Sleep had become a desperation for you now. Most nights you were able to fall into a peaceful slumber as soon as you head was resting against your pillow, but tonight that wasn't the case. Your husband had fallen asleep nearly two hours ago; whilst you'd been tossing and turning, staring at the clock, watching the minutes drag past.

Your eyelids were heavy, however they wouldn't settle shut; the thoughts running through your head keeping you in the world of consciousness. A silent groan escaped you, as you fidgeted again, laying on your back, the quilt strewn across you in an untidy fashion, unlike the half snuggled around your husband.

Every idea in your power had crossed your mind. You had tried quieting your mind, to settle into sleep, gentle breathing exercises that you used to handle to erratic thoughts on a usual basis, however nothing had worked- not even counting sheep.

A soft yawn escaped your husband as he stretched out, his eyes opening weakly.

"Y/N," he whispered. "Why are you still awake?"

"Go back to sleep Alaric," you responded in the same hushed tone. "You have work tomorrow."

You hated to concern your husband with your issues if you knew there was nothing he could do, especially if it was going to affect his sleeping on a night before he would have to be up early to teach his students history.

"What's wrong?" He asked moving to lay on his side so he could drape an arm around you to hold you closer to him.

"I just can't sleep," you sighed. "I don't know why."

He gave you a sympathetic smile, leaning in to press a kiss to your forehead. Alaric pulled you closer so that you were laying on your side able to nuzzle your face into his chest.

"Will cuddling help?" He asked.

You shrugged your shoulders.

"I don't know. But it's worth a shot," you whispered.

A chuckle rumbled through his chest as he leaned forward so that he could press his lips to the top of your head.

"Well then, we shall try," he chuckled. "Let's try and get you some rest my Love."

"Thank you," you whispered curling your arms around him so that you could gain some comfort from his presence. "Goodnight Ric."

"Night Love."

With that you curled up closer to one another until you were both surrounded by the darkness of sleep, surrounded by the soft sounds of both of your snores. 

~*~

Written by Charlotte.