[ Despite her arguments to the contrary, Esther is always tired. Exhausted, in every sense of the word. But familiarity breeds adaptability, and now she barely notices how badly she needs to rest. Or at least, she barely notices until she's laying down and warm, assured by the door wedged closed and locked, and by Barry laying next to her.
It's easiest to fall asleep like that, and stay asleep too, even if she rarely expects to.
She did last night though - she barely remembers even going to bed as she stirs close to wakefulness. She knows Barry's still there. Still there, will warm, still smells the same. Feels like comfort, safety.
He nudges her, and she's aware around the same time that he's saying her name, and when she next exhales, a soft sound of acknowledgement hitches a ride. She doesn't open her eyes yet, but she does curl a bit closer, letting her forehead bump against his shoulder.
Another, deep breath - the 'definitely awake' sort - and softly and sleepily, she asks; ]
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It's easiest to fall asleep like that, and stay asleep too, even if she rarely expects to.
She did last night though - she barely remembers even going to bed as she stirs close to wakefulness. She knows Barry's still there. Still there, will warm, still smells the same. Feels like comfort, safety.
He nudges her, and she's aware around the same time that he's saying her name, and when she next exhales, a soft sound of acknowledgement hitches a ride. She doesn't open her eyes yet, but she does curl a bit closer, letting her forehead bump against his shoulder.
Another, deep breath - the 'definitely awake' sort - and softly and sleepily, she asks; ]
You okay...?