His Armored Heart

Chapter Eight

Tony tried to sleep, but his dreams turned dark. He was back in the camp and held prisoner all over again. The torture went on and on until he jumped up and woke with a start. He sighed and quickly buried his head in his hands, willing the images to go away.

"Tony?" Bree mumbled. She turned to her side of the bed and turned on the bedside lamp before she faced him again. "Sweetheart, what is it?"

"Sorry for waking you. Everything is fine, you can go back to sleep." Tony said quietly, not wanting to admit he had a nightmare.

"No, everything's not fine." Bree gently grasped his arm and pulled one of his hands from his face. "Tony, look at me."

Tony reluctantly looked over at Bree, knowing she would be able to see the fear that still lingered in his eyes. "It was nothing. Just a dream." He muttered.

Bree gently caressed the side of Tony's face. "It was a night terror," she corrected. "You're safe, I'm with you. Nothing will happen to you."

Tony reached out to pull Bree closer, but all he managed at first was a nod as they sat there. "I don't know where that even came from." He finally said.

"It might have stemmed from your flight," she whispered softly. Bree cradled Tony's head in her arms and ran one hand through his hair as she placed a kiss on his temple. "But you're safe. I'm right here. Listen to my heartbeat, it'll help yours slow back to normal."

Tony quietly listened to Bree's heartbeat for a few minutes, feeling himself calm down almost to the point of being able to sleep. "I think it was. Being back there must have been too much."

"It probably was. But it's over now." Bree held Tony to her chest and gently rocked him, hoping to continue to soothe him. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling a little better. Thank you for not making me feel lesser for this." Tony said softly.

Bree looked at Tony with confusion. "Why would you think I would do that?" She asked.

"Some people would think badly about a grown man having a bad dream." Tony pointed out.

"Honey, everyone has bad dreams," Bree said softly.

"I've never had bad dreams before. Not like this." Tony sighed.

"You were triggered Tony. It's okay, and it's normal," she explained.

"How do I stop it from happening?" Tony asked softly.

"You have to learn what triggers it and avoid it if you can," Bree told him.

"Blowing up the camp seems to be the trigger, and that won't happen again." Tony assured Bree.

Bree caressed the side of Tony's cheek. "You'll be alright. I'm right here."

"Thank you for helping me through this." Tony said, then sat up and pulled Bree close for a gentle kiss.

Bree slowly kissed him in return then hugged him tightly. "You're welcome... it's what people in relationships do."

Tony nodded. "I'm lucky to have you." He murmured, then checked the time. "Do you want to sleep? I will be alright now."

"It's only four in the morning. Both of us can use the rest," Bree agreed.

"I don't know if I'll be able to go back to sleep, but I'm going to stay here next to you." Tony told her.

"Do you want me to rub your back or something? Try and help you?" Bree asked, running one hand through his hair.

"Just cuddle, I think. Feeling you so close does help." Tony admitted, leaning into her touch.