#good !!!

Paul and Jared are the only two currently inhabiting the club room; the others are off dealing with their own problems, Paul is attending to campaign problems (Nick and Josh had aptly opted to take a break), and Jared is avoiding Satch’s invention woes. The two had greeted each other with a nod then got to their respective businesses.

The only sound is that of Paul’s pen clicking, punctuated periodically with a yawn. Jared may merely be looking for a way to avoid being set on fire, but he considers this to be a personal offense. He deals with it for a solid half hour before looking up with stony eyes.

Before he can say a word, Paul yawns again, and Jared visibly softens. Paul isn’t as skilled at pretending to be tip-top as he thinks he is; he can smile and wave away questions as if they’re nothing, but it doesn’t take a genius to notice the bags forming under his eyes or the way he fidgets with everything around him.

Despite the two having their (multiple) disagreements, Jared hates to see any of his friends in distress. Perhaps it’s hardly his business; he doesn’t comment, choosing to watch the other with concern in his gaze.

Feeling Jared’s eyes on him, Paul looks up. The confusion in his eyes quickly turns into geniality, and he speaks as though the two hadn’t been within proximity for thirty minutes. “Do you need something?”

Quickly, Jared smiles, sitting up at just the right height to make one of the overhead lights bathe him in a soft glow. Of course he notices – he attributes it to a strange coincidence – but he has more pressing matters at hand. “Do you?” When Paul doesn’t respond, he continues, as nonchalant as ever. “Beauty sleep is more than a luxury, Paul.”

Paul blinks, then chuckles, running a hand through his hair. It sticks up in front, and Jared ignores the way his cheeks warm upon seeing the slight sign of discomposure. A smile still on his lips, Paul speaks, voice cracking with the effort he hadn’t even acknowledged. “Between campaign stuff, and the column, and everyone...I focus on the necessities.”

Of course, his roommates are just as occupied as he is, and truth be told, Jared was surprised the three of them ever got sleep without outside influence. Jared glances at the clock: plenty of time for Paul to take a nap before dinner.

“Sleep in here. No one’s using it. Even an hour will help you out.” As he speaks, he packs up the few supplies he had brought to the room with him. Paul glances around the room, and for a second, Jared can nearly see the refusal forming in his throat. Apparently thinking better of himself, Paul presses his lips together and nods. 

Jared stands to leave, glancing back once he’s at the door. Paul is already laying on the floor, using his arms as a makeshift pillow. It looks none too comfortable, even for someone as sleep-deprived as Paul is. Now, it’s Jared’s turn to hesitate -- no one’s expecting him back until dinner, but -- well, it’s uncharacteristic of their relationship, to say the least.

Paul shifts, brows furrowing for a moment in evident unease. That’s enough for Jared; before he can change his mind, he’s settled beside Paul’s head, his feet tucked beneath him. Paul opens one eye to study this development. Perhaps it’s his exhaustion, but he doesn’t pause to even question Jared’s intentions.

Despite planning this, Jared is still caught off guard when Paul rests his head in his lap. He doesn’t realize he’s holding his breath until his shoulders start to shake. Embarrassed by his own bashfulness, he lets out the breath (in a shakier fashion than he’d like to admit), thankful that Paul is already nearly asleep.

The two stay in that position for a while, Paul’s breathing deep and steady. Eventually, Jared’s breathing begins to match this tone; by the time he shakes Paul awake (he responds with a groan and a yawn that suggests he hadn’t slept a wink), he’s ready to fall asleep himself.

“Dinnertime.” The word is soft spoken, in an effort to appeal to Paul’s half-asleep state. Paul blinks and stares at Jared through narrow eyes before closing his eyes entirely and moving into a more comfortable position, his arm tossed across his eyes.