Disclaimer: I don't own Scrubs or stuffed dogs. JD/Cox are in an established relationship. Go away if you have a problem with that.
A/N: I think my math class inspires me to write stories because here's my second one. I'm not as happy with it as I am with my first. There are no spoilers and only a vague reference about Rowdy and Stephen, but Jack is able to talk, so it probably takes place around season 6 or 7.
-------------------------------------------
Perry awoke to the feeling of being watched. The darkened room contained a minimal amount of light and his eyes were slow to adjust. He turned his head towards the alarm clock on his right and groaned at the early hour. Perry then glanced at JD, thinking the eerie feeling might be the younger man watching him sleep. He could feel his Newbie's warm body curled against his side, eyes closed, breathing deep and even. Perry took a moment to marvel at the new depth of innocence and youth JD carried in sleep before returning to his inspection of the room.
Perry began to make out the familiar outlines of his bedroom as his eyes slowly adjusted to the dim lighting. He scanned the room, searching for anything new or out of place. He noticed a vague shape had appeared near the bed and Perry's body tensed. Prepared to protect the vulnerably unaware JD, he stared intently at the unknown object, trying to make out more detail.
As the seconds ticked by and nothing attacked him or his lover, Perry finally recognized the source of his paranoia and released a tense breath in relief. He shook the body beside him, yelling, "NEWBIE. Wake up."
JD slowly rose to consciousness, sleepily looking at Perry in confusion and asked, "Wha?"
"I thought I made my rules about that damn stuffed dog clear, Newbie," Perry answered, aggravation coloring his tone.
After taking a moment to process what Perry was growling about, JD happily informed him, "But he likes to be near you when he sleeps. I don't blame him."
"Nice try, Janice," Perry began. "I don't want him in the bedroom. I let it into my apartment after you promised you would keep him in the living room and out of my way. That thing is already haunting me; Jack's starting to talk to him like he thinks it's alive." Perry noticed JD's smug look at the information and finished his rant. "If he doesn't stay out of this room, I'll give him to the Janitor so he can start a new army."
JD's face fell at Perry's threat. Perry, who had braced himself against JD's persuasive doe-eyes, was prepared to not give in when JD pouted.
"I'm serious, JD. Keep that dog out of here," Perry firmly said.
Sulking, JD snuggled back against Perry and mumbled, "Fine. I'll move him in the morning."
"Fair enough," Perry grunted back.
As Perry closed his eyes, ready to slip back to sleep, he distinctly heard JD whisper, "Don't worry, Stephen, he'll come around."
Perry smiled wryly. He had no doubt that his masked inability to deny a pouting JD would eventually break down his boundaries concerning the stuffed dog.