He's dreaming. Later he won't remember what about, only that it was weird enough that it bled into reality rather neatly. He stirs, mutters something, and on some level he becomes aware that side of the bed that's become Beth's is empty. Which isn't strange in itself, but that, plus the odd shifting pressure on his chest, starts dragging him fully toward consciousness.

Then something is ticking the side of his face, something cool and slightly damp brushes his cheek, and something velvety and tipped with what feel like tiny needles bats at his nose. And it's Christmas morning, and he's staring into two enormous yellow eyes about an inch from his own.

To his credit he doesn't actually freak out. "Jesus fuckin' Christ."