Marvel Imagines

Keep the Nightmares Away (Steve Rogers X Reader)

Prompt: I thank NovaValentine123 for this fantastic idea! Thanks friendo!

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Pain.

Agonizing pain.

The screams of alarm coming from both of the people sitting in the front seats of the vehicle that was now out of control.

They're abruptly silenced as you all become momentarily weightless before being tossed against the wet road, vehicle upside down, like rag dolls.

"Mom? Dad?" You had managed to cough out, a sharp pain blossoming in your chest.

Neither gave any reply.

And as the crumpled car had shifted slightly, their lifeless faces met your bloodied and bruised one.

Already pale and cooling quickly to the touch.

You felt sick.

So sick that in fact, you almost wished you had been the one sitting in the front seat.

Time ticked by, the sounds of the rain and thunder surrounding your fading figure.

But then, the distant hum of sirens and squealing tires reached your senses.

And for a moment, relief flooded you.

But it's not like anyone could do anything.

They were gone.

"No!" You hear yourself scream aloud, bolting upright from where you lay, your hands write from gripping the thin blanket wrapped around you as your wild gaze surveys your surroundings.

This isn't the car you'd been forced to watch your parents die in all those years ago.

No.

Rather, this is some dingy apartment the last of the remaining Avengers - scratch that - former Avengers, are seeking refuge in for this month.

With your entire body still trembling, you roll off of the mattress you'd been previously curled up on and onto the cold floor, pulling yourself to your feet and into the kitchen.

It's just memories, Y/N.

What's in the past is past.

"It just always seems so real," You murmur, plugging in the electric kettle, watching the water begin to heat up.

They were dead in an instant.

I never even got to say goodbye.

Silently, you choke back a sob as the tears begin to flow freely down your cheeks and stain the collar of your shirt, almost wishing someone, anyone, would awake and simply be with you to ease your thoughts.

I can't keep living like this.

They've been getting more frequent since we've been on the run, too.

"Whatever," You mumble with a sniffle, pouring the now boiling water over the tea bag you'd placed in your mug, absentmindedly watching as it floats to the top.

Padding silently across the living room and out to the balcony that over looks the street below, you softly pull open the door and step outside, the cool nighttime air sending goosebumps dancing across your bare arms.

You allow your gaze to wander the heavens, the dim twinkle of stars evident, though they should be much brighter if it wasn't for the city lights dazzling your vision.

Becoming so caught up in your thoughts, the view and your tea, you barely hear the sound of the sliding door being opened and someone stepping out onto the balcony from behind you.

"Hey," A familiarly soothing tone greets, the owner of the voice joining you at your side moments later.

"Hi, Steve," You sigh gently, relief washing over you at his presence as you set your now empty mug on the small table by your side.

"You okay?" The man leaning against the railing beside you muses aloud, genuine compassion and a hint of worry worming its way into his tone. "What's going on?"

"Oh, you know," You chuckle halfheartedly, a lump rising in your throat as you struggle to hold back fresh tears.

Wordlessly, the blond super-soldier pulls you against his chest with a slight smirk of compassion, his arms wrapping around your waist, securing your smaller frame to his.

"I heard you scream," Steve murmurs against the top of your head, inhaling sharply. "So I figured I should make sure my best girl was alright."

You can't help but allow a light laugh to bubble in your throat, your form shaking with a bit of laughter, though it's soon overtaken by choked sobs.

"T-Thanks," You manage to stammer out as Steve simply holds you, pressing gentle kisses to the top of your head every now and then.

Something about his embrace makes you feel safe.

Secure.

His presence always seems to ward off your nagging thoughts and on the rare occasion you both fall asleep together on the couch, your nightmares never occur when he's around.

"What do you say I get you back to bed, hm?" Steve chuckles, softly removing himself from you, though he leaves one hand around your waist, his blue eyes shining down at you.

"That would probably be for the best, yeah."

Picking up the mug that had once contained your tea, Steve guides you back inside the small apartment, taking the item in your hands from you as you shuffle back towards your mattress, quickly becoming quite drowsy.

You practically collapse onto the not so soft makeshift bed on the floor, curling yourself tightly into the blanket in a vain attempt to ward off any nightmares that might try and resurface.

"Steve?" You call out, voice lower than a whisper, his soft footsteps walking past where you lay gaining your attention.

"What is it, Love?" Comes the reply, his voice a husky whisper as he nears your form, bending down on one knee to get closer to you.

"Can you stay with me? Or can I stay with you? You help... You help keep the nightmares away."

Gosh. I sound like a pathetic child.

But, it's a fact.

The man above you just grins, swiftly scooping you up in his arms and carrying you down the hallway towards his room, gently setting you down on his bed.

"How's does this work for you?" He muses aloud, a slightly teasing smirk gracing his features as he slides under the covers next to you, his gaze meeting yours.

"It works just fine," You reply softly, shifting towards his form and draping his arm over your stomach, as if to shield yourself from your own intrusive thoughts.

"Oh, that's what we're doing now?" He hums softly against your ear, his warm breath tickling your sensitive skin as his arm tightens around you, pulling you closer.

"If you don't mind," You yawn, snuggling deeper into his strong form, your eyes beginning to force themselves closed.

"You can rest now," You hear Steve murmur into your hair as you allow sleep to drag you down, not being stopped by any nightmares this time.

"I'll be right here whenever you need me."