A/N: Since Bryce has essentially been written out of OPH3, hereβs a Bryce ficlet.
Bryce returns from work to a familiar sight as of late, Casey fighting sleep at her desk, medical textbooks strewn all over the dark mahogany surface.
She almost slumps over before catching herself, rubbing at her eyes furiously in an attempt to stay awake. Bryce just shakes his head, heading to the kitchen.
By the time Bryce has reheated some leftovers, eaten, and washed the dishes, Caseyβs body has finally succumbed to sheer exhaustion. Her head rests on her folded arms atop the desk, finally in a fitful state of sleep.
Bryce carefully, and quietly, makes his way over to his girlfriend. He slowly hooks one arm under her knees, freezing when she stirs slightly. If Casey wakes up, sheβll go right back to studying for her medical boards, and Bryce definitely doesnβt want that. She needs sleep.
A few tense moments pass before she lets out a breath, still in a light state of sleep. Bryce lets out a small relieved breath of his own before he places his other arm underneath her back, lifting her bridal style.
Casey lets out a little murmur of something that sounds like βmuscular dystrophy can be treated with...β as Bryce carefully carries her towards their bedroom.
He deposits her gently on their bed, not daring to try to change her out of the sweats and oversized Stanford t-shirt (itβs his, but sheβs claimed it as her own) she has on. Bryce quietly changes into boxers before slipping into bed behind Casey.
He tentatively slips an arm under her, more confidently wrapping his other arm over her stomach when she doesnβt stir.
It doesnβt feel like heβs been asleep long when he suddenly feels Casey jerk. His arms tighten around her instinctively. βBryce?β She murmurs, sounding confused. Lack of sleep will do that to you.
She momentarily relaxes into his embrace. Sheβs still in that blissful half dream state where the impending medical boards donβt exist.
But then, she remembers. She stiffens in his arms, and then she tries to get up. He doesnβt loosen his embrace.
βLet go Bryce. I have to study some more.β
He shakes his head slightly, Casey can feel the gesture. βYou have to sleep.β He insists.
βThe boards are only 4 days away.β Casey counters.
βAnd youβve only slept, like, 5 hours in the last 4 days.β Bryce retorts.
Casey starts wiggling against his embrace more aggressively. βYou donβt get it, your boards arenβt coming up. Let go, Bryce!β
βNo, go to sleep.β Bryce insists.
βI. Need. To. Study.β Casey punctuates each word with a pinch to his arm.
Bryce doesnβt let the slight stinging deter him from his mission of getting his girlfriend to get the sleep her body clearly needs so badly. βGo. to. sleep.β He repeats, nuzzling into her neck despite the way she keeps pinching at him.
βI mean it Bryce, let goooo.β She whines, slapping at his arms now.
He doesnβt bother to respond, he simply throws his leg over her as well to keep her in bed. Thereβs silence for a few moments, and then, β....did you just bite me?β Bryce asks, tone full of disbelief.
β......I need to study.β Casey defends.
Bryce laughs, pressing a kiss to the back of Caseyβs shoulder. βYouβre lucky I love you.β
β.......If you loved me, youβd let me study.β Casey retorts after a beat.
βNice try beautiful. Now stop fighting it, I know you want to sleep.β Heβs proven right a few moments later, when he feels Casey slacken in his arms as sleep finally claims her.
Casey wakes the next morning feeling refreshed. She stretches, letting out a pleased little sigh. Bryceβs arms tighten around her as he wakes as well, and Casey rolls over to face him.
Bryce offers her a sleepy smile. βHey.β He greets.
βHey.β Casey returns before capturing his lips for a few lazy morning kisses.
βHowβd you sleep?β Bryce questions.
βReally well. I feel a million times better.β Casey answers.
βThought so. Youβre lucky you have a hot doctor around to look out for you with sage medical advice like, your body needs sleep.β Bryce teases.
βSorry for biting you. I blame the sleep deprivation.β Casey apologizes sheepishly.
Bryce shrugs. βI kinda liked it.β He admits, a familiar fire in his eyes.
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