Late night cuddles with S.O

*grumbling* Excuse me, what do you think you're doing?

Getting up? Okay, why?

Sweetheart, it's... 2 am, what is downstairs that you so desperately need?

You can't sleep? How does going downstairs help with that?

Actually, you know, I think I've got a cure for that. [shuffling noises] You stay here and cuddle with me.

No, I'm not letting go. Because if I do, then you're going to go downstairs, get on your laptop, and you'll probably fuck around on Reddit till the sun comes up. Or worse, you'll work even more on that damn project that isn't due for another month. No sweetie, you stay here with me.

Hey stop struggling, would you?

I said no! you're staying here with me. Why are you being so stubborn?

Let you go... or else? Oh? Or else what?

You'll kick my ass? Oh sweetheart, those are bold words coming from someone as tiny as you. Besides, I've got you wrapped up completely. How, pray tell, are you going to kick me?

*shushing* You do give it a good attempt, but no, stop your wiggling. It's not going to help you. You are going to stay wrapped in my arms no matter how hard you try; you should just accept my love burrito of snuggles, okay?

That's a good boy.

Now, what was it that woke you up?

Come on, don't be shy.

Stress from work? Okay, is this just the usual stress or did you accept another project, you know, despite me asking you *specifically* not to do that?

*sigh* You accepted another project didn't you...

I don't give a shit about overtime, we're doing fine money-wise, why are you accepting more when you're already so overworked! You have  to say no!

I know they rely on you a lot, it's 'cause you are simply the best, and that it'd likely collapse without you, but you can't be expected to solo carry a company.

'Watch me' No, I am not going to watch you! You'll run yourself into the damn ground!

You *are* strong, but, you are not a workhorse.

They *don't* need you to do that, they *want* you to do that. Which, by the way, is *not* fair at all to you.

No, listen to me, none of this is fair to you. You have got to stand up for yourself sweetheart; they're taking advantage of you!

No, it wouldn't collapse if you stopped working so hard, others would do their fair share. And even if they don't, it's not your problem, it's management's. I mean, it's not like they're gonna fire their hardest worker.

Yes, yes, I know you wanna save the world, but like, there's more to the world than just work! Like, me for instance *giggles*.

I know it stresses you to rely on others, but, what's the worst that can happen?

*laughs* Okay, so, even if you go back in and everything's on fire and you have to fix everything, isn't that is a problem for the future you? I mean, present you kinda needs sleep. How are you gonna save the world if you're a sweepy wittle kitten, you know?

Oh yes, you *are* my kitten, so small, sweet, and lovable. With your huge fluffy ears, an adorable little nose, and a soft, shiny tail. An absolutely perfect neko. Now, shush, and let me give you some loving and maybe it'll be enough for you to fall back asleep.

Here, flip yourself over so you can face me; there we go. Go on now, arms around me; [softly] good boy. I love it when we sleep like this. Close enough to feel each other's heartbeat.

Now, let me give you some head scritches. I know you love them~

No? Don't nekos purr when they're happy?

*laughs* Heyheyhey, shhhhhhh. I said no talking... That's a good boy. that's it, you can squeeze me as tight as you like. Now I want you to take a deep breath... Very good. You're doing so well. Just keep breathing for me, nice and slow.

You want to know something cute you do? When I lightly trail my fingers down your spine... you shiver...

Oh my goodness, you're a big 'ol pile of sweetness, aren't you?

Oh, come on. It's adorable how hard you try to deny it. [mockingly] "I don't like it, please stop" you say, but you mewl soo often whenever I give you *any* sort of physical affection.

Honey, I really don't get why you pretend to resist so much. Granted, I love watching it, it's adorable, but it's sometimes a little frustrating. I guess sometimes I want you to just shut up and let me love you.

Honey, there's nothing wrong with being squishy and soft. It's one of the reasons why I love you so much. Do you know how frustrating it would be if you were your work self all the time?

*loud shush* You know what I meant. You don't have to be your work-self forever, I mean, 1) you'll burn out and 2) you'll never get any time to recharge.

How is there a wrong way to recharge? What does that even mean?

Honey, there's nothing wrong with needing physical affection. Especially when you've got a [girl/boy/me] that's so willing to smother you.

How does it make you weak? Wait, is that what this was all about? You pretend you don't like affection because you think it makes you weak? Do you take on so much at work so you can be strong?

Oh, no... Hun, where'd you get that idea from? Did someone at work tell you this?

*longer pause*

*laughing* I'm gonna kill 'em. I think I'm actually gonna kill 'em.

Yes, it's a big deal! They poisoned my little pumpkin with toxic thoughts...

Hun, look at me.

There is nothing wrong with you, with what you need, want, whatever. You're just you. The most wonderful neko in the whole world. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, okay?

Heyheyhey don't cry!

 Shhhh, that's it, just snuggle into me. Do you want some scritchies?

[improv more sweet nothings if you'd like] You're okay, you don't have to be strong anymore. I'll be strong enough for both of us. As long as you're in my arms, no one can hurt you anymore. I'm here for you.

Of course, I'm here for you. I always will be. You'll always be my little kitten, okay? My sweet, soft, adorable little kitten.