callsign: Hide

Two

Torres.

"Dad, no." I woke up to screams, "Dad, no, please." Turning on the lights, Hide was thrashing in his bed, eyes closed tight.

"Hide," I raced over, shaking him lightly. "Hide, it's just a dream. Wake up."

Nothing happened. I grabbed his vest, shaking him so hard his head snapped back and forth, yelling his name. His amber eyes opened, locking onto me, and shoving me away. "What the h3ll?"

"Nightmare," i grumbled, picking myself up.

"But it was so real. He was there, grabbing me around the chest."

"It's probably because you have that vest on," I said, reaching for it, and popping the snaps.

His breath was ragged as he stopped my hands. "But I need it."

I shook my head, "You don't. You're safe here." I removed the vest, followed by his gloves. "What's this?" I asked, seeing two names written on his wrist. "Ex loves?"

His breath hitched higher, "I'm sorry. They're important?"

He nodded, eyes widening as he locked on the names, one finger tracing them. "My mom and sister... my dad... he," he didn't finish, he didn't have to.

"The Colonel?" He shook his head. "Bio dad," he forced out.

"Sorry to hear that," I said, continuing to take off Hide's clothes; his boots came next.

He was sitting in his pants, and a t-shirt, his masks still on. But his breathing was a bit better as we talked. "What would your sister say right now?"

He shrugged, "She'd probably tease me for going into the army. She wanted to go to the navy."

I sucked my teeth, "ouch."

He gave a shaky smile.

"What about your mom?" He shook his head, "I can't breath," he gasped, as though he couldn't fill his lungs.

"It's the mask," I reached for it.

"No," he caught my hand, squeezing a little too tightly. "It stays on. It always stays on."

"But, you never take it off?"

He shook his head, slumping to the side. "It stays on, or he'll find me."

"Your dad?" He nodded, eyes closing as he fought to get enough air.

"If he finds me," he absently stroked his wrist. "I can't let him find me."

I nodded. "Just lift it a little. No one will see your face, and you can breathe better." I reached up again, and he flinched away, but I pressed on, grabbing the edge, and lifting it.

He gasped, taking in air. "What if-?"

I shook my head, "You're safe here, Hide."

"My name is Quinn."

I could barely get the mask above his mouth, but it seemed to be enough as his breathing calmed and he settled back in his bed.

°So, it's been a long time since I published, my last stories were taken down. Let's see what happens. Hope you like, please, read and comment. Any ideas about where the story should go, leave a message.°