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“You don’t need to do this,” Micah grumbles, patting Baylock’s neck as he rides alongside Taima.
Charles raises his eyebrows, wondering how many more times Micah can say that. “I know. But I want to.”
He glances at his partner, who yawns. Micah hasn’t slept in days, his insomnia forcing him to stay awake despite his exhaustion. But Charles knows Micah sleeps much easier with another person beside him, although he gets embarrassed doing so in camp. Which is why Charles leads Micah to their tent in a secluded spot, ready to help his lover get some rest.
But as they rode out together and Charles told Micah his plan, Micah started complaining. And so began Micah’s mantra of “You don’t need to do this,”, failing to understand why Charles would put himself out for his partner. They’ve been together for a couple of months, but Micah still struggles with stuff like this, unused to people doing nice things out of love.
“We’re nearly here,” Charles says, cutting Micah off before he can complain again.
He hitches Taima near the tent, watching Micah stumble as he dismounts Baylock.
“Whoa, careful!” Charles says.
“I ain’t an invalid!” Micah snaps, too tired to inject much venom into his voice. “You’d think I was pregnant or somethin’, the way you’re fussin’ over me.”
Charles chuckles, putting his arm around Micah. “Just get in the tent, Mikey.”
To his delight, Micah’s pale cheeks flush as he uses the nickname he only says when they’re alone. Yawning, Micah wobbles on the spot, his submissive side coming out as he glances at Charles and mumbles, “Okay, okay. You win this time, Charlie.”
After the pair remove their gunbelts and boots, Charles smiles, lifting the tent flap for Micah.
“After you.”
Micah snorts. “Dumbass.”
But he crawls into the tent, sitting on the bedroll. Charles follows behind him, lying on his back.
Patting the bedroll, he says, “C’mon, lie down.”
Micah rolls his eyes. “You’re soooo clingy sometimes, Charlie.”
Charles grabs his wrist and pulls him closer. “Just rest, Mikey.”
Huffing in exaggerated frustration, Micah flops down beside him. “This good enough for you, Boss?” he mutters, smirking.
As Micah rolls onto his side, snuggling against him, Charles slips an arm around Micah, tugging him even closer. Rubbing Micah’s arm, he says, “Yes, that’s good. Are you comfortable?”
Micah fidgets, glancing at Charles.
Understanding his hesitation, Charles says, “Do it if you want, Micah.”
And Micah grins before resting his head on Charles’ chest. Charles strokes his hair, watching Micah relax into the embrace. Micah adores cuddling like this, but feels stupid to ask. But Charles doesn’t care; in fact, he loves it too.
Micah yawns, already struggling to keep his eyes open. Charles keeps massaging Micah’s head, something he finds incredibly relaxing. Sure enough, Micah lets out a long breath, cuddling Charles’ waist. “Shit… I needed… this,” he mumbles, slurring like a drunkard.
And only seconds later, Micah drifts off to sleep, snoring against his chest.