything he had to do the next day, random facts, or possible pranks he could pull on an unexpecting co-worker, or specifically Gavin. Eventually, he'd give up his efforts and pull up his laptop to add to his ever growing Insomnia City in Minecraft. After three days of no sleep he was losing it and it was obvious.
Ryan walked into the warehouse a half an hour early. He’d left early deciding not to waste anymore time sitting at home when he’d been dressed and ready to go for two hours. The man sank into his chair and ran his hands over his face. He was absolutely exhausted, physically and mentally. Between his brain’s constant movement and having no energy to eat, Ryan had no idea how he was even conscious.
By lunch time, Ryan was sure he would pass out if he didn't try and sleep, so while everyone was out to lunch, Ryan laid down on the couch in the Achievement Hunter office hoping to sleep. But he just laid there on his back with his arm draped over his eyes thinking and thinking and thinking.
“Mother fucker.” Ryan whispered to himself after spending thirty minutes trying to sleep. At that moment, Gavin walked into the office.
“Yeesh, Rye Bread, watch the language, there might be children about. Don’t want to corrupt their virgin ears now do we?”
“I’m not in the mood, Gavin, so just fuck off alright?” Ryan replied impatiently rolling to his side away from the desks and away from Gavin.
“You’re not one for cursing, especially at me...something bothering you?” Ryan could hear the concern in Gavin’s voice, making his stomach turn. He hated worrying anyone, especially the lad.
“It’s really nothing. Just drop it.” He knew Gavin wouldn't drop it. Gavin couldn't drop anything except maybe a fragile object. And so it began. Gavin knelt down next to Ryan’s head and began his pestering.
“Please tell me.” The boy poked Ryan’s head which was answered by a swat and silence.
“Pretty please, Rye Breaaaaad.” Gavin pulled Ryan’s hair as he whined.
“Fuck off.”
“Pretty please with a cherry on top?” Gavin pulled Ryan’s arm away from his eyes, Gavin’s hazel meeting Ryan’s blue. The man could tell that Gavin noticed the dark circles under his eyes that looked more like bruises and the red lines trailing through the whites of Ryan’s eyes.
“Can’t you see I’m trying to sleep!” Ryan yelled. He watched Gavin cower away from him and his heart sank. It was so unlike him. Ryan wasn't one for yelling. He wasn’t even much for talking. He preferred being silent, but his sudden increased insomnia had him on edge and therefore leading to increased yelling.
Ryan sat up on the couch and faced Gavin. He rested his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands, rubbing the heels of his palms into his eyes.
“Listen, Gavin, I’m sorry. I didn't mean to yell. I’m just so fucking tired.” Ryan sighed heavily. All he wanted to do was sleep. He ran his hands through his hair and looked at Gavin. The lad had this dumb look in his eyes like a sad puppy. “ I haven’t slept in, like, three days. Haven’t really eaten either. I really am sorry. I just need to sleep.”
“Why can’t you sleep?” Gavin asked, his voice laced with worry. Ryan really hated making him worry. He wanted to do the opposite. He wanted Gavin not to have a care in the world when he was with Ryan. He wanted him to feel protected, safe, and happy. Not worried and shying away from Ryan’s rare burst of aggression.
“I have insomnia. Always have. For some reason this week my brain just won’t shut up. I can’t stop thinking about work and dumb facts and pranks and you. It’s driving me nuts.”
“Why don’t you just shut it off?” Gavin questioned. It was obvious he didn’t have this problem despite his constant energy. Ryan sighed and rubbed his temples. His head was slowly starting to pound. God, he was tired.
“It doesn’t really work like that, Gav. If it did I would be happily in dreamland right now.”
“Well maybe I can help. I’ll be right back.”
Right back took a little longer than Ryan would have thought, but ten minutes later Gavin returned, a steaming mug in his hand. He handed it to Ryan.
“Chamomile tea. Decaf, obviously. Mum used to make it for me when I was a young lad to help me sleep. Maybe it will work for you.” Gavin grinned wide. Ryan took a sip, savoring the taste. He knew it wouldn’t work, but he humored Gavin. Anything he could do to make him feel better after yelling at him.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate the effort.” Ryan downed the last of the tea and laid back on the couch, replacing his arm over his eyes. He heard squeaking as he laid down. Peeking out from under his eyes he could see Gavin rolling a chair over to Ryan and sitting down, legs crossed on the seat.
“What are you doing?” Ryan questioned, uncovering his eyes and sitting up on his elbows.
“Shut up and go to sleep, you knob.” Gavin commanded. Ryan did as he was told with a muttered ‘fair enough’, and settled back down to futilely try and sleep. For some reason though his brain wasn’t spinning like usual, now his brain was focused on one thing and that was Gavin. Before Ryan had time to question it, Gavin was moving, making noise despite his attempts to be quiet. Suddenly, there was a hand in Ryan’s sandy hair, gently pushing it out of his face and then brushing it back over and over. It was then that Ryan could feel himself drifting, his brain shut down slowly only focusing on the fingers running lightly through his hair. Ryan sighed slightly and settled in for sleep.
“Sweet dreams, Ryan.” The man heard Gavin whisper before he drifted off. He made a mental note to thank the lad later and promptly invite him to stay at his house forever. Maybe then he’d have some semblance of a sleep schedule. Ryan fell asleep with thoughts of waking up to Gavin every morning, a soft smile gracing his face.
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Not too long after Ryan fell asleep the rest of the Achievement Hunter office returned from lunch. As they came bustling in they received a well deserved ‘shush’ from Gavin who pointed to the sleeping Ryan.
“Keep quiet, donuts.” Gavin hushed the group.
“Why so you can keep cuddling with your boyfriend?” Michael teased from his desk. Gavin’s stomach flipped at the mention of boyfriends…he didn't want to be Ryan's boyfriend...did he?
“No, Michael. Because our dear friend Ryan has insomnia and hasn’t slept in three days so bugger off!” At that the other men left the two alone, all editing silently as Ryan snored on the couch, Gavin’s fingers still running through his hair.