Work Text:
Charlie flopped down onto the mattress, feeling the weight of the day wrap around him like a cozy blanket—though not quite the comforting kind. It had been a long, grueling day filled with work and a parade of nonsense that tested his last nerve. With a little huff, he curled up next to Pim, his brows knitting together in a little frown.
“Come on, sleep already…”
He nudged closer to Pim’s warm side, savoring the gentle warmth radiating from him. The soft hum of the fan from the laptop perched on Pim's lap filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic clitter-clatter of keys as Pim focused intently on his work. Charlie loved these quiet moments, even if they were often hard for him to embrace.
Insomnia was no stranger to him, often creeping in on nights filled with restless thoughts or pesky nightmares. He remembered the days when his mother, in her tender way, would give him a playful scruff on the flabby skin of his neck, and he'd drift off into slumber almost immediately. It was a sweet memory that always made him feel safe, even now, as he nestled into the warmth beside Pim, hoping sleep would finally wrap him in its comforting embrace.
Pim looked down from his laptop, gently tracing a hand on Charlie’s hair and fur, feeling the warm follicles press and mold against his fingertips with each caress. Charlie eased further against Pim, nearly enveloping his thigh with a hugging gesture, giving more access to Charlie’s head. Pim chuckled softly, taking Charlie’s hat and setting it aside on the bedside table next to his tea and half eaten scotch fingers still damp on the edges from dunking them. Pim hummed and guided his feeling hand to the back of Charlie’s neck, feeling the flabby skin folds and quietly squeezing it and tugging away.
Charlie let out a blissful sigh, snuggling deeper against Pim’s leg, relishing the warmth and gentle pressure. It felt like a cozy hug, and he couldn’t help but smile as he melted into the moment. The soft thrum of Pim's typing became a soothing lullaby, wrapping around him like a fluffy cloud. Ever so slowly, he felt the weight of his exhaustion ease, the insomnia that usually haunted him beginning to lift. With every soft breath, he let go of the day’s worries, allowing himself to drift further into that blissful state between wakefulness and sleep, comforted by Pim's presence and the steady rhythm of his work.
“Thanks babe….” he mumbled, hardly awake at this point.
Pim smiled, gripping on Charlie’s scruff firmly “Of course, mate. Sleep well.”