After Deployment

23

"Noah, where are you going?" Quinn questioned Puck.

"Bed." Puck said. "That's why I said goodnight."

"Stay here." Quinn requested. "Please."

"I want to." Puck told her. "But if I hurt you again, or the baby, I won't forgive myself."

"You didn't hurt me." Quinn stated. "It was PTSD. It wasn't you."

"Quinn, I love you." Puck reminded Quinn. "But my mind is racing. I haven't slept in, like, three days."

"So stay here and sleep." Quinn suggested. "Let me stay up all night."

"You need to sleep." Puck said. "It's good for the baby, and you get cranky."

Quinn smiled slightly.

Puck smiled back.

"Come lay here and sleep for a little while, and then I'll sleep when you get up." Quinn said. "Please."

"Alright." Puck nodded. "But you sleep first."

"Only if you wake me up when you're ready." Quinn requested.

"Sure." Puck said. "Just go to sleep, babe."

"Okay." Quinn replied. "Night."

"Night."

Quinn fell asleep quickly, and Puck held her in his arms. Not wanting to wake Quinn, Puck kept himself up all night, afraid of what would happen if he fell asleep beside her.

-

In the morning, Quinn rolled over and looked at Puck.

"Morning." Puck smiled. "Did you sleep well?"

"You were supposed to wake me up so you could sleep." Quinn said. "Did you sleep at all?"

"I'm not tired." Puck replied, although Quinn knew him better than that.

Quinn raised her eyebrow.

"I was afraid to fall asleep here and I didn't wanna wake you up by leaving." Puck told Quinn.

"You need to sleep." Quinn stated. "Because in a few months, neither of us will."

"I don't need that much sleep." Puck shrugged. "I'm used to it."

"Go to sleep." Quinn ordered. "Stay here and let me hold you."

Puck shook his head. "I don't wanna risk hurting you again."

"Fine." Quinn replied as she climbed out of bed. "Then I'm gonna go out and you're gonna stay here and sleep."

"Quinn." Puck said.

"No phone, no TV." Quinn added. "Just sleep. I'll be back in a few hours. I'm gonna go see Rachel."

"Fine." Puck gave in. "But we can't keep doing this."

"You haven't slept in days." Quinn reminded Puck. "So shut up and go to bed."

"Okay." Puck sighed. "I'll see you later then. Tell Rachel I said hi."

"I will." Quinn nodded as she kissed Puck's cheek. "Sweet dreams."