Reflective Detective One Shots!

Nightmares

Rodger wandered through dark hallways. Where were the lights? Where were the others? Hell, he couldn't even see the floor! Just a cold, empty expanse, alone, painful, nearly suffocating. Rodger tried to call out, but no voice came. Rodger continued to wander, until he spotted a light. He ran towards it, not caring how the crimson glow seemed to get brighter, more painful. He heard something on the other side, he had to see what it was.

When Rodger next saw out of the darkness, he was standing over Toodles. She was bathed in red light, sobbing as Rodger stared down at her. Rodger felt stunned, leaning down to grab Toodles only for her to scream and try to crawl backwards. Rodger felt confused, before he noticed his hands bathed in ichor, dripping into his melted form. Rodger gasped, looking at his daughter worriedly. He didn't even realize what was happening until it was too late. The sound of something charging up, and...

ZAP!-

Rodger shot up in a cold sweat, a gasp escaping him. He was in his bed, unharmed... Rodger checked his hands, his legs, his glass. Everything was solid, no ichor to be found. Rodger felt a tear well up in his eye, the thought of hurting Toodles at all made him sick. Rodger got out of bed, though he didn't noticed the confused hum of his beloved Glisten waking up beside him.

Rodger made his way to Toodles' room. He wanted to be sure she was okay, that nothing had happened to her. Rodger stopped outside the door, slowly pushing it open to peak inside. Toodles' room was decently sized, toys strewn about the floor with drawings hanging from the walls, along with a few red pieces of yarn stringing together something. Rodger's gaze settled on the bed, spotting his daughter sleeping safe and sound. Rodger felt relief flood his heart as he slowly shut the door.

"Baby, what are you doing up?"

Glisten's voice sounded, sleepy and worried, from behind him. Rodger didn't turn around at first, he needed a moment. Rodger took a deep breath before responding.

"I was just checking on Toodles, dear. Nothing's wrong, go back to bed."

Rodger turned around, and Glisten promptly wrapped his arms around the detective. Glisten looked at Rodger's face, noticing the tear stains on his glass. Glisten gave a worried look, lifting his hands to dry his tears.

"Are you sure nothing's wrong? You're crying."

Rodger sighed, leaning into Glisten's touch. The mirror toon gently tapped his frame to Rodger's before pulling back, not wanting to overwhelm Rodger. The detective began to speak after a long moment.

"I had a nightmare. Toodles got hurt, and I couldn't stop it." Rodger explained. Glisten paused for a moment, before he pulled Rodger close.

"I'm sorry, dear. It must have been awful for you, I know that she's important to you. I'll make you a cup of tea, and we can cuddle until you're able to get back to sleep, alright?"

Rodger nodded. Glisten smiled, leading Rodger to the kitchen. He turned on the kettle before holding Rodger's hand once more, gently squeezing it. Glisten wanted to comfort Rodger to best he could.

"You wouldn't let anything like that happen to her, Rodger. I know that. You're a good dad, you keep her safe. That nightmare... You can't let it make you doubt yourself."

Rodger nodded, wrapping his arms around Glisten and leaning on him. Rodger's head was placed on the mirror toon's shoulder as he tiredly sniffled, beginning to feel a bit better. Glisten held Rodger silently, offering the support and comfort he could provide.

"It will be okay, Rodger. Toodles is safe, happy, and loved. We're taking good care of her. She's safe. You're safe."

Rodger nodded, feeling one of Glisten's hands pull away to make Rodger a hot drink. The gentle clinking of the spoon tapping against the walls of the mug was surprisingly pleasant in the near silent kitchen. Rodger pulled one arm off of Glisten, though he didn't want to let go entirely. So, his free hand clutched the back of Glisten's shirt, still wrapped firmly around him. Glisten didn't seem to have any problems with it, thankfully.

"Feeling any better?" Glisten asked once Rodger had a few sips of tea. Rodger nodded, he felt a bit calmer. Checking on Toodles and being close to Glisten helped calm him down. He felt exhaustion take over, and he set his mug on the counter.

"Let's go back to bed, dear," Glisten chuckled. With surprising strength, he scooped Rodger up in his arms. Usually, the detective would try to argue against this, calling it embarrassing, but he was too tired to fight it. Rodger merely snuggled into Glisten as they made their way back to their bedroom, hopeful that no more nightmares would plague them this night.