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Max purred as he nuzzled into the fluff in front of him.
Now this was the way to wake up.
Soft orange light streamed in through the gap in their curtains lighting up the room just enough for him to see. He'd woken up first as usual and as was usual since he and Sam had gotten together, he'd woken up completely engulfed in fluff.
Sam was a cuddler in his sleep as Max had learned. He was currently pressed to Sam's very fluffy chest, both his arms wrapped around Max like he was an oversized plush toy. With his ear pressed so close to Sam's chest he could hear the big lugs heartbeat.
This was the life.
Max had always been touchy about, well, touch. Normally anyone touching him without his permission would lead to a swift chomp. It wasn't his fault that kid in third grade had ended up in the ER. He'd been the one to pet him without permission.
Sam though had always been an exception. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 exception. While anyone else who'd ever tried to lay a hand on Max when they were kids was in for a bite, Max distinctly recalled being dragged around and picked up by Sam like a beloved if abused plush toy for their entire childhood.
Even after they grew out of their phase of childhood whimsy Sam had been touchy. Always petting him, patting his head.
Now they were together it'd only increased tenfold. The way they spoke to each other hadn't change much at all. Still exchanging jokes and barbs, though he supposed there was the occasional affectionate comment now and then. More from Sam than him. Sam was always the more verbally inclined one.
No, most of the change had come in the way of physical affection. And Max was adoring (and milking) every minute of it.
Much like an over-pampered purse dog Max, had insisted on Sam carrying him a lot more lately. Not on cases really, though he did relish the opportunity when it arose. Mostly just around their office and apartment. Sam would get up to briefly take care of some inane task as Max would dramatically remark how his legs refused to work and oh how ever would he manage and if only some big, handsome and irritating but incredibly charming dog could ease his woes.
Sam would simply roll his eyes with a smile and scoop him up as he went to do whatever errand in was he'd intended to do.
He was hoping that with a bit of extra training he could get Sam to automatically scoop him up whenever he was going to do an errand around the apartment. Sam wasn't that old, he could teach him a new trick surely.
After being scooped up Max would purr contentedly the entire time while nuzzling into wherever was convenient. Judging from Sam's tail whenever he did that, Sam seemed to like it.
The big guy was his own personal affection dispenser. All he needed to do was sit nearby Sam would instinctually offer him exactly what he wanted. Whenever Sam was busy with paperwork he'd sit nearby on the desk contentedly being pet as Sam continued to work. Whenever they watched TV together Max simply sat next to him and he'd find an arm wrapped around him. A million little things.
And Max loved every one of them.
Max had noticed something a little odd though. After initiating the affection, he'd sometimes feel Sam tense up.
Last night for example. He'd felt Sam's arm wrap around him as they watched TV only for the guy to become suddenly tense like he was waiting for something. When nothing occured other than Max giving out a content purr and nuzzling into his side, he seemed to relax.
Max was poor at initiating affection so he considered himself lucky Sam was so happy to give it. Max was simply able to relax as it was delivered readily to his doorstep.
Since they'd gotten together Max had been showered with it. And like a spoiled cat, he'd lapped up every inch of it. When looking from the outside in at another relationship this amount of saccharine would make his stomach turn. From the inside out though, it was practically heaven. At least, it was with Sammy.
Sam was gonna ruin him, he swore it. The more the days went by the more of his brain was devoted to mushyness about Sam. While the majority was still devoted to blood and violence, the mushy Sam part was starting to expand. His brain had limited a capacity damnit, he needed as much as possible devoted to the important things in life.
Sam shifted in his sleep, nuzzling his snout into to the top of Max's head right between his ears. He murmured what Max swore sounded like his name.
Max felt his purring get stronger.
Oh, who was he kidding. Sam and his mushyness was overtaking his brain like a parasite and he was wouldn't change a thing even if he could.
Max lay contentedly in Sam's arms for the rest of the morning while enjoying the engulfing warmth of Sam's fur. Considering how little his own bunk was used nowadays they should probably get some sort of double bed at this point. He liked the bunks though. They were singles so when they shared Sam was always cuddled up close to him.
Yep, mushyness was overtaking alright.
Finally, Sam began to stir. Max didn't pay much attention, still happily wrapped up in Sam's arms while basking in the warmth.
Sam blinked and seemingly came to his senses, pulling back slightly while looking down at Max. Max looked back with his trademark grin.
"Mornin' ya big galoot. You've been huggin me like a teddy for over an hour now, I thought you were never gonna wake up."
