Work Text:
“close your eyes, stop moving, and don’t think of anything.”
zuka’s hand reaches over rocket’s eyelids, trailing his fingers down to prompt the little demon to lower them. he pulls away, watching his son’s brows move about, before the kid starts squirming in the covers trying to find a comfortable position. once he does, rocket heaves a sigh and allowed his brows to go still. only his chest remained to move as he took in soft breaths.
in the dead of night, there was a knock, causing zuka to rise from his slumber. despite the fatigue that clutches at him, he manages to get out of bed. when he opened the door, he was met with a frowning rocket. the kid couldn’t sleep and wanted a bit of company. with tired eyes, zuka follows rocket back to his room, their every movement echoing in the quiet halls.
“if you do this, you will be able to sleep.”
there was a slight drag to zuka’s words, his weariness showing in his voice.
“but what if i don’t?” rocket croaked out. zuka shakes his head at that.
“this is how we sleep.” zuka places a hand on rocket’s arm. “perhaps you have been moving too much. just relax and close your eyes.”
rocket do as he says, focusing on the dark behind his eyelids. the weight on his arm leaves as he attempts to cease whatever his mind might be murmuring about. his ears start to ring from the deafening silence of the bedroom, but his attention on it soon fades. it turns into muffled noise of some sort, then he hears his father whisper under his breath.
“see, you can do it kid.” zuka lets in a yawn. rocket doesn’t say a thing. doesn’t move an inch. he only hopes for a moment of rest — a moment he wishes would soon come. he lays in his bed waiting.
the sound of creaking... a soft one.
... then a click.
a few hushed footsteps could be heard before utter silence fell upon the room once again.
...
rocket opens his eyes.
the shadows untouched by the dim light seem to surround his vision.
its as if it's mocking him for not knowing how to do something as simple as to sleep.
...
the clock continues to tick.
...
he twists and turns.
...
an arrow pointing at 3.
...
he didn't get good sleep that night.