[Uke]

"But they can at least watch them," Next pressed. "Near will probably sleep for a while... and if anything, Linda is still around here. You know she's good at comforting him when he's upset... Well, not as good at you, but good."

He ran his fingers through Matt's hair, gently.

"Just get some rest... an hour? Please?" The younger boy stared up at his love with pleading eyes... a look Matt had never really been able to resist.

"I wonder what's wrong..." Trick whispered, hugging Near closer to himself. "Do you think he's having a nightmare like I do...? He doesn't look scared... just sad..."

"N...Na...veen..." Near mumbled into Trick's shoulder, making the boy jump in alarm and look toward his brother.