He can feel when Cougar finally falls asleep, the way his body grows heavier, relaxes against him. The relief that washes over him is almost ridiculous in its intensity, and his story falters for a moment as he closes his eyes and lets himself wallow in that, in the trust Cougar has for him to let him hold him like this while he sleeps.

But he started a story and he's going to finish it, dammit, which is why he starts back up again, murmuring quietly into the darkness of Cougar's room, not stopping even when Cougar twists in his arms and pulls himself closer.

As carefully as he can, he shifts his arms around Cougar's body, holding him close with one hand while he strokes his back slowly with the other; long, slow sweeps that will hopefully help him sink into a dreamless sleep.