Work Text:
The night in the atelier was quiet and peaceful. The creatures seemed to be going to sleep and so did the land. A night where even the most energized person could fall under the spell of sleep like a Snugstone was everywhere they stepped.
Qifrey was heading down the hall to go to bed. It was a long day and he was tired. That they stayed up late because his apprentices almost refused to leave the lesson until they fully understood. He was proud to have such dedicated students.
His girls were already in bed, but he doubted they were sleeping. Whether that meant they were staying up practicing spells or just talking to each other.
As long as they slept enough to be prepared for the day to come though, he was okay with it. It wasn't that late either. At least they slept at some point. His husband on the other hand..
Olruggio never slept and when he did it was because he passed out. Which is quite dangerous for working with fire spells. Nothing Qifrey can say can change this habit of no sleep. He just hopes he is alright in the end.
A perfect example of Olruggio falling asleep during work was now. He fell asleep at his worktable, pen in hand that was too close to closing the outer circle for his worries. Qifrey walked a little faster than normal to grab it.
Qifrey sighed and set it aside. He changed his focus to Olly again. His head was limp on the table and his messy hair was darker than ever in the bad lit room. His eye bags dark as ever.
Qifrey wondered if he'll ever stop staying up so late and over working himself. He also wonders of he'll ever stop worrying about him.
It's probably best if he stays worried though.
He picks up a tossed quilt and draped it across Olruggio's shoulders. Qifrey gave a soft kiss to his cheek. He noticed Olruggio holding back a smile but failing miserably.
It annoyed him that he was faking sleeping as if Qifrey wouldn't be able to read him, like he has been all these years."Go to sleep, my star, please."
Olruggio hummed and opened his eyes. "I won't be able to look at your pretty face then." Olruggio cupped his cheek and rubbed the area under his eyes with his thumb. "I also won't be able to finish this contraption.." he grumbled.
Qifrey kept his goal despite the attempts to flirt. "You will be able to do both in the morning if you rest." He reached up and squeezed the hand with his own.
Olruggio groans but gets up with the help of Qifrey's hand on his hip and another intertwined with his. They go to bed together, laying on their sides, but neither sleep right away.
They both stare at each others faces like it's the last time. Qifrey was the one this time who cupped Olruggio's cheek. He went in and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth.
Olruggio leaned into the touch. "No matter how late, you always seem to know where I am when I'm awake. You never asleep either. I thought I told you to set a good example for the girls." He emphasized the last part with a little anger.
Was he mad Qifrey wasn't sleeping? That was silly. Qifrey did sleep. More than Olruggio. They just happen to sleep and wake at different times.
"Well it's hard when my favorite person isn't in bed with me." He chuckles.
Olruggio looks away from him, "Shut up." It lacks both the sting and anger.
Qifrey just smiles and tilts his head in question, "You can say things about me but I can't about you?"
Olruggio didn't seem to appreciate it, "You deserve all the praise in the world!"
"You as well. You also deserve rest." Qifrey move his hand to Olruggio's hair, toying with it. "The contraption you had on your desk look about ready, take a break."
He whispered, "Sleep, please."
Olruggio just went back to holding Qifrey's stare. He look at him like he was an angel. He knew he would never say it though. Olruggio kissed him on the lips and begrudgingly have in, "Fine, alright."
They held each other close. Qifrey closed his eyes in bliss. Olruggio gave him too much comfort, he had to be careful. But for now Qifrey could be selfish and indulge on this peace.
Qifrey woke up before Olruggio. Although he wished to sleep for longer, it was a great view. To sleep the sun rising light on his face and neck. He couldn't restrain himself and gave him a few light kisses on his cheek.
He didn't wake him and he didn't when he got out of the bed either.
He made the himself and the girls breakfast—and of course Olly—and set it on the table. They all thanked him and started eating when he heard Olruggio come of the hallway.
Qifrey caught him before he could go back to work.
"Come on enjoy breakfast with us." Qifrey beamed.
Olruggio sighed, "How can I say no when you look at me like that! Also when you cook so well.."
Qifrey gave a quick peck and pulled him to the table by his hand. They sat down and ate, enjoying each bite.
Qifrey savored both the food and the moment. He never knew when the next moment of no stress might be. Or whether it'll take his life.
Olruggio turned to him and offered the last serving. "Here, since you cooked breakfast." He tried to conceal his care for him, even married he can't seem to stop it. Old habits die hard he guesses.
You're too kind. How do you expect me to handle it all?
Qifrey takes it, "Olruggio, thank you. You truly are the sky's kindest, most radiant star."
Olruggio stared at him in awe. He did for a few seconds before standing abruptly and shouted, "Alright I'm getting back to work!"
Qifrey chuckled and looked to his girls. He loves this than anything. He looks towards Olruggio's empty spot at the table. Well it's a close tie...