the progress project [3]

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everett

derek is leaning against the wall, head resting against it with his eyes closed. it's nearly one a.m., and why he isn't in bed isn't puzzling.

"hey," everett wipes the sleep from his eyes and gets out of the bed to touch the younger man's shoulder.

derek's eyes snap open, bloodshot and defensive. he seems lost, unable to tell where he is and who he's with.

"let's get back to bed," he says softly.

derek slumps, practically falls onto the sheets and blankets, and despite his eye bags, he whispers, "can't sleep. too much on my mind."

everett's heart seizes, and all he wants is to fix this. he tucks the other in, kisses his forehead, and pulls him into his arms again. "we'll figure it out."

"no, we won't," derek mumbles.