She Lives On

Nightmares

(Steve's POV)
I wake up suddenly and at first I'm not sure why. Then I hear the screams. Hysterical and strangled. They send chills through my body. My heart drops when I realize who's screams those are. Nat's. I'm not sure why I didn't think of her earlier considering she's the only other person in the compound other than me.

I quickly bolt out of bed and throw on a shirt as I run out of my room. After a few turns down the hallway, I arrive at Nat's room. The sounds are coming from in there. I feel relieved for a moment, thankful that she seems to only be having nightmares and not being physically hurt. Although I am no stranger to nightmares and know all too well that they can hurt a lot mentally.

So I don't hesitate to open the door. Inside I find blankets and pillows scattered on the floor, and in the middle of her bed, she writhes and thrashes out violently and in pain.
I approach her cautiously, not knowing the best way to help her. I decide to sit down gently on the bed and start gingerly shaking her awake.

She doesn't wake up, instead continuing to scream, so loud that I wince at it's proximity and volume. I shake her more firmly, trying more desperately now to save her from whatever is haunting her in her nightmares.

Finally after some more shaking, she bolts up with one last strangled cry. She peers around frantically until she realizes that she is here and safe. Her dazzling eyes meet mine for a moment before she falls back onto the bed, breathing heavily.

"You're okay Nat." I say in attempt to reassure her.

"I'm sorry I woke you." She mumbles as she presses the palms of her hands over her eyes.

"It's fine, I was scared for a moment, I thought something bad was happening to you. It's just a nightmare, I get them too." I whisper. She uncovers her eyes and gives a small half smile.

I decide it might be a good idea to leave her alone to recover and get out of her room before I say or do anything stupid. My heart is pounding fast, although she just went through an terrifying experience, she looks as stunning as ever and I'm sitting very close to her. I notice she is only wearing a large t-shirt and a pair of short shorts. After studying the t-shirt for a moment, I realize that it's one of my old ones and I blush, hoping that it is concealed by the poor lighting.

I start to pick up the pillows and blankets on the floor and arrange them back on her bed. When I'm done I stand at the foot of the bed, not quite sure what to do. She watches me carefully for moment before saying "Will you stay?"

"Yes." I answer, before I can even process what she just asked. I climb into bed with her, but not under the sheets. Nat is wrapped in a few blankets and snuggles up next to me. We're half sitting, half laying. Both of us leaning on her plush headboard. She lays her head on my shoulder and her warm breath tickles my neck. I slowly wrap an arm around her and she sighs, burying deeper into my shirt.

Feeling her warmth right next to me is making me feel so alive. On impulse, I start to gently stroke her hair. A few moments later when she wraps her arms around my torso, I look down to see that she has fallen asleep. I smile in the dark room and fall asleep too.

A/N
Hey guys! I hope you liked this one! Sorry it was kind of short, school sucks! lol. So much homework! I promise I'll post longer ones very soon!