Chapter Text
David sighed as he sat down on the couch and rubbed his face, clearly exhausted. He had cleaned up the mess from after dinner, a type of pasta dish. It resulted in comments from Max, criticizing the food even though he had eaten it all. He looked over, seeing the lump of blankets on the couch, Max, who was sleeping soundly. He had fallen asleep while watching a movie. Star Wars, maybe? He didn't know. He let Max choose what movie to watch while he cleaned.
David smiled as he saw Max peacefully sleeping. He looked calm, younger even. His face was relaxed, his shoulders weren't tense, and his hands weren't gripping his sleeves or the blanket. And his beloved stuffed bear, Mr. Honeynuts, had fallen onto the floor as he was asleep. He looked comfortable, almost like he knew he was safe.
He looked at his watch: 9:34 PM. Already? At least it was a Friday. He grabbed the remote and turned the TV off before he stood up and kneeled in front of the sleeping Max. He smiled, watching him for a moment before gently putting his hand on the kid's back and shaking him gently.
"Max? Hey.. Max. C'mon, why don't we get you to your bed?" He said softly, not wanting to frighten him in his sleep.
Max grumbled and swatted David away.
"Mmmh... fuck off.." He said, turning away from David.
David scoffed, taking the blanket off Max.
"Max, c'mon. Your bed is way more comfortable, right?"
He stood up, looking down at Max, who was half-asleep and looking up at David.
"'m fine here. I was watching TV anyway..." He grumbled, rubbing his eyes.
David nodded, crossing his arms.
"Fine, fine. Guess I’ll just—“
He grabbed Mr. Honeynuts from the floor, smirking.
”—take this with me. He’ll be cozy in your bed all alone anyway.”
David started walking away right after he spoke, causing Max to immediately sit up and run towards David
”NO!-"
David stopped in his tracks, turned around, and smiled. He looked down at Max, whose hair was a mess. He had his hood half off since he had fallen asleep with it on, and one sleeve was rolled up from moving around in his sleep. Honestly, he looked adorable and was visibly tired. David held Mr. Honeynuts out to Max, who immediately grabbed him and inspected his bear while muttering coldly.
David ruffled Max’s hair and put his half-on hood down, receiving a glare from Max. He put a hand on Max’s back and led him to his bedroom.
”You brushed your teeth already, yeah?” David said as he turned Max’s bedroom light on and watched him flop down onto his bed, not answering.
David sighed and leaned against the doorframe.
”Max, did you hear me?”
Max murmured into his pillow and nodded, definitely lying, but how would David know?
David sighed.
He walked over to Max’s bed, grabbed the blanket, and patted his arm.
”Take your hoodie off, bud; you’re going to get hot in your sleep.”
Max glared up at David, and he sat up, pulling his hoodie off, revealing his t-shirt. It was one David had gotten him after he had adopted him a couple of months ago. Max had worn it, denying that it meant anything to him and that it was just a shirt, but David knew Max was internally overjoyed since his parents didn’t even think to buy him extra pairs of clothing.
David smiled and grabbed his hoodie, putting it on the chair of Max’s desk before going back over to his bed. He tucked Max in and patted his head, knowing Max would throw a tantrum if he kissed his forehead because he was “not a baby” and “it was embarrassing”.
”Good night, bud.” David softly said as he left the room.
“Night, David.” He murmured.
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