Darlin'~ Striker x OC

Healing

Over the past few weeks, Striker was staying at Crimson's estate, to my request. 

His burns have completely healed, leaving rough scars over his body. He let me feel them after I took his last set of bandages off.

That night, when I went to bed, I had another nightmare. I've been having them more frequently. I've been handling them well enough when I wake up, but... it always leaves me in tears. I'm just not ready to get over it. And sometimes... I do think it's my fault. 

Striker heard my cries, and came in to comfort me. "Darlin', are you sure you don't wanna talk about these dreams?" He asked softly, sitting next to me and then wrapping me up in his arms. I inhaled his sweet scent. His cologne was to die for.

"Because, maybe if you talk about it... they'll stop?" He added, looking down at me. I held onto him a bit tighter. "I-I'm not ready... I don't think I ever will be anyway..." 

"If you're not, I wont push ya," He sighed. "but, I don't like seeing you like this." I didn't know why he would be this sweet, so gently considering the things he has done in the past. He told me about his past, the royals he's assassinated, and, not gonna lie, it's impressive. His job suits him. But when he starts acting like this, it amazes me that he can be this way.

"Why? What makes me so special?" I asked, knowing he was just gonna build me up to make me seem like something I'm not. But I kinda need that right now.

"Jessica, no one should be feeling like this. Whatever it is you're dealing with could be fixed. I said I wouldn't want you to tell me if you're not ready, but I don't like seeing you like this." He let out a shaky breath. "You're someone who brings me comfort, Jess. I don't wanna see you be hurt too and not be able to get that comfort."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and I buried my face in his chest. I still wasn't sure if I was ready to talk about it. I feel safe with Striker, but being so vulnerable around someone, anyone, makes me feel weak. Just like I felt that afternoon that it happened.

I know Striker is gonna be nothing but kind and supportive to me, but, I still wasn't so sure he would be. 

I took a deep breath and I pulled away from him to look him in the face. His eyes were full of worry and concern. I took in a sharp breath to try and stop my lip from quivering. 

"I had an ex... and he was always drunk." I started, and just looked down to hide my falling tears. He let me. "One day, h-he was so intoxicated.. it scared me. He wanted me to sleep with him, something we've done and I made sure he was sober when we did it... and I refused to let him touch me. B-But he tackled me." I hugged myself, and Striker waited till I was done to do anything.

"H-He smashed a bottle to my face... h-he... pretty much r*ped me." I was close to sobbing. "It shouldn't matter anymore, he's dead but... these nightmares... they replay that same thing over and over. But in that reality... I-I don't make it out alive..." Tears fell into my lap, and Striker finally held me, tighter than before.

"Jess, I'm so sorry." He rubbed my back comfortingly, and kissed my head. "You didn't deserve that. I swear if that bastard wasn't dead he'd be getting it right now." He said, an irritated edge to his voice. 

"My dad already took care of that..." I let out a small laugh, and held onto him. He nodded. "Good."

We just stayed like that, holding each other. He ran his fingers through my hair, and I nuzzled my face into his chest. I felt bad for getting tears on his shirt, but that was the least of my problems right now. 

"Darlin', if you ever need to talk about anything, I'm here for you. I'm not gonna leave you." He spoke gently, resting his head on mine. Those butterflies made an appearance in my stomach again, and I just nodded, a small blush on my face. 

"Striker...?" 

"Jess?" 

"Can you.... kiss me?"

He stayed silent, and I was a little embarrassed. "S-Sorry... I-I guess it's a.. trauma respon-" His lips crashed into mine. 

He held my face with both hands. His kiss was gentle yet rough at the same time, and passionate as well. I shamelessly kissed him back, wrapped my arms around his neck. 

He reluctantly pulled away, his breathing heavy. "God, I've wanted to do that for a while..." He huffed, putting his forehead to mine. "Thank you, Jessica." 

My face was on fire, and I was soaked. I was done for.