"Oops, err, sorry pal" Sam suddenly looked bashful, leaving Max confused. He was about to comment when he felt Sam's arms begin to unwrap from around him.
"Hey, what's the big idea?" Max swiftly pressed himself closer to Sam's chest, forcing himself back into Sam's arms. "I didn't tell ya to stop!"
Max pressed his head into Sam's cheek, arms around Sam's neck. He was enjoying himself there, how dare Sam ruin it!
Sam was slightly stunned at first, remaining stiff. At least until Max started to purr once again, rubbing his head on Sam's cheek.
At that, Sam let out a chuckle, arms wrapping back around Max.
Feeling especially tender this morning, Max placed light kisses on wherever he could reach, mostly Sam's cheek and snout. Normally Sam was the one doing this of a morning, but he supposed he was feeling particularly sappy today. Judging by the sound of Sam's thumping tail against the mattress, Sam didn't seem to mind either.
Sam still seemed perturbed though. Max was bad at identifying emotions most of the time, but when it came to Sam he'd always been a little more in tune, though not by much. Probably came from a lifetime together.
With one final kiss to Sam's cheek, he pressed himself into the crook of Sam's neck before starting his interrogation. "Alright Sam, spit it out."
"Huh?"
"What's wrong? Come on, spill!"
"What d'ya mean Max?"
"You're all weird and tense like you always are when you're thinkin to hard about something and it's stressing you out. So come on, spill ya big dope."
Sam was silent for a second before letting out a chuckle. "Heh, I really can't hide anything from you, can I little buddy?"
"Nope!" Max replied brightly.
Sam took a moment, Max feeling Sam's arms tighten around him.
"Be honest, kay? I don't want ya sparin my feelings here to make me feel better."
"Sam, when have I ever done that anyway?"
Sam let out a light laugh. "Okay ya got me there."
"I...d'ya think I'm too cuddly? I know I can be a bit...full on in relationships. Especially on the physical side of things, 'least from what I've been told. I get if you'd like me to step back a little if-"
Sam was interrupted as Max burst out laughing. He stopped with a final snort. "Sam, are you kidding? I regularly get ya to carry me around like a football! If anything, you should be sick of me!"
He squirmed out of Sam's grip, moving up in the bed until he was face to face with Sam. He held Sam's cheeks in his hands, taking a second to enjoy his pretty eyes. Damn, he really did hit the jackpot with Sam.
"Where's this comin from Sammy?" He said in an uncharacteristically soft voice. Sam seemed like he was feeling down and he was feeling soft, so sue him.
"Is this why you've been funny recently, like when we were watching TV?"
Sam looked away, flush coming out under his dark fur. Max could only see it thanks to being so close.
Sam nodded slightly. "I'm...surprised you noticed pal."
"I'm not that oblivious Sammy." He replied with a grin, running a thumb through the fur on Sam's cheek.
"Now, tell me why you're so worried about this! I'm bored of waiting."
"Fine, Jesus. You're impatient, ya know that?" his tone conveyed annoyance, but Sam was smiling.
"It's just in the past exes have told me I can be a bit much when it comes to physical touch, y'know? Always said I could be a bit overwhelming when it comes to hugs and putting an arm around them, all that sort of stuff. It was fair, I've always been a bit cuddly. Mostly let it out around you, even before all this." He let out an awkward chuckle.
"Just, wanted to make sure I wasn't makin the same mistake twice I guess."
"Sam, you worry too much. Don't ya think I'd say somethin' if it was botherin me?"
"I know I know. Still, doesn't hurt to check right? Just don't be puttin up with it because-"
"Geeze Sammy, relax! I'm not putting up with anything. It's the opposite, I like how cuddly you are ya big dork." To emphasise his point, he squirmed back into Sam's grip, letting his purr rumble as loudly as possible.
"I...oh" Sam said quietly, arms wrapping around Max.
"In fact, I'd be actively upset with ya if you changed your routine now. I'll have you know if I don't get given enough affection by my very attractive partner I get something called I-will-goddamn-bite-you-itis"
At his bad joke he felt Sam relax more, beginning to slowly rub circles mindlessly into Max's back. "Heh, sounds like quite the condition."
"Mhm, it's a lifelong affliction too, so you'd better keep it up unless ya like bite marks."
"Whatever you say darlin'." he replied amusedly, holding Max close.
For how long they stayed like that, Max wasn't sure. He knew he loved every second of it though.
Finally Sam got up with a stretch, stating he should probably take care of breakfast. Without prompt he scooped Max up, making his way over to the kitchenette.
Max grinned to himself as reaped the benefits of his training, resting his head against Sam's chest.