It was just another ordinary evening in the household of Y/N and Schlatt. He was engrossed in his nightly TV show, and you had just finished your much needed shower. Wrapped in one of his oversized hoodies with your wet hair still tucked beneath a towel, you settled down beside him. Before long, you found yourself resting your head against his sturdy shoulder, seeking comfort in his presence. Schlatt, with a subtle sigh, lazily draped his arm over your shoulder.

"Why'd you sigh?" you inquired, lifting your head to meet his gaze."
Hm? No reason," he responded, leaning in to plant a quick peck on your temple before refocusing on the TV.
"No, tell me," you insisted, remaining seated to study his expression more closely.
"It's just... You've been a bit needy recently," he admitted.

Hearing those words sent your heart sinking. The fear of being labeled as clingy had always been a lingering anxiety, one that stemmed from a toxic past relationship. It was something you'd never experienced with Schlatt before. Quietly, you shuffled away on the couch, ensuring that your arms no longer touched.

"It's fine," Schlatt reassured, giving your thigh a comforting pat.
Standing up from the couch, you stretched your arms and said, "I'm gonna go get ready for bed."

The question gnawed at you: Were you really being clingy? It seemed quite possible. Schlatt had been attentive all day, devoting as much time to you as he could. But at night, while watching his show, he cherished his alone time, a brief respite from his video work. You knew he wasn't the overly affectionate type; it simply wasn't his nature. You cringed inwardly, realizing how much attention you seemed to require. (After all, who doesn't love attention?). As you brushed your teeth and crawled into bed, you almost instinctively began to call out for him, letting him know you were in bed. However, this time, you stopped yourself, letting out a deep sigh, and swiftly removing his sweatshirt.

You rolled onto your side, pondering your actions. After about an hour of lying in silence, you must have drifted into sleep, as you were awakened by the soft creaking of footsteps approaching the room and the gentle opening of the door.

"Y/N?"
"Hmm?" you grumbled, slightly annoyed.
"Y/N?" Schlatt called, turning on the bedside lamp."
What?" you replied, your irritation evident.
"Are you going to sleep without me?"
"Yeah? Aren't you going to watch your show?"
"Well, I mean, I was, but you hadn't called me to bed yet, so I got worried."
"Don't be worried, I'm fine. I was just going to let you watch your show," you yawned, resting your head back down.
"Oh..." He mumbled, his face showing a hint of disappointment.

Noticing the change in his voice and expression, you lifted your head back up.

"Something wrong? "It's just that you always call me before you go to bed. It's our routine.
"I know. I was just giving you some alone time."
"But I like it when you call me to bed. It's our thing. It makes me feel needed and loved..."
"Aww, Jay, of course, I love you. Come here," you cooed, patting the empty space on the bed beside you.

Excitedly, he practically leaped onto the bed, knocking you over as he collapsed onto you, his head buried in the crook of your neck.

"I'm sorry I called you clingy. I didn't really mean it... I was just feeling frustrated. And I know that's not ok. Promise me you won't ever go to bed without me, okay?" he requested, his voice muffled by your shoulder.
"I promise," you assured, wrapping your arms around him. "Promise you'll tell me if I'm being too needy?" "You could never... I was out of line. But I promise.