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Today was a rare moment of downtime.
It had been a while since they’d had anything like that, and Mace planned to spend the vast majority of it with his husband, watching horrible holo-films that were a downside about the war ( it was fascinating to see how the Jedi Order was depicted).
It was clear that lack of sleep and the stresses of the war were finally making Ponds crash though, as he yawned for what seemed like the twentieth time in less than an hour.
It was a little endearing.
“Why don’t you get some rest?” He asked, no longer paying attention to the holo-film and looking at his husband.
“I’m fine.”
“And yet, you are yawning.”
“I’m fine.” Ponds repeated again stubbornly, clearly trying to suppress another yawn.
Mace couldn’t stop the fond twitch of his lips, something that Ponds noticed and rolled his eyes at.
“I really am fine.”
“As you wish.” Mace let the silence fall over them again, only for it not to last very long as Ponds kept adjusting his position, almost as often as he tried to keep his eyes open.
Mace had to put a stop to this.
“Lie down.” He pulled Ponds a little closer.
“I’m comfortable like this.”
“You are squirming like an initiate who needs to go relieve themselves but is too scared to ask.”
“…Does that actually happen?”
“You would be surprised.” Mace gently pulled on him again, “Come on. Try and relax.”
“I-I don’t want to waste this free time sleeping, when I could be sharing it with you.” Ponds frowned, the words coming out in a rush, clearly embarrassing him.
Mace wouldn’t how he had gone so long without someone like this by his side, feeling like the Force was brighter in this moment. He leant over, pressing their lips together. “I am happy just being with you, awake or not.” He assured Ponds when they parted, “We never need to do anything special. There have been some…awful situations recently. Some rest is probably for the best.”
“But- “
“- Please. Nothing would make me happier than to see you well-rested and healthy.”
Ponds still looked uncertain, but he finally yielded and laid his head on Mace’s lap, adjusting only once before relaxing, very quickly finding it hard to keep his eyes open. Mace watched as Ponds relaxed further and further, chuckling when Ponds’ breathing evened out and he began to snore lightly.
He tried to return his attentions to the holo-film but couldn’t fully follow it as he kept looking down at Ponds.
They might lose each other at any point during this war.
That made these moments all the more precious.
After watching Ponds for a while longer, he felt himself start to relax, falling asleep not long afterwards, Ponds warmth and weight heavy on top of him.