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Panic twisted around your limbs like a giant snake.
You were in the depths of the ocean. No matter how far you swam, you could never break the surface.
You were lost in the dark, scrambling around in desperation. No sign of light flickered to life.
You were caught in a heavy smoke. Your breath came in desperate gulps, aching for some reprieve.
Help me, you cried out to no one in particular. Please.
A hand plunged into the water. It gripped your wrist and pulled you upwards.
A flame burst alight, warding off the darkness.
Your lungs took in fresh, night air as your eyes flew open.
Your breaths came out in shallow gasps and hot tears began running down your cheeks. A familiar voice spoke your name. “It’s alright, it’s alright. It was just a dream.” A pair of hands found your arms in the dark. “I’m right here.”
Joshua’s voice began to soothe your worries. A candle lit without either of you reaching for it. Its glow illuminated his golden hair and concerned expression. His brows were knit. His blue eyes were completely focused on your face. He moved his hands from your arms to your shoulders. “It’s alright,” he repeated.
You expelled a shaky breath. “I was— It felt so real.” You pressed the palms of your hands to the sides of your face. “I couldn’t escape and I was alone and I—I just—“ Another sob shoook your body, stealing the words from your mouth.
Joshua’s arms wrapped around you, pulling you into chest. “I know, it’s alright. Just breathe. Follow my voice. Take a deep breath in.” He inhaled with you. “Then out.”
It helped you relax into him, but your terror was slow to fade. You balled a handful of his shirt’s fabric in your right hand. He tightened his hold of you. He continued to speak so that you would have something other than your nightmare to think about.
“You’re alright. You’re with me now. I would never allow something to happen to you. Would that I could follow you into your dreams, and ward off any darkness that threatens to settle.” His hold tightened yet again.
You let the scent of his clothes ground you further. He always smelled faintly of a crackling flame, but more than that, he smelled like Joshua. He smelled like the earth and the sea. And flowers that bloomed under the harshest conditions.
You pressed your face into the cotton of his sleepwear. He moved a hand to the top of your head and ran it down to the base of your neck. He repeated the motion as he continued to speak. “I may not be able to prevent the terrors that plague your sleep, try as I might, but I will always be here when you wake. Always.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of your head. His hand settled on the back of your neck. “I desire nothing more than to see you happy, but I will never shy away from your pain. Confide in me. Rely on me. Share with me your burdens so that we might bear them together.” He lowered his head so that it was resting in the crook of your neck. His breath fanned against your skin. His hold tightened even further. “I would have all of you, my love.”
You pressed your hand against his chest. “Thank you, Joshua, but—“ you pushed a little harder, “your grip is a bit….”
“Hm? Oh!” He loosened his hold on you, a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry.”
You laughed a little. “It’s alright.” You took his hand in yours. “Could you… hold me until I go back to sleep?’
His expression softened. “Of course, my love.”
You laid back down with his arms wrapped around you and your head on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat seemed to send tiny vibrations through you. You count each one that passes as your body and mind begin to calm. With every one, you recall something about him that you love.
One, his smile. Two, his kindness. Three, his laugh.
Your breathing steadied.
Four, his bravery. Five, his eyes. Six, his unwavering loyalty.
Your eyelids began to feel heavy.
Seven, his hair. Eight, his patience. Nine…
You felt yourself slipping back into unconsciousness; but this time, you felt as if a part of him followed you. Ready to guard you from any monster, ready to fend off any terror, ready to ward away any darkness.