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Fatigue clouded Ventus’s mind. His eyes ached. His stomach was empty, but the thought of food made him nauseous. His body wanted to sleep, but he didn’t want to give in for as long as he could.
“Ven, you should rest,” Aqua said, as they watched the stars out the window.
“Not again. I don’t want to get stuck if I’m not even safe in my dreams.”
Aqua wrapped her arms around him and pulled him near. He let her, and leaned into her chest. Somehow, just being close to her and the scent of lavender in her hair blew a wind of calm through his heart. He had her and Terra too, and they were safer than they had ever been in a long time.
“It’s ok," Aqua spoke up amidst his thoughts. "You'll wake up whenever your body’s ready. It will be like only a moment has passed, because you’ll wake up tomorrow morning, just like you should.”
“I still don’t want to,” Ventus mumbled.
Aqua took a deep breath, and felt him do the same against her chest. “I know. But you’ll feel better when you do,” she said gently.
Ventus grumbled and settled his head against her collar. “You’re warm,” he mumbled quietly.
Aqua paused before she softly admitted, "That's because of you." She ran her hand through his hair until his breathing became even, and his heart beat peacefully.
“You’re going to be fine, and I’ll be here to wake you up tomorrow.” Aqua renewed her promise, and thanked whatever star above that allowed her to keep it.