Maxie snuggled deeper into the pillows, eyes flicking across the page of his current research book. It was new-a gift from Archie, and Maxie could already feel himself being pulled into the wondrous world of written research and experiments. It was funny, in a way, how they used to be sworn enemies in the past. Fast forward a couple months after the Kyogre-Groudon incident, and here they were, living together in a relationship.
A quiet shuffle broke Maxie from his thoughts and he lifted his head, noticing Archie standing at their bedroom doorway. He looked dead tired from what Maxie could tell as he took in his boyfriend's slouched form. His hair was ruffled, along with his beard, and he had this sleepy look to his eyes as he blinked wearily at Maxie. Not to mention that he had already stripped down to his boxers, which was Archie's typical attire for sleep. Work must have been a nightmare today.
Wordlessly, Maxie lifted his arm and scouted over on the bed, a small smirk gracing his lips. Archie didn't need a second offer as he quickly walked to his side of the bed and went about getting under the sheets, tucking himself to Maxie's side. The redhead smiled, draping his arm around Archie and settling his hand in the former Aqua Leader's dark hair. Scratch that, work must have been a living hell if Archie had yet to say a word. Knowing better than to ask how his day went, Maxie slowly ran his fingers through his boyfriend's hair, gently tugging out the few tangles.
A contented sigh left Archie's lips and he wrapped an arm around Maxie's waist, tugging him even closer. Maxie felt his heart swell at the sight; something that seemed to be happening a lot since he started dating Archie. Mannerisms and such that he used to find annoying and troublesome, he now found endearing and just utterly Archie. Each day with Archie, Maxie felt his love for the man grow, not that he would ever admit it. He had a reputation to uphold, after all.
His hand still playing with Archie's hair, Maxie went back to his book, adjusting his glasses. A comfortable silence fell over the pair, Maxie content to read as Archie laid close against him, dozing off slowly.
A sudden nuzzle against his side brought Maxie from his book. He looked down at Archie, who he had been convinced had already fallen asleep given how tired he was. "I love you," Archie murmured in a heavy tone, his voice low and rough from sleep. At his words, the redhead leaned down, placing a soft kiss against the Aqua Leader's forehead. "I love you too. Now get some sleep, you're practically dead."
The former Aqua Leader didn't need to be told twice; in a matter of seconds he was snoring softly.
Maxie smirked and turned back to his book, continuing to play with the slumbering man's hair. Before long, Maxie sighed and placed his book down on the side table, making sure to mark his place. It was already past midnight and he needed rest if he was to wake up on time in the morning. Slipping off his glasses, Maxie set them on top of his book and snuggled further into the blankets, taking extra care not to wake Archie. The man didn't stir, even as Maxie curled closer to him, tucking his head under Archie's chin and breathing in his scent. Doubled with the warmth emanating from Archie and his gentle breaths, it wasn't long before Maxie was lulled into a peaceful sleep.