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Daren felt the moment Tim fell asleep, his entire body going slack as he finally began to get the rest he needed. he staid up a little longer, holding the other and making sure that the nightmare didn't return before drifting off himself. Daren hadn't slept so well maybe in his whole damned life. when he woke in the morning he felt better than he had in years, refreshed and ready to face the world. his arm wasn't hurting anymore and he was positive he could go without a sling now. it had just pierced the flesh, it hadn't broken anything. Tim lay sleeping in the circle of his arms, his face slack of it's constant worry and fear in sleep, looking peaceful and dare he say angelic? how anyone could hurt Tim baffled Daren and not for the first time. if he was so lucky as to have someone like this in his life he'd treasure him like he deserved.

Daren chuckled, "nothing of the sort. you were actually quite cute sleeping all innocently like that." he brushed some of Tim's hair out of his face. the movement made him adjust every so slightly and he became aware of a weight on his hip. he looked down to see Apple sleeping happily, perched in a ball across the blanket on their hips. "looks like we make a good bed, Tim."

"she won't hurt you, you know. she's gentle as a, well a kitten i guess." he shook his head at the terrible pun. it took a soft stroke to her head and a little push for Apple to get off and move to lay against the curve of his legs. "there, better?" he looked at the clock and laughed, "it's only six in the morning. i vote we stay in bed, what about you? even if we don't sleep, it's too damned comfortable to get out from under these covers just yet. agreed?"

Daren shrugged, "in truth i slept pretty well myself last night so we both benefited. i don't mind, really. anytime you don't want to be alone you are welcome to sleep with me, ok?" his hand moved to stroke Tim's hair automatically, enjoying how soft it was. "if it isn't too much for you, could you tell me why you hate cats? this isn't just a random new thing, it was caused by something. can you tell me?"

Daren nodded, "i can see why that would scare you. especially waking up with her sleeping on our hips. maybe we can work on your fear of cats as well as we work together over the next little while. Apple doesn't bat people, just her toys. i bet if you played with her a bit and pet her a little would help too. she really is sweet." he shrugged, "but that's up to you."

Daren chuckled, "Apple licks me sometimes. but i like dogs too. maybe we should get a dog, what do you think of that?" he shifted a little closer and sighed, "are you planning on going back to sleep then?" he didn't mind, it meant he got to lay in bed warm and comfortable for a little while longer.

"Not my fault, you keep talking back," Daren pointed out, smiling a little at how silly it all was. "i like that shampoo, it smells good on you. but if you want you own we can get you some later when we go to the store." he sighed, unable to say the same about himself and not working. he hated it, he hated not being out there, helping people and taking out those who hurt others, but at least he could stay home and focus on this one person who needed help. "you don't have to go back to work, you know. i make quite a bit of money, i can more than afford to support the both of us."