head in the clouds

late night

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Dream gets some much-needed Sapnap snuggles

—

Dream has not slept for more than an hour when he wakes up again, bleary-eyed and confused. Save for the sliver of light peeking in from the hallway through his half-open door, his room is completely dark. He lets out a small whimper.

He remembers falling asleep all warm and snug in Sapnap's arms, but the mattress next to him is bare and empty now. No Pandas there to hold him and keep him safe. Where did he go?

"Papa," he mumbles quietly, eyes welling with tears and lower lip wobbling as he does. He has to go find him, he can't be in here all alone.

He pulls his comforter aside with a sniffle and shuffles his way out of his room, feeling his throat tighten more and more on his way down the shadowy staircase. The house feels so different when it's late at night, and unless he's with his friends, Dream honestly thinks it can get a little spooky.

His fingers twist in his sweatshirt as he steps off the last stair and beelines for the living room where faint sounds can be heard. Stopping on the threshold, he spots Sapnap on the couch with a soda can in his hand, watching something on the TV which is on, big and bright.

He doesn't seem to notice him at first, but after Dream lets out a sniffle, Sapnap whips his head towards him. "Oh," he says, quickly setting down his drink on the coffee table and pausing his show.

"Hey there," he says, smiling softly, and Dream feels tears well in his eyes all over again.

"What're you doing up, buddy?"

Dream sniffles and gestures vaguely behind him, not trusting himself to speak. Besides, he feels so small right now that he's not so sure words would fit in his mouth.

Sapnap tilts his head. "Hm? What's wrong, bubs?"

And it's all too much for Dream who just looks at him sadly, tears now gathering in his eyes and threatening to spill.

"Bed emp'y," he whimpers.

"Aw baby," Sapnap coos as he stands up and walks over. He wraps dream in a big hug which the boy burrows into instantly, letting out a sob into his shoulder.

"You're okay, sweetheart." Sapnap rubs his back, reassuring him as best he can.

Dream sniffles, more tears wetting the hoodie he's clutching onto.

Honestly, he doesn't know why he's so upset by this. He knows it's not the end of the world but all he wants to do is cry. He just wishes Sapnap was there when he woke up, next to him in the bed like Dream thought he would be.

"Shhh," a soft voice hushes him, warm hands stroking his back soothingly. "I'm sorry I wasn't with you, honey."

"Why—" dream hiccups, "why you wasn' dewe, papa?"

Sapnap holds him a little tighter. "I went down here to watch some TV after you fell asleep, darling. It's still a little early for me to go to bed." He cups Dream's sad face and wipes the tear tracks from his cheeks.

"Watchin' TV?" Dream asks, voice wobbly.

"Uh-huh," Sapnap nods, still holding the boy's face in his hands. "A talk show," he adds, pointing to the big screen behind himself.

Dream blinks at it, his eyes reflecting the bright rectangle of light. "We watch togedew?" He asks sweetly, meeting Sapnap's loving gaze again.

"You wanna watch it with me?"

Dream nods, a smile making its way onto his lips in anticipation.

Sapnap tucks some stray strands of blond away from his face. "You sure you don't want me to take you back up to your bed, honey?" He double-checks, knowing how tired the boy really is, especially after all that crying.

Dream shakes his head and leans closer. "P'ease, papa. Wanna stay."

And who could ever say no to that? "Alright, baby. Anything you want."

Sapnap kisses his forehead before guiding him over to the couch. He sits down first and places a fluffy throw pillow on his lap for Dream to lie his head on.

"C'mere, let's get you nice and cozy," he says, patting the pillow for Dream to lay his head on. Once they're both settled, Sapnap pulls off the blanket that's hanging on the back of the couch and spreads it over the boy in his lap, tucking him in and cooing at Dream's little giggles.

The talk show starts playing again and they watch it together for a while in comfortable silence, Sapnap giving Dream backrubs under his shirt, hoping to soothe him back to sleep.

"Dey all laughin', papa," Dream pipes up sleepily, his words sticking together.

Sapnap can't help but smile at his random comment. "Yeah, they are, baby. All the people in the audience."

"Aud'ence," Dream echoes quietly, clearly a thread's width away from falling asleep.

Sapnap adjusts them a bit and places a hand on the blond's cheek, using his thumb to brush over the tired skin under his eyes. "Close your eyes, honey," he urges gently. "It's time to get some rest."

"Mmh." Dream nudges his face closer to the pillow and lets out a sigh. He feels so safe here in the dimly lit living room, the soft buzz of voices from the program filling the quiet. And with the added comfort of Sapnap's arms, he sinks easily into a peaceful sleep.

—

894 words

